Reviews

Dolphin fishing day

Wow! What an experience! We caught 23 Mahi Mahi with Capt Ross and Lee today in a "3/4 day." They were amazing; they found the fish and kept them coming. It was a beautiful day for our group of 5. We highly recommend these guys. The other boats were coming in with 3-4 "keepers" and we had a boatload. The tall tower made the difference; Capt Ross had his eye out all day and made sure we had enough fish to tell tales about. Thanks for a great day!

Tara E

Great day of fishing!!!

My husband and I were on our honeymoon staying in Marathon FL and drove to Islamorada to go out fishing with Early Bird Charters. We had a great day of fishing with Captain Ross even when the fish weren't there. He didn't give up and and he found us a mess of Mahi Mahi and a huge Amberjack to bring home :) I highly recommend anyone wanting to go deep fishing to give him a call! He will find the fish :) He went above and beyond to make our fishing trip successful! Thanks for everything Ross!!

Ashleigh & Justan

South Carolina

Awolfe

Great Day of Fishing on the Early Bird

We had a great day fishing on with Capt. Ross and the Early Bird yesterday. Total of 5 on the trip including 3 teenagers. Capt. Ross was fantastic with the kids. We started out the day catching bait and then within an hour were on the fish. Before long we had an ice chest full of Mahi. It was a great trip and I highly recommend fishing with Capt. Ross. He was not concerned burning fuel and we always went to were the fish were. We has so much fun we booked a shark/tarpon trip the next evening.

Tony K

Awesome time - lots of fish

Nice boat, nice folks. Caught 25 mahi and they filleted them at the dock. Very well run. The tall tower made the difference. They knew how to find the fish- it is all about the birds.

Bill E

1/2 Day Fishing Charter

My girlfriend and I thoroughly enjoyed our near shore fishing excursion with Capt. Ross Early and his crew. The number one thing was the attitude and friendliness of both Capt. and crew. Capt. Ross is an extremely knowledgeable and accomplish guide. His crew was very courteous and displayed a love for the sport along with an adventurous nature. Oh, yes, we caught a slew of fish as well! Both of us were actually inspired by Capt. Ross' young, (15yo), crew member. Learning any new job is always a lesson in humility but this young lad was up to the task of receiving detailed orders, executing the task in a timely manner and accepting criticism as part of the learning process without a trace of discord. We had a wonderful experience, brought home a load of fish and as I have tried to express, had a joyous time seeing the interactions between Capt., mate and "mate in training". I'd definitely recommend The Early Bird Charters for an unforgettable Florida Keys, on the water experience!

Willisjolly

Didn't get to go.....but

Boat had a mechanical problem and had to return to dock. The captain had already arranged a fine alternate boat for us. Very professional! Thanks...ps we defied the forecast and came back with a haul of Mahdi mani. My adult son and are grateful

Lou R

Fishing charter

We went on a charter with my family on Wednesday July 29 out of the Post Card Inn Marina! It was a hot day and not much fish but Ross (the boat captain/owner) made it happen for us even though we only did a half day charter. Instead of just sitting in the same spot..he found birds and a weed line..and we were on the fish!!! Such a rush and my kids loved it. My children had never been fishing and they each were able to catch multiple fish. If it were not for Ross' quick thinking...not sure if we would have caught any fish. Not only did he find the fish...he help my youngest reel them in! Thank you Ross...we had the best time and would recommend you to everyone!!

Cacky R

The Early Bird Catches the worm and the Fish!

Went down to Islamorada in the keys to take my two older son's Dolphin Fishing for two days. One of them had never been offshore fishing and the otherhad only been a few times. I grew up in south Florida and my folks had a place in Key Largo. For 20 years I would come down in May and go Dolphin (Dorado or Mahi-Mahi) fishing with my Dad. I wanted my sons to experience the thrill of an offshore strike and bent rods when you know it is not a crappie at the other end of the line. Turns out one of my doctors here in Atlanta had a nephew who was a charter boat captain out of Holiday Isle marina in Islamorada - Captain Ross Early of the "Early Bird." I knew exactly where Holiday Isle was located so I got Ross's telephone off of his web page and called. I booked two days back to back. The first Day out only 3 boats went out due weather. We were the only boat to catch Dolphin. The second day was a nice day and 8 boats went ou all looking for Dolphin. Only 3 boats found the fish and the "Early Bird was one of them! We limited out on Dolphin (10 per person). Ross's prices are a little bit cheaper than other boats and he is an accommodating, personal Captain who knows how to find the fish! The trips are planned for comfortable hours (Depart Dock at 0700; return to dock at 3:00 PM0 that are not too early and get you back to the dock in time to clean-up and take your fresh caught fish to one of many restaurants Ross and his mates will recommend that will prepare your fish for your diner. I will fish with the "Early Bird" on my subsequent trips to Islamorada.

Scott Mikkelsen

Woodstock, Georgia

P.S. I would have sent this sooner but Trip Advisor would not send me an update for my password for 2 months

PeachPal

Early Bird Fishing Charters, Great Captain and Crew

Great time with Captain Ross and First Mate Justin. Extremely knowledgeable of the area and put us on fish both days we went with them. Offshore resulted in great Maui action and we nailed multiple specifies on our Near Shore trip. Great guys and a great time. Definitely recommended and I know I'll be back.

Kenneth H

A day with the EarlyBird Crew!!

Excellent skipper and mate. Made the most of a slow time trying to catch many different species of fish. yellowtails were great. Seeing the BullSharks chase them was even greater!

Larry