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From the News Desk

Captain Pip’s Marina & Hideaway receives White Glove Award
recognizing superior cleanliness and comfort

The quest for spotless accommodations when traveling has gotten easier thanks to the Superior Small Lodging Association’s White Glove Award.  Captain Pip’s Marina & Hideaway received the award, which recognizes superior properties for cleanliness and comfort, at the association’s annual conference December 3.

The award, presented once a year, goes to members who score 100% in the housekeeping category during the property’s annual inspection.  “It’s hard to achieve a perfect score,” says Barbara Maddox, co-owner with husband Johnny, “We work hard to give our guests spotless accommodations.  We call it spring cleaning every week.” 

All aspects of housekeeping are examined including general guest accommodations, bathrooms and kitchens.  The property review looks at all aspects of a lodging member’s property – a total of 42 items -- from the comfort of each room right down to the quality of toilet tissue used in the bathroom.  “Any property with the Superior Small Lodging designation has to be at the top of its game,” say Johnny Maddox, “to be selected for the White Glove Award means we’re among the best of the best – we’re pretty proud of that.  We couldn’t do it without our dedicated staff that always go the extra mile for our guests.”

Captain Pip’s Marina & Hideaway is located at Mile Marker 47.5 Bayside in Marathon.  To learn more about this White Glove Award winning resort, visit the web site at www.captainpips.com.  For reservations and inquiries, call 800-707-1692 or 305-743-4403.

 

Web sites to Watch

Enjoy an irreverant look at fishing and life in the Keys through the eyes of one of our favorite fishing guides, Capt. Dallas Tisdale -- www.captdallas2.blogspot.com

View current weather and sea conditions at Sombrero Key Light. You can also access the latest National Weather Service Marine Forecast through this site -- www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.php?station-smkfl

One of the best ways to explore the beautiful coral reef that lies only six miles offshore from Marathon is aboard the Spirit Snorkeling catamaran -- www.spiritsnorkeling.net

Review the most current rules and regulations for fishing, harvesting Florida lobster and boat safety, visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission web site at www.myfwc.com

Visit www.WorldwideAngler.com for a collection of interesting articles about all types of fishing. Read the story by Jim Smith entitled, "Fishing the Bridges for the Silver King" -- local guides, Capt. Tina Brown and Capt. John Maddox are featured.

And if diving is part of your vacation plans, visit Aquatic Adventures web site for fun and information.


Dear Captain Pip's
your letters and e-mails

"I just wanted to take a minute (should have written when we returned to Georgia) and let you know how much we enjoyed staying at Pip's this past October 2007.  We had a very enjoyable stay, everyone was so helpful to us with it being our first time on the islands.  We had a blast and can't wait to do it again.  We will be back this July if space is available and will be bringing the 'whole' family this time.  Jamie has went on and on about ya'll.  He has everyone wanting to come with us."
Jamie and Pam Evans
Fitzgerald, GA

"I was inspired to paint after our recent stay with you at Pip's.  Much of my recent work is of scenes outside the door of the Treetops apartment.  Check out my web page and enjoy.  Your place is beautiful and we will be back." Joe DeKleva (JoeDeKlevaFineArt.com)

"We sure had a great time in Marathon and knowing we can come to you to get a reliable boat is a major plus.  Thanks again," Martin Gutfreund - Bradenton, FL

"Your beds are super comfortable.  We appreciate all the efforts you make for our comfort, convenience and an all around enjoyable vacation.  Thank, you." Larry and Diane Leciejewski -- Dearborn, MI

 
"Thank you for the wonderful time we had at your place. Although the wind was on the water we still enjoyed our stay. The Tree Tops apartment was great and the view was excellent. The grounds are well maintained and the tropical feeling of the Old Keys is alive and well at Captain Pips!!! My Grandparents lived in Key West in the 30s , 40s & 50s and my mother was raised there. I lived in Key West in the 70s and this was our first trip down to the islands in 25 years. What were we thinking. We will be back next year and plan to make the trip an annual family event. The dock space was safe and accommodated our Hydra Sports with out problem. It was nice to have FRESH water washdown dockside and the use of live bait cans was a bonus. Your staff was friendly and laid back . A totally enjoyable experience!!!! Next Year FISH BEWARE.
Thanks Again" Bill Wallace, Capt. Jesse Jones, Judy Sandal -- Port Orange, FL

"Just need to take a moment to thank you both for First Class service, regarding your boat rental. I found both of you and all of your staff to be extremely professional, courteous and helpful. You can count on my future business when in Paradise."
Kindest Regards,
Brian Bonita

"Just want you to know we had a grreat time.  Your place is perfect for just relaxing, fishing and a good time.  Thanks so much." Tom & Mary Messsick, Somerset, NJ

"Housekeeping, wonderful CLEAN room.  It's so nice here and our stay was wonderful.  Heck yest to Catpain Pip's. Sincerely, Mark & Angie Perry

"Just wanted to say that we thoroughly enjoyed our stay with you.  Your entire staff was great, very friendly and helpful.  The housekeeping staff does an excellent job in keeping the place clean and the yards well maintained.  Again, one of the most enjoyabale vacations we've had.  Hope to see you again within the next year."  Jan & Roger Bird

"As always -- the best place to stay in the Keys!  We truly apprecaite the hospitality and look forward to seeing ya'll next year." Rod & Chris Cameron, Aripeka, FL

"Third time at your resort.  The cleanliness has always been extraordinary.  All Captain Pip's staff is very friendly and helpful.  We enjoy the quietness and having a fishing boat only steps from our room.  Thanks for a great stay." John & Cheryl Jonas, Weston, WI

"We really had a great time!  Thank you so much for great service and being so friendly.  The sheets are so soft. We love this place and I'm sure we'll be back.  Those extra touches really are noticed."
John and Sue Zaremski, Sonoma, CA

"We had a wonderful stay with all of you.  Josh was an excellent guide and a heck of a nice guy and my wife was thrilled with him.  Capt. Mike was also a great help, we did not fish with him, but he was always friendly and just a great guy to talk to.  We can't wait to come back.  We're still eating smoked king fish that we brought home with us.  I will certainly be recommending Captain Pip's to all my friends and to whomever else is willing to listen to me rant and rave about about all of you.  Thank you all very much for a great time." Denise & Tom Pierce, Leominster, MA

"I want to thank you for the rental that we had last week. You have a top-shelf operation and your men Todd and Bob went out of their way to be helpful to us. I would not think twice about recommending your place to other people. Thank you again, Jim Havankki   P. S. Looking forward to renting from you next year."

"Just a quick note to thank you for the wonderful time we had at Captan Pip's. Our accommodations were spotless and well equipped. Your location is perfect. There is great fishing to be had within minutes of the dock.

Although we didn't catch the tarpon we had hoped for, we had ample opportunity and we made up for it with the number of snapper, grouper and sharks we boated!!!

Can't wait to get back. Thanks again."
Ted Hogue

"Our every need was met to the finest detail. We stayed in two other places on our tip from New Jersey, which we thought to be nice. You beat them by far. Thank you for a great vacation and more than clean and comfortable accommodations. We hate to leave."
Kathleen & Rocco George

"The Waldorf of the South - only better. Bill and I love this place. It's our third time at Pip's and we hope to have many more."
Bill & Barbara Schelf

"Thanks for making our vacation so great. Your staff is all so wonderful. I can not begin to tell you how much we appreciate the genuine hospitality your staff offers. We look forward to seeing you all again very soon!"
Katie White & Family

"Thank you for a most enjoyable week in the land of sun and fun. Hope to see you next year."
Lew and Beverly Ripley

mahi2.jpg (33091 bytes) We just got back from a week at your establishment.  In spite of some wind, we still managed to have one of our best vacations ever.  The room (Red Snapper Apartment) was very nice and spacious with a wide view of the Gulf.  Our rental boat was a sound, sea worthy vessel and took us to many an exciting day on the water. Everyone was very friendly and helpful, too.    Johnny was a competent, courteous captain who went the extra mile to catch me all the fish I could handle.  Bobby was a competent and knowledgeable guide as well as a very hard working first-mate.  Dallas was full of useful tips and never hesitated to give me on the spot advice on how to catch the fish I wanted depending on the day's weather conditions.  We will definitely recommend your place to others and we hope to come back some day soon.   I've attached a few pictures from our trip. Thanks again.

Scott and Wendy Meier

Just wanted to write and let you know what a wonderful time we had at your place. We surely enjoyed ourselves, and your hospitality was beyond compare. Thanks so much! We hope to see ya'll again soon.
Sincerely,
Kathy and Bob, Oak Ridge, TN

I just had to send a great big 'THANK YOU' for making our stay with you absolutely perfect in every way!

We chased lobsters for two days in the best boat we've had in years (EVERYTHING worked on it!) Rich is a real 'keeper' -- an outstanding Dockmaster. Ellie made us feel very welcome and handled all the arrangements smoothly (another keeper). We caught a few lobsters, ate them under the Tiki hut, enjoyed hearing Rocketman, and I think it's safe to say that Johnny and Debbie Menengas are hooked on Captain Pip's for life. Neither of them had ever been to the Keys, much less been bug hunting and now they are talking about getting SCUBA certified so they can visit you again.

I have stayed at Captain Pip's every season since '96. I am your biggest fan! Thank you again for your hospitality and for making Captain Pip's better every year.
One happy Pip,
James Weaver, Jr.
Belleview, FL

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"Thank you very much for making us welcome and our stay at Captain Pip’s so enjoyable. We all had a wonderful holiday, again, great weather and lots of fish. Unfortunately it went by much to fast. I think we are all hoping to have a holiday in the Keys again next year. Thanking you again, and our thanks to Ellie for cleaning up after us."

Allan, Hazel, Phil and Matthew
Windlesham Surrey England

"I can’t tell you how much we enjoyed our stay at your establishment this last week. Everyone was very helpful and friendly. After one hour back in Brandon, I realized just what "laid back" really could mean. We will be back!"
                                                                                            Don, Patty and Tyler Veasey

 

"We just wanted to take a few minutes out of 'reality' to express our thanks for all you did to make our vacation such a success. You all have such a wonderful place there and your hard work and very pleasant personalities are something rare and wonderful."
                                                                                            Stan, Charlotte, Jose, & Carrie Brown
                                                                                            Panacea, FL

 

Barbara and John,

I would like to take a minute to thank you for a great time at Captain Pip's.  Kathy and I really enjoyed our time there even with the WIND. The relaxed friendly attitude of everyone there was extremely refreshing.  You completely lived up to all of the claims on your website, it was absolutely the cleanest place I have ever been to and I spend at least 60 nights a year in the high dollar hotels in all the major cities.   Please pass along our thanks to all of your staff for making our stay so pleasurable, especially Dallas, he is one great guy.

Jerry & Kathy Meisner
Schoolcraft, Michigan

"We would like to thank you and your staff for another fabulous winter in paradise. You are truly the best of the Florida Keys with great accommodations in the middle of a fishing Shangri-la.

Over the years we have been very impressed with the manner the both of you have turned a good business ides into a great venture. Needless to say we are probably not the first, nor will we be the last, to send you and your crew accolades, but keep up the good work. Thank you.

Mike and Linda Perlow
Lake Ronkonkoma, NY

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P. S. Enclosed are pictures of a few of the many fish we had fun catching and releasing this past season."
Barbara & John,

This was our best year ever. We met some nice people, the fishing and snorkeling was great and the weather was superb. You have really made Captain Pip’s a wonderful getaway. We applaud you and look forward to seeing you again next year!

Rod & Chris Cameron
(from Ridge Manor, Florida)

The Camerons

 

Your hideaway was beautiful. It is the cleanest facility we have ever stayed at. Truly a great time! Can’t wait to return!!!

John & Cheryl Jonas,  Weston, WI

 

I just wanted to drop you a quick note to thank you so much for the wonderful week we spent. The accommodations were absolutely wonderful; and everyone was very friendly and helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and will definitely recommend it to all of our friends. Thanks again.

Patty Gross & TJ Brown

 

Subject:  Pam and Jim Fishing
To:  CAPTPIPS@aol.com   (as well and friends and family)
Pam and I went fishing in the Keys.  We found a great place with great people and boats... Captain Pips in Marathon!

pamandjim.jpg (29501 bytes)

 

Dear Pip's Crew,
     Judy and I frequently reflect back upon our time with you as one of our life's most treasured experiences.  I have made wallpaper for my computer of many of the pictures I took while there.  When it gets cold or too busy or stressful, I close my programs and daydream of our great adventure when we stayed with you.   Everyone loves my barracuda picture the most; I guess the teeth are pretty impressive.  I'll e-mail it to you someday ... or hand it to you in person which would be the best.  Thanks for an enduring and joy filled experience.
                                                              Scott & Judy Adie

We are writing to you on behalf of ourselves, Phillip and Matthew, to thank you for a lovely holiday in your Dolphin apartment. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay with you and cannot wait to come back again next year.

The fishing was good, the weather could not have been better and the relaxing atmosphere was just what we all needed.

Best wishes from,
Hazel, Allan, Matthew and Phillip Softley
Windlesham Surrey, England

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Hazel and Allan Softley, friend, Matthew and Phillip Garvin traveled from Windlesham Surrey, England to enjoy the sun and unwind for a fortnight.

 

"It’s hard to believe that a little over a week ago I was standing in 75-degree water worrying about sunburn while getting worn out catching, tarpon on a fly! The beauty of the area we were fishing only accessible by boat, was incredible. The first hook up, was my first tarpon ever. The next 8 or 10 strikes and three fish on, completely worn me out. All catch and release, no gaff. What a day.

I can see why guys get hooked on casting a small fly to a rolling tarpon. Dr. Bruce and I would wade together so we could watch each other’s back and not miss as many fish. Once spotted and direction determined, shooting a gloating head out in front of those giant herring would quite often produce an amazing result."

Norman Torkleson
West Trenton, NJ

Wahoo

"All we can say is that six days at your place is just not enough! Sue and I had a great time staying at the Pip’s Palace and we look forward to coming back for a longer stay next time.

Please be sure to thank Dave (dock master) for us, for letting us "bend his ear" for great spots to check out during our daytime excursions. With the luck we had with weather, calm seas and good fishing, we really made the most of our stay.

We hope you like the picture of the wahoo that didn’t get away (until after a quick snapshot). It was caught trolling a ballyhoo in 125 feet, southeast of the Sombrero Light.

We don’t imagine that you’d ever need references for any reason, but if you do, please feel free to contract us."

Bill Adams and Sue Johnson
Terryville, CT

"Thought you might have a use for this picture -- an 82-years-young babe catching her first dolphin!"  Linda Rank, Boise, Idaho

The Ranks

"We stayed with you two days, it wasn't long enough!  We really enjoyed everything about our stay, including everyone we met there.  Our room was immaculate, and it was nice to have the freedom of our boat without having to bring our own.  We can't wait to come back next year."  
                    Joe and Ruth Holub, Ormond Beach, Florida

 

To Rocky:  Just back from a great time in Marathon, Florida.  Our trip started in Orlando and ended in Marathon, in the keys of Florida.  Went to Universal Studios, Disney, etc.  But the most  fun was going to Porkys and seeing this musician called Rocketman playing a 4 string guitar.   Can't wait to come back to see the rocketman show.  ROCK-ON Rocket man!

ED (leadbelly) LaBrosse
 

 

"My husband and son were at your place for a week in May 1998, they had a ball, they brought back a video and hundreds of pictures, and many more stories."
Krys Savario


Man,

What a website. You make me wanna head to the airport right now and book a flight to the Keys. … Oh well, enough of self pity, I think I will break out my Jimmy Buffet tape long with Gloria Estefan and dream that I am in the promise land of FLORIDA.

                                                                        Ernest Villarreal


You have a GREAT web site – I sure love it – pictures, sound and all! I’m looking forward to getting the info I called on-hope the information you mail out has more pictures !!!! The recipe sounds great also!! Thanks. Linda


Thank you for making our vacation big fun. I am sending you some photos of our trip. The next time we come to the Keys we would like to stay with you. Feel free to use our photos if you wish showing how much fun people can have.
                                                                    Thanks again! Marty Faupel & Family

HELLO John & Barb, Just a note to thank you for a really nice vacation, we had a great time, felt like home away from home. Thanks again, Dave & Joanne

P.S. Got back around 11 Sunday 36 inches of SNOW 11 degrees.


Thanks again for our best stay in the Keys. Ted & Connie Dawson, Arlington, TX 

The Fideles

Barbara & John,

Ray and I wanted to let you know what a great vacation we had! The accommodations were wonderful and so was the hospitality. We enjoyed our week of no schedules, no commitments and no worries. Being able to walk down to the dock and jump in the boat made it so easy, and much nicer than having to drive anywhere.

We plan to come back and bring all our friends.

Kathryn and Ray Fidele

 

 
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