Greybeard Sportfishing Charters

Anywhere here, and a little north to include miami beach:

It depends on your location or the type of trip you have chosen.  It is usually either Watson Island ramp by the Japanese Gardens/Jungle island on the MacArthur causeway connecting to Miami Beach, or Matheson Hammock park and marina, located at 9610 Old Cutler Rd, Miami, FL 33156.  Black Point park and marina, Crandon Marina on Key Biscayne, and Homestead Bayfront park and marina are also used.  Detailed driving directions can found on the internet using any mapping service.

All state and federal regulations are followed based on species and season.   As a Captain I support catch and release, but understand there is nothing like catching and preparing your dinner.  I encourage you to take only what you will eat as a fresh meal and release the rest.  Fish is best eaten when it is fresh, not frozen.   

Yes, but depending on how many fish you have, we will have to return to the dock a little early so I can get started and finish within time.

A $60 dollar deposit check or money order is required to reserve a date.  The remainder of the cost will be required in cash (US dollars) on the day of the trip.  I do not accept credit cards at this time.  If you fail to show up on the scheduled date, you forfeit your deposit.

Any trip that has an asterisk (*) symbol next to it, designates it as a no hook up, no pay trip.  A hook up is defined as a fish that is momentarily attached to the fishing line, then breaks free for a variety of reasons.  I can bring you to the fish, but bringing it in is a combination of angler skill and luck.  The skill in playing the fish correctly to tire it out, the luck in that the fish doesn't spit the hook too quickly, bite through the leader, wrap the line around an object, have the line bit by another fish, ECT. What this policy means is that if you or your party fails to hook into a fish, you will be given your money back, except for the deposit which will be kept as a bait and fuel surcharge.  It does not apply to a specific species of fish you want to catch. In other words, if you book a full day charter offshore because you want to catch a wahoo, and instead you hook a mahi, your money will not be refunded.  I cannot control the species that decide to bite.  The policy also does not apply to bait fish, I will not take your money if all we caught was bait.

Certain trips are ommitted because of probability issues.  For example, if we are only on the water a short time because of a half day trip, that greatly decreases the chances of me getting you hooked up.  The conditions may not be in my favor.  If we find ourselves in that situation, I would offer you a different charter that would be more productive based on the conditions.  If you insist on your original choice, then I cannot provide you a refund because I could not guarantee you fish.

The charter is designed to fish 3 people comfortably, but can accommodate up to 5.  Being that I am both the Captain and 1st mate, more than 3 people would prevent me from serving individual needs adequately, and cause the boat to feel very crowded.  Snorkeling, nature, and historical tours allow for up to 4.

It is all in the boat.  The panga style hull allows for incredible fuel efficiency, while maintaining seaworthiness.  In addition to the boat, I have installed a fuel monitoring system that allows me to run the Honda outboard at its most efficient RPMs.  This allows me to pass the savings on to you.

Live bait is either purchased by you the customer from the local live bait boats, or time can be spent catching it during the charter which can yield mixed amounts.  Some days bait is easy to catch, other days its not.  Live bait boats specialize in having bait for purchase consistantly.  The price of live bait can vary depending on availablity, but is usually about 20$ for a dozen or two dozen.  The more live bait, the better the chances are of catching fish due to the "live chumming" method of fishing.   With live chumming, extra baitfish are thrown overboard, along with the hooked baitfish, to create a small school.  This draws more predator fish and therefore increases the chances of hooking up!  This method is only done when baitfish are in great supply.   

I spent my childhood summers here in Florida with my grandparents.  My Grandfather was a Coast Guard certified Captain and I spent countless hours on and in the water.   After I graduated from college, I moved to South Florida where I was a mate on various boats.  Some friends that I fish with privately, and who have chartered some of the best captains in South Florida, said that they have caught more fish with me than any of them!  So they urged me to start chartering, and thats how it began!     

Snorkeling is done best when using your own tried and true equipment.  This will prevent equipment malfunction during your time in the water.  There is nothing that can ruin a trip more than a leaking mask or snorkel, or even worse fins that don't fit correctly!  The price of a decent mask, snorkel, fin set is low enough to justify purchasing it for a single snorkel trip.  Additionally, some avid snorkelers like to use weight belts to dive deep.  They are not permitted because of the potential dangers they pose.