We’ve been fishing with Captain Ariel Medero and Big Game Sportfishing for at least 10 years. We’ve chartered boats all over the keys and Hawaii and he is by far the hardest working and most successful skipper we’ve ever used. Let’s face it, some days are better than others but Ariel will always change location/techniques until he figures out what’s going to put fish in the boat today. Most importantly, he’s patient and educational with beginners but lets experienced fisherman do their thing. I most enjoy that he treats us like family, lots of fun banter making each day a memorable event. If we’re going to the Keys, we’re going out at least once with Ariel.
Jeff B.
Three of us locals who own boats in Marathon fished with Ariel last Thursday. WOW! Wow! Wow! We practically caught everything in the ocean! Two sailfish, Mahi, Kingfish, the biggest African Pompano we had ever seen, 7 Mutton snapper, Tuna, three shark including a tiger shark. Something so big it nearly dragged us to Cuba before breaking the line…
When locals say it’s the best…it is! If you can find an opening book it!!!!
Todd E.
Wow…I’ve never caught so many fish. The Captain Ariel knows what he’s doing. If you like fish then go fishing. Big game sportfishing charters is the best if you want fish.
Chris G.
Had an absolutely amazing time!! Captain put us on a variety of fish fast. 6 of us went and everyone caught multiple fish of multiple varieties. Captain Ariel and first mate Jamie are stand up guys! They made us feel comfortable and were very personable! Excellent experience and will refer them to anyone who is going down to the keys for a fishing trip!! Cant wait to get out with them again!!!
Phillip R.
Second time we’ve gone out with Captain Medero. Excellent every time. The first time we were out for a day and a half and brought back over 60 lbs of wonderful filets. This time was only 6 hours but it was great fun and we have a freezer full of fish again. I highly recommend Big Game Sportfishing.
Jim V.
Awesome experience with Ariel & Reggie! They kept our family of 4 (myself, husband, son (11yrs) & daughter (9yrs) very active for the whole duration of the trip! We caught more than we had hoped for. Including black fin tuna & an Autumn Jack! They were excellent with the kids and knew all the tricks of the trade that ensured a very successful fishing trip! Will definitely be calling on them again!
Julie S.
Captain Ariel and 1st Mate Reggie are the best! We had a great 1/2 day charter. Ariel must have gills, he knows where to find you fish, & they make fishing so much fun! They were amazing with our 6 yr old who is now a fisherman for life. This charter made our trip! It’s no wonder why Discovery Channel loves Captain Ariel. He’s a star.
Susan S.
This is a very well run operation. Capt Arielle is a fish hunter that puts the charter on fish and very quick. Great boat. Mate is top notch and keeps the boat alive. I chartered with Big Game in July with one son and lived it so much I brought my other son back this week. Going home with a lot of Mahi!
W.M. B.
I can’t say enough about fishing with Captain Ariel and Jamie. These guys bust their hump to get you into fish and they get results. I have been fishing the keys all my life and these guys teach me something new every time. And I don’t care if you are an experienced angler or a novice, they will do what it takes to get you into some serious fish. This ain’t no three hour cruise.
Noni P.
Best Family Fishing Trip Ever! Awesome experience with Captain Ariel & Reggie!! They kept us (myself, husband, son (11yrs), daughter (9yrs) actively catching something for the duration of the fishing trip! Which included black fin tuna & a huge Amber Jack! They were great with the kids and know all the tricks of the trade to ensure a successful fishing trip. We will definitely be calling them again!
Julie S.
Captain Ariel wants his guests to catch fish, and he’s equipped to make it happen!! Originally planned to fish on a Sunday with my family, but weather did not cooperate. Instead, when the winds calmed down, my wife and I went on a half day trip Monday morning and had a great time. Rods consistently bent with fish on! Thanks Ariel and Tommy, looking forward to the next time!
FMKeis
Hands Down 5 out of 5 stars! My family and I came to the Keys to visit friends and although my friend has an amazing fishing boat, he charters with Ariel and Jamie so he can spend time with his friends and not worry about captioning his boat. Ariel and Jamie are so awesome! I went out deep sea with the guys and reef fishing with the family (wife, 19 and 13 year old daughters) and Ariel and Jamie were awesome on both trips! They took great care of the family and made sure they enjoyed the fishing trip!
Dean R.
Wonderful time with a wonderful team! This was my first ever deep sea fishing trip so I had zero experience and only very limited experience (or success!) with lake fishing. I was with my husband and 22 year old son. Capt Ariel and Jamie were great. They understood our position and treated us with much respect. They taught us just what to do and were very patient. We caught Cero mackerel, king mackerel, Bonita, Spanish mackerel, one yellow tail snapper, and even a shark which broke the line, but was exciting to see as it leaped out of the water! Once I caught one, I was addicted! As soon as we pulled one in, they would get it out of the water and into the cooler, reset, and cast again. They answered all of our questions and told some great stories! Back at the dock, Ariel filleted the fish for us and we ate as much as we wanted, even having some of it made into the best sushi you ever had! Thank you Ariel and Jamie for an awesome trip we won’t forget!
malecki4
Great day of Mahi Fishing! We booked a last minute fully day Mahi trip with Captain Ariel in July and boy was it a blast. We wanted to go offshore for Mahi and Ariel was very diligent in getting us what we wanted. We stopped a little ways out and caught about 25 snapper in about 30 minutes. Then we went out many, many miles in pursuit of big Mahi. We probably caught 30-40 mahi on our trip and kept about 22 of them. There was 3 adults and one 12 y/o fishing and we had a blast. The Sea Vee 35′ boat was great and plenty of room. Capt Ariel and Jaime were phenomenal at what they do and we appreciated them greatly. Would definitely recommend.
tylercarter21
FISHING FRENZY! We booked a full day charter with Captain Ariel to catch Mahi-Mahi in early August… [We] were non-stop catching, a group of six, three teenage boys, my husband, his friend and I all first time Mahi fishing and it was an unforgettable experience. First mate Joel was extremely helpful with everything, he explain to us exactly what we needed to do to hook these fish and how to bring more to the area for catching. We hauled in more then 30 by noon – sounds crazy right- before deciding to change it up tackle and try for grouper. Had some great fun fighting Amber jack to close the day out bring it in about 3:30. The boat was a 35′ SeaVee with plenty of room for all of us and a very comfortable ride, like mentioned Joel the first mate handled everything for us making this trip one of our most memorable experiences in the Keys…
happygilmore10
This is the second time that I have chartered with Big Game and it was almost as good as the first. We stopped in the morning and got a piece of the hot mangrove snapper bite before moving onto mahi. Caught several decent mahi in the morning then spent hours searching for additional fish. This is why it’s called fishing and not catching however. Finally got on a couple more schoolies at the end of the day before heading back to the boat. The capt and mate worked really hard to get us fish and coming from a hardcore fisherman this means a lot. I would continue to come back in the future.
Douglas H.
Outstanding! Booked a half day. Would do it again in a heartbeat. Boat is clean, organized and comfortable. Nice equipment too. Capt. Arial works to put you on fish. Both Capt. Arial and First Mate Jamie were very patient and encouraging with first time off-shore fisherladies when they hooked the big ones. It was a great experience all around and made some great family memories. We will definetely book with Big Game Sport Fishing on our next stay!
Patrick W.
Mahi a plenty! Outstanding trip with Captain Medero and his First Mate Joel! His boat is very clean, the experience was exceptional, and their knowledge was second to none. Had a fantastic time catching mahi mahi…we literally couldn’t cast the lines out fast enough! Ariel is the kind of captain that will get you results damn near every time. To top off a killer day of sport fishing, he and his first mate cleaned and bagged all the fresh catch which was a great cherry on top. Highly recommended for all parties and skill levels. We were a party of 4; two couples. Big Game for big fun!
Adam P.
Great Day On The Water with Big Game! First time fishing with Big Game & it was a great experience! My Dad & I did a split charter with another fisherman & Captain Arial & his first mate worked hard to put us on the fish. Caught many fish – including large Jacks, a Blackfin tuna for dinner, and we were able to hook up with 2 sailfish. The gentleman that did the split with us landed his sailfish. Will certainly be booking another charter with Captain Ariel next time we are in the keys.
Britt M.
Great Fishing experience!! My two kids (10 and 8), their grandfather and I spent an awesome morning fishing with Capt. Ariel. I have done a lot of fishing in my life but I must say I don’t know how we could have had a better experience. Capt. Ariel and his first mate Reggie were great with the kids. Very patient and enthusiastic. We caught a lot of yellow tail and snapper that Ariel filleted for us to eat later. The highlight was when he asked my kids if they wanted to catch a shark, I was skeptical about if we could catch one, but he took us to a spot and we reeled in two. We would definitely fish with Ariel again and recommend him highly if you want a great fishing experience in the Keys.
NLLY11
Captain Ariel and Jamie made our trip to the Keys the best fishing experience of our lives. Two days of action packed fun, and laughs. These guys are truly pros at what they do, and that is filling the boat with fish. We can’t wait to come down again. Thanks from Bill, David, Stevie, and myself. You guys are the best!
Scott W.
Just did two more trips with Big Game. Ariel and Jamie are not only professional, but make it a great experience in addition to just catching fish. Also would add they work harder than most to catch fish every minute of the trip. If you are on the fence, let me recommend Big Game for your next Marathon charter.
Mark K.
Captain Ariel Medero is where it’s at! We have been fishing with him for 8 years now and we never get off the boat without catching several BIG ones! He is very knowledgeable and knows where the fish are at. If you are looking for a fun atmosphere, cool people and great fish this is where it’s at!
Lauren E.
Capt. Ariel and Jamie will never disappoint. Very experienced fishermen. Jamie is constantly retying knots, and adjusting baits to keep in the zone. He is in constant motion, never sits on the job. Capt. Ariel is a master of the sea. The two of them are a well oiled machine. Great men, would highly recommend!
Curtis K.
Top notch all around. Absolutely, one of the best offshore charters in the Keys. Ariel, Jared and Robbie are truly good people and excellent fisherman. From someone who fishes in Marathon a lot, I could not have been more impressed with these guys. 10/10 I will be sure to fish with them again on a yearly basis
Max H.
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