November 11, 2023
Keys Weekly Best Fishing Guide 2023: Captain Kit Carson Wins
On November 11th, 2023, at Whale Harbor Restaurants & Marina, the Upper Keys community made their voice heard: Captain Kit Carson Mobley of DirtyBoat Charters is the Best Fishing Guide in the Upper Keys.
The Keys Weekly Best of Upper Keys awards represent the ultimate people’s choice recognition—voted on by the community, for the community. Winning Best Fishing Guide isn’t just an award; it’s validation from the people who know fishing in Islamorada best.
The Award Ceremony: Whale Harbor, November 11, 2023
The Setting:
- Location: Whale Harbor Restaurants & Marina
- Crowd: 180-plus attendees
- Atmosphere: Electric with anticipation
- Moment: First-time winners jumping from their seats
The Announcement:
When “Capt. Kit Carson Mobley – Best Fishing Guide” was announced, it wasn’t just another award—it was community recognition for years of excellence on the water.
Captain Kit Carson Mobley accepts the Keys Weekly Best Fishing Guide award at the Whale Harbor ceremony on November 11, 2023. Photo by Doug Finger/Keys Weekly.
What “Best Fishing Guide” Really Means
This isn’t a corporate award or a paid promotion. This is the Upper Keys community saying:
1. You Catch Fish
When people vote for Best Fishing Guide, they’re voting for results. They know who puts fish in the box.
2. You Provide Great Experiences
Fishing isn’t just about catching—it’s about the entire experience. From the dock to the deep blue and back again.
3. You Represent Islamorada Well
As a fishing guide, you’re an ambassador for the Upper Keys. This award says you represent us well.
4. You’re Part of the Community
This award connects DirtyBoat to other local winners:
- Best Dive Shop: Capt. Slate’s Scuba Adventures
- Best Bar & Wings: Dillon’s Pub & Grill
- Best Art Gallery: Taylor Hale Studio & Gallery
- Best Seafood: Chef Michael’s
- Best Marine Services: LeBouef’s Marine
The DirtyBoat Journey to Best Fishing Guide
This award didn’t happen overnight. It’s the culmination of:
Tournament Success:
- 2022 Islamorada Sailfish Tournament: 300 points
- 2023 Cheeca Lodge Presidential: 100 points
- 2023 Islamorada Fishing Club: 100 points
- 2023 Florida Keys Gold Cup Series: 500 points
Trophy Catches:
- 463-pound Swordfish: Featured in Keys Weekly
- Perfect 10 Sailfish: 10-for-10 personal best
- 4lb Tippet Challenge: World record attempts
Consistent Excellence:
- Daily charters: Putting clients on fish, day after day
- Angler development: Making good anglers great
- Local knowledge: Over a decade of Islamorada experience
The Captain Behind the Award
Captain Kit Carson Mobley:
- Experience: Over a decade guiding in the Upper Keys
- Philosophy: Fishing should be fun, productive, and memorable
- Approach: Technical expertise meets people skills
- Reputation: Known for putting clients on fish
The DirtyBoat Advantage:
- 38.8’ Liberty: Tournament-proven platform
- Expert crew: Mates who are anglers themselves
- Quality gear: Custom rods, calibrated reels, sharp hooks
- Local intelligence: We know where the fish live
What This Award Means for Your Charter
When you book with the Keys Weekly Best Fishing Guide, you’re getting:
1. Community-Validated Excellence
The Upper Keys has spoken: this is the guide to fish with.
2. Proven Track Record
The award confirms what tournament results already showed: we catch fish.
3. Complete Fishing Experience
We don’t just fish—we create memorable days on the water.
4. Local Expertise
We’re not just visiting guides; we’re part of the Islamorada community.
The Bigger Picture: DirtyBoat in the Upper Keys
Winning Best Fishing Guide places DirtyBoat alongside other Upper Keys institutions:
Local Business Excellence:
- Dive: Capt. Slate’s Scuba Adventures
- Dining: Chef Michael’s (Best Seafood)
- Arts: Taylor Hale Studio & Gallery
- Fishing: DirtyBoat Charters
What This Says About Islamorada:
The Upper Keys isn’t just a fishing destination—it’s a community of excellence. From diving to dining to fishing, we do things right.
The Future: Building on the Award
Winning Best Fishing Guide isn’t an endpoint—it’s a new beginning:
Continuing Excellence:
- More tournament success: Building on our 500-point Gold Cup
- More trophy fish: Chasing the next 463-pound monster
- More happy clients: Creating fishing memories
Community Commitment:
- Supporting local: Fishing with local bait, using local services
- Representing well: Being ambassadors for Islamorada fishing
- Giving back: Sharing our success with the community
Your Award-Winning Fishing Experience
Ready to fish with the Keys Weekly Best Fishing Guide? We offer:
Charter Specialties:
- Sailfish expeditions: Our tournament-proven specialty
- Swordfish hunts: Targeting monsters like our 463-pounder
- Mixed bag trips: Variety fishing for all skill levels
- Tournament preparation: Get ready for competition
What Sets Us Apart:
- Award-winning guidance: Best Fishing Guide 2023
- Tournament credentials: 500-point Gold Cup team
- Trophy fish experience: We’ve caught the monsters
- Local community roots: Part of the Upper Keys fabric
Book your award-winning fishing experience with Captain Kit Carson and the DirtyBoat team—voted Best Fishing Guide in the Upper Keys by the people who know fishing best.
Featured in Keys Weekly: “Best of Upper Keys First Time Winners” - November 11, 2023