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.....

I'm still going to give Bud & Mary's party boat five stars because I love the marina, the captain and the party boat itself 100% but for the first time in 7 to 8 years that I have been going on this boat I was a little disappointed with the crew. Ive never felt like they played favorites until yesterday. There was a particular customer that is also a regular and he and his family we're treated like royalty and others not so much. One of the other guest from out of town and I had a long conversation about it. It was definitely clear to all the other guest as well. I won't stop going on that boat because as I said I really like captain and love Bud n Mary's. My son worked in the service industry for years so I believe in tipping but I'll tip according to the way I'm treated as well.

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.