5.0(1 Reviews)Key West Fishing Charters | Private 4-Hour Backcountry
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
Private 4hour backcountry fishing adventure for up to 6 guestsTarget Mahi Mahi and Yellowtail Snapper with expert Captain HunterFamilyfriendly trips include equipment, drinks, and no license required
Captain Hunter knows these Stock Island waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to show you why this corner of the Keys produces some of the most consistent fishing in South Florida. This isn't your typical crowded charter boat situation – we're talking about a private 4-hour backcountry adventure where you and up to five friends have the entire 28' SeaHunter center console to yourselves. The backcountry around Stock Island offers something special that the offshore crowd misses: protected flats, channels, and structure that hold fish year-round, plus the kind of variety that keeps even seasoned anglers guessing what's coming up next.
Your morning starts at the Stock Island marina where Captain Hunter will have the SeaHunter rigged and ready to roll. This 28-footer is built for backcountry work – shallow draft, plenty of casting room, and all the electronics you need to mark fish and navigate the maze of mangrove islands and flats that make this area so productive. We're talking about a completely different style of fishing than what most people picture when they think Key West. Instead of heading miles offshore into blue water, we'll be working the edges of mangrove islands, drifting structure in 15-40 feet of water, and positioning on spots that Captain Hunter has been fine-tuning for years. The beauty of backcountry fishing is the variety – one minute you might be sight-casting to cruising fish on a shallow flat, the next you're dropping baits near a channel edge where bigger predators lurk. Families love this style of fishing because there's always something happening, and the protected waters mean a more comfortable ride for kids and anyone who gets seasick easily.
Captain Hunter comes prepared with everything you need, from light spinning tackle perfect for snapper to heavier gear when we're targeting bigger fish like cero mackerel or blackfin tuna. The backcountry demands versatility – we might start the morning slow-trolling small spoons and feathers along mangrove edges, then switch to live bait fishing when we find a productive piece of structure. Bottom fishing with cut bait is deadly effective for mutton and lane snapper, especially around the coral heads and ledges that dot the area. When conditions are right, we'll also do some sight fishing on the flats using jigs and live pilchards. The key to success back here is reading the water and adjusting tactics based on what the fish are telling you. Captain Hunter provides all rods, reels, tackle, and bait, plus he handles your fishing license requirements – you just need to show up ready to fish. Don't forget to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat because even with the Bimini top, the Keys sun can be intense.
The backcountry around Stock Island is famous for its diversity, and the target species list reads like a who's who of Keys fishing. Cero mackerel are absolute rockets that will test your drag and put on an aerial show once hooked. These fish typically run 5-15 pounds and are most active during the cooler months from November through March. They're aggressive feeders that love small trolled baits and spoons, and when you hook one, get ready for some serious line-peeling action. Mutton snapper are the prize catch for many anglers – these beautiful fish with their distinctive red coloring can reach 15-20 pounds in these waters and are known for their excellent table fare. They're structure-oriented fish that require some finesse, often hanging around coral heads and ledges in 20-40 feet of water. Lane snapper might be smaller, typically running 1-3 pounds, but they make up for size with numbers and enthusiasm. These fish are perfect for kids and beginning anglers because they bite readily and fight hard for their size. Blackfin tuna are the wildcards – when schools move through the area, usually in spring and fall, they provide some of the most exciting fishing you'll find in the backcountry. These 10-25 pound speedsters are built for speed and will give you a workout on appropriate tackle.
This is exactly the kind of fishing experience that separates the Keys from everywhere else – private water, expert guidance, and the chance to target multiple species in a single trip. Captain Hunter's 4-hour backcountry charters consistently produce fish while giving you and your crew the personal attention you can't get on bigger boats. The SeaHunter center console provides the perfect platform for this style of fishing, with room to move around, quality electronics, and the shallow draft needed to access the best backcountry spots. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to explore new water or a family wanting to introduce kids to serious fishing, this charter delivers the goods. The fact that it includes your fishing license and cold drinks just makes it that much easier to say yes. Stock Island's backcountry fishing is world-class, and with Captain Hunter putting you on fish, you're looking at the kind of day that creates lasting memories and has you planning your next trip before this one's even over.
Your floating fishing platform is the impressive 28' SeaHunter center console, built tough for the demanding backcountry waters around Stock Island. This well-designed fishing machine cuts through shallow flats and mangrove channels with ease, getting you to where the fish are hiding. The spacious deck gives all 6 anglers room to cast without tangling lines, while the center console design keeps Captain Hunter in control of every fishing situation. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those hot Florida afternoons. The wireless trolling motor lets you sneak up on spooky fish in skinny water without spooking them with engine noise. GPS navigation guides you to proven fishing spots, while the fish finder reveals what's swimming below. When weather rolls in, the onboard radar keeps you safe and headed in the right direction. Built for serious fishing, this SeaHunter handles everything from sight-casting to tarpon in the backcountry shallows to dropping baits on offshore structure.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfins are the scrappy little brothers of the tuna family, but don't let their size fool you - they fight like fish twice their weight. Most run 10-25 pounds with that classic tuna build and distinctive black fins. They school up near the continental shelf and move into our waters best during fall, winter, and spring when the water temps are right. These fish are pure muscle and speed, making blistering runs that'll test your drag. The meat is outstanding - true sushi quality that rivals any tuna. We find them in blue water, often mixed with skipjacks or following diving birds. Chunking with pilchards works great, but vertical jigging can be deadly when you mark them deep. Here's the secret: scale down your tackle. Use 30-pound fluoro leaders and 5/0 circle hooks because they've got sharp eyes and will shy away from heavy gear. Once hooked, just hold on tight.
Scomberomorus RegalisCeros are one of the most underrated fighters in these waters. They usually run 5-10 pounds with that classic torpedo shape and distinctive bronze streak along their silver sides. You'll find them cruising the patch reefs and clear coastal waters, often solo or in small groups near the surface down to about 60 feet. They hit fast and jump like crazy, but don't have much stamina once hooked. What makes them special is the quality - they're sushi-grade fish that taste better than most other mackerels. Best fishing is year-round here, especially over reefs with some chum in the water. They'll take topwater lures, live bait, or pretty much anything once they're fired up. Pro tip: use a wire leader or heavy fluorocarbon because those razor teeth will cut right through regular line, and keep your drag light since their mouths are soft.
Lutjanus SynagrisLane snappers are perfect for families and anyone looking for consistent action. These pink and silver fish with yellow racing stripes rarely get bigger than 14 inches, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and attitude. They're aggressive little fighters that'll hit almost anything you put down. You'll find them around coral reefs and sandy areas with grass, usually in 70-230 feet, though we catch them much shallower too. March through September is prime time when they're spawning and feeding heavily. They're not picky eaters - shrimp, squid, cut bait all work great. The bonus is they often show up when you're targeting other snappers, so they're like a fun surprise. Night fishing can be especially good since they feed more actively after dark. Quick tip: don't overthink the tackle - they're not line-shy like some fish, so standard snapper rigs work fine.
Lutjanus AnalisMuttons are the heavyweight champions of the snapper family around here. These olive-colored beauties with blue streaks under their eyes typically run 15-20 inches, but the big ones can push 30+ inches and over 20 pounds. They love hanging around coral reefs and rocky structure, usually in 80-200 feet of water, though we catch plenty in shallower spots too. Adults tend to be loners or travel in small groups. The fight is what gets people hooked - they're strong, stubborn fish that'll try to get back to the rocks once they feel the hook. The meat is top-notch, firm and sweet. Spring through fall gives us the best action. Here's the key: use the freshest bait you can get and keep it light - a knocker rig with just enough weight to get down. Let that bait drift naturally in the current, and when you see that pink color coming up through the water, you know you've got one.
5.0 out of 5.0
Key West