Big Pine Key 4 Hour Inshore Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore fishing charter targeting tarpon, snook, and mutton snapperCaptain Troy Phillips guides trips on 28foot Intrepid center console boatMorning and afternoon departures with all tackle and licenses included
Captain Troy Phillips knows these waters like the back of his hand, and his 28-foot Intrepid center console will get you into the heart of Big Pine Key's best inshore action. This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip – Troy runs a serious operation that puts you on fish in the mangroves, flats, and nearshore edges where tarpon roll, snook ambush baitfish, and mutton snapper cruise the structure. You'll fish for four solid hours with all the gear and licenses included, so just show up ready to wet a line. The boat handles up to six anglers, but starts at a base rate for two guests at $700, with additional anglers running $50 each. Kids under 12 fish free, which makes this a solid choice for families looking to get everyone involved.
Troy runs two trips daily – 8AM and 1PM starts – giving you flexibility whether you're an early bird or prefer afternoon action. The Intrepid runs smooth and fast, cutting travel time so you spend more minutes with lines wet instead of burning fuel getting there. Big Pine Key sits perfectly positioned in the lower Keys, where the backcountry opens up into endless flats and the Gulf side offers different structure and current breaks. You'll work everything from shallow grass flats where snook cruise the edges to deeper mangrove cuts that hold tarpon and sharks. The boat's setup handles light tackle and heavier gear equally well, so whether you're sight-casting to tailing fish or dropping baits near structure, Troy's got you covered. Morning trips often start cooler with calmer conditions, while afternoon charters can offer warmer water and more active baitfish movement. Both windows produce fish, but the timing affects which species you're most likely to encounter.
Inshore fishing around Big Pine Key means adapting to what the water gives you on any particular day. Troy runs a mix of live bait and artificial techniques, switching between sight-fishing on the flats and working structure with heavier presentations. When the water's clear and fish are visible, you'll be casting to specific targets – maybe a laid-up tarpon or a snook holding under a mangrove overhang. The boat carries spinning gear in various weights, from light setups perfect for snook and smaller species up to heavier tackle that can handle big tarpon and sharks when they show up. Live bait often means pilchards, pinfish, or whatever's running thick that day, while the artificial arsenal includes everything from DOA shrimp and spoons to topwater plugs that drive fish crazy in shallow water. The key is reading conditions and fish behavior, then matching your approach accordingly. Troy knows when to run the trolling motor quietly across a flat versus when to anchor up and work a specific piece of structure thoroughly.
Atlantic Sailfish make surprise appearances in the nearshore waters around Big Pine Key, especially during winter months when they follow baitfish movements closer to shore. These fish hit hard and put on an aerial show that'll get your heart pumping, often jumping multiple times before you can get them boatside. They're built for speed with that distinctive sail and torpedo body, typically running 6-8 feet long around here. When hooked, sailfish make blistering runs and change directions without warning, testing your drag settings and reflexes. The cool thing about catching sailfish this close to shore is you don't need a long offshore run – they come to you when conditions align right.
Tarpon are the silver kings of these waters, and Big Pine Key's backcountry holds some true giants along with plenty of juvenile fish that still pack serious punch. Adult tarpon can stretch over six feet and weigh 100+ pounds, while the smaller fish still average 20-40 pounds and jump just as high. They're most active during warmer months from spring through fall, often rolling on the surface in channels and deeper holes. When a tarpon eats your bait, the first jump usually happens within seconds – a completely wild sight that never gets old. These fish are prehistoric looking with massive scales and that distinctive lower jaw, plus they're incredibly strong fighters that can run line off your reel for what feels like forever.
Mahi Mahi occasionally push into nearshore waters around Big Pine Key, particularly during summer months when they follow current lines and floating debris closer to shore. These fish are absolutely gorgeous with electric blues, greens, and yellows that light up when they're fired up. They typically run 10-25 pounds in these waters and hit baits aggressively, often in schools where you might catch multiple fish from the same spot. Mahi fight hard with lots of head-shaking and direction changes, plus they're excellent eating fish that make great table fare. Finding them usually means looking for birds working bait or floating grass lines where they set up to ambush smaller fish.
Wahoo are speed demons that occasionally show up in the deeper nearshore waters, especially around structure or current edges where baitfish concentrate. These fish can hit 40+ mph and have razor-sharp teeth that'll cut through light leaders instantly. They typically run 15-40 pounds locally and make scorching runs when hooked, often jumping and tail-walking across the surface. Wahoo have distinctive blue tiger stripes and are built like torpedoes for pure speed. They're notorious for cutting people off, so wire leaders are essential when they're around. The eating quality is outstanding – firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Red Snapper are structure-loving fish that hang around ledges, rocks, and artificial reefs in the nearshore waters. They're beautiful fish with bright red coloration and can reach good size – 5-15 pounds is common around Big Pine Key. Snapper are smart and can be picky about baits, but when they bite, they fight hard with strong pulls toward whatever structure they came from. They're excellent table fare and one of the most sought-after fish in these waters. Red snapper season has specific regulations, so timing matters, but when
Captain Troy's 28-foot Intrepid center console gets you to the fish fast with twin Suzuki 175s pushing through Florida Keys waters. This proven fishing machine cuts through chop to reach mangrove cuts, grass flats, and nearshore drops where tarpon roll, snook ambush baitfish, and mutton snapper patrol the edges. The spacious deck gives you room to work a rod whether you're sight-casting to cruising fish or dropping baits near structure. Built for light tackle fishing with reliable power, this boat handles the varied conditions around Big Pine Key from shallow backcountry to deeper channels where sharks and cuda patrol. Clean lines and smart layout mean less time getting there, more time with lines wet in productive water.
Istiophorus AlbicansThese blue-gray speedsters are one of the ocean's fastest fish, hitting 30+ mph when they're hunting. Most run 6-8 feet and around 50 pounds, with that signature sail fin they flash when excited. We find them in 30-65 feet of water along current edges and weed lines, especially when baitfish are thick. Winter months in the Keys are prime time - that's when they move in close chasing sardines and mackerel. What makes them special is the fight - they'll jump, dive, and change colors from blue to black right in front of you. They're pure catch-and-release fish, but the battle is worth every minute. Pro tip: when one comes up on your bait, resist the urge to set the hook hard right away. Let them eat it for a few seconds first.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are stunning fish - bright gold and green colors that put on a light show when you bring them boatside. They run 15-30 pounds on average, with bull dolphins pushing 50+ pounds. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks, usually in 30-100 feet of water. Spring through fall is peak season when they move close to our nearshore edges. They're aggressive feeders and great fighters - fast runs and aerial jumps. Plus, they're hands-down some of the best eating fish in the ocean - firm, sweet, white meat that's perfect for fish tacos. They travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. My trick: once you hook up, leave some baits in the water. The hooked fish will often keep the school fired up underneath the boat.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are classic bottom fish - deep red color, big eyes, and built like bulldogs. They average 2-5 pounds inshore, but 10-15 pounders show up around deeper structure. We find them on rocky bottoms, ledges, and around any hard structure in 40-150 feet of water. Summer and fall are prime when they move up from deeper Gulf waters. They're scrappy fighters that dive straight for cover when hooked. What makes them special is they're outstanding table fare - sweet, firm white meat that's restaurant quality. They're smart fish, so light leaders and natural baits work best. Local secret: use live pinfish or small grunts when you can get them. Drop your bait right to the bottom and be ready - when a snapper takes it, he's heading straight back to the rocks.
Megalops AtlanticusThe "silver king" is Florida's most famous gamefish - these prehistoric giants average 4-6 feet and 80-100 pounds, though 8-footers over 200 pounds swim these waters. You'll spot them rolling on the surface in channels, around bridges, and along the flats edges. Best action runs May through July when they're thick, but we catch them year-round. They live in everything from deep channels to 3 feet of water on the flats. What hooks people is watching a 6-foot fish launch 10 feet in the air - pure adrenaline. They're terrible table fare, so it's all about the fight and photos. The hard part isn't hooking them, it's landing them after a 2-hour battle. Here's the key: keep steady pressure but don't horse them. Let them jump and tire themselves out.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the ocean's speedsters - sleek, torpedo-shaped fish that can hit 60 mph when they want to. Most run 20-40 pounds and 3-4 feet long, with razor-sharp teeth and blue tiger stripes. They cruise blue water edges and current breaks, usually 30-200 feet deep. Fall and winter are money times when they chase baitfish close to our nearshore waters. They strike lures like lightning and make blistering runs that'll smoke your reel. The meat is top-shelf - white, flaky, and mild, perfect for grilling. They're loners mostly, so it's often one shot, one fish. Speed is everything with wahoo - I run lures fast, around 12-15 knots, and always use wire leaders. Those teeth will slice through mono like butter, so don't cheap out on your terminal tackle.
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