Gulfstream Party Fishing Boat

I have been fishing in South Florida party boats since 1972.
The Gulfstream is by far the best boat I have ever fished from.
Fishing in the Gulfstream with Capt Chan and his mate Fluff is like going fishing in a friends ‘s boat, where you pitch in with gas money.
This is NOT a TOURIST PARTY BOAT, this is a REAl fishing boat for the serious fisherman who knows what he is doing and doesn’t need a safety lecture or have over eager mates putting the bait in your hook.
I started going on the Gulfstream in 2003 and have acquired a lot of fishing knowledge thanks to Chan, Fluff, and other fishermen with which I’ve fished with through out the years.

I have been fishing on Captain Chan’s boat more than a dozen times,
and every time has been a wonderful experience. Capt. Chan
is the most friendly person who is always willing to help you in anyway he can to catch that fish. Fluff the boats mate is also very knowledgeable he will set up your tackle for you on the rental gear or your own fishing gear and he will watch you to see if you need help, if you do he will offer it, if you ask he will help you. Remember mates on these boats work on tips so the more help he gives the more tips he gets. May I suggest that you bring your own rod, reel and tackle because rental equipment is being used by people who don’t know how to handle tackle so you’re always better to bring your own. also I would suggest you bring a small cooler with ice, drinks, water, lunch and snacks. You would be smart to take something for seasickness like Dramamine if you are not a person who spends a lot of time on the water. Sunscreen and a nice wide brim hat is also smart. People are very friendly on the boat and you’ll meet new people make friends and have nice long chats. They use cut bait of many varieties and if the opportunity presents itself Capt. Chan will catch live bait for you to use. The price that he charges is extremely low considering the services that you get and you are on his boat from nine in the morning until five in the evening. They even clean the fish for you anyway you would like it, just scaled or filleted. Every time I bring some friends with me on Captain Chan’s boat they always have a great time and asked me to bring them back again. Don’t believe these negative reviews from people who just don’t know what’s going on. Remember this is a no-​frills fishing boat not a luxury cruise.

I’ve been on several party boats and this by far is the best one. The captain is knowledgeable and puts you on fish. They sandball for yellowtails and have spinning rods for anyone that does not bring their own. The technique isn’t easy at first but once you get the hang of it you’re money. I recommend you take Dramamine a couple of hours before to avoid being sea sick. In my opinion, if you haven’t been on a boat more than 20 times without being sick, take it. You will thank me later. I cannot tell you how many times i’ve seen people yacking. They do not look happy. Boat has dead bait that consists of ballyhoo, speedos, and bonita. Sometimes they will have squid, silver sides, and shrimp but not always. If you want it, bring it. If live bait is available they will catch it. Bringing pinfish is also a great idea if you plan to bottom fish for snapper and grouper. Fishing is fun for everyone and its a great boat to bring the family, but you must remember that fishing is a skill. If you have never fished before you can’t expect the captain or the mate to catch the fish for you. It all about learning, enjoying, and asking questions. Let the captain or the mate know your skill level and they will assist whenever they can. Finally, make sure you call ahead to make sure they are going out. Aside from that, have fun and tight lines.

Agreed with Nancy’s review, should’ve trusted in the reviews before boarding. The boat is basically filled with captain’s friends, and you get minimal help. Things are messy and the bait shrimps and squids are rotten. It’s good if you’re very experienced with deep sea fishing as you can get really good catch, otherwise it’s a painful experience. Rod is not free btw.

Best fishing boat in the Keys! Captain Chan and his mate Fluff are extremely professional with several decades of experience. The term «party» boat doesn’t mean dance music and alcohol is served it’s a fishing vessel! Guess what sometimes the fish aren’t biting get over it.
Next time rent a private charter boat which will cost your around $ 400.00 approx. for 3 hours from the time you leave the dock and return; $ 100 each additional hour and you are not guaranteed to catch anything.

I don’t recommend this boat, and unfortunately had a very different experience than Jonathan F. This party boat appears to be a tired business on its way out. Both the tackle and boat are very poorly maintained (the boat’s engines almost didn’t start after the first stop). The tackle consisted of conventional outfits with various old Penn reels mounted to cheap rods which may or may not have had functioning guides. Spinning outfits were in slightly better shape.
The mate was unenthusiastic and unenergetic, and seemed put out if you needed help. For the most part you are on your own if you fish the Gulfstream when it comes to finding bait, baiting your hook, or even replacing lost hooks or sinkers. You may or may not get instructions on the fishing technique being used. The captain did spend a few minutes with my daughter explaining the sandballing technique used for yellowtail snapper, I got a quick description, my daughter’s boyfriend got no help whatsoever. We found that if you chose to bottom fish, none of the crew would pay any attention to you, offer to help, or even ask if you are having any luck. Bathrooms were filthy. I’ve fished on party boats from Maine to California, and this ranks as one of the worst I’ve ever encountered. The captain and crew take no pride in their work.

AWESOME place to fishin! I went there for the very first time and I actually quite enjoy alot! The assistance and captain are somewhat cool crew I ever social with. I caught only one yellowtail fish but there are other folk who caught more than ten yellowtail! I only spend $ 65.00 cash from 9am to 4pm and bought my own rod. I believe they charge rental rod for 5 or 10 bucks. Estimated 12 people on the charter but there is alot more room to fish on the boat. All of them are friendly and fun to chat with. I am deaf myself and they easily social and assistance whenever I ask. If you consider to go there, oh heck yes go there! Just bring your own foods, cooler, and sunscreen because they dont provide at all.
Plus the best part is that they provide baits and instruction without feeling being embarrassment.
appreciate it!
Jonathan Ferrer