The Charter Boat
Rusty IV and Captain Russ Pellow
Welcome to the finest in versatile Florida Keys Sport Fishing.
Offering you the
best in Offshore and Backcountry fishing charters
Florida
Bay ~ Flamingo, Sandy Key, Cape Sable and the Wilderness Waterway. All within
Everglades National Park! This area is best for the eco-fisherman. Combining
fishing with wildlife watching. Anywhere from 5 feet down to a few inches in
water depth!
Fishing for Spotted Sea
Trout, Redfish, Tarpon, Snook, Sharks and More.
Bird Enthusiasts can
enjoy many South Florida bird Species in their natural habitat. Ospreys,
Eagles, Pelicans, Roseate Spoonbills, Herons, Egrets and many more.
There are many marine
mammals to see in this area. We regularly see Manatees, Porpoises, and
Turtles
Gulf Of Mexico ~ Enjoy
fishing the open waters of the Gulf. From 6 to 26 feet of water.
Wreck fishing for Cobia,
Permit, Jewfish, Tarpon, Grouper and more.
We always have our tackle
at the ready for sight fishing for Tripletail and any other fish that might
happen along.
Casting and chumming for
Spanish Mackerel, Blacktip Sharks, Cobia and Snapper.
Island
Channels ~ The
channels between the many Keys and Islands of the backcountry usually have a
nice current flowing and hold many species of fish.
These passes can hold
Tarpon, Permit, Sharks, Barracuda, Grouper, Snapper, and Snook
This is a very popular
half-day trip because of the combination of short running time, productive
fishing and calm water. The moon phase must be observed with this trip.
What's Captain
Russ' Favorite Fishing?
Tarpon!
Tarpon are present year-round and thus is our most popular fishing trip.
Many small to medium size Tarpon are caught in the wintertime while
fishing in the backcountry, usually around Flamingo and Cape Sable. In
Islamorada, spring and summer are best for tarpon with the giant fish
(over 100 pounds!) beginning to migrate into the area starting in February,
but do not get "predictable" until the winter fronts subside.
I usually start tarpon fishing in Ernest in April with May, June and July
being the most productive for the big guys. I am always ready to change strategies
with the current conditions. Methods, tackle, bait and locations are all
variable from day to day. Live bait fishing is most popular, although
dead bait fishing can often be just as rewarding, and the Silver King
will also inhale a variety of artificial baits.
Tarpon are
always released and are one of the Florida Keys most popular
gamefish. Tarpon are most likely the largest fish most anglers will ever catch!
Patches
and Reef Fishing ~
Exciting year-round bottom action
Among the
many reef species are: Snapper, Grouper, King Mackerel,
Sailfish, Bonito, Sharks, Amberjack and More.
Fish are
caught by bottom fishing, drifting, or slow trolling
Offshore
~ Calm seas only ~ Spring, Summer, and Fall are best.
Targeted
Species: Dolphin (Mahi-Mahi), Wahoo, Blackfin Tuna, Skipjack and more.
Fishing
method offshore is trolling live and dead baits and artificial lures.
Your
Captain: I have
been fishing for a living in Islamorada in the Florida Keys since 1978
and I still very much enjoy fishing myself and I thoroughly enjoy the
excitement of seeing the thrill on an anglers face after a great fishing
day! From Parents with children to experienced light tackle anglers, I
can accommodate your needs.
The
Boat: The Rusty IV is a very versatile compromise
to a big offshore fisherman and a small flats skiff. This versatility
allows the Rusty IV to be comfortable in both the offshore bluewater and
the skinny waters of the backcountry. The Rusty IV is 21 feet long and 8
1/2 feet wide with a reliable 200 HP HPDI Yamaha Saltwater Series outboard
and carries the latest electronics and Coast Guard safety equipment. The
Rusty IV specializes in comfortable, productive sport fishing! We will
release all fish that are not going to be eaten. The days of keeping a
fish for mounting are over! A fiberglass replica looks great, does not
need maintenance with age and the feeling of knowing that your trophy
catch is still swimming to be caught again is second to none! Release
the fish to make more trophies for future generations.
The anglers on the Rusty IV aren't the only ones catching
fish in the backcountry!
Rates
for the Rusty IV
2-Person Trip
1/2 Day
(4 Hours)
$450
3/4 Day
(6 Hours)
$550
Full Day
(8 Hours)
$650
3rd. Person
Add $50
4th. Person
Add $50
The Rusty IV is
located at the
Whale Harbor
Marina, Mile Marker 84, Islamorada Florida Keys