Do I need previous fishing experience to join a Tailwalker charter?

No experience is necessary; the crew provides instruction and handles tackle setup to support anglers of all levels.

What types of fish can I expect to catch?

Species range from snapper and grouper near reefs to offshore targets like mahi-mahi, tuna, billfish, and swordfish.

Is food or drinks provided onboard?

Guests should bring their own food and drinks; some full-day trips may offer ice and water, but confirm when booking.

How many people can the Tailwalker accommodate?

The vessel comfortably seats up to six guests, ideal for families or small groups.

What is the cancellation policy for charters?

Cancellations made 3 days or less before the trip are fully charged with no refunds; room bookings and charters cancel separately.

Are fishing licenses required for this charter?

The charter includes necessary permits, so individual licenses are not typically needed for guests.

Offshore Fishing Adventures with Hawks Cay Resort | Fishing | Boat Tour

Offshore fishing in the Florida Keys is a pursuit that sharpens patience and rewards persistence, and Tailwalker Charters at Hawks Cay Resort sets the standard for these saltwater escapades. Located in Duck Key, Florida, Hawks Cay Resort provides unparalleled access to the Atlantic’s vibrant offshore waters just minutes from shore, turning a fishing trip into a seamless, immersive adventure.

The centerpiece of the experience is the Tailwalker, a custom 44-foot Sunny Briggs sportfishing vessel crafted specifically for performance and comfort. Equipped with a 35-foot tuna tower, spacious baitwells, and state-of-the-art electronics, it’s built to handle varied fishing styles—from reef fishing for snapper and grouper to the adrenaline-fueled chase for swordfish and billfish on full-day expeditions. Managed by experienced Captain Dave Shillinger and his knowledgeable crew, guests receive expert guidance tailored to their fishing goals and skill levels.

Hawks Cay’s offshore trips range from three-quarter-day excursions perfect for families seeking a mix of relaxation and action, to full-day tournaments that bring out the competitive angler. Swordfishing charters stand out for their challenge and thrill, targeting one of the Keys’ most prized game fish in deeper, cooler waters. The region’s biodiversity—coral reefs, ledges, and expansive flats—offers a dynamic fishing landscape that keeps anglers engaged and rewarded.

More than just fishing, Tailwalker Charters plays an active role in conservation efforts like the Billfish Foundation’s Tag and Release program, ensuring the sustainability of these prized species. Whether it’s your first offshore outing or another notch in your fishing belt, Hawks Cay Resort delivers an authentic, expertly run experience amid one of Florida’s most celebrated maritime environments.

About Hawks Cay Resort

Hawks Cay Resort is a waterfront resort on Duck Key, Florida, offering a variety of guided fishing charters and nighttime lobster excursions featured on The Adventure Collective. The resort lists multiple trip types including inshore/bay charters, offshore fishing, reef fishing, and a specialty nighttime lobstering excursion called Nightwalker — Nighttime Lobstering Excursions.

Nightwalker — Nighttime Lobstering Excursions provides a bullynetting-style lobster hunt described in its listing, with on-water lighting and a spacious deck for guests. Hawks Cay Resort also lists inshore trips such as I'm Hooked • Inshore/Bay featuring Captain Taylor Nelson and targeting species like tarpon and bonefish while navigating mangrove channels.

Additional named trips and charters appear in the resort's listings across reef, offshore, and inshore categories. Examples include Rippin Line Charters - Inshore/Bay; Snapshot, Snapshot II; Tailwalker, Tailwalker 2; Salt Walker; Eagle Eye; GOTCHA; Final Final; and Tarpon Time. Trips are categorized by type (Inshore/Bay, Offshore Fishing, Reef Fishing) to help visitors select appropriate experiences. Listings include both named vessels and trip categories to help guests identify suitable charters and scheduling options, seasonal availability and guide assignments.

Hawks Cay Resort’s presence on The Adventure Collective provides a centralized place to review available trips and basic trip summaries. Prospective guests can use those listings to compare trip types, vessel names, and the Nightwalker nighttime lobster excursion before contacting the resort for booking details.

For more information, refer to the specific trip listings on The Adventure Collective or contact Hawks Cay Resort directly for up-to-date availability and reservation instructions.