Captain Dane Karcher, free dive expert, born and raised Native Floridian, grew up in and on the waters of the Gulf Beaches; surfing, fishing and diving. He first learned how to boat and fish at a very young age on McKay’s Creek, gigging mullet for his Dad’s smoker. His love for the Salt life began! His Dad built an Aquatic Retreat for the family in Key West where he speared and netted fish, selling the catch to the local markets and restaurants.

Capt. Dane has perfected his deep sea fishing skills by fishing the waters of Florida, Hawaii, Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica and Bahamas as well as many other parts of the world.

He is a highly respected professional athlete in the world of Free Dive Sport Fishing. He has won and placed in the top of many tournaments not to mention being featured on several television shows, magazines and newspaper articles. People who know him think he's certifiable. Anyone who can hold their breath for what seems like forever, diving depths any normal person should only attempt with a tank, has got to be crazy! He often dives in 35’ to 75’ of water spear fishing, holding his breath for 45 to 1:45 seconds. A tournament sometimes requires Free Diving in 120’ of water holding his breath up to 3 minutes. He hunts large prey with his weapon of choice, a Riffe spear gun, aiming for a text book head shot. God forbid he has to wrestle a monster fish while Free Diving to such extreme depths dodging Sharks or Barracudas. Dane recalls, “I get sucked into the hunt and forget I still have to swim all the way back to the top!” This is a sport that requires stamina, concentration, guts and a little bit of crazy!

Capt Dane Karcher has built up his own charter fishing business to be #1 in the Tampa Bay area operating out of Johns Pass Madeira Beach Florida, and NOW in his hometown Key West. He enjoys living the Salt Life every day teaching others about fishing and ocean conservation. He actively participates with organizations like Gulf Voice addressing concerns pertaining to Off Shore Drilling and its effects on the Florida Keys. Dane runs Key West tours and Key West boat charters for travelers year round on Key West trips.