Reel in the Adventure: The Story Behind Your Next Islamorada Fishing Charter

Ever wondered about the heart and soul behind your favorite fishing charter? Well, let me tell you a story about passion, family, and a boat named Miss Penny. It’s a tale that begins with a childhood dream and evolves into a legacy on the water.

From Trout Pond to the Florida Keys: A Lifelong Obsession

It all started with a simple trip to a trout pond. I was just three years old, and my mom took me fishing in California. That first tug on the line? I was hooked. Suddenly, it was, “Let’s go back! Let’s go back!” every single day.

Even when I couldn’t be on the water, I was soaking it all in. Watching fishing shows, devouring online content—I couldn’t get enough. It was an eye-opening experience that ignited a lifelong passion.

My mom always encouraged me to follow that passion. She knew being a fishing guide was my dream, and she wanted me to pursue it. But life, as it often does, threw a few curveballs.

I remember telling her I was going to join the army right before high school graduation. She wasn’t thrilled. “You need to go out and fish,” she said. “You need to go down to Florida, live there full-time, and be a fishing guide.” We had a huge argument. I was stubborn, and so was she. I joined the army anyway. But guess what? She was right. Look where I am now, doing exactly what she envisioned.

When I finally brought my mom down to the Florida Keys, she loved it. More than anything, she loved seeing me doing what I love. She was content to chill on the beach with a book, but she always made time to see me come back from the Islamorada fishing charter trips. She even came out on a few of them! Seeing me catch those fish? It was pretty cool for her. I remember her saying, “Man, the look you get on your face when you catch those fish is something else for sure.”

Finding Strength: Lessons from Miss Penny

Life isn’t always smooth sailing. In 2008, my mom was diagnosed with white blood cell cancer. It was one of the hardest things our family has ever gone through. I was still pretty young, and I didn’t fully grasp how serious it was at the time.

But seeing her strength, her composure, as she went through treatment? It was inspiring. It showed me that anything is possible. If she could face that challenge with such grace, I could face anything.

The Birth of a Legacy: The Story of the Miss Penny

Fast forward to August 2023. We bought a boat. It needed some serious TLC. The previous owner had a few boats, and this one had been neglected. My captain, Chad, and my mate, Matt, worked tirelessly for almost 20 weeks straight, breathing new life into her. New upholstery, a complete overhaul—it doesn’t even look like the same boat anymore.

When I first bought it, I was racking my brain for a name. The Broad Bill? Something swordfish-related? Nothing felt right. Then, one night, it hit me. It took me long enough, honestly. There was only one name that truly fit: Miss Penny.

She’s the whole reason this charter exists. She’s the reason I even took on this adventure. There was no other name that could possibly capture the essence of what we’re doing.

Naming the boat after her is my way of honoring her legacy. It’s my gift to her. When people step on board, the first thing they see is “Miss Penny.” They ask about it. They want to know the story behind the name. And that’s exactly what I want. I want to share her story, her impact, with everyone who comes on this boat.

Sharing the Passion: The Islamorada Fishing Experience

Down here in the Florida Keys, there’s a real sense of community among anglers. We’re known as the sport fishing capital of the world, and people come from all over to experience it. Some have never even held a fishing rod before!

That’s what I love most. Taking people out on the water and seeing the transformation in just a few hours. Anyone can hire a captain and watch them work. But we want our clients to feel involved. We want them to feel like they’re part of the experience. Because they are. They’re sharing my passion, my favorite place in the world.

And seeing the look on someone’s face when they catch their first fish? There’s nothing like it. Maybe, just maybe, we’re igniting a lifelong passion in them, too.

When you step onto the Miss Penny, I want you to understand where it comes from. You’re stepping onto something that is a legacy. This is my way of honoring my mom and keeping her memory alive. I want as many people as possible to know who she was and what she did for us. Naming this boat after her, having people see that name and ask questions? It’s the perfect way to keep her spirit alive.

Meet Captain Chad: Your Guide to an Unforgettable Adventure

“Hi, my name is Chad Puit, and I’m the captain of the Miss Penny down in beautiful Islamorada, Florida. If you come fishing with us, it’s going to be a good time. It’s going to be fun, and it’ll be very informative. We have all the amenities you need to fish. We have a beautiful boat that’s 45 feet long, with air conditioning inside and out. We have toilets, top-of-the-line tackle, and very friendly service. Anything you need, we can make happen. If you want anything special, just let us know ahead of time, and we’ll make it happen. We like to create memories. We love to catch fish, but in the end, we’ll create memories. You get to come do something in a beautiful, wonderful place – the Florida Keys. You’re creating a memory that you can take with you for the rest of a lifetime. We hope to see you soon!”

Ready to Make a Memory?

So, are you ready to experience the magic of the Florida Keys and create memories that will last a lifetime? Come join us on the Miss Penny for an unforgettable Islamorada fishing charter adventure.