Captain Justin Valakis
A Multiple Tournament Winner With a Deep Passion for the Water
With a lifelong love for the water, Captain Justin brings passion and expertise to every charter. Growing up fishing, surfing, and sailing along the coasts of Charleston, SC, to the Florida Keys, Justin developed a deep connection to the ocean. Now based in Key West, he’s dedicated to sharing his greatest passion—fishing—with others.
Captain Justin has earned a reputation as one of Key West's most sought-after captains. His guests return year after year, often describing their trips as “like fishing with an old buddy.” Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to the sport, Justin ensures a fun, relaxed atmosphere filled with laughter and excitement.
If you’re ready to reel in some of the ocean’s most prized sportfish while making unforgettable memories, Captain Justin is your guy. Don’t forget to ask for him when planning your next adventure!
Captain Travis
South Florida Native with a Lifetime of Fishing Expertise
Born and raised in South Florida, Captain Travis grew up fishing alongside his dad in the Ft. Lauderdale area. Today, he operates the same make and model boat he first fished on—a Pathfinder 2200—now at the helm for Shadowcaster Charters. Currently pursuing a degree in marine engineering at the College of the Florida Keys, Captain Travis combines hands-on experience with technical expertise, ensuring you’re always in capable hands.
In the fishing world, some people are simply known as “fishy,” and that’s Captain Travis in a nutshell. Whether he’s catching fresh bait, scouting new hotspots, or fine-tuning his techniques, Travis dedicates every effort to making your trip a success.
For an unforgettable fishing experience, be sure to ask for Captain Travis—or book him directly through the website!
Captain John Smouse
Over 20 Years Professional Guide Experience in the Key West Backcountry
Capt. John, upon graduating from the University of Georgia, settled in Key West and has been guiding his customers to trophy fish since 1997. As the owner and operator of the Shadow Caster he insists on delivering a personalized fishing adventure. You can expect Professionalism, Preparation and Performance. Those are the qualities that Capt. John has learned from being trained by the best in the business and continues to be the keys to his success. You can rest assured that he will always have Plans A, B, & C, and the appropriate bait and tackle to handle any situation. Whether you are a seasoned angler or the beginning fisherman, Shadow Caster is about catching fish and enjoying what makes the Florida Keys such a great place.
Capt. John strongly believes that YOU are the fisherman on all his trips. Whether you are the seasoned angler or the first-timer, he is there to assist you in every way. YOU will get to experience the thrill from beginning to end: sight casting to the elusive game fish, watching him eat, feeling the power as you come tight and set the hook. The fun has just begun as you now fight and play your fish to the boat. Oh Yeah, all this is done in calm shallow water which means NO SEASICKNESS.
Both flats fishing boats available are stable, dry and a fast ride. Powered by new Yahamas means you get there fast, increasing YOUR fishing time. Our boats were designed by confident fishermen for the shallow waters of Florida. The hulls eat up a chop while others may leave you wet and sore. Join him for an exciting day stalking bonefish, battling tarpon, casting to barracudas or one of the many other species of fish the Florida Keys backcountry has to offer.