One of the cool things about Bud n’ Mary’s Marina is that it is home to hundreds of resident tarpon! Over the years, the tarpon have taken refuge in the marina as we’ve stopped allowing fishing in the marina basin and customers walk around and feed them daily as do the captains who are cleaning fish there regularly. You can feed tarpon from 10 lbs up to 200 lbs and have them eating almost right out of your hand! Don’t worry – they don’t have teeth. We also get a variety of sharks (mostly nurse sharks) though on occasion we have big lemon sharks and bull sharks come into the basin as well (so no swimming!) We also have some resident goliath groupers which the staff or local captains are happy to point out if they’re around. You can buy a bucket of tarpon food from the tackle shop in the office. We’re also offering a free bucket of food if you eat lunch at the cafe.
Straight fishing heaven! Especially, for a couple of California Boys that don't get to fish this style on the west coast. Group of six of went out for two days and sight fished for Tarpon and Snook. Also hooked into a lemon shark, a bunch of sea trout, catfish, snapper, grouper, and some other random fish. We also stayed at "The Conch House" on property for 2 nights which was super convenient for the early am departures. There's multiple captains here from sight fishing inshore to offshore. Definitely recommend this spot to start your fishing adventures. There's a kitchen onsite for breakfast or sandwiches to go. Pretty much one stop shop. If you're wanting to eat your catch go next door to Lazy Daze and they'll prepare it for you for! Here's a few pics enjoy!
I'm still going to give Bud & Mary's party boat five stars because I love the marina, the captain and the party boat itself 100% but for the first time in 7 to 8 years that I have been going on this boat I was a little disappointed with the crew. Ive never felt like they played favorites until yesterday. There was a particular customer that is also a regular and he and his family we're treated like royalty and others not so much. One of the other guest from out of town and I had a long conversation about it. It was definitely clear to all the other guest as well. I won't stop going on that boat because as I said I really like captain and love Bud n Mary's. My son worked in the service industry for years so I believe in tipping but I'll tip according to the way I'm treated as well.
Great experience Mike & Matthew were great. Couldn’t ask for a better trip. Running out on a 42’ freeman was nothing but the best. We caught tons of fish and will be back again.
