Dress casual. Take it from this long-time guide: we’re laid back in the Keys, and the day’s fishing clothes are the norm for dining out in the evening.

But leave your running shoes at home. Especially the ones with black soles. They’re not good for either the boat deck or your protection against slips and falls.

Sun protection should be your first concern. Wear a hat with a long bill, long‑sleeve shirt and some good fishing shorts or long pants. Sunscreen is very important, so forget about working on your tan and don't bring any sunscreen under 30 SPF.

If you’re really concerned about the sun, you should buy Buff UV protective fishing headwear that fits over your head and pulls down over your ears and face. It’s very lightweight and doubles as a scarf around your neck; I don’t leave the dock without mine.

While there are other protective articles you could wear, you’ll likely only be on the water a few days and won't really need them. Bring your camera if you want to be in the Hall of Fame on my website, and send me pictures.

Captain Billy will bring the rest: bait, tackle, license and boat. Guiding from Marathon through Key West. The season of 2012 is filling fast, contact me today for availability at 305-395-1943 or fill out my simple email form.