5.0(1 Reviews)Key Largo Eco Tour with Back Bone Charters
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private eco tour for up to 4 guests maximumExplore Key Largo and Everglades National Park watersWildlife spotting in calm inshore coastal areas
Ready to explore the backcountry waters where Key Largo meets the Everglades? This private eco tour combines the best of both worlds - prime fishing spots and some of the most diverse marine habitat in South Florida. Captain Keith knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll show you why this stretch of coastline is a magnet for both trophy fish and wildlife. Perfect for families or small groups who want to fish while soaking up the natural beauty that makes the Keys so special.
Your day starts in the protected waters between Key Largo and Everglades National Park, where shallow flats and mangrove creeks create the perfect nursery for gamefish. This isn't your typical offshore grind - we're talking about sight fishing in crystal-clear water where you can watch fish cruise before you cast. The boat holds up to four anglers comfortably, so everyone gets plenty of room to work and won't be bumping elbows when the action heats up. These calm inshore waters are ideal for all skill levels, from first-timers who've never held a rod to seasoned anglers looking to dial in their shallow water techniques. The scenic backdrop doesn't hurt either - you'll be fishing against a canvas of pristine mangrove islands and the vast Everglades horizon. Wildlife spotting comes with the territory out here. Dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and countless bird species call these waters home, so keep your camera handy between casts.
Inshore fishing in the Keys is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. We'll be using light tackle - typically 15-20 pound spinning gear that gives you the sensitivity to feel subtle bites while still having enough backbone to handle decent-sized fish. Live bait is king out here, with pilchards, pinfish, and shrimp being the go-to choices depending on what we're targeting. Captain Keith will have you rigged up with circle hooks and just enough weight to keep your bait in the strike zone without spooking fish in these shallow, clear waters. Artificial lures have their place too - soft plastics worked along mangrove edges, topwater plugs over grass flats at first light, and spoons for covering water when fish are scattered. The key is staying quiet and making accurate casts. These fish see a lot of pressure, so presentation matters more than raw power. Polarized sunglasses aren't optional - they're essential gear that lets you spot fish, structure, and hazards in the skinny water we'll be working.
"The trip was fantastic. Despite the wind, Captain Keith put us on the fish. Couldn't believe it. 10 out of 5 stars." - Reid
Snook are the crown jewel of Keys inshore fishing, and these waters hold some beauties. These ambush predators love hanging around mangrove shorelines, dock pilings, and creek mouths where they can surprise baitfish. A good Keys snook runs 24-28 inches and puts up a fight that'll test your drag system with powerful runs and gill-rattling jumps. They're most active during the cooler months from October through April, though you can find them year-round if you know where to look. What makes snook special is their attitude - they hit hard, fight dirty, and never give up until they're in the net. The slot limit keeps the fishery healthy, so you'll need to measure carefully, but a slot snook makes for great table fare and even better photos.
Redfish are another inshore favorite that thrives in these shallow backcountry waters. These copper-colored bulldogs love cruising grass flats and tailing in super shallow water where you can sight-cast to individual fish. A typical Keys red runs 18-25 inches and fights with pure muscle, making long, steady runs that'll have you wondering if you hooked a small tarpon. They're less spooky than snook and more forgiving of imperfect presentations, making them perfect for anglers still learning the ropes. Reds feed year-round but really turn on during the fall and winter months when baitfish are thick. Their over-slot cousins, the bull reds, occasionally cruise through and will absolutely smoke your drag if you're lucky enough to connect with one.
Sea trout might not win any beauty contests, but they're willing biters that keep the action going when other species get lockjaw. These spotted fighters prefer deeper grass flats and sandy potholes where they can ambush shrimp and small baitfish. They hit soft plastics with enthusiasm and aren't particularly line-shy, making them great confidence builders for newer anglers. A good Keys trout goes 15-18 inches and provides steady action throughout the year, with peak fishing during the spring and fall transitions. They're excellent table fare when kept on ice and handled properly.
Tarpon juveniles, or "baby silver," are common in these protected waters and offer a taste of what their 100-pound cousins deliver. Even a 10-15 pound tarpon will jump repeatedly and fight with incredible heart. These young fish use the shallow creeks and basins as nursery areas, feeding aggressively on small baitfish and crustaceans. They're catch-and-release only, but hooking into even a small tarpon is an experience you won't forget. The best action typically happens during the warmer months when these silver rockets are most active in the shallows.
The backcountry waters around Key Largo offer some of the most consistent inshore fishing in South Florida, and Captain Keith's local knowledge puts you on fish even when conditions get tough. This eco tour gives you the perfect blend of productive fishing and stunning scenery that makes every trip memorable, whether you're keeping a few for dinner or going strictly catch-
This 2025 Ocean Bay 18.6 is your ticket to some of the best inshore fishing around Key Largo and the Everglades. Powered by a reliable 2024 Yamaha 115 SHO, she's got plenty of muscle to get you to the hot spots while running smooth and quiet through the shallows. The GPS navigation keeps you on the fish and helps locate those productive flats and mangrove edges where snook, redfish, and tarpon like to hang out. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to cast without crowding each other, plus storage for all your tackle and gear. The shallow draft design lets you slip into those skinny water areas where bigger boats can't go, opening up prime fishing territory that most people never see. Whether you're sight fishing the flats or working the channels, this boat handles the varied conditions of Florida Bay with ease.
5.0 out of 5.0The trip was fantastic. Despite the wind, Captain Keith put us on the fish. Couldn't believe it. 10 out of 5 stars.
Florida