Key West Fly and Spin Fishing Charters
Key West Fly and Spin Fishing Charters
Key West Fly and Spin Fishing Charters
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Key West Fly and Spin Fishing Charters
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
25 reviews
Excellent
24
Very good
0
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
0
corry t
3 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
Captain Steve was awesome! He was so much fun and such a good teacher! He really tailored the day to what we wanted and after fishing took us to some beautiful sand bars where we could get out and walk around and enjoy the sun and sea. He gave us tips on where to take our fish to have it cooked. Overall our best day in Key West! Highly recommend, even if you are not big fishermen!
Written February 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ming g
Sydney17 contributions
May 2015 • Solo
This was my second time fishing with Steve in the Keys.
I had such a great experience with him last time that I arranged my flights all the way from Australia so that I spent 3 days fishing with Steve.
I don't know what it is with the Keys and me, but I seem to only be there when it's blowing a gale!
It was impossible to cast a fly in 30-40 knot winds so we had to revert to casting soft plastics. And even then it was tough in this sort of wind.
But once again Steve got me onto tarpon. We jumped 7 fish (the biggest was more than 150lb) but unfortunately each time, they threw the plastics.
Once again even though the conditions were extremely tough, Steve put in the hard yards and long days to get me onto fish when it looked like everyone had given up.
I live probably the furthest away you can from Key West (Sydney Australia), yet I'll make the trip there just to fish with Steve! So that's how much I rate him.
I had such a great experience with him last time that I arranged my flights all the way from Australia so that I spent 3 days fishing with Steve.
I don't know what it is with the Keys and me, but I seem to only be there when it's blowing a gale!
It was impossible to cast a fly in 30-40 knot winds so we had to revert to casting soft plastics. And even then it was tough in this sort of wind.
But once again Steve got me onto tarpon. We jumped 7 fish (the biggest was more than 150lb) but unfortunately each time, they threw the plastics.
Once again even though the conditions were extremely tough, Steve put in the hard yards and long days to get me onto fish when it looked like everyone had given up.
I live probably the furthest away you can from Key West (Sydney Australia), yet I'll make the trip there just to fish with Steve! So that's how much I rate him.
Written June 24, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim M
Atlanta, GA3 contributions
Jul 2014 • Couples
I've fished all over the world with many different guides and can easily say Steve Hancock is one of the best. He's hard working, knowledgable, pleasant, and friendly. I Fished with Steve two days and he gave me dozens of good shots at Tarpon and a few good ones at Bonefish and Permit as well. He spots fish and try's to position you properly to cast to them as well as anyone I've seen. Even though I've done a lot of fishing I'm still a novice with a fly rod, even though it's my new passion. He is an excellent fly caster and instructor and was very patient and helpful while trying to improve my technique and ability. My girlfriend joined us one day and he couldn't have been nicer to her, and was thorough in explaining what we were doing and why so that she had as enjoyable time as I did. I highly recommend Steve and look forward to many more days on the flats with him in the coming years.
Jim Medbery
Jim Medbery
Written July 7, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris C
Boulder, CO3 contributions
Apr 2015 • Friends
Florida Keys fly fishing guides have a reputation for being rude and nasty. So you expect to be yelled at a little bit when you hire one. However, Capt.Steve's people and communication skills were so bad that he ruined a long awaited 4 day fishing trip to the Keys with my son.
I don't usually bother to write reviews after a trip but this one really called for it. My son and I are experienced fly fishermen. While my casting skills are mediocre, my son has been a full time fly fishing guide in Jackson Hole, WY for 10 years and has extensive salt water experience. The fish were tight lipped during our time with Capt Steve and it was very tough fishing. Steve did work long and hard to put us on fish. And we did get quite a few shots at tarpon. Nevertheless, we didn't land a single fish on the fly rod in 3 days. We did land one 'cuda on spinning gear.
But being experienced fishermen, we understand that it's not about the catching, it's about the fishing. Sometimes the fish won't bite no matter how well you execute. But you can have an enjoyable time even when you don't catch fish if your guide has the right attitude. And that's the part that Capt. Steve ruined for us. In the first 5 minutes of the trip, Steve set strict rules for communication when we were stalking a fish. If you broke those rules, he would let you know in a very demeaning way. Worst of all, he routinely broke his own rules of communication in the heat of the hunt. And he didn't teach you how to correct your mistakes. He lectured you like you were his 5 yr old son.
I don't usually bother to write reviews after a trip but this one really called for it. My son and I are experienced fly fishermen. While my casting skills are mediocre, my son has been a full time fly fishing guide in Jackson Hole, WY for 10 years and has extensive salt water experience. The fish were tight lipped during our time with Capt Steve and it was very tough fishing. Steve did work long and hard to put us on fish. And we did get quite a few shots at tarpon. Nevertheless, we didn't land a single fish on the fly rod in 3 days. We did land one 'cuda on spinning gear.
But being experienced fishermen, we understand that it's not about the catching, it's about the fishing. Sometimes the fish won't bite no matter how well you execute. But you can have an enjoyable time even when you don't catch fish if your guide has the right attitude. And that's the part that Capt. Steve ruined for us. In the first 5 minutes of the trip, Steve set strict rules for communication when we were stalking a fish. If you broke those rules, he would let you know in a very demeaning way. Worst of all, he routinely broke his own rules of communication in the heat of the hunt. And he didn't teach you how to correct your mistakes. He lectured you like you were his 5 yr old son.
Written April 26, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ming g
Sydney17 contributions
Apr 2014 • Solo
Key West was the last part of my 3 week fishing holiday involving Puerto Rico, British Virgin Islands and Jamaica. I try to do at least 2 fishing holidays per year somewhere around the world and so have had plenty of experience with fishing guides around the world.
I can honestly say that Steve is one of the best fishing guides I have hired.
Under really tough conditions (25-30 knot winds) and a low system front, I fished with Steve for 2 days. Each day Steve never gave up and worked really hard to put me in front of fish and achieve my goals. On the first day, after much persistence, I got my first Permit ever (and a very solid fish between 15-20lb). On the second day, again after much persistence I achieved my goal of catching a Cuda on fly on my very last cast of the day - my very first Cuda on fly. Earlier that day, I caught a shark on a popper which was another first for me. Steve went completely out of his way (and never once looked at his watch) to make sure I achieved my aims on his charter. I will definitely be fishing with Steve when I return to Key West in 2015. And I would recommend him to anyone who wants fly fish or spin fish in Key West
I can honestly say that Steve is one of the best fishing guides I have hired.
Under really tough conditions (25-30 knot winds) and a low system front, I fished with Steve for 2 days. Each day Steve never gave up and worked really hard to put me in front of fish and achieve my goals. On the first day, after much persistence, I got my first Permit ever (and a very solid fish between 15-20lb). On the second day, again after much persistence I achieved my goal of catching a Cuda on fly on my very last cast of the day - my very first Cuda on fly. Earlier that day, I caught a shark on a popper which was another first for me. Steve went completely out of his way (and never once looked at his watch) to make sure I achieved my aims on his charter. I will definitely be fishing with Steve when I return to Key West in 2015. And I would recommend him to anyone who wants fly fish or spin fish in Key West
Written April 16, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BlueBirdDay
Naples, FL4,358 contributions
Dec 2015 • Family
Steve came highly recommended from a friend and did not disappoint. After a fairly slow morning with a small bit of rain, Steve put our 7 yo on a 3 foot Lemon Shark which was so exciting for him. Later we caught cudas, jacks, and snappers. I was expecially proud of the 47" /17 lb baraccuda he put me on. IMHO, it was a catch of a lifetime for me. It made for some great photos, that's for sure!
Steve was very patient in instructing all three of us when it was required. I never sensed any impatience or frustration. He was fun to talk to in the down times and in general, an excellent guide. I highly recommend him for your next trip in the lower keys.
Steve was very patient in instructing all three of us when it was required. I never sensed any impatience or frustration. He was fun to talk to in the down times and in general, an excellent guide. I highly recommend him for your next trip in the lower keys.
Written December 31, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sola_Christos
Atlanta, GA2 contributions
May 2014 • Friends
I just finished a 3 day trip with Hancock. To qualify--I've fished in many locations, in the keys with numerous guides. I consider myself to be knowledgeable on the details and experienced in fishing. The weather--was 20 mph winds--always. Really tough conditions for the planned fly-Tarpon as primary targets. Capt. Steve was a great guide. Resourceful and relentless in getting on fish--and staying in action. We landed multiple 140 lb class Tarpon, a bunch of 60-80 lb black tip sharks---and NOT slogging bait or chumming--spin and fly casting for sharks--in tucked away corners. In between Tarpon hunting--we took time out to catch Barracuda, chased Permit and picked up the odd Jack as well. So-while the weather was lousy--we still had excellent results. I'm telling you--this guy has it going on. I've rebooked already….
Written May 15, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
andyk1212
Shelburne, VT2 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
I’m a somewhat experienced trout fly fisherman from Vermont but this was my first time fly fishing for tarpon. I quickly realized that it was a significantly advanced skill set required to “hunt” these fickle fish with a fly. Nonetheless, Steve had enough patience and teaching skills to get me going. The entire morning couldn’t have been more spectacular with Steve adeptly finding fish wherever we went. I hooked a couple but the morning ended with me landing my first tarpon on a fly. It was so much fun for both me and my wife that I honestly wouldn’t have needed to catch any fish to leave with a big grin. I’m definitely hooked!
Written April 28, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Calley S
17 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
My husband and I have done a lot of saltwater fishing back home in NC, but the flats were a whole new ball game. We could not have asked for a better introduction to flats fishing than with Captain Steve. He took two rank amateurs and had us each a tarpon beside the boat within the first few hours. He knew where the fish were and how to get them to eat. And he did a great job of coaching us on how to get the fish to the boat.
The bar was set even higher when my husband landed a nice size permit. There was a lot of luck involved on our part, but again, Steve put us right where we needed to be. We went for the slam, but the bonefish eluded us that afternoon.
We had such a great time that we out 2 days in a row and were not disappointed. We spent the morning missing several great shots at Tarpon, but had a great time watching them roll and feed on the edge of the mangroves. Baracuda provided plenty of fun action when we couldn't quite manage a hook up with a tarpon.
Captain Steve put us on the fish and gave us a great crash course on flats fishing. We will definitely be booking with him again!
The bar was set even higher when my husband landed a nice size permit. There was a lot of luck involved on our part, but again, Steve put us right where we needed to be. We went for the slam, but the bonefish eluded us that afternoon.
We had such a great time that we out 2 days in a row and were not disappointed. We spent the morning missing several great shots at Tarpon, but had a great time watching them roll and feed on the edge of the mangroves. Baracuda provided plenty of fun action when we couldn't quite manage a hook up with a tarpon.
Captain Steve put us on the fish and gave us a great crash course on flats fishing. We will definitely be booking with him again!
Written April 12, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lawrence P
Bloomfield, NJ1 contribution
Mar 2016 • Friends
Despite first time outing with a guide in salt water seeking game fish, we were put on fish by Steve throughout the afternoon. He was instructive, patient and demonstrated techniques . We would seek him out again during prime fishing season .
Written March 2, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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