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!

This review is for Bud and Mary's 'Miss Islamorada' 'headboat' party fishing charter. My son and I were out in the Keys for a few days of
fishing looking to do some deep sea fishing. Bud and Mary's was recommended by several people. Called up - folks were super friendly
on the phone and booked my son and I for $70 each including licenses, tackle, and bait (great price!). Went out with them and about 20 others on the Miss Islamorada the following day and had a great day fishing. We rolled out of the harbor around 9:30 and got back in around 3:30. Stopped at around 8 spots throughout that time. Everyone on board caught fish and had a great time. Hats off to the Captain (Don't know his
name ) and especially deckhands Jude and Tyler - who ran around the entire 6 hours chumming, taking fish off hooks, baiting peoples lines, untangling lines...you name it. If you go out - tip these guys well after

Had a great time aboard the Miss Islamorada !! Super professional and friendly crew !! The captain was awesome. He explained everything in detail. He was always ready to answer a question or help you while we were anchored. The mates were the best I have ever encountered on a party boat !! Seth and Essex went far and above to make sure everyone caught fish and had a great time. So professional !! They seemed to be everywhere at once !! This boat may not have all the amenities some look for, like an air conditioned cabin and food for sale on board, but the Miss Islamorada is a serious fishing machine. Fast and stable. Leaves and arrives on time, 30 people max on the boat, which makes for an awesome mate to passenger ratio. I think there were about 20 people on my trip. Again, best mates I have seen yet. The mates provided us a variety of baits like ballyhoo, squid, and shrimp. They even hooked me up with live baits. Lots of action !! This boat also does not allow the stern to be reserved like many party boats I have been on. That is awesome. The mates split us up into 3 groups and rotated us to the stern where they had chummed the water. They gave us all spinning reels and shrimp for bait and we slayed the mangrove and yellowtail snappers !! Best part for me. So much fun. We also took turns drift fishing for yellowtail with shrimp and sinking chum balls. Crazy fun !! Everyone caught fish. The mates and captain also gladly filleted our fish and bagged them up for us. Thank you to the Captain and Crew of the Miss Islamorada. Great experience. I will return.