Mike Bassett

Guide: Mike Bassett
Max Anglers: 3
Make: Dolphin
Motor: 150 HP
Pricing: Inshore full day - $1000.00 (3rd person – add $100.00)
Half day - $600.00 (3rd person – add $100.00)

Captain Mike Bassett of “Born and Raised Backcountry Fishing Charters” is a 4th generation Keys native and has been living and fishing in the florida keys for close to fifty years.

Under the tutelage of other captains and mates, Captain Mike learned the waters and his fishing abilities early on as a child and scouted many fishing areas to be able to maintain a good source of fishing productivity.

When you fish with Captain Mike you will expect to see the beautiful waters of Islamorada to the Gulf of Mexico, the flats, wreck fishing, backcountry, and everglades national park.

The wild life that surrounds the islands on his trips include many land and water birds, alligators, crocodiles, manatees, turtles and dolphins.

Fishing Reports

December 28, 2025

Late December 2025 Fishing Report

https://youtu.be/avKsbqdkxx8 Read More

Successful day of fishing We went on the party boat at Bud N Mary’s and had a great day of fishing. Caught lots of fish- mangrove snapper, yellowtail snapper, mutton, porgy, strawberry grouper. And one of my sons caught a shark so he was super excited about that! The captain and deck hands are all very helpful and friendly. Always right there to assist you when you need them.

HeatherColeridge

7/02/2022

I looked at most of the websites prior to booking wirh Capt Rick. TOPSHELF; I got there plenty early and had breakfast at their store. Great call, biscuits and gravy large portion and very good!
It was still 30 minutes before our scheduled time to leave so I asked around the bait shop if Ricky was there yet. I was told that he had left to go get bait, usually this is done on the way to the fishing grounds taking up your fish time. I was aready pleased when Capt Ricky showed up and was ready to leave. His boat was outfitted with the latest in gear and electrionics. I really liked his trolling motor, it was tied to the GPS so when we got to site the motor kept us in perfect position for the bait to drift over the reef. I caught too many fish! Grouper types, snapper types LOTS of great eats!
Capt Ricky is a very good Skipper, he knows the waters and follows the tides very well. I am already planning next years trip and plan to book with Capt Rick @ Bud & Mary's.....

Ed B.

12/17/2013

We were looking for an inexpensive fishing charter for the day when we drove by and saw the sign, $70 all day party boat. COVID restrictions limited boat capacity to 30 which was the perfect amount of people without being over crowded. The boat wasn't luxurious by any means but what do you expect for that price. Not a long ride out, about 45 minutes. The captain had us on fish all day! The deck hands, Ray and Erin were awesome guys and very helpful with anything you needed. All you had to do was bait your hook and catch the fish! Most of the day was fishing and not riding which was great. Definitely will be back! Thanks guys, cheers!

John T.

4/02/2021