5.0(2 Reviews)Half Day Inshore Fishing Trip in Big Pine Key
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 4-hour inshore fishing trip targeting barracuda and amberjackAccommodates up to 4 guests with cooler and ice providedIncludes famous sandbar visit in Florida Keys backwaters
Looking to get on some serious fish in the pristine waters around Big Pine Key? Captain Jordan's got you covered with a top-rated half-day charter that'll put you on barracuda, amberjack, and whatever else is biting in these productive flats. This four-hour morning trip kicks off at 8 AM, giving you prime feeding time when the fish are most active. You'll be fishing the famous backwater channels and shallow flats that make the Lower Keys one of Florida's best-kept fishing secrets. With room for up to four anglers, this private charter gives you plenty of elbow room to work the water without crowds.
Your morning starts early for good reason – that's when the fish are feeding hardest in these warm Keys waters. Captain Jordan knows these backwater channels like the back of his hand, and he'll position you on structure where the big boys like to hang out. The boat comes equipped with everything you need, including a cooler packed with ice so you can bring your favorite drinks to stay hydrated under that Florida sun. You'll be fishing prime habitat where the deep channels meet the shallow flats, creating natural ambush points that attract everything from cuda to jacks. The sandbar stop gives you a chance to stretch your legs and maybe spot some marine life between fishing spots. This isn't a cattle boat operation – with just four anglers max, everyone gets personalized attention and prime fishing real estate.
Inshore fishing in the Keys is all about reading the water and matching your technique to what the fish want. You'll be working live bait around structure for the amberjacks, while barracuda respond well to flashy lures and cut bait. The shallow flats require finesse – light tackle and precise presentations that won't spook fish in skinny water. Captain Jordan provides all the rods, reels, and terminal tackle, but he's also happy to let you bring your own gear if you've got favorites. Expect to be casting to visible structure like coral heads, drop-offs, and grass lines where predator fish set up to feed. The technique changes throughout the trip as you move from deep channels to shallow flats, keeping things interesting and productive. Circle hooks and appropriate leaders are standard to ensure good fish care and successful releases.
"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 ultimate Keys experience – these silver kings can reach over 100 pounds and when they eat your bait, you'll know it. They're most active during spring through fall, with peak season running May through August. What makes tarpon special isn't just their size, but their aerial displays when hooked. These fish will jump, roll, and put on a show that'll leave you shaking with adrenaline. They feed in the channels and around structure, often showing themselves by rolling on the surface before they bite.
Great Barracuda are the speed demons of the flats – lightning fast predators that can reach 40-50 inches and provide some of the most explosive strikes you'll ever experience. They're year-round residents in Keys waters, but they're most aggressive during cooler months from November through April. Cuda are ambush predators that hang around structure waiting to blast anything that looks like an easy meal. Their razor-sharp teeth and aggressive nature make them a favorite target for anglers who like their fishing with an attitude.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the deep structure – powerful fish that can exceed 50 pounds and will test your tackle and technique. They're most active during cooler months, typically October through March, when they move inshore to feed around wrecks and reef structure. What makes jacks special is their incredible pulling power – they'll head straight for the bottom and make you work for every inch of line. They're excellent table fare when handled properly and provide some of the strongest fights pound-for-pound you'll find in Keys waters.
Mahi Mahi are the acrobats of the offshore scene, but they often move inshore around Big Pine Key chasing baitfish. These colorful fighters typically run 10-30 pounds and are known for their spectacular jumps and color changes during the fight. Peak season runs April through August, though they can show up any time conditions are right. Mahi are considered some of the best eating fish in the ocean, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill or blackened in a pan.
Wahoo are the rockets of the fishing world – these torpedo-shaped speedsters can hit 60+ mph and provide some of the most intense initial runs you'll experience. They're typically found during cooler months from November through March, often around deeper structure and drop-offs. Wahoo have razor-sharp teeth and incredible speed, making them a prized catch for serious anglers. Their firm, white meat is considered premium table fare and they're known for making blistering runs that'll scream line off your reel.
This half-day charter gives you everything you need for a world-class Keys fishing experience without breaking the bank or burning up your whole day. Captain Jordan's
Your fishing adventure starts aboard this reliable 22-foot Kirkland center console, rigged and ready for the productive waters around Big Pine Key. The 150HP Suzuki pushes this 2005 bay boat to a solid 40 knots, getting you to the bite faster and covering more fishing ground during your half-day trip. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the rails when those barracuda and amberjack start hitting. The GPS keeps you on the productive spots while the fish finder helps locate schools and structure where the fish are holding. This versatile boat handles both the shallow backcountry flats and deeper offshore waters with ease, perfect for targeting whatever species are biting. The center console design gives everyone clear casting lanes and easy access to the action. Ice-cold beverages stay that way in the provided cooler, and you'll even get to check out the famous local sandbar during your 4-hour morning trip starting at 8 AM.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the neighborhood bullies with attitude to spare. They typically run 2-4 feet long around our flats and reefs, lurking near structure and ambushing anything that moves. You'll spot them year-round in shallow water around coral heads, grass beds, and channel edges. What makes them fun is their aggressive strike and decent fight, though they tire quickly. They're naturally curious and will often follow your bait or lure before deciding to hit it. Most folks don't eat them due to ciguatera risk, but the action keeps people coming back. They'll hit just about anything shiny - spoons, plugs, or live bait work great. My tip: when you see one following your lure, stop reeling for a second, then give it a quick jerk. That sudden movement usually triggers the strike from these sight feeders.
Seriola dumeriliAmberjacks are the bulldogs of the reef - thick, powerful fish that'll test your tackle and your back. They average 20-40 pounds around here, but we see plenty over 50. You'll find them hanging around wrecks, ledges, and deeper structure in 60-150 feet of water. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they're most active. These fish are pure muscle and will try to cut you off on the bottom structure the second you hook them. Guests love the challenge because it's a serious tug-of-war, plus the meat is excellent when prepared fresh. They're not picky eaters - live bait, jigs, and even artificials work well. My advice: use heavy enough tackle and get them up and away from the bottom fast. Once they get their head down and dive for structure, you're usually done.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fighters you'll encounter, flashing gold and electric blue until they fade after the fight. They typically run 15-30 pounds but can hit 80+. We find them under floating debris, weed lines, and around our local structures year-round, with peak action from spring through fall. They're fast swimmers that love chasing baitfish on the surface, making them perfect for trolling or casting. What guests love most is the combination - they fight hard, jump often, and make outstanding table fare with sweet, firm white meat. The key is watching for birds working over floating grass or debris. Pro tip: when you hook one, don't just focus on landing it - scan the area because mahi travel in schools, and you'll often find their buddies nearby ready to bite.
Megalops AtlanticusThe "silver king" is what fishing dreams are made of. These giants average 4-6 feet and 80-100 pounds, but can hit 280 pounds and jump 10 feet out of the water. Around Big Pine Key, we find them in the deeper channels and along grass flat edges, especially during spring and summer migrations. They love live bait like crabs and pinfish drifted naturally with the current. What makes tarpon special isn't the eating - most folks release them - it's that heart-stopping jump and the fight that can last an hour. These fish have been around 125 million years, so they know every trick in the book. Here's my tip: when one jumps, bow to the king - drop your rod tip to give slack, or those acrobatics will throw your hook every time.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are built for speed - up to 60 mph - with razor teeth to match. These torpedo-shaped fish average 20-40 pounds but can exceed 100. We target them in blue water along drop-offs and around floating debris, with best fishing from late summer through winter when they're migrating through. The thrill is in the strike - they'll smoke your drag on the initial run and often jump multiple times. Plus, they're premium table fare with delicate, flaky white meat that's perfect for the grill. High-speed trolling with wire leaders is the standard approach since their teeth will slice through anything else. Here's what I tell clients: when you see that distinctive blue and silver blur coming up behind your lure, hold on tight. The strike is explosive, and you've got about 10 seconds before they either throw the hook or settle into the fight.
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