Captain Jeff Malone — Tarpon Time & I'm Hooked

Two boats: Tarpon Time (main boat) & I'm Hooked (21' Egret Moccasin)

We've had Jeff on Saltwater Experience TV more than any other captain. For good reason — Jeff is a true professional and the hardest-working fishing guide I have ever met. That's saying a lot. His passion is tarpon (hence the boat name), but he'll put you on bonefish, permit, snook, redfish, sharks, whatever you want. He's equally great with expert anglers or families with kids who just want to bend a rod.

Jeff now runs two boats at Hawks Cay. Tarpon Time is his main boat for most charters. I'm Hooked is a 21' Egret Moccasin — a skinny-water machine that can get into spots the bigger boats can't touch. Perfect for classic sight-fishing Keys flats experiences with fly and light tackle. You will not be disappointed with either boat.

Captain Anthony Vargas — Rippin Line Charters

Inshore, Nearshore & Everglades

Anthony's background is unique — former NASA Space Program recovery ship team member. Now he runs inshore, nearshore, and Everglades trips. Want to catch tarpon under the bridges? Snook in the Everglades backcountry? Gulf wrecks? Anthony covers a lot of water and brings real passion for getting people out on the water. He also runs the official Saltwater Experience boat.

Brandon Simmons — Tailwalker

44' Sunny Briggs | Air-conditioned cabin | Up to 6 anglers

Brandon hosts Life on the Water, which we produce, and there's a reason we chose him — he catches everything. Yes, he's known for swordfish (he's in the Billfish Foundation's Tag and Release program), but he's just as deadly on mahi, tuna, sailfish, and reef fish. Beyond the fishing, Brandon is one of the most personable and likeable captains you'll meet. You're going to have a great day.

David Jensen — Gotcha

45' Key West | New Cummins diesels | Huge A/C cabin

Second-generation Keys captain with 30+ years running charters. David just repowered the Gotcha with new Cummins diesels — more than double the horsepower, way quieter, and now fast enough to run out to the Marathon Hump for mahi, wahoo, tuna, and daytime swordfish. Great with families and serious anglers alike.

Dave Perry — Final Final & Eagle Eye

38' Final Final | 26' Regulator Eagle Eye

Born and raised in the Keys. Dave runs two boats: the Final Final for full-cabin offshore comfort, and the Eagle Eye — a 26' Regulator center console that's fast, versatile, and can fish 30 miles offshore or hit Gulf wrecks. He's equally comfortable with beginners who've never tied a hook or seasoned anglers chasing trophies.

Captain Andrew Hall — Snapshot & Snapshot II

34' Sea Vee | 22' Pathfinder

Andrew runs both boats and has been fishing out of Hawks Cay for 15+ years. The Snapshot is a fast, stable center console that can handle offshore big game or reef fishing. The Snapshot II is a shallow-draft bay boat perfect for flats, bridges, and nearshore wrecks. Family and kid-friendly operation with great reviews.

Captain Mike Macko — Tailwalker 2

Drafts only 16" | Great for families

Second-generation captain, Navy veteran, 20+ years in the Keys. Tailwalker 2 is the ideal family boat — smooth ride, plenty of shade, and drafts only 16 inches so Mike can get you into backcountry skinny water or run offshore to the reef. Great for mixed groups where some want action and others want comfort.