Target Florida's Prized Sportfish with Captain Jay

A Little Something About Me

I am Captain Jay Calhoun, a professional fishing guide. I am the proprietor and operator of Lock It Up Charters, located in Key Largo, Florida. I moved to the Keys when I was 21, but I've lived and fished in the waters of Florida most of my life. I used to work on lobster/stone crab boats for years, but then I decided to get a "real job" and opened up a fishing charter business. I never left the water or fishing, and I am genuinely happy to do what I love and share it with others.

I started fishing with my father. Well, I am a self-proclaimed military brat, which allowed me to fish all over the world. I remember back then that my dad wasn’t always around, but when he was, we were either fishing or hunting. My obsession with fishing and hunting started there, with the influence of my father. My wife, Tracy, always jokes that it must be a genetic trait in the Calhoun line because we are already passing it on to our daughter.

My dad passed away when I was still young, but I never lost my love of fishing. Growing up, I spent my free time fishing the piers along the Florida coast. I would just spend hours there and make friends. I learned different techniques and tips from the older fisherman. I learned to develop my own style, which, I can say, I have perfected over the years. There is a science to fishing that appeals to me so much. The wind, the current, the moon phase, and even a small temperature can affect the fisheries. I usually study it and use my knowledge to increase the chances of a successful trip.

My Favorite Thing About Fishing

To be honest, the question of what my favorite thing about fishing would be difficult to answer, as there is nothing I didn't love about fishing. Being on the open ocean and under the sun brings tranquility. For me, the salt water and the salty breeze are the best therapy in the world. The surprise of what you might be able to catch gives a thrill, too. If you hook something in 180 feet of water, you have no idea what you have or what you got. The experience when you start fighting to get it to the surface, without getting it taxed or upsized, and your adrenaline pumping, then you see the shine and know it is close. You finally get your catch to the boat, and you'll realize your prize has arrived. You can celebrate. The excitement and thrill are better than any drug or substance to me. The therapy fishing brings with it is undeniable. I love the science behind fishing. I eat, breathe, and live to fish.

Places I Love to Cast My Line and What I Like to Target

I love to fish and explore the oceans. The Keys, in particular, are some of the best waters in the world to cast your line. The unique positioning and location of the Keys provide one of the most diverse fisheries in the world. There is this unique underwater landscape that serves as the fish oasis. If you prefer to fish from the land, the inshore areas of the Keys have patch reefs. The reefs in the Keys are just patches, unlike most reefs that spread and cover a large zone. These shallow areas hold so many fish. Heading out a little further, you will find deeper patches and wrecks. There is a lot of debris in the Keys, scattered like fish motels. The Gulf stream is like a fish super highway. I love the Keys' fishery because of its diversity. You can be in 20 feet of water, pulling up small snappers and having fun, and next thing you know, you are fighting a sea monster. 

The Keys also offer the Backcountry. On the east side, you have the Atlantic Ocean. On the west side, you have the Florida Everglades and the Backcountry. These offer a completely different fishery. These areas are shallow, and the fishing experience is much different. You can catch snapper, snook, redfish, and even sharks. These are fun to hook and capture. The Backcountry is usually more of a sight fishing type of fishing. Sight fishing is when you see a fish and pitch bait at it. It takes away some of the sparks.

I prefer to catch blackfin tuna, common dolphinfish, common dolphin, mutton snapper, red grouper, great barracuda, and grey snapper. As the captain of Lock It Up Charters, we fish the Florida Keys, Atlantic Ocean, Barnes Sound, Manatee Bay, Blackwater Sound, Long Sound, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary.

Book Your Next Fishing Trip With Lock It Up Charters

Lock It Up Charters offers multiple trips to match the needs of your group. I, Captain Jay, work with everyone to create the perfect fishing adventure. Clients are welcome to choose their fishing package. Whether they want to be out on the water the whole day, a half-day, or a 2-hour trip, I'll make sure to arrange the perfect fishing adventure for any duration. I am a lifelong angler proficient in multiple fishing techniques and passionate about sharing my skills with fellow fishing enthusiasts as they brave the waters of Florida and target some of the state's most prized saltwater sportfish.

Clients will be casting from aboard the 18’ McKee Craft center console that accommodates up to 3 guests. The boat is powered by a 150 HP Yamaha engine that reaches the speed of 35 knots. It also features navigational electronics, a live bait tank, and a cooler. Every trip with Lock It Up Charters includes all necessary fishing equipment, as well as fishing licenses.

Booking a charter trip can be made through the website. Interested clients are also welcome to visit our Facebook page for more information.