There are several 1/2-day party boat tours in the Keys, but we picked this one because it was closer to where we were staying, and I had that infamous coupon!
The boats provide everything you will need...the license, the bait, the rod and reel. There is an interior cabin that is air conditioned or heated as need arises and there are clean toilets.
This is a nice way to go if you have a family, or want to introduce someone to the world of fishing. If you are uncomfortable baiting your own hook.... don’t worry...the mate will take good care of you!
The only difficulty from a REAL FISHERMANS point of view is that this boat mainly allows bottom fishing only, because if there are more than 25 patrons (boat takes 50), you can guarantee that lines will be tangled! There are 4 coveted and staked out special spots at the very back of the boat, where the die-hards fight for space to cast.... and you will find me there!!!!
This boat didn't use "chumbags", and on this trip there were 4 of us girls who caught fish.... and a few guys. The party boats are " hunting" for the smaller good eating fish, such as grouper and snapper, so it would be unusual for you to catch big game fish this way. In our experience, we always take a party boat for a fun day at a cheaper cost, which usually provides a fresh dinner!