5.0(1 Reviews)Key West Guided Inshore Fishing Adventure
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore fishing trip targeting tarpon and permit speciesAccommodates up to four guests with all equipment and licenses includedCaptain cleans and fillets catch at trip conclusion
You're looking at six solid hours on the flats and backcountry waters around Key West with Captain Ryan, who knows exactly where to find the fish that make this place legendary. This isn't your typical tourist charter – we're talking serious inshore fishing for tarpon, permit, and whatever else is biting in these world-class waters. Whether you've been fishing your whole life or you're just getting started, Captain Ryan will put you on fish and make sure you have everything you need to make it happen. We've got you covered with all the gear, licenses, and even fish cleaning at the end of the day.
Captain Ryan runs a tight ship that's built for the shallow waters and flats that make Key West fishing so special. You'll be fishing the backcountry where the water is crystal clear and the fish are always moving. The boat handles up to four anglers comfortably, so there's plenty of room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up with your buddies. We start early to catch the best bite times, and Captain Ryan knows these waters like the back of his hand – he'll put you on structure, flats, and channels where the fish are feeding. The whole setup is designed to maximize your time with a line in the water, not messing around with gear or trying to figure out where to fish.
All your rods, reels, and terminal tackle are provided and rigged for the specific conditions we'll be fishing. Captain Ryan matches the gear to what we're targeting – lighter tackle for permit and snapper, heavier setups when we're going after tarpon or big barracuda. We'll be using a mix of live bait and artificials depending on what the fish want that day. You might be sight fishing on the flats, working structure with jigs, or drifting bait in deeper channels. The beauty of inshore fishing around Key West is the variety – you never know what's going to grab your bait next. Captain Ryan will walk you through the techniques and make sure you're set up for success, whether you're an experienced angler or this is your first time targeting these species.
"My wife and I went out for a mid day charter and Captain Ryan put us on fish immediately. He was great to talk to and super helpful. We caught yellow tail, Goliath grooper, and a 7 foot shark. We will definitely charter with Live action sport fishing again!!!" - Matt
Permit are the holy grail of flats fishing, and Key West has some of the best permit fishing in the world. These fish are incredibly spooky and smart – they'll test every bit of your skill and patience. Permit average 15-25 pounds but can get much bigger, and they're most active during the warmer months when they're cruising the flats looking for crabs and small fish. What makes catching a permit so special is how selective they are – you might see dozens of them but getting one to eat your bait is a real achievement. When you do hook up, they make long, powerful runs that will have your drag screaming.
Great Barracuda are the speed demons of the flats, and they're always ready to eat. These silver bullets can reach 40+ inches and they hit baits and lures with incredible aggression. You'll find them year-round in Key West waters, but they're most active in the warmer months when baitfish are thick on the flats. Barracuda are perfect for anglers who want fast action – they're not shy about hitting lures, and once hooked, they put on an aerial show with jumps and runs that will get your heart pumping. They're also great eating when prepared right, despite what some people think.
Cobia are the bulldogs of the inshore waters, and when you hook into one, you'll know it immediately. These fish can reach 30-50 pounds and they fight like they're twice that size. Spring and early summer are prime time for cobia around Key West as they move through the area during their migration. They're curious fish that will often follow the boat, giving you multiple chances to get them to bite. Cobia are also some of the best eating fish in these waters – their firm, white meat is perfect for the grill.
Mutton Snapper are the prize of the snapper family, with their distinctive blue lines and red coloring. These fish are structure-oriented, hanging around wrecks, rocks, and deeper channels. They're most active during the summer months and can reach impressive sizes – a 10-15 pound mutton is a fish to be proud of. What makes mutton snapper exciting is their wariness – they're not easy to fool, and it often takes the right bait presentation and some patience to get them to commit. Plus, they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table.
Grey Snapper, also known as mangrove snapper, are the most reliable fish on this list and perfect for keeping the action steady throughout the day. They're found around any kind of structure – docks, mangroves, rocks, and artificial reefs. While they might not be the biggest fish you'll catch, greys are scrappy fighters and they bite year-round, making them perfect for keeping kids and new anglers engaged. A cooler full of grey snapper means you're eating well, as they're some of the best table fare in Florida waters.
This is exactly the kind of fishing trip that shows you why Key West has such a reputation among serious anglers. Six hours with Captain Ryan means you're getting the full experience – multiple species, different techniques, and the kind of local knowledge that only comes from years on these waters. Everything is included except your enthusiasm, and with fish cleaning at the end of the trip, you'll head home with a cooler full of fresh fillets. The boat is comfortable, the fishing
Hit the flats around Key West aboard this speedy 24' Pathfinder bay boat, perfectly rigged for chasing tarpon and permit in the shallows. The 250 HP Yamaha gets you to the hot spots fast—up to 40 knots when you need to cover water quickly. Once you're on the fish, the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet for those spooky permit and lets you position precisely without spooking your targets. The fish finder helps locate structure and baitfish, while GPS navigation ensures you hit the most productive spots Captain Ryan knows. Keep your drinks cold in the onboard icebox during those long fights with silver kings. With room for four anglers and all the safety gear you need, this boat handles everything from backcountry creeks to nearshore reefs where the big fish cruise.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are dark brown, shark-looking fish that can reach 6 feet and 100 pounds, though most run 20-40 pounds. They're usually loners, cruising near structures like reefs, wrecks, and channel markers in 30-70 feet of water. Spring through early fall is prime season when they migrate through our waters. What makes cobia special is they're excellent table fare - firm, white meat that's prized by restaurants. Plus they fight hard, making long runs and testing your drag. You'll often spot them just under the surface, which makes for exciting sight fishing. The key is getting them to notice your bait since they're not schooling fish. We typically use bucktail jigs in the 4-8 ounce range, bouncing them near structure. Here's a local tip: if you see one cobia, slow down and work the area thoroughly. Where there's one, there's often another nearby, and they're worth the effort for both the fight and the dinner table.
Sphyraena BarracudaThese silver torpedoes are built for speed, reaching 35 mph in short bursts with their streamlined bodies. Most barracuda run 2-4 feet, but the big ones can hit 6 feet and over 100 pounds. You'll find them cruising near the surface around coral reefs, mangroves, and anywhere baitfish gather. They're curious by nature and will often follow the boat or check out shiny objects. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're more active in warmer water. Guests enjoy barracuda because they hit hard, jump when hooked, and put up a scrappy fight - though they tire quickly. The bigger ones can be aggressive near the boat, so we use a net and gloves for safety. Here's the trick: cast past them and retrieve fast with erratic jerks. They hunt by sight and that sudden movement triggers their predator instincts. Just watch those teeth when landing one!
Lutjanus GriseusAlso called mangrove snapper, these greyish-red fish are opportunistic predators that love structure. Most run 10-14 inches inshore, but bigger ones up to 20 pounds lurk in deeper water. They hang around docks, mangroves, rocks, and any cover where they can ambush prey. You'll catch them year-round, but they're most active during warmer months and at night since they're naturally nocturnal. Guests enjoy targeting grey snapper because they're plentiful, fight well for their size, and make excellent eating - sweet, white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They're smart fish that require finesse and patience. Live shrimp hooked through the tail works great, but don't overwork your bait. Here's the key: let your bait settle near structure and be patient. These fish are cautious, so too much movement spooks them. When you feel that tap, don't jerk - just start reeling steadily to set the hook properly.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are beautiful pinkish fish with blue lines under their eyes and pointed fins that separate them from other snappers. They average 15-20 inches but can grow to 30+ inches and 20+ pounds. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and sandy areas near structure, often in 20-80 feet of water. Adults prefer deeper reefs while juveniles hang in shallower grass beds. They bite year-round but are more active during warmer months. Anglers love muttons because they're strong fighters that make good runs toward structure, plus they're outstanding table fare with sweet, flaky meat. They're usually solitary or in small groups, making each fish a prize. The secret is fresh bait and light sinkers - let your offering drift naturally in the current. Here's my tip: when you hook one, you'll see that distinctive pink color coming up through the clear water. Keep steady pressure and lead them away from structure, or they'll cut you off in the rocks.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of flats fishing - tall, silvery fish that can reach 36 inches and weigh up to 60 pounds. They cruise the shallow sandy flats and grass beds in just 2-3 feet of water, using those golf ball-sized eyes that rotate almost 360 degrees to spot danger. That incredible eyesight makes them extremely spooky and challenging to hook. You'll find them year-round in Key West, but April through October is prime time when they're spawning. Guests love chasing permit because they're considered one of the toughest gamefish to catch - harder than tarpon or bonefish. When you do hook one, they make powerful runs and put up a serious fight. Blue crabs are the go-to bait, but here's a local tip: when you spot a permit, don't cast directly at it. Lead it by about 10 feet and let the crab sink naturally - any sudden movement and they're gone.
5.0 out of 5.0My wife and I went out for a mid day charter and Captain Ryan put us on fish immediately. He was great to talk to and super helpfu...
Key West