Pricing: Inshore full day - $1335.00 Half day - $935.00
Capt. Stephen Byrd runs the 2019 25′ Contender Bay which is part of Capt. Rick Stanczyk’s fleet. Stephen was the long time Bud n’ Mary’s Marina manager for 10+ years and has been a dear friend to those at the marina and the Stanczyk family. Stephen always had a love for fishing and the Keys which brought him down here originally, and he’s enjoyed fishing on his own and with the Stanczyk’s for fun whenever he could. Once he chose to retire from his management position at the marina, he pursued his interests in fishing further getting his Captains license in February 2023, and Rick offered him the job of running one of his boats. He’s done a fantastic job as anyone can tell you that’s fished with him he is a pleasure to be on the boat with. The 2019 Contender is loaded with all the latest electronics and gadgets including power poles, trolling motor w/ spot lock, garmin live scope sonar, and more! Capt. Rick has worked closely with Steve and shown him a lot about backcountry fishing, tarpon fishing, and how to use a lot of the modern features of the Contender. Come enjoy a day on the water with Capt. Stephen and the team of Islamorada Tarpon Fishing!
This is hands down the best all day party boat fishing trip you can take in the Keys. The crew works to put you on fish. Well managed as they take turns putting everyone at the back of the boat to fish. Loaded up in the chum balls and you were catching fish. The captain was a very personable and nice guy to discuss fishing and Keys attractions with. Not an old salt who could care less. Great place and the best 70 dollars you will spend all day
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James G.
6/13/2018
Let me just say that I thought I was going to have to write a 1-star review. I called last night to book seats on the party boat and the fun gentleman told me all about the charter. I was excited. He said to come by in the morning and grab tickets and go. Fast forward to 8:00 this morning. We get there and are met with friendly smiles from the nice cafe lady. We make our way to the back and ask about the charter. The cranky old lady in the back (named Robin) told us angrily they were sold out and we couldn't go. I explained that the gentleman last night told me to drop by and she essentially accused me of lying. She literally said, "I don't believe you." Oooookkay, Robin. I'm making it up. Let me make this clear. Robin stinks at her job. Robin is a good vibes killer. Whatever misery Robin is going through in her life, she wants to share every bit of it with you. So Robin shut down any fun or excitement about fishing in the Keys. Had she answered when I first called Bud n' Mary's, I would have NEVER been interested in spending the day with a miserable wretch like her. Thank goodness the sweet older gentleman talked to us and got us excited about the trip! He may have given us some misinformation but he was so nice and trying to be helpful. I much prefer enthusiasm over anal retentiveness anyway. When I explained that we had driven 12 hours to get there and were really excited about the fishing charter being the highlight of our trip, she again accused me of lying and asked which hotel we were staying in for verification. Really???? Ooookay, I'm evidently making that up too. Robin gets negative 10 stars. So I had to get all Karen on her and ask for the manager. No regrets. Enter Bill. Bill is the manager and he is way more competent and friendly than his evil desk monitor, Robin. He comes along and talks to the captain and works us in. It wasn't hard. He did it with a smile. Bill made it happen. Bill is in the business of working with people and helping them have positive experiences so they will come back. Bill rocks. So my son gets on the fishing boat for the day and he has an awesome time. Catches a lot of fish and has a great time. Crew was fantastic. I was really happy that Bill and the captain of the boat could accommodate us. My son had an epic day, and that is why I give them 4 stars. Every place has that one employee who hates their job and spends their day making sure everyone else is as miserable as they are. Luckily, we were able to Karen above her and enjoy the wonderful people, personalities, and epic fishing adventures that Bud N' Mary's is known for! So things I learned: 1. BOOK ONLINE. Even if the adorable cheerleader fishing enthusiast who works night shift tells you to come in the morning and get on the boat, book it from their website. 2. Website says they have 49 spots. Not true during COVID. Only 30. And evidently they are full EVERY DAY. So book early. 3. Bring your food and drinks. Website says they have food served on the boat. Not true. Bring your own. 4. Have a great time!
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Rachel S.
8/16/2021
If you want a lot of fish, this is the place! We have been on 3 fishing trips during our vacation here in the Keys, all at different times of the day and night and on different boats. Our most recent was on the Miss Islamorada and it was by far the best trip of all. We caught way more fish, which was due 100% to the mates help and professionalism in providing a wide variety of baits and techniques and it really paid off. There are other good trips you could take if you want to pay up to 10x as much money but for an all day fun adventure this is the best! We will be back asap.
