Personal Background

Capt. Clint, Big Coppit Key1977

Clint was raised in the islands of The Lower Keys. Growing up, his childhood was immersed in the local island lifestyle and the multi-layered cultures of a small, transient and ocean based town.

At age 2 , his family moved to Stock Island, before settling into a home on Sugarloaf Key. This would be where he'd spend his childhood and teenage years. Most days were spent exploring his aquatic backyard or helping with the family built business, The Sugarloaf Leisure Club. Through his twenties, nights were spent playing local bars as a guitarist and days were spent on the water for fun and work. Though still playing music with friends and from time to time benefit gigs at The Key West Theatre, his love for the ocean has taken lead and he's since pursued a life on the water without looking back.

Also an active photographer and artisan, you can find Clint's work throughout The Lower Florida Keys. Pieces include island photography in handmade driftwood or ocean wood frames, mirrors in the same tropical style frames, Caribbean signs, wind-chimes, candles and an always evolving collection of artisan goods.

"I have a great wife, a home, a business that allows me to meet people from all over the world and this little island community, what more could I ask for. Sugarloaf and these little islands is where my heart is, I'll be here til the day I die" he says.

Do yourself a favor and book a trip with Capt. Clint, let him show you the best these Lower Keys waters have to offer.

In The News

Florida Squid Find Defies Categorization, Puzzles Scientist

Capt. Clint, Key West 2007

SARASOTA, Florida -- Scientists at Florida's Mote Marine Laboratory are trying to figure out the identity of a large squid found off the Florida Keys by a charter captain last week.

Capt. Clint Moore was fishing in 850 feet of water near the Gulf Stream southwest of Key West Tuesday when he saw a large mass floating at the surface. Moore realized the creature was a squid and took it aboard. At the dock, he estimated the squid to be 13 feet long but realized it was not fully intact.

The animal was taken to Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota where Debi Ingrao performed a necropsy on Thursday.

"The tail section was gone; it had no tentacles, so I can't speculate what the overall length was," Ingrao said. "What we have is 6.5 feet long. It weighed 13.2 pounds, but it may have been more than that." Ingrao also realized the squid was something strange to Florida waters.

"It's much different, very, very different," Ingrao said. "I don't know the genus. That could be my lack of knowledge. Someone who's seen 50 million squid might know what it is." So it might be a new species or even a new genus.

The thing is, I don't think people realize how many things we don't know about the ocean," Ingrao said. "We're discovering hundreds of species a day." A researcher from the Smithsonian Institution is expected at Mote on Tuesday for an attempt to identify the squid.

by Underwatertimes.com News Service - February 27, 2007 15:25 EST

General Questions

• Q: What is included?

• A: Depending on type of trip: All snorkel equipment, wildlife identification cards, cooler of ice if requested, ample storage space, friendly instruction, professional captain/guide, all required safety equipment, all fishing equipment. You are welcome to bring any of your own stuff.

• Q: How long should we go for?

• A: Weather and water conditions have a lot of influence on recommendations, every day is different. General recommendations: Snorkeling Tour (3 hours), Backcountry Tour (3 Hours), Tour/Snorkel Combo (4-5 Hours), Eco-Fishing Trip (4 Hours), Birding Tour (3-4 Hours).

• Q: What will we see?

• A: Refer to WHAT WE SEE and WHERE WE GO for details on the most common encounters and sights.

• Q: Is there shade onboard?

• A: Yes. There is a bimini top for shade.

• Q: How many people can go on a trip?

• A: All trips a maximum of 6 passengers. Except Eco-fishing trips which is a maximum of 2.

• Q: What do you recommend bringing?

• A: Sunscreen + sun protection of your choice, water, towel, camera, a light jacket on cool days and hats are a good idea too. Lunch is always nice out on the water or a sandbar. If rain is possible a light rain jacket is a good idea.

• Q: What is the best time of year to go?

• A: The most comfortable months, especially for snorkeling, are the calm warm water months of summer and early fall. Anytime of year can be nice though. Wintertime cold fronts may shut down a snorkeling trip but our sightseeing and backcountry tours can go under most any conditions under 20mph winds.

• Q: What about the Eco-fishing trips? What do we catch?

• A: Some advice, if you are serious about your fishing and worried about what you are going to catch, how many you are going to catch and if you can keep what you catch, this is probably not the fishing trip for you. The fishing is casual.

• Q: Do I need to know how to swim to snorkel?

• A: Non-swimmers are warmly welcome aboard but I can't allow you to snorkel in deep water. One alternative though is wading in the shallow water to experiment with a mask and snorkel.

• Q: Is alcohol or smoking allowed?

• A: Yes and Yes. Smokers need to smoke downwind or at the back of the boat though.

• Q: What about payment?

• A: We use the honor system so no deposit is required. If you do need to cancel please don't wait until the last day. Payment is due at the end of your trip. Cash is preferred but credit cards are accepted. Tipping is not expected but always appreciated.

Sugarloaf Key KOA Campground / RV Park / Marina / Tiki Bar

Set between the crystal clear Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, Sugarloaf Key/Key West KOA is a true beachfront paradise. You'll find amenities and activities designed to please everyone in the family, from sunset cruises to local fishing and beach side fun at the campground's own water haven. Dine under swaying palm trees and sip margaritas on the waterfront veranda of the campground's pub.

In addition to ocean side RV sites, Sugarloaf Key/Key West KOA features the largest tent camping area in the Florida Keys. Or leave the hard work to us and enjoy the comforts of home in a park model unit complete with inviting deck to enjoy evenings under the palms. If you're looking for a truly one-of-a-kind experience, try the nostalgia of a fully outfitted, iconic Airstream...... [ learn more ]

Mangrove Mama's / Restaurant & Bar / Live Music

Mangrove Mama’s has been a landmark Restaurant and Bar located on Sugarloaf Key for over 30 years. Mama’s has a reputation for serving fresh local seafood, succulent steaks, specialty drinks and delectable desserts. Whether you are stopping in for Breakfast, Sunday brunch, lunch or dinner, you will leave raving for days about our delicious fare. They are always sprucing up their menu with new and exciting items, but the staples that keep the locals coming back are their Shrimp St. Jacques, Cracked Conch, Mama’s Conch Chowder, and an award winning Key Lime Pie....... [ learn more ]