RUSH’S ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE FLORIDA KEYS
FISH IT. DIVE IT. EAT WELL. MEET THE LOCALS.
I’ve spent my life fishing and exploring the Florida Keys—and I’m still finding new reasons to love this place. Local Knowledge has taken us from the backcountry to the reef, offshore and underwater, with the guides, captains, restaurants, shops, artists, and local characters who make the Keys what they are. This guide brings those experiences together in one place. Watch the shows. Meet the people. Find the places. Then come experience the Florida Keys for yourself.
EXPLORE THE KEYS THROUGH LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
Every episode is a starting point.
Watch the story, then use the listings below it to find the guides we fished with, the shops that supplied us, the restaurants where we ate, the places we stayed, and the experiences that made the trip memorable.
These are not generic tourism listings. They are the actual people and places that became part of our Local Knowledge adventures.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE: KEY LARGO
THE GATEWAY TO THE KEYS—ACCESS TO THE EVERGLADES.
Key Largo is where the mainland gives way to island life—a place where reefs, wrecks, backcountry waters, offshore fishing, dive culture, and generations of local knowledge all come together. In this episode, Rush meets up with backcountry guide Capt. Jake Leon to experience some of the country’s finest skinny-water fishing and explore Key Largo’s unique access to Everglades National Park.
FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE
We Fished With
Capt. Jake Leon
Capt. Jake Leon was the perfect guide for exploring the shallow waters of Key Largo and the remote backcountry of Everglades National Park. His passion for his craft was evident from start to finish, and he worked tirelessly to put us on fish.
We Got Supplies From
JD Outdoor Adventures Bait and Tackle
Outdoor Adventures Bait and Tackle is a neat location and the perfect stop for last-minute bait and gear. They open early, making it easy for ambitious anglers to beat the early bird and get the worm.
We Ate At
Snooks Bayside • Nola Acker
Snook’s Bayside is a hidden waterfront gem that was conveniently located next to our hotel—we enjoyed it so much that we returned several times during our stay. With great food, refreshing drinks, and a laid-back atmosphere right on the water, it quickly became one of our favorite spots.
We Stayed At
Bayside Inn Key Largo
Key Largo has no shortage of charming boutique hotels, but finding Bayside Inn was a huge win for us. The property was clean and quiet, our suite was spacious, and the dock where our charter picked us up was just a short walk away.
We Experienced
Pinfish Entertainment • Matt Struhs
Wondering what to do after a day of fishing? With its perfect name, arcade games, duckpin bowling, and incredible self-serve tap wall featuring a wide selection of beer and wine, Pinfish Entertainment was the ultimate family-friendly fishing after-party spot.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE: ISLAMORADA
WHERE FISHING ISN’T JUST SOMETHING PEOPLE DO. IT’S PART OF THE CULTURE.
Islamorada has earned its reputation as the Sportfishing Capital of the World. With the flats, backcountry, reefs, and offshore waters all within reach, it’s also home to some of the Florida Keys’ best-known captains, artists, restaurants, and fishing businesses. In this episode, Rush explores this legendary part of the island chain with a “bring your own boat” approach. That meant finding the right place to stay, the right people to fish and dive with, and the perfect spot to cook our catch—and we succeeded on all fronts.
FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE
We Fished With
Capt. Jimmy Hendrix – Fish Dauntless
It didn’t take long for Rush to realize that Capt. Jimmy Hendrix of Dauntless Fishing truly is “the dude.” A local legend, Jimmy brings his deep experience and unmistakable passion for tournament and charter fishing to every aspect of the sport.
We Got Supplies From
Tackle Center, Islamorada
A quick stop at Tackle Center of Islamorada had us fully equipped with everything we needed for a day on the water. Along with a great selection of everyday tackle, the shop carries an impressive range of specialty gear trusted by the local commercial and charter-fishing community.
We Ate At
Square Grouper Islamorada • Lynn Bell
We’re no strangers to the original Square Grouper on Cudjoe Key, but this trip brought us to its Islamorada location for the first time—and it did not disappoint. With fine dining, a full bar, a raw bar, and an upscale yet inviting atmosphere, it’s easy to see why it’s one of Islamorada’s hottest spots.
We Stayed At
Three Water Resort and Marina
Three Waters Resort is an expansive waterfront property and marina with everything you need for a memorable stay. With an on-site dive shop, restaurants, a tackle shop, and a first-class marina offering deep-water access, it comfortably accommodated our 37-foot SeaVee.
We Experienced
Islamorada Dive Center
Wondering what to do after a day of fishing? With its perfect name, arcade games, duckpin bowling, and incredible self-serve tap wall featuring a wide selection of beer and wine, Pinfish Entertainment was the ultimate family-friendly fishing after-party spot.
We Experienced
Capt. Jordi Hortensi – Islamorada Spearfishing Adventures
Capt. Jordi Hortensi of Islamorada Spearfishing Adventures was our go-to guide for experiencing Islamorada below the surface. Jordi offers full-service diving and spearfishing charters, and he joined us aboard our boat to guide us through some truly incredible wreck dives.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE: MARATHON
THE HEART OF THE KEYS.
Marathon sits in the middle of it all—bridges, reefs, blue water, family attractions, working waterfronts, and easy access to nearly every kind of fishing the Keys have to offer.
In this episode, Rush meets up with childhood friend and legendary local guide Capt. Jeff Rella of Superfish Charters in search of exotic deep-drop species. With all the fish we could want, we took a day off the water to check out local attractions like Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters.
FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE
We Fished With
Capt. Jeff Rella – Superfish Charters
Capt. Jeff Rella knows the waters of Marathon like few others, and through his charter company, Superfish Charters, he has spent decades putting locals and visitors alike on fish. Our day with Jeff delivered some of the best deep-drop fishing we’ve ever experienced.
We Ate At
Angler and Ale Restaurant
Angler & Ale, one of the on-site restaurants at Hawks Cay Resort, is located dockside at the beautifully renovated marina complex. The cook-your-catch experience is highly recommended—the chef transformed our queen snapper into a family-style taco feast that we’re already eager to return for.
We Stayed At
Hawks Cay Resort
Hawks Cay is one of the best-known luxury resorts in the Florida Keys. Located on Duck Key, just north of Marathon, this expansive property offers beautiful hotel rooms, spacious villas, a full-service marina, and a well-stocked ship store.
We Experienced
Aquarium Encounters Marathon • Kee Bligh
Rush took a day off the water and brought his daughter, Kora, to check this place out. She loved the interactive touch tanks and hands-on experiences, while Rush was mesmerized by the groupers, snappers, and sharks swimming in the massive aquarium.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE: KEY WEST
FISHING IS ONLY THE BEGINNING.
Key West is Rush’s hometown and one of the most recognizable destinations in the Florida Keys—but the best way to experience it is through the people who know it.
FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE
We Ate At
The Docks Restaurant • Chef: Ryan Shapiro
Right in the heart of Stock Island’s fish-house culture, The Docks was the perfect spot to grab a great meal after a day on the water. The seafood was fresh, the atmosphere was laid-back, and we’ll definitely be back.
We Stayed At
Hilton Key West Resort and Marina (Formerly Oceans Edge)
This property is the home base for our guests whenever we’re fishing in Key West. With direct access from their rooms to the docks and a great on-site restaurant, it’s the ultimate stay-here, fish-here setup.
We Experienced
Alan Maltz Gallery
A visit to the Alan S. Maltz Gallery is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Key West through the eyes of a celebrated nature and landscape photographer. His striking images capture the wildlife, scenery, and vibrant colors that make the Florida Keys so special.
THE STORIES KEEP GROWING
The Florida Keys cannot be covered in five episodes—or even five seasons.
As Local Knowledge continues fishing, diving, eating, exploring, and meeting people throughout the island chain, we will continue adding new stories and recommendations to this guide.
Check back for new episodes, new local businesses, and more reasons to experience the Keys.
PLAN YOUR FLORIDA KEYS TRIP
Ready to build your own adventure?
Visit the official Florida Keys website for destination information, events, accommodations, transportation, and travel-planning resources.
