Big Pine Key Afternoon Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour afternoon inshore fishing charter starting at 1:30 PMPrivate trip accommodates up to six guests with relaxed atmosphereSeasonal availability with potential sunset views during return journey
There's something special about hitting the water when the afternoon sun starts casting those golden rays across the backcountry flats around Big Pine Key. This top-rated 4-hour charter kicks off at 1:30 PM, giving you the perfect excuse to sleep in while still getting out on some of the best inshore waters the Florida Keys have to offer. Captain and crew from Big Boii Fishing Charters know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll have you dialed in on where the fish are biting during those prime afternoon hours. With space for up to six anglers, this private charter keeps things intimate – whether you're bringing the family or a tight crew of fishing buddies looking to get into some serious action without the crack-of-dawn wake-up call.
This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip where you're elbow-to-elbow with strangers hoping for a decent photo op. You've got the boat to yourselves, which means the captain can adjust the game plan based on what your group wants to target and how the bite is shaping up. The afternoon timing is actually money for inshore fishing around Big Pine Key – the water's had time to warm up, baitfish are active, and predators are on the prowl. You'll work the grass flats, channel edges, and structure where these fish love to ambush their next meal. The beauty of a 1:30 start is that you're fishing through some prime feeding windows, and if you time it right, you'll be heading back to the dock as the sun starts painting the sky those classic Keys sunset colors. Fair warning though – deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're locked and loaded for your chosen date.
The crew comes prepared with everything you need to put fish in the boat, from spinning gear perfect for sight casting to heavier tackle when you need to muscle something big away from structure. Depending on what's biting and where the captain finds the action, you might be throwing live bait around mangrove edges, working artificial lures over grass beds, or free-lining baits in deeper channels. The inshore game around Big Pine Key is all about reading the water and adapting your approach – one minute you're sight casting to cruising fish in skinny water, the next you're dropping baits near a channel marker where the current is ripping. The guides know when to switch up techniques based on tides, weather, and what the fish are telling them. They'll have you rigged up with circle hooks for the bigger stuff and lighter tackle when finesse is the name of the game. Don't worry if you're new to inshore fishing – the crew loves teaching and will have you casting like a pro by the end of the trip.
Goliath Grouper are the undisputed heavyweights of the inshore game around Big Pine Key, and hooking into one of these giants will test every ounce of your tackle and technique. These monsters can push 200-400 pounds and are ambush predators that lurk around bridge pilings, ledges, and any substantial structure. Summer and fall months offer the best shots at goliath grouper, when they're most active and aggressive. When you hook one, expect an immediate freight train run followed by a bulldogging fight that'll have your arms burning. The rush of seeing one of these prehistoric-looking beasts surface next to the boat never gets old, and they're strictly catch-and-release, so you're fishing for the experience and bragging rights.
Mahi Mahi bring the speed and aerial acrobatics that make inshore fishing addictive, and when they're around, the action can be absolutely electric. These world-class gamefish love structure and floating debris, often showing up in small schools that can provide non-stop action if you play your cards right. Spring through fall offers the most consistent mahi fishing, with larger bulls showing up during peak season. What makes mahi special is their willingness to eat just about anything and their habit of going airborne the second they feel the hook. They're also excellent table fare, so if you're looking to take dinner home, mahi checks all the boxes for sport and eating quality.
Greater Amberjack are the bullies of the reef and structure, known for their punishing initial runs and stubborn fighting style that'll test your endurance. These customer favorites typically hang around deeper structure and channel edges, making them perfect targets during the afternoon bite when they're actively feeding. Peak season runs from fall through early spring, when cooler water brings them into shallower areas where they're more accessible to inshore tactics. AJ's are notorious for making long, powerful runs straight for the bottom, so be ready for a real tug-of-war that'll have you questioning your tackle choices.
Great Barracuda are the speed demons of the flats, capable of lightning-fast strikes that'll leave you wondering what just happened to your bait. These toothy predators are year-round residents around Big Pine Key, patrolling grass beds and channel edges where they can ambush unsuspecting prey. What makes barracuda fishing so exciting is their explosive strike and tendency to jump and tail-walk when hooked. They're also excellent on light tackle, turning even smaller fish into memorable fights. Just watch those teeth when bringing them boatside – they're not called "tigers of the sea" for nothing.
Cobia are the wildcards of inshore fishing, often showing up when you least expect them and providing some of the most rewarding fights you'll experience. These renowned gamefish are curious by nature and will often follow the boat or investigate commotion in the water. Spring migration brings the best cobia action, but they can show up year-round around structure and channel edges. What sets cobia apart is their combination of power, endurance, and fighting intelligence – they'll use every trick in the book to throw the hook, from diving under the boat to making sudden direction changes that'll test your reflexes and drag system.
This 25-foot center console is your ticket to afternoon fishing success in the crystal-clear waters around Big Pine Key. Built for versatility and comfort, she handles everything from targeting inshore species to quick sandbar breaks when the fish need a breather. The spacious deck gives you and up to three other anglers plenty of room to work, while the onboard fish finder helps locate where the action is hiding. With GPS navigation keeping you on course and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold, this boat has everything covered for a relaxed afternoon on the water. The 1:30 PM departure means no early wake-up calls, and you'll often catch spectacular sunset views on the ride back to the dock. Perfect for families or small groups who want quality fishing without the rush.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of the best eating fish in these waters and put up a solid fight too. They average around 30-50 pounds but can push 100+ pounds, growing up to 6 feet. These brown, shark-looking fish are loners that hang around reefs, wrecks, and structure, usually in 30-70 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May is prime time when they're moving and feeding heavily. They're sight fishing targets - you'll often see them just under the surface or following rays. The firm, white meat rivals any fish on the dinner table. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit bucktail jigs, live bait, or eels. My tip: when you see one, get your bait down quickly but don't cast right on top of them. Lead them a bit and let the bait sink naturally - they're smart fish that spook easily.
Epinephelus ItajaraThese massive groupers can reach up to 800 pounds and 8 feet long - truly giants of the reef. You'll find them around wrecks, ledges, and structure in relatively shallow water, usually under 150 feet. They're protected, so it's strictly catch and release, but hooking one is a memory that lasts forever. The initial run will test your gear and your grip on the rod. They're curious fish that aren't shy about checking out divers and anglers. Spring through fall gives you the best shot when they're most active. My tip: use heavy tackle with at least 80-pound line and a big circle hook. They hit hard but tire quickly, so keep steady pressure to bring them up for a quick photo before release.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the speed demons of the flats, capable of hitting 35 mph in short bursts. They typically run 2-4 feet long with razor-sharp teeth that'll cut through light leaders in seconds. You'll spot them cruising shallow reefs, grass flats, and around structure, often near the surface. They're active year-round but really turn on during spring and fall. What makes them exciting is their explosive strike and aerial show - they'll jump and thrash like crazy when hooked. They're curious fish that hunt by sight, so they'll often follow lures before deciding to hit. The fight is intense but short-lived. Here's my tip: use a wire leader and keep your hands clear when landing them. Those teeth don't discriminate, and even a tired cuda can deliver a nasty bite.
Seriola dumeriliAmberjack are powerful fish that'll give you a real workout on the rod. They average around 40 pounds but can reach 100+ pounds, growing up to 6 feet long. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and deep structure, often in 60-200 feet of water. They're most active from spring through early fall when the water warms up. What guests love is their brute strength - they make long, hard runs straight for the bottom. The meat is excellent eating with a firm texture, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. They're not picky eaters and will hit live bait, jigs, or trolled lures. My advice: use heavy tackle with at least 50-pound line and be ready for that first dive toward structure. Keep pressure on them right away or they'll cut you off on the reef.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most colorful fish you'll catch, flashing gold and green when they hit the surface. They average 15-30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds when conditions are right. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, or current breaks where baitfish gather. Spring through fall is prime time here in the Keys. They're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling. What makes them special is their aggressive nature - they'll often travel in small schools, so where you catch one, there's usually more. The fight is strong but not too long. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep it in the water and look around for others before bringing it aboard. Often the school will stay close if they don't get spooked.
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