More about Captain Pips Rental Boats

Now back to the boat choices at Captain Pips. The newest boats in the fleet are 19 and 21 foot Cape Horns with full electronics tee tops and four stroke Yamaha engines (except for one that has an Evenrude, fuel efficient and great power). These boats all make good fishing platforms. The large live well in the stern, thirty gallons I believe, is perfect for Keys fishing.

Larger boats are the 23 foot Cobia with Yamaha HPDI two cycle power, full electronics, tee top and large live well. Surprisingly good riding boat and fishing platform. It is also one of the less expensive up grades.

23 foot Mako with four stroke and the rest. The live well is below deck but good sized. Stable fishing and a good ride.

24 foot Parker with four stroke and the rest. Parkers are wide open fishing boats. The live well is a oval 20 plus gallon that can be taken out of the boat. This boat does not have fish boxes so if you want to keep a lot of fish you should bring a large cooler. The boat is very stable and has probably the best ride in the fleet. For divers, the Parker has the highest payload and the most space for tanks and gear.

24 foot Cape Horn with twin 150HP four strokes and the rest plus tee top mounted outriggers. Probably the best choice for offshore pelagic fishing. Huge fish box and live well.

24 foot Hurricane deck boat with four stroke power and huge Bimini top. This is definitely not a fishing boat but a party barge and good dive boat in calm weather. It has ten cups holders and plenty of seating.

There is no such thing as a perfect boat for every activity. The 19 and 21 Cape Horns come close, but due to their size weather conditions limit their offshore window. Twenty knot winds are the maximum recommended for offshore and that can be a stretch depending on the current. Their ride and handling in confused seas is a little different. They don't like a head sea and will tend to porpoise if you don't feather back the power. There are some tricks that die hard offshore guys can use. First are deep diving trolling lures. Instead of beating yourself silly, troll to the edge. Second, head out from Vaca Cut instead of the Seven Mile bridge and troll with the wind. Then quarter back in at the Seven Mile or Bahia Honda bridge.

Regardless of the size of the boat, know your limitations and don't push the limit. Keys seas tend to be a lot more confused than most places I have fished. The object is to have fun so plan your trip around the weather. And contrary to the belief of some, there is very good fishing in Hawk Channel, the Bayside and the bridges that can extend your time on the water in nearly any wind.

Marathon in the Florida Keys should be your next fishing vacation destination. Join us for charter fishing, fishing guide trips or our fishing 101 so you can fish on your own with better success.

Tight lines,

Capt. Dallas