Fishing Charters in Florida Keys
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
Target tarpon, redfish, permit, snook in backcountry watersProfessional equipment and expert guidance provided throughout tripFlexible 4, 6, or 8hour charter options available
Picture this: you're standing on the bow at first light, coffee steaming in your hand, watching the sun paint the backcountry flats gold while tarpon roll just 100 yards away. That's what you get with Gregis Charters in the Florida Keys – authentic backcountry fishing that puts you right where the fish live. We're talking about world-class flats fishing in waters that have been producing trophy catches for decades, with flexible trip lengths that work around your schedule and budget.
When you book with us, you're getting access to some of the most productive backcountry waters in South Florida. We launch at 7:00 a.m. sharp – early enough to beat the afternoon winds and catch fish during their most active feeding periods. Your captain knows these flats like his own backyard, from the deeper channels where snook ambush baitfish to the skinny water where permit cruise looking for crabs. We keep our boats light with just two anglers max, so you'll have plenty of room to cast and fight fish without bumping elbows. The beauty of our flexible timing is simple: want a quick morning session? Book the 4-hour trip. Looking for a full day of diverse fishing? Go with the 8-hour option and we'll hit multiple spots as conditions and fish activity dictate.
We supply all the gear you need – from light spinning setups perfect for bonefish to heavier tackle that can handle a big tarpon. Most of our fishing happens sight-casting, which means we're actively looking for fish and casting to specific targets rather than blind fishing. You'll learn to read the water, spot fish moving across the flats, and present baits naturally. We use a mix of live bait like shrimp and pilchards, plus proven artificials like DOA shrimp and spoons. The technique changes based on what we're targeting – delicate presentations for spooky bonefish on clear flats, aggressive retrieves for snook around structure, and patient drifts when tarpon are rolling. Don't worry if you're new to flats fishing; these techniques are learnable, and there's nothing quite like the rush of watching a redfish eat your bait in three feet of crystal-clear water.
The Florida Keys backcountry is home to what many consider the most diverse inshore fishery in North America. Tarpon are the undisputed kings here – these silver giants can exceed 100 pounds and will test every bit of your tackle and technique. Peak season runs from March through July, with massive schools moving through our waters during their annual migration. The fight is legendary: multiple jumps, long runs, and battles that can last 30 minutes or more. Redfish are year-round residents that love the shallow grass flats and mangrove shorelines. These copper-colored bulldogs typically run 5-15 pounds in our waters and are known for their powerful runs and stubborn fighting style. They're also excellent table fare if you're looking to take dinner home.
Permit are considered by many to be the holy grail of flats fishing. These disc-shaped fish are incredibly spooky and selective feeders, making them one of the most challenging catches in our waters. They cruise the flats looking for crabs and small fish, often in water so shallow their backs are exposed. A permit on light tackle is a prize catch that many anglers travel thousands of miles to pursue. Snook are ambush predators that love structure – docks, mangroves, and channel edges where they can hide and strike at passing bait. They're most active during warmer months and around new and full moon phases when tides move the most water.
Bonefish might be the perfect flats species – they're challenging to spot and catch but willing enough to keep things interesting. These ghost-like fish cruise the shallows in small schools, tailing and rooting for food in the grass beds. They're incredibly strong for their size and will make blistering runs across the flats when hooked. Speckled trout round out our target list and are often the most cooperative species, especially for newer anglers. They school up around grass beds and deeper flats, eagerly taking both live bait and artificials.
The Florida Keys backcountry offers something special that you won't find anywhere else – pristine waters, diverse fishing opportunities, and the chance to target multiple trophy species in a single trip. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to check permit off your bucket list or a family wanting to introduce kids to the magic of sight-fishing, these waters deliver. Remember to bring your drinks, snacks, and sun protection – we'll handle everything else. The fish are here year-round, but the best bite often happens early in the day, which is why we start at sunrise. Book your charter today and get ready to experience why the Florida Keys have earned their reputation as one of the world's premier fishing destinations.
Our 17-foot Maverick flats boat is built for serious backcountry fishing in the Florida Keys. This 2013 shallow-water machine runs on a reliable 70HP Yamaha that'll get you to the best fishing spots at speeds up to 45 knots. Perfect for up to 2 anglers who want to target tarpon, redfish, permit, snook, bonefish, and speckled trout in the pristine flats and backcountry waters. The boat's shallow draft lets us pole into skinny water where the big fish hide, while the onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long days on the water. GPS navigation ensures we can find and return to productive fishing holes. Whether you're sight-fishing for tailing redfish or waiting for that silver king to roll, this nimble flats boat gives you the perfect platform to land the fish of a lifetime in one of the world's premier fishing destinations.
Albula VulpesThe gray ghost is the ultimate flats challenge, averaging 3-8 pounds with a torpedo-shaped, silver body that seems to vanish before your eyes. These spooky fish cruise grass flats and sandy bottoms in just inches of water, tailing when they feed. You'll find them best on incoming tides when they move onto the flats to hunt crabs and shrimp. They're purely catch-and-release since they're full of bones, but the fight is what matters - they'll peel 100 yards of line in seconds once hooked. Spring through fall offers the most opportunities, especially on calm, sunny days when you can spot them easier. The key is stealth - approach quietly and cast well ahead of moving fish. Small shrimp patterns or live shrimp work best.
Sciaenops OcellatusReds are the bronze bulldogs of the flats, easily spotted by their copper color and black eyespot near the tail. Most run 20-35 inches and 5-15 pounds around here. These guys love super shallow water - sometimes so skinny their backs show above the surface. Hunt them on mud flats, around oyster bars, and mangrove edges in 1-4 feet of water. They bite year-round but fall and winter offer the best chances when they school up. Anglers love reds because they fight like freight trains, pulling drag steadily rather than jumping. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, mild flesh. They're not picky eaters either - live shrimp, crabs, and cut bait all work. My secret: look for nervous water or muds where they're rooting around feeding.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout, or specs as we call them, are perfect for anglers wanting consistent action. These spotted beauties average 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds, though bigger ones lurk in deeper holes. Look for them over grass flats in 2-8 feet of water, especially around drop-offs and channels. They bite best in cooler months when they school up, and early morning or evening produces the most strikes. Specs are popular because they're aggressive biters, decent fighters, and make excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. They'll hit live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater plugs. Pro tip: work your lure slowly over the grass beds and listen for their distinctive croaking sound when they're feeding actively.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are some of the most exciting inshore fish you'll encounter here in the Keys. These sleek predators typically run 1-4 feet long with that distinctive black lateral line running down their golden sides. You'll find them hanging around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths in shallow water, usually less than 10 feet deep. They love structure and ambush points. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. What makes snook so popular is their aggressive strikes and powerful runs - they'll jump and fight hard once hooked. They're also great table fare with white, flaky meat. Here's a local tip: cast your live shrimp or pinfish right to the edge of mangrove roots and let it drift naturally with the current.
Megalops AtlanticusThe silver king is what dreams are made of - these giants can reach 6-8 feet and weigh 80-200 pounds. You'll spot them rolling in deeper channels around the flats, bridges, and harbor areas. They prefer water 10-60 feet deep but come shallow to feed. Late spring through summer is prime time when they migrate through our waters. What gets anglers hooked is watching a 100-pound fish launch 10 feet out of the water - pure adrenaline. They're catch and release only since the meat isn't great, but the fight is legendary. These fish can run for hundreds of yards and jump repeatedly. My advice: keep steady pressure but don't over-fight them. When they jump, bow to the king by dropping your rod tip to keep from pulling the hook.
Tavernier, FL