- Location
- Islamorada, Florida
- Trip Types
- Private backcountry fishing, seasonal tarpon, catch and release, associated guide boats
- Phone
- 305-747-6903
Captain Rick Stanczyk guides backcountry fishing from Islamorada, with tarpon a major focus during his busy season. His service offers small private groups a choice of his boat or associated guides. The captain, season and vessel affect the price and passenger limit.
Contact and booking details
| Operator | Captain Rick Stanczyk Fishing Islamorada |
|---|---|
| Area | Islamorada, Florida |
| Departure / address | Bud n' Mary's area, Islamorada, Florida; confirm the meeting dock with Captain Rick |
| Phone | 305-747-6903 |
| rick@fishingislamorada.com | |
| Website / reservations | Visit Captain Rick Stanczyk Fishing Islamorada |
| Trip options | Private backcountry fishing, seasonal tarpon, catch and release, associated guide boats |
A guide raised around Bud n' Mary's
Rick grew up in Islamorada around his family's Bud n' Mary's fishing marina. His biography describes childhood fishing with his father, work around charter boats and a return to the Keys after studying business. He has guided professionally since 2007.
The fishing is built around the backcountry rather than a standard offshore trolling trip. Rick favors enough time to reach productive water and follow the tide. His FAQ recommends a full day for anglers who want to concentrate on the fishing, while noting that poor conditions may make a shorter local trip more sensible.
Boat choice and group size
Rick's boat page describes a 25-foot Contender Bay powered by a Yamaha 300. Its equipment includes Garmin electronics, twin live wells, Power Poles and a trolling motor. The same page also describes a restored classic SeaCraft used within the operation.
Rick takes a maximum of three guests. Associated captain Stephen Byrd may accept a fourth for another $100. Captain Trentin Leary's SeaCraft trips allow up to four, with the website suggesting that four is more suitable for a half day because seating is limited. Confirm the actual captain before applying one boat's limit to another.
Seasonal rates are different
From February through June, Rick lists full-day bookings only at $1,535 for roughly seven to eight hours. Those trips are catch and release and mainly focus on tarpon unless conditions call for a different plan.
July through January rates on the Contender are $935 for four hours, $1,135 for six and $1,335 for eight, for up to three people. Stephen's Contender rates use that same schedule. Trentin's SeaCraft rates are $835, $1,035 and $1,235. These are published figures to confirm for your chosen guide and date.
Planning around tides and weather
Rick's usual full-day example runs about 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., but tides and conditions can change the schedule. His booking policy requires guests to meet at the dock in the morning for the weather decision, including people driving a long distance.
Cash and checks are preferred. Credit cards and Venmo are accepted with a stated four percent service fee. Ask about the equipment package, personal supplies and cancellation terms when reserving. Make sure any expectation of keeping fish fits the specific season and the captain's catch-and-release policy.
Details checked October 10, 2026, using the operator’s published information. Rates, boats, meeting points and policies can change; confirm the final trip details directly. Listed species describe possible targets, not a guaranteed catch or an open harvest season.
Featured photo: Angler lifting a tarpon beside Captain Rick Stanczyk's boat. Photo from Captain Rick Stanczyk Fishing Islamorada.
Explore more Florida fishing charters or check local tides and weather before planning your day.