Half Day Fishing Trip - Cudjoe Key Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fishing charter in Florida Keys watersSmall group experience accommodating up to four guestsSeasonal targeting with consistent fishing opportunities available
Looking for a solid half-day on the water in one of the Florida Keys' best fishing spots? You've found it. Cudjoe Key sits right in the sweet spot where the backcountry flats meet deeper waters, giving us access to some of the most diverse fishing the Keys have to offer. We'll cruise out from the marina, get our bearings on the conditions, and put you on fish that'll make you forget all about whatever stress you left on shore. Whether you're chasing your first tarpon or looking to add another species to your bucket list, this half-day trip packs plenty of action into four solid hours of fishing.
This isn't your typical charter where you sit around waiting for something to happen. We start moving as soon as we clear the dock, reading the water and weather to figure out where the fish are holding today. The beauty of fishing around Cudjoe Key is the variety – one minute we might be working the grass flats for trout, the next we're sight-fishing for tailing bones in skinny water. The boat's rigged with everything you need, from light tackle for finicky bonefish to heavier gear if we get into some bigger tarpon. I'll handle the boat positioning and give you the rundown on techniques as we go, but don't worry if you're new to this – half the fun is learning as you fish. The other half is landing something that'll give you bragging rights for months.
We fish light and smart out here. Most of the time, we're throwing live bait on circle hooks – pilchards, pinfish, or whatever's running fresh that day. For the bonefish, we'll switch to lighter spinning gear with small jigs or live shrimp on the bottom. When tarpon are around, we bump up to heavier tackle because these fish will test every knot and connection you've got. I keep a variety of rods rigged and ready so we can adapt fast when conditions change or when we spot different species. The flats around Cudjoe Key range from two feet to about eight feet deep, perfect for sight fishing when the water's clear. We'll also hit some deeper edges where the barracuda like to patrol, and those guys hit hard and fast – you'll know when one takes your bait.
Tarpon are the kings of Florida Keys fishing, and for good reason. These silver giants can stretch over six feet and put up a fight that'll leave your arms shaking. They're most active from April through October, with peak action in late spring and early summer. When a tarpon takes your bait, get ready for jumps that'll have you scrambling for your phone – assuming you can take your hands off the rod. The best part about tarpon fishing here is you never know what size you'll hook. Could be a 40-pounder that's perfect for beginners, or a 150-pound monster that'll test every bit of drag on the reel.
Sea trout might not jump like tarpon, but they're one of the most reliable fish in these waters year-round. They love the grass flats around Cudjoe Key, especially when the tide's moving and stirring up baitfish. Trout bite consistently, fight hard for their size, and make excellent table fare if you want to take a few home. They're perfect for kids and beginners because they're not too picky about bait presentation, but they're still sporty enough to keep experienced anglers interested.
Great barracuda are the speed demons of the flats. These torpedo-shaped predators can hit 30 mph when they're chasing bait, and they'll absolutely destroy whatever they decide to eat. Barracuda fishing is visual and exciting – you'll often see them following the boat or cruising the edges of the flats before they strike. They're around all year but really turn on when the water warms up in late spring. Fair warning: they've got teeth like razors and an attitude to match, so we use wire leaders and handle them with respect.
Bonefish are the ghosts of the flats – spooky, smart, and absolutely addictive once you get one on the line. These silvery shadows cruise the shallow water looking for crabs and shrimp, and spotting them before they spot you is half the challenge. Bones are available year-round in the Keys, but they're most cooperative in cooler months when they're not as pressured. They don't jump like tarpon or run like barracuda, but they'll strip line off your reel with surprising power and make you earn every inch you get back.
Half-day trips fill up fast, especially during peak season when everyone wants a piece of this world-class fishery. Four hours gives us plenty of time to hit multiple spots and target different species without wearing you out in the Florida sun. The boat's rated for four anglers max, so you'll have plenty of room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up. We provide all the tackle, bait, and local knowledge – you just bring yourself and whatever drinks and snacks you want for the trip. Book now and get ready to see why Cudjoe Key fishing keeps anglers coming back year after year. The fish are here, the weather's cooperating, and your spot on the boat is just a phone call away.
Your fishing adventure starts aboard our well-equipped motorboat, perfectly sized for up to 4 anglers exploring the productive waters around Cudjoe Key. This reliable vessel comes loaded with everything you need for a successful day on the flats - a quality fish finder to locate schools and structure, GPS navigation to hit the best spots, and an ice box to keep your catch fresh. The wireless trolling motor lets us slip quietly through shallow water without spooking fish, giving you clean shots at tarpon, snook, redfish, and whatever else is biting in these legendary Florida Keys waters. Whether we're working the backcountry flats or cruising deeper channels, this boat handles the Keys' varied fishing grounds with ease, getting you to the fish and back to the dock safely.
Albula VulpesThe "grey ghost" is the ultimate flats challenge - these silvery fish average 6-8 pounds but fight like they're twice that size. They cruise shallow grass flats, sometimes in just inches of water, tailing when they feed. Best fishing is around low tide when they move up to hunt crabs and shrimp. Anglers chase them for the incredible 100+ yard runs and the pure skill needed to sight-cast accurately without spooking them. They're catch-and-release fish - too bony and not great eating anyway. The magic happens when you spot them tailing or cruising. Pro tip: cast well ahead of moving fish and let your bait sink naturally - these fish are spooky and will bolt if you drop it too close.
Sphyraena BarracudaThese toothy speedsters are pure adrenaline - they can hit 35 mph and jump like crazy when hooked. Most run 2-4 feet, but we see 5-6 footers that'll test your tackle. You'll find them around coral reefs, grass beds, and drop-offs, usually near the surface hunting for baitfish. Spring through fall is prime time when they're most active. Anglers love them for the explosive strikes and wild fights, though the battle is usually short and intense. They're curious fish that'll often follow your lure before striking. Not great eating due to possible toxins. My advice: use a wire leader - those razor teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat, and watch your fingers when landing one!
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them, are solid fish running 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds on average. You'll find them hanging around grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night when they get more active. They love cooler months when they school up in deeper spots. These fish are popular because they fight well on light tackle and make excellent table fare - white, flaky meat that's perfect for dinner. They're not too picky about bait, taking live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater plugs. The key trick here is fishing the grass edges right at dusk or dawn, and don't overcook them - the meat gets mushy fast if you're not careful.
Megalops AtlanticusThe "Silver King" is what every angler dreams about - these giants average 80-100 pounds and can hit 200+ pounds. They're famous for those jaw-dropping jumps that'll have you holding on tight. Around here, we find them in the deeper channels and grass flats, especially during late spring through summer when they migrate through. What makes tarpon special isn't the eating (they're catch-and-release) - it's that heart-pounding fight and those acrobatic leaps. These fish can live 50+ years, so that monster you're fighting might be older than you! My tip: keep your rod tip down when they jump to avoid getting thrown hooks, and be patient - the fight can last an hour with a big one.
Cudjoe Key