Andy Griffiths Key West charter fishing fleet for overnight trips to the Marquesas and Dry Tortugas
Andy Griffiths Charters - Key West, Marquesas Keys and Dry Tortugas
Andy Griffiths Charters Home Page About Andy Griffiths Charters Andy Griffiths Charters Rates About the Dry Tortugas Marquesas Keys Fishing Contact the Charter Captains Maps & Directions to Andy Griffiths' Docks

About Andy Griffiths Charters

Andy Griffiths Charters - Our StoryCaptain Andy Griffiths grew up in the Keys as the son of a commercial fisherman. During the 60s there were very few restrictions on fishing and very few fishermen. As the 70s came to a close, Captain Andy decided to finish college and re-evaluate his career options. Commercial fishing was hard work. Fluctuating seafood prices, bad weather, and difficulty finding good help for a crew made it difficult to pursue a future on the ocean.

Grouper fishing in Key West to Dry TortugasCaptain Andy knew that despite a college education, he wanted to stay working on a boat. He would often take college friends out on his 39 foot fishing boat that he built and they would be his "crew". They usually caught plenty to eat and take home while leaving Captain Andy enough to sell to make ends meet and pay for college. Eventually the friends started to contribute toward the expenses and Captain Andy's Charters was born.

In the mid 80s, Captain Andy built his dream boat. A 43 footer with a big bathroom and shower, huge galley, and a table for six. He put in seven bunks so if he took six passengers, everyone would have their own bunk. What made the trip unique was that Captain Andy went out on multi-day trips, (overnight). That's the secret to great fishing. You have to go far out, too far out to return to port the same day. But at the same time, there were islands way off shore to hide behind if the weather was a little windy. With a multi-day trip, you get to fish first thing in the morning, last thing in the evening, all day and all night if you want. Or you can visit Fort Jefferson National Monument in the Dry Tortugas. On long hot summer days some people like to snorkel the shallow water wrecks in the Dry Tortugas Park. Some play cards in the air conditioned cabin while waiting for the night action.

Mahi Mahi fishing in Key West FloridaThe trip became so popular that Captain Andy was starting to spend every day and night out on the water and his social life ashore was non existent. So, in the early 90s he built another boat and hired two captains. He was still turning away customers, many of them loyal repeaters who would not book early enough. So, Captain Andy built a third boat and was filled up again. Finally, in 2001, six years after building the third boat, and after recruiting another former commercial fisherman, Captain Andy built a fourth boat. And, you guessed it, he is full again. Captain Andy has plotted over 2000 "spots" while fishing over years. He still takes out a trip now now and then, but he is now mostly the manager. The four captains and two alternate captains that run the boats have extensive knowledge of fishing the local waters. The same customers return year after year always requesting the same captains.

As the economic times grew tougher Captain Andy decided that owners could still make money if they ran their own boats and took care of them themselves.  All former captains of Andy Griffiths Charters are independent owner/operators.


Click here to send Andy an email!
Please email Andy with any questions.


Stay Andy’s Key West Vacation Rentals

Located only 4.5 miles from old town Key West and only one mile from the city limits. Stay Andy’s Key West Vacation Rentals are just off the beaten path. Stock Island is truly a last little piece of old Key West. Stay in a vacation rental on a real working waterfront, alongside a local restaurant known for their exceptional seafood. The location is ideal for quick trips or exploring the island of Key West. The rentals are just a short trip from Duval, though many people choose to just kick back and relax.


 

 
Fishing with Capt. Andy Griffiths

The Captains - Andy Griffiths Charters - Key West, Marquesas Keys and Dry Tortugas
Click on any Captain below to visit his page.
 
All former Captains of Andy Griffiths Charters are independent owner/operators. Please contact them directly by clicking on their image below.

 

Click here to send Andy an email!
Please email Andy here to book your trip
on The Stephanie.


2016 Bubba Awards
Captain Andy has won
the Best Fishing Guide
in the Bubba Awards
(the peoples choice award)
again this year!
That's 3 years in a row!


Captain Andy Griffiths

Capt. Andy grew up in the Keys as the son of a commercial fisherman. He has plotted over 2000 "spots" while fishing over the years. He still captains his own boat, The Stephanie.

As the economic times grew tougher Captain Andy decided that owners could still make money if they ran their own boats and took care of them themselves.  All former captains of Andy Griffiths Charters are independent owner/operators.

Capt. Andy Griffiths

Captain Eddie Griffiths

Capt Eddie Griffiths has taken over the family business of 50 years and has taken it to a whole new level with his state-of-the-art first class charter boat with all the comforts of home. Along with only the best Garmin products, such as his dual 7212 chart plotters, radar, auto pilot and chip technology fathometer, to find the fish fast. The Capt. Andy was just re-powered with a brand new 3406e 800 hp cat engine and transmission and propeller to get you on the fishing grounds faster than ever before, which will increase your fishing time and your catch along with a smoother ride with the brand new pair of Lenco trim tabs.
Capt. Eddie Griffiths

Click for Key West, Florida Forecast
 All former Captains of Andy Griffiths Charters are independent owner/operators.