5.0(1 Reviews)Key West Guided Inshore Fishing Adventure
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Six-hour inshore fishing targeting tarpon and permit speciesCaptain provides all equipment and cleans catch afterwardAccommodates up to four guests with licenses included
Captain Ryan knows these Key West flats like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some of the best inshore fishing action in the Florida Keys. This six-hour guided trip targets the holy grail of flats fishing – tarpon and permit – along with a solid mix of other local favorites that call these crystal-clear waters home. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to check permit off your bucket list or a newcomer who just wants to bend some rods, this charter delivers the goods. With all gear included and your catch cleaned at the end of the day, you can focus on what matters most: getting tight on some world-class fish.
Your day starts with Captain Ryan picking the best spots based on current conditions – tide, wind, and where the fish have been showing up. The inshore waters around Key West offer incredible diversity, from shallow grass flats where permit cruise in gin-clear water to deeper channels where tarpon roll and cobia patrol. You'll fish from a well-equipped flats boat that can get into skinny water but still handles the chop when you need to make longer runs. The beauty of this fishery is its year-round productivity, though different species peak at different times. Captain Ryan reads the water constantly, adjusting tactics and locations to keep you in the action. The boat accommodates up to four anglers comfortably, making it perfect for families, couples, or a small group of fishing buddies. Cold water is provided, but feel free to bring your own beverages and snacks to keep energy levels up during the full-day adventure.
Inshore fishing in Key West requires finesse and adaptability, and Captain Ryan brings decades of local knowledge to every trip. You'll use a mix of live bait, artificial lures, and fly fishing depending on conditions and target species. For permit, expect to sight-fish to tailing or cruising fish using small crabs or shrimp on light tackle – it's technical fishing that rewards patience and precision. Tarpon fishing varies seasonally, from juvenile fish in the backcountry to massive adults during migration periods, often involving live pilchards or mullet. The captain provides all rods, reels, and terminal tackle, with setups ranging from light spinning gear for snapper to heavier conventional tackle when tarpon are the target. Artificial lures like spoons, jigs, and topwater plugs come into play when fish are actively feeding or when covering water to locate schools. The shallow, clear water means stealth is crucial – proper boat positioning and quiet presentations often make the difference between success and going home empty-handed.
"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 crown jewel of flats fishing, and Key West offers some of the most consistent permit fishing in the world. These disc-shaped fighters are notoriously finicky, often following a bait or fly for long distances before either spooking or finally eating. When they do take, permit make screaming runs and use their broad sides to fight in the current. Peak permit season runs from March through August, though they're present year-round. Sight-fishing to permit in clear water is addictive – watching a fish track your bait while your heart pounds never gets old. Most Key West permit run 8-20 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing 30-plus.
Great Barracuda are the speed demons of the flats, hitting lures with explosive strikes that'll test your reflexes. These torpedo-shaped predators love shiny spoons and fast-moving baits, often following for dozens of yards before attacking. Barracuda fight with incredible power and acrobatics, frequently jumping and making blistering runs. They're present year-round but peak during warmer months when they move onto the flats in greater numbers. Key West cuda average 10-25 pounds, with some specimens reaching 40 pounds or more. Their razor-sharp teeth and aggressive nature make them a customer favorite, especially for anglers who enjoy fast action.
Cobia are the gentle giants of the inshore waters, often found cruising near rays or following sharks in deeper grass beds. These brown torpedoes are curious fish that respond well to sight-fishing techniques, often swimming right up to the boat to investigate. Cobia fight like freight trains, using their broad heads and powerful bodies to bulldoze toward structure. Spring migration from March through May offers the best cobia action, though resident fish are available most of the year. Key West cobia typically range from 20-50 pounds, with the occasional fish topping 60 pounds. Their firm, white meat makes them excellent table fare.
Mutton Snapper are beautifully colored reef dwellers that move onto the flats to feed, especially during warmer months. These smart fish require precise presentations and quality bait, but they reward successful anglers with outstanding table fare. Muttons fight with typical snapper determination, making strong runs toward cover. They're most active during spring and summer months when water temperatures climb, though year-round residents inhabit deeper structures. Key West mutton snapper average 3-8 pounds, with trophy fish reaching 15 pounds or more. Their distinctive blue stripes and red coloration make them one of the prettiest catches in local waters.
Grey Snapper, also called mangrove snapper, are the bread and butter of Key West inshore fishing. These adaptable fish inhabit everything from shallow flats to deep channels, feeding opportunistically on small fish, shrimp, and crabs. Greys are notorious bait stealers with excellent eyesight and cautious feeding habits. They're present year-round but fee
Your fishing platform is a 24-foot Pathfinder bay boat that's built for serious angling in Key West's inshore waters. Powered by a reliable 250 HP Yamaha outboard, this boat cruises at speeds up to 40 knots, getting you to prime tarpon and permit spots quickly while maximizing your fishing time. The shallow draft design lets Captain Ryan navigate backcountry flats and mangrove channels where the big fish hide. The boat comes equipped with everything needed for a productive day on the water - GPS navigation keeps you on track, while the fish finder helps locate schools of baitfish and structure that attract your target species. A wireless trolling motor allows for stealthy approaches when stalking permit or positioning for tarpon. An onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and preserves your catch until Captain Ryan cleans and fillets everything at the dock. Safety gear and navigation electronics ensure peace of mind as you focus on what matters - getting hooked up with Florida Keys gamefish. The spacious deck provides room for four anglers to fight fish comfortably without getting tangled up.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are brown sharks that aren't sharks—chunky, powerful fish that average 30-50 pounds but can push 100. They're loners cruising reefs, wrecks, and channel edges in 15-50 feet of water. Spring migration from March to May is money time, when they're moving through on their way north. What guests love about cobia is the combination of great table fare and a bulldogging fight that'll test your tackle. They're curious fish, often coming right up to the boat. A bucktail jig bounced near structure works well, but here's the secret: if you see one following, don't pull the lure away. Let it sink and twitch it on bottom—their curiosity usually wins out and they'll pick it up.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracudas are the missiles of the flats—silver torpedoes that can hit 35 mph when they want your bait. Most run 2-4 feet, but the big ones push 6 feet and 100 pounds. You'll find them around coral reefs, mangroves, and structure in 10-30 feet of water. They're active year-round here in the Keys, but spring and fall fishing is prime time. Guests love them because they hit hard and fight dirty—jumping, tail-walking, and making blistering runs. The meat's good eating too, despite what some folks say. Wire leader is a must with those razor teeth, and here's a tip: cast past them and retrieve fast with a shiny spoon or tube lure. They hunt by sight, so movement triggers that predator instinct.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snapper, or mangrove snapper as locals call them, are the bread and butter of inshore fishing. These copper-red fish with the dark eye stripe typically run 1-3 pounds around docks and mangroves, though open water fish can push 20. They love structure—docks, bridges, mangrove roots—in 5-25 feet of water. They bite year-round but are most active at dawn, dusk, and night. Guests enjoy them for their scrappy fight and outstanding table fare—flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They're opportunistic but cautious feeders. Live shrimp works best, and here's the key: hook it through the tail, let it sink naturally, and don't move it much. These guys are ambush predators that want an easy meal.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are the beauty queens of the snapper family—olive-backed with that distinctive pink hue and blue lines under their eyes. They typically run 2-8 pounds inshore, though the big ones can hit 20. You'll find them around mangroves, inlet mouths, and sandy areas near structure in 10-40 feet of water. Year-round fishing is good, but they really turn on during warmer months. Guests appreciate the strong fight and excellent table fare—firm, white meat that's hard to beat. They're spooky fish that require finesse. Fresh shrimp on a light knocker rig works great, but here's the trick: once you hook one, keep steady pressure. They'll try to run back to structure and cut you off on coral or rocks.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of flats fishing—tall, flat silver fish that'll test every skill you've got. Most run 20-40 pounds, but they can hit 60. You'll spot them on shallow grass flats in just 2-3 feet of water, those golf ball-sized eyes scanning for crabs. Spring through fall gives you the best shots, especially during their spawn from April to October. What makes them special? They're incredibly spooky and selective—one bad cast and they're gone. The fight is relentless once hooked. Fresh blue crab is your best bet, but here's the key: when you see one tailing, lead it by at least 10 feet and let that crab sink naturally. No sudden movements or you'll spook the whole school.
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