The Fontainbleau Resort located on Collins Avenue in Miami Beach is one of the most popular and nicest hotels in Miami.  Club LIV and Arkadia draw big crowds to the hotel at night along with the numerous bars inside the resort.  At VIP Fishing Charters we get a lot of inquiries from guests staying in the hotel asking where the closest and best fishing charters are located.  

The closest fishing charter Marina is located just 10 minutes north of the Fountainebleau at Haulover Marina.  Take a short cab ride over the the marina and when your done with your fishing charter we'll have a cab waiting for you at the dock.  Our Fontainebleau fishing charters are located right at the inlet so no time is wasted getting out into the Atlantic Ocean.  All of our Miami Beach fishing charters located at this location provide full catering options ranging from deli sadwiches to sushi platters.  We can also arrange a super high-end luxury fishing charter for those looking to impress their family, friends, or business associates.  Our fishing charter boats near the Fountainebleau range in size from 40' up to 70'.  Make your stay the Fontainebleau the best possible vacation by chartering one of our professional, safe, and fun fishing boats.

The housing bust and the subsequent recession took a big toll on many Florida fishing charter operations. A decrease in disposable income led to a decrease in tourism and fishing charters are one of the top tourist attractions Florida has to offer. The decline of the fishing business led some charter operators to offer $99 fishing specials to get customers in the door, but unfortunately, many consumers are misled by this offer.

The $99 fishing offer is confusing because it differs from the typical flat rate structure that private sportfishing boats operate on. With most fishing charters, you pay a flat rate to charter the entire boat, and you can usually have up to 6 people, with no additional per person charge.  In this new structure, the $99 is a per person charge and does not guarantee the boat to yourself. Instead, the charter operators hope to fill the boat to capacity as a shared charter. If things go well, they'll end up making more on 6 individual people paying $99, than on a private charter for the same boat. And typically, if they don't get at least 4 they won't go out at all, which means you'll be stuck on the dock looking for other options.

Call me a traditionalist, but I'm personally not a fan of the $99 thing and I try to talk most of my friends and customers out of it. We as a company have made the decision not to refer business to any of these operators. I will admit I do know a few people who have been happy with their experience and I know a few more that haven't. Our business is based on providing referrals to the best operations, and for us mixed reviews don't cut it. But, as with anything, there are pros and cons of this structure and ulitmately, each angler must decide whether this works for them or not.  Just remember caveat emptor ("buyer beware") and at the end of the day, you get what you pay for.

We frequently get asked the question "what should I wear on a fishing charter?" Like most things, there's not one answer.  But, as they say in the miltary, proper prior planning prevents piss poor performance (the 7 Ps).

The factors that should go into helping make up your decision are:

• Where is my fishing charter taking place?
• What is the weather forecasted to be?
• Do I get cold easily?

In general, Florida fishing is very comfortable year round. We always recommend bringing an extra layer with you (windbreaker, sweatshirt) in case it's a cooler than normal day out on the water. It's better to be overprepared than under prepared.

All of our deep sea fishing charters include a captain and mate. The mate is there to do the dirty work but it's still possible that your clothes may get wet or dirty, so we recommend wearing clothing that you wouldn't be devistated if it got wet or got stained.

Here's a quick guide we put together for what to wear on a fishing charter:

Start checking the marine forecast the day before your trip to see what the conditions are expected to be like. You can always call us or call the captain to find out what the weather is expected to be and what you should wear.

Here is a link to the NOAA Marine Forecasts

After a rainout last weekend, Boca Bash has been rescheduled for the following weekend (this weekend - May 6th, 2012). More info can be found at the official boca bash fan page.

Also, check out the new Lake Boca Webcam at BocaBoatCam.com. VIP Fishing Charters is a sponsor!

Does your Dad already have a collection of "world's best Dad" mugs? Does he just go out and buy toys as soon as he wants them, leaving no time for well intentioned children and family members? If so, here are five clever gift ideas for Dads who like saltwater fishing in Florida

1. South Florida Peacock Bass Fishing Charter

Heard of a Peacock bass? The crazy fighting fish from Brazil that some schmucks brought to Florida and now is taking over our canals? Yeah that one. It might be bad for the environment but it sure is good for anglers. These beautiful fish are best caught from a small boat with an expert guide with the right equipment. We've got just the guy and your dad should be pretty stoked, especially if he's never done this before.

• Set Aside: About $500
• Get it at: www.vipfishingcharters.com

2. Williamson Live Mackerel Dredge Bar

Kite fishing is a popular way of catching sailfish, but a lot of the pros are recommending using a dredge. This dredge bar comes pre-rigged with 9 baits and 6 spoon flashers to get those sails excited. 300-lb. mono throughout makes it sturdy and Live Mackerel are pre-rigged and swim upright at 1-7 knots. The dredge includes an easy-to-rinse mesh bag.

• Set Aside: $200
• Get it at: http://www.basspro.com/Williamson-Lures-Live-Mackerel-Dredge-Bar/product/97164/104999

3. Leatherman Charge TTi Multi Tool

Building on the success of the Charge AL and ALX the TTi rules the world of Leathermans. Is there such thing as having too many Leathermans? Your Dad probably says "no, there's no such thing." Besides a host of obvious tools, the TTi has a sculpted titanium handle that won't rust and is comfortable and lightweight.

• Set Aside: $110
• Get it At: http://www.amazon.com/Leatherman-830685-Charge-Nylon-Sheath/dp/B000LG823K

4. GoPro HD Hero 2 Outdoor Edition Camera

Waterproof, shockproof, nearly bullet proof, the GoPro HD Hero 2 is a great gift for any outdoors or fishing enthusiast. For Dads who love to fish, we recommend the Outdoor edition complete with headstrap mount. Although the headstrap looks pretty ridiculous it's the best way to capture Dad's next fishing fight – err you know what we mean – and it's also great for Blair Witch reinactments and inane frat house humor your Dad loves.

• Set Aside: $300
• Get it At: http://gopro.com/cameras/hd-hero2-outdoor-edition/

5. Ultra Luxury Fishing Charter Aboard a 65 Foot Viking Platinum Edition Sportfish

Unless your Dad belongs to the top 1% chances are he doesn't have a 65 Viking Platinum Edition sport fishing yacht. This 65 foot boat – we mean yacht -- is complete with luxurious staterooms, flatscreen TVs everywhere, a top of the line entertainment system, and fishing equipment and tackle all at a tournament level. Sure, a day on the water will run you almost $4,000, but that sure beats the $3+ million price tag. And for that price, the owners even been good to pay for the first 20 miles of fuel. What a bargain!

• Set Aside: $3,800 + gratuity
• Get it at: www.vipfishingcharters.com

Let VIP Fishing Charters take care of your next corporate fishing charter.  One of our specialties is hosting these types of events.  Corporate fishing charters vary from a normal fishing charters because they usually consist of larger groups and require upscale catering, personable captains, and higher end boats.  We make sure all of our clients have an excellent experience by exceeding any expectations they have in all of these categories.  Our list of satisfied clients consists of countless large corporations including the executives at Snapple and Ads Direct.  Our captains and crew understand the importance of these trips and go the extra mile to make sure all of our clients leave with a smile.  Our boats have clean bathrooms and air-conditioned salons.  The VIP catering menu is great option for corporate charters.  Items on the menu range from deli sandwiches to sushi platters.  No request is too much for our corporate charters, so if you have anything special in mind we'll try our best to accommodate you.  For larger groups we can reserve multiple boats out of the same location.  Often times we run a mini fishing tournament so all of the people participating on separate boats still feel part of the larger group.  Trash talking is also allowed and encouraged on these multi boat mini tournaments.  Corporate fishing charters are the perfect way to entertain clients, reward employees, and just spend a fun day on the water.  After a day of fishing our captains will clean the fish dockside and deliver them to a nice restaurant where our clients can enjoy their fish served fresh.

Come join us for a day of fly fishing in Miami with one of our professional fly fishing guides.  Our Miami fly fishing guides are some of the best in the business.  Our featured guide of the month is Yancy who runs a 16' foot flats boat from Miami and the Keys.  Yancy specializes in tarpon fly fishing, bone fishing and anything else you can dream of.  Our Miami fly fishing charters take place inshore or in the flats.  Captain Yancy combines is his knowledge from his Jackson-hole Wyoming charter business with his passion for salt water fly fishing to give fly fishing anglers an experience and fishing trip not to be forgotten in Miami.  Captain Yancy loves working with beginner fly fishing clients as well as guiding the most experienced fly fishermen.  Spend a few minutes talking to Captain Yancy and you'll understand how much passion he has for the ocean, fly-fishing, and most importantly enjoying life.  The Miami area is a great place for fly fishing enthusiasts because of the different options it provides anglers.  

The weather conditions haven't been ideal for fishing the last couple of weekends.  The seas have been rougher than normal.  Some of our trips have been postponed, but others clients have decided to go out despite the big seas.  Andrew is one such angler.  I just wanted to give him a shout for a job well done last weekend.  Andrew reeled in 8 mahi-mahi and three black fin tunas.  Our Miami fishing guides Ron and Howard did a great job getting on the fish.  I'm posting Andrew's email about his fishing experience below.

Dear Captain Ron and Captain Howard,

 

Thanks for a wonderful time today. Ezaki san and I had a wonderful time despite the choppy waters.

It’s the first time I got to fish in such conditions and it’s quite an experience.

 

Thanks for making the trip a pleasant and memorable one for both of us.

 

I look forward to doing this again soon, hopefully this time, with calmer waters.

 

 

Cheers!!

 

Andrew Mui

VIP Fishing Charters has been getting requests for fly fishing charters since we started the business.  In the past we have turned down these requests, because at VIP we pride our-selves on our top of the line fishing charters.  We wanted to make sure our fly fishing charters would start at or exceed the same quality as our deep sea fishing charters.  After months of research, recommendations and hard work we have recruited some of the top fly fisherman in South Florida and the country to join our team.  

Our fly fishing guides love taking out experienced fly fishing anglers as well as novices looking to learn.  Fly fishing can be one of the most rewarding types of fishing and attracts a unique and dedicated clientele.  We are proud to say we now offer fly fishing charters from Stuart Florida down to the Keys.  Cities include Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Palm Beach and many others.  

UPDATE: BOCA BASH HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED TO THE FOLLOWING WEEKEND 5/6

Just when our excitiement for the return of the Lauderale Air Show (formerly the Air & Sea Show) was reaching it's pinnacle, we've found another object of our South Florida Affection: Boca Bash.

Boca Bash is set to take place on April 29, 2012 on Lake Boca ("Boca Lake" to some) in Boca Raton, Florida. This informal gathering of boats has been growing in size every year and it seems each year the party gets a little bit crazier.

Boca Bash is best known for large raft ups - sometimes of dozens of boats, hot bodies, and plenty of libations. It also has somewhat of an infamous reputation for underage drinking and inexperienced, inebriated teenagers attempting to operate Mommy and Daddy's boat.

My advice for Boca Bash is anchor on the north end of Lake Boca in the deeper water. Here, your boat will be safer and the crowds of wandering drunkards will be far enough away in the shallower, knee deep water over the sandbar. Bring a dinghy or swim over to the sandbar to get a closer look at the festivities, all the time knowing that your prized watercraft is safe and sound.

A word about BWI / BUI (Boating While Intoxicated / Boating Under the Influence)...

After an unfortunate near drowning of an underage party goer a few years ago, Boca Raton Police Department and FWC have stepped up patrols and efforts at the event. My experience is that they typically leave people alone, but they will conduct their usual safety inspections (so make sure you have enough life jackets) and if they suspect you have been drinking prepare to be breathalyzed. In Florida, the BAC limit for a boat is .08 - the same as a car. For minors (under 21), the limit is .02 BAC.

The only way to get to Boca Bash is by boat. So make friends with someone who has a boat, or consider one of of our Boca Raton Fishing Charters - our captain will be happy to skip the fishing and anchor out for the party.

Lake Boca is located in Boca Raton, Florida just inside Boca Inlet. It's just north of the Camino Real Bridge and Boca Inlet Bridge and south of the Palmetto Park Road Bridge.

Things to Know about Lake Boca

• Boca Inlet is prone to constant changes in shoaling. With an east wind and outgoing tide, the inlet becomes impassible to small craft. SAFE PASSAGE REQUIRES LOCAL KNOWLEDGE.
• Lake Boca is dredge around the outside and is very shallow in the center - less than 2 feet in some areas at high tide. The northern edge of the lake from the shore out approximately 200 feet is deeper 5 - 8 feet and is the only safe place for boats with a deeper draft. Lake Boca is a frequent party spot and unfortunately, beer caps and bottles litter the bottom and at certain times of the year, sea urchins can be found. Foot protection is advised.
• The Camino Real Bridge opens on the hour and every twenty minutes thereafter. The bridge has a very low clearance, around 4-5 feet at high tide.
• The Boca Inlet Bridge opens on demand. The bridge has a relatively high clearance and typically can accomdate a sportfish without a tuna tower and with outriggers lowered.
• The Palmetto Park Road bridge opens on the hour and on the half hour. The bridge has a relatively high clearance and typically can accomdate a sportfish without a tuna tower and with outriggers lowered.
  
  

After an unfortunate hiatus, the Fort Lauderdale Air and Sea Show is back April 28 and April 29, 2012, reimagined as the Lauderdale Air Show. We Floridians look forward to this show all year long, so it's exciting to have it back.

The best place to watch the Lauderdale Air Show is on a boat. There are no words to describe the thrill of having a fighter jet fly at low altitude overhead while you're on a boat on the ocean. At times you can even feel the heat of the afterburners!

The Lauderdale Air Show has a document available on their website with extensive information for boats that will be visiting the show. There are more restrictions being placed on viewing areas on the water this year, but show organizers are requesting boats to anchor in a geographic area made up of the following coordinates:

• Northwest Corner - 26º 8.924'N, -80º 5.217'W
• Northeast Corner - 26º 8.850'W, -80º 5.019'W
• Southwest Corner - 26º 8.197'N, -80º 5.302'W
• Southeast Corner - 26º 8.252'N, -80º 5.091'W

Boat Charters for the Lauderdale Air Show

Our Fort Lauderdale Fishing Charters are operating during the Lauderdale Air Show and our boats can be chartered for the day to watch the show. You'll have the option to fish during the show, or anchor out, watch the show, and maybe even go for a swim.

If you can't make it out on a boat, the show can be viewed anywhere along A1A near Sunrise. Show organizers are also selling a limited amount of premium seating, which might be a good option for viewers looking for a little extra comfort. In my opinion though, it's fun to head down to the beach and hang out with the "common folk" and people watch.

A word about traffic during the Lauderdale Air Show... IT SUCKS! If you want any chance of a short walk, you ought to plan on arriving early and trying to score a parking spot at the Galleria Mall on Sunrise. There will also be plenty of private and public parking lots along Sunrise available for parking. Another option is to figure out public transportation options on Broward Transit but my only advice is good luck figuring out the system.

Bring plenty of sunscreen, plenty of water... dehydration is a major issue when you're out in the sun all day.

Congratulations to VIP Fishing Charters' own Captain Mike on Local Knowledge for catching a 325lb Swordfish off Fort Lauderdale. Mike received national attention and received a long write up in the Sun Sentinel. Mike's catch proves that Fort Lauderdale Fishing Charters and Deep Sea Fishing in Fort Lauderdale are still hot!

Click the image below for a link to the article!

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/outdoors/fl-wednesday-fishing-report-0328-20120327,0,6710984.story