Where's the option for ten stars? You won't find a better captain and fishing experience anywhere. I've fished with John somewhere around 100 times over the past decade or so. His bait, tackle, and boat are always in excellent condition. He has a friendly and easy-going demeanor and there is no better choice for a guide for anyone from beginner to expert. He will take his charter guests to places in the Florida Keys backcountry where you have scenery is suitable for a postcard. My favorite time to fish the flats and backcountry of the Florida Keys in during the spring tarpon migration. There have been days when I've had double digit tarpon hookups. Of course some break off and you don't land them all, but that's normal in tarpon fishing and the initial strike, aerial show, and drag-screaming run is the best part anyway. But I've landed plenty of them, all thanks to John's skill and preparation as a captain. When the bite slows down in one area he will move to another spot or try fishing for one of the other of numerous species of exciting game fish that Key West has to offer. I've caught tarpon and other kinds of fish with John when other boats fishing nearby have not. I believe that vacations are about "experiences" rather than "things" and you won't find a better fishing experience than fishing with Capt. John on the Shadow Caster. read more

Had one of the best fishing experiences of my over 50 years of fishing . I was fishing with Justin of Shadow Casters out of Key West and to say it was a blast is an understatement . Even though it was late in the season, Justin was able to get me on a tarpon 30 minutes after leaving the dock. I boated two tarpon, several amberjack a grouper, yellow tail and finally the fight with and boating of a lemon shark was the perfect end to the day. Had multiple more fish on during the day . Justin is a fantastic guide with great experience and a great guy as well . Very knowledgeable of fishing the Keys . You cannot go wrong with Justin and Shadow casters. read more

I will book with Shadowcaster again when I get back to Key West. Captain Justin was everything I could ask for in a guide. I booked a "flats fishing" trip and he took me to the back country but when conditions proved slow, he optimistically ran back to the harbor and put me on fish. We watched a couple of tarpon roll but they weren't biting, caught several varieties of Jacks, ladyfish, Spanish mackerel, and ended the day by leader-landing the pesky shark that had picked off a couple of my catches on the way in. Prompt, professional, and a clean well equipped boat. Thanks to Shadowcaster and Captain Justin for a great day on the water ! read more

We fished with Captain Justin a couple days ago and had a great time fishing!! He would show us what to do and let us do it. I have been on many charters and most of the time the Captain does everything but reel and are critical of that. You don't need to worry about that with Captain Justin. It's really you catching fish not just reeling them in. We stopped counting how many Cuda's we caught!! If your in Key West I would highly recommend Shadowcaster. read more

Captain Smouse is just the best! He is so knowledgeable about the fishing in Key West that he can take you to all the best spots at any given time. He knows enough to make the seasoned fisherperson happy and is patient enough to ensure the "newbies" have a good time as well. I cannot recommend him and his service enough. We had an amazingly awesome time shark fishing with him! Even the 17 year old enjoyed herself! We will definitely be back! read more

Had a great time with captain John. We hooked up on a monster Tarpon almost immediately. Other boats were calling him all morning for advice about the tides and where to go. After exhausting ourselves with back to back Tarpon, we jumped over to some mangroves for some snapper. Though we didn't catch any snapper, Captain John made the trip enjoyable with good conversation. We did however, catch about 7 nurse sharks while trying for snapper. read more

First class! Would recommend for beginners to experts! Capt Justin took me out on an "iffy" weather day and put us on some tarpon under difficult conditions. He worked overtime for me as long as we were marking or seeing fish. Nice tarpon jumped me off and another we think broke the braided line after a 40 min fight(had to be huge!) You won't do better then booking one of these guys! Polite, fun and great service! l read more

Captain Smouse will get you on fish! His local knowledge and fishing skills are as good as it gets. His boat is fast and reliable. I have booked multiple trips with him over the last few years for everything from tarpon to shark. No matter your experience level, absolute beginner to seasoned veteran, Captain Smouse can make the experience one you'll cherish. And you'll definitely want to do it again! read more

We've had the pleasure of fishing with Shadowcaster 4 years in a row and 100% recommend it. Captains John and Justin are fantastic. Their knowledge of the area, their fishing experience and their clear enthusiasm for what they do truly make our trips with them memorable and well worth going. Oh, and we catch fish while we're having a great time! Can't wait until our next trip! read more

My wife and I had a four hour fishing trip with Captain Justin this weekend and it was great. Not only did we catch fish, but we got to see different areas around Key West. Captain Justin went above and beyond to make sure that my wife, who had not fished before, had a great time. Thanks for the great trip! Will look forward to using your services again. read more

My wife and I along with two friends went fishing with Cpt. John. We had an awesome time. Cpt. John is very friendly and knowledgeable about the area. He made sure everyone got involved in the trip and if a location wasn't producing, we moved to a better one. I would highly recommend Cpt. John and I look forward to scheduling another trip. read more

We went out with Captain John November 27, of 2020. We started catching fish on our first drift. The catching didn't stop all morning and included jacks', barracudas, and sharks. As an avid fisherman I can tell you that Capt. John knew what he was doing. I would not hesitate to charter Shadowcasters again, we had a great time. John G. read more

I travel to key west every year to fish with Capt John on the shadowcaster. His trips are hands down the best I've experienced. He is a great host. He's always prepared, professional, organized, and always magically produces fish. He has clearly been running these waters for a long time. Hands down the best charter in the keys. read more

Spent the morning in the backcountry with Captain John and had a blast! John is a great guide and made sure we caught fish. Brought in multiple species and had fish for dinner. Also caught 4 large lemon sharks which a blast to catch! John is a super friendly guy and very easy to get along with. I highly recommend Shadow Casters! read more

Look no further. For fishing or a sandbar trip, these guys are amazing. Justin took us out to Boca Grande Island and Ballast Key and it was perfect. He had waters, great music, water toys and noodles - perfect. And he is the friendliest and most informative guide we could have hoped for. I'll book them again and again!!! read more

John had us on the fish in minutes and we stayed on fish most of the day. At one point we caught fish every cast for an hour plus on topwater plugs and bucktails. My wife had never fished in her life and was casting and realing in fish like a pro. We will be back with Shadow Casters for years to come! read more

John made it a great day. We got some smaller ones early but He knew right where to go to get on the sharks. We brought them in one after the other and it made for an awesome morning. John's knowledgeable, patient of you have some that have never gone and just keeps you on the fish! read more

Epic! Captain Justin put us on the cobia and the only reason we stopped catching fish is because we stopped putting lines in the water. We were doubled up almost constantly. Truly one of the best days of fishing we have experienced. Thank you Shadowcasters. read more

Our family had a great flats fishing trip with John. He is professional, courteous, reliable, and knowledgeable. In the process of booking another fishing trip with him in June. Highly recommend, would give him 6 stars if that was available. read more