Coastal Dreams partner boat · USCG-licensed captain
Pick your day on the water
ISLAMORADA CHARTERS & PRICES
Every trip is private: your group only, 1–6 anglers. Rods, reels, tackle, bait and terminal gear are included. Prices are per boat, not per person.
Pay as
you go
Pay as
you go
Pay as
you go
4-hour trips: deposit online, balance at the dock.
Pay over time: 25% deposit, then easy monthly payments on 6-hour and longer trips booked 45+ days out.
Gear & bait included
Bud N' Mary's Marina
Founder, Buddha Bait Co.
Offshore & reef trips
Private trips only
Capt. Buddha
Snook on the flats
Captain Jason "Buddha" Smith has been chasing fish his whole life. He grew up on Lake Seminole in southwest Georgia, spent years fishing bass tournaments, and in 2009 started Buddha Bait Co. to build the lures and tackle he trusts. Today he runs Salty Buddha Offshore in the Upper Keys, and his offshore boat, Fish Happens, sails from Bud N' Mary's Marina in Islamorada, the Sport Fishing Capital of the World.
His motto is simple: good energy leads to great fishing. Buddha keeps the day calm, relaxed and fun, and he's honest about where the bite is, even when that means changing the plan. Every trip is private and built around your group: tuna, mahi, wahoo and sailfish offshore, or snapper and grouper on the reef.
Capt. Jason "Buddha" Smith
"Good energy leads to great fishing."
MEET YOUR ISLAMORADA CAPTAIN
We handle everything else so you can focus on the fish.
The boat: Fish Happens
Fish Happens is Buddha's big-water boat, a 37' Custom Topaz Express built for long offshore days. Twin diesels, a tower, a wide fishing cockpit and a deep-drop setup handle the fishing, while an air-conditioned cabin and a head keep everyone comfortable. She departs Bud N' Mary's Marina in Islamorada.
Just bring your crew and your snacks
WHAT'S INCLUDED
✓ Rods, reels & tackle
✓ Bait & terminal gear
✓ Licensed captain
✓ Private trip: your group only
✓ Local Islamorada knowledge
FOUNDING MEMBERS • FIRST 50 ONLY
Join the Offshore Club
4 trips a year at member rates
Unlimited standby trips at member rates
15% off peak dates & swordfish
Founding price locked for life
$79/mo*
*Billed annually at $948. Monthly option available. Founding members lock in their price for life.
Frequently asked questions
Still have a question? Call or text Robert at 239-758-0253. We may be offshore, but we'll get right back to you.
How do I book?
Pick a trip and pay a 25% deposit online. Capt. Buddha confirms within 2 hours. If he can't run it, you get a new date or a full refund.
What's the deposit?
25% of the trip price, paid online when you book. The balance is paid at the dock, or in monthly payments on 6-hour and longer trips booked 45+ days out.
What if the weather's bad?
If the captain cancels for weather, you get a full refund or a new date.
What should I bring?
Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, snacks and drinks, comfortable clothes and a camera.
Should I tip?
15–20% for the captain and crew is customary.
Who runs the trip?
Capt. Buddha and Salty Buddha Offshore run it. Coastal Dreams Fishing handles booking and payment.
Where do we meet?
Fish Happens (37' offshore) leaves from Bud N' Mary's Marina, 79851 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada. Fishy Business (26' Crevalle, reef and backcountry) leaves from Key Largo Fisheries, 1313 Ocean Bay Drive, Key Largo. Your confirmation shows your exact spot.