5.0(2 Reviews)Half Day Inshore Fishing in Big Pine Key
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 4hour inshore fishing trip targeting barracuda and amberjackMaximum 4 guests with famous sandbar visit includedMorning departure with cooler and ice provided
Looking for a solid half-day fishing trip in the heart of the Florida Keys? Captain Jordan's got you covered with this top-rated 4-hour adventure departing at 8 AM from Big Pine Key. You'll hit the pristine backwaters where the fish are plentiful and the scenery's second to none. With ice-cold drinks in the cooler and a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand, this trip delivers exactly what you're after - great fishing, good times, and maybe even a stop at the famous local sandbar to stretch your legs.
This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip. Captain Jordan runs a tight ship with room for up to 4 anglers, keeping things personal and focused on putting fish in the boat. You'll be working the flats and channels around Big Pine Key, where the water's crystal clear and the fish are hungry. The 4-hour window gives you plenty of time to hit multiple spots without wearing yourself out. Between the excellent fishing and Captain Jordan's laid-back approach, you'll feel like you're fishing with an old buddy rather than a hired guide. Don't forget to bring your favorite beverages - the cooler's stocked with ice and ready to keep everything cold while you're working the water.
Inshore fishing in the Keys is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. You'll be sight fishing the flats, working structure around channels, and maybe even doing some light tackle trolling depending on what's biting. Captain Jordan provides all the gear you need, from spinning rods perfect for the shallow water work to the terminal tackle that gets results in these waters. Live bait and artificials both produce here, and the captain knows when to switch between them. The boat's rigged for serious fishing but comfortable enough that everyone gets their shot at the action. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, the captain adjusts the approach to match your skill level.
"My wife and I took a half day trip with Jordan. He is a safe and knowledgeable captain. He has an amazing attitude and is a blast to spend the day with in his boat. Highly recommend him." - Sheryl
"I can't recommend Captain Jordan and Kokomo keys charters enough. He is with out a doubt the most personable captain I have ever had the pleasure of fishing with. Didn't feel like I was fishing with a hired captain but a long time friend or brother. Laughing and catching fish all day. Must have caught over a dozen species of fish including some delicious snapper for dinner which Captain Jordan cleaned for me and recommended local restaurants that would cook our catch for the whole family to enjoy. Truly one of the best experiences the keys has to offer. Can't recommend enough." - Tim
Tarpon are the undisputed kings of the flats around Big Pine Key, and when you hook into one of these silver giants, you'll understand why anglers travel from around the world to fish these waters. These prehistoric fish can reach over 100 pounds and are famous for their acrobatic jumps when hooked. Peak tarpon season runs from April through July, but you can find them year-round in the deeper channels. The fight is legendary - expect screaming runs and multiple jumps that'll test your skills and your tackle. Most anglers practice catch and release with tarpon, making it all about the experience rather than the dinner table.
Mahi Mahi, or common dolphinfish as they're officially known, are pure excitement on light tackle. These beautiful fish with their distinctive flat heads and brilliant colors are typically found around floating debris or structure in 20-100 feet of water. They're aggressive feeders and put up a spectacular fight, often jumping multiple times when hooked. Mahi season peaks in spring and summer, and they're fantastic table fare. A good-sized mahi will run 10-30 pounds, though bigger bulls are always a possibility. Their bright gold and blue colors fade quickly after landing, so have that camera ready.
Greater Amberjack are the heavyweight brawlers of the reef and wreck systems around Big Pine Key. These fish are built for power, not speed, and they'll test your endurance with their bulldogging runs straight for the bottom. Amberjack are year-round residents but fish best in cooler months when they move into shallower water. They're curious fish that respond well to both live bait and jigs worked vertically. A typical amberjack runs 20-40 pounds, but the big ones can push 60 pounds or more. They're excellent eating when prepared properly, despite their reputation for being tough.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, but they occasionally venture into the deeper inshore waters around the Keys. These torpedo-shaped fish are built for speed, reaching up to 60 mph in short bursts. They have razor-sharp teeth and a tendency to cut through leaders, so wire is essential. Wahoo fishing is best with high-speed trolling using diving plugs or rigged ballyhoo. They're relatively rare catches on inshore trips, making them extra special when they show up. The meat is white, flaky, and considered some of the best eating in the ocean.
Great Barracuda are the opportunistic predators of the flats, always ready to ambush an easy meal. These sleek fish with their menacing teeth are common around Big Pine Key and provide exciting action on light tackle. They're visual hunters that often follow baits for long distances before striking, making for some heart-stopping moments. Barracuda average 5-15 pounds in the shallows, though bigger fish lurk in deeper water. They're notorious for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps. While they're edible, most anglers release them due to the small risk of ciguatera in larger fish.
Hit the waters around Big Pine Key aboard this reliable 22-foot Kirkland center console, powered by a smooth 150HP Suzuki that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast. This 2005 bay boat handles both shallow backcountry flats and deeper offshore spots with ease, cruising at up to 40 knots when you need to chase the bite. The center console design gives all four anglers plenty of room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up. GPS keeps you on the productive spots while the fish finder helps locate schools of barracuda, amberjack, and whatever else is lurking below. The open layout means easy access to all sides for landing fish, and there's a cooler with ice to keep your drinks cold and your catch fresh during the 4-hour adventure through the pristine Florida Keys backcountry.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the apex predators of the flats - silver missiles with attitude and teeth to match. Most run 2-4 feet long, but the big ones can hit 6 feet and really get your attention. You'll find them cruising shallow reefs, grass flats, and mangrove edges, usually alone and always hunting. They're year-round residents here, but spring and summer offer the most action. What makes them fun is that aggressive strike and the acrobatic fight - they'll jump, run, and show you every trick in the book. While most folks release them due to ciguatera concerns, the fight itself is worth it. My tip: use wire leaders and cast ahead of cruising fish. They hunt by sight and that silver flash of a spoon or tube lure drives them crazy.
Seriola dumeriliAmberjack are the bulldogs of the reef - thick, powerful fish that'll test your tackle and your back. These guys average 20-40 pounds but can hit 60-plus, with that distinctive amber stripe and muscular build. You'll find them around structure: wrecks, reefs, and drop-offs in 60-120 feet of water. Spring and fall fishing is prime time when they're most active. What makes them popular is that raw power - they fight straight down and don't give up easy. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm white meat. The key to landing big amberjack is keeping steady pressure and not letting them get back to their structure. Use heavy tackle and don't be shy about putting the heat on them early in the fight.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll see - brilliant gold and electric blue colors that put on a light show when they come out of the water. They typically run 15-30 pounds and about 3 feet long, though we see bigger ones. These fast-growing fish love floating debris and weed lines in warmer months, usually in that 200-600 foot range offshore. What guests love is the combination of great fighting ability, stunning looks, and some of the best eating you'll find. The meat is firm, mild, and perfect for the grill. Here's a local trick: when you find one mahi, slow down and work the area thoroughly. They often travel in small schools, so where there's one, there's usually more nearby waiting to bite.
Megalops AtlanticusThese silver kings are absolute bucket-list fish - nothing compares to watching a 100-pound tarpon launch 6 feet out of the water. They average 4-6 feet and 80-100 pounds around the Keys, living up to 50 years in our deeper channels and grass flats. Spring through summer brings the best action when they migrate through. What makes tarpon special is their spectacular jumping ability and that prehistoric look - they've been around 125 million years. Most anglers practice catch-and-release since the meat isn't great due to all those tiny bones. Pro tip: when one jumps, bow to the fish by lowering your rod tip - it prevents that hook from popping out during their aerial show. The fight alone makes these legendary gamefish worth every minute on the water.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are pure speed demons - hitting 60 mph and slicing through bait like torpedos. These slender, blue-striped fish typically run 3-5 feet and 20-40 pounds around here. They cruise the blue water and edges in 60-200 feet, especially near floating debris or temperature breaks. Summer through fall is peak season when they're moving through. What hooks anglers is that blistering initial run and the quality table fare - white, flaky meat that's perfect for fish tacos. The trick with wahoo is using wire leaders since their razor teeth will cut through anything else. High-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with diving plugs or ballyhoo works best. When one hits, hold on tight - that first run will peel line off your reel like nothing else.
5.0 out of 5.0My wife and I took a half day trip with Jordan. He is a safe and knowledgeable captain. He has an amazing attitude and is a blast ...
I can’t recommend Captain Jordan and Kokomo keys charters enough. He is with out a doubt the most personable captain I have ever h...
Big Pine Key, FL