5.0(22 Reviews)Expert Guided Backwater Bite Session in Key Largo
5.0(22 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top RatedMost Reviewed
Twohour inshore fishing adventure targeting snook and sea troutExpert captains guide groups up to four guestsFastpaced action through Key Largo's scenic waters
When you want fast-paced fishing action without burning a whole day on the water, this 2-hour backwater bite session delivers exactly what you're looking for. Captain Andrew and his crew at Local Grown Charters have dialed in the perfect quick-strike fishing trip that gets you into fish without the long haul. Key Largo's inshore waters are packed with hungry gamefish year-round, and this trip is designed to put you right where they're feeding. Whether you're squeezing in some fishing between other vacation plans or you just want to see what all the fuss is about, two hours is plenty of time to bend some rods and fill the cooler.
This isn't your typical slow-paced fishing trip where you sit in one spot all day hoping something bites. Captain Andrew runs a mobile operation, constantly reading the water and moving to where the fish are active. You'll cruise through Key Largo's productive backwater areas, hitting grass flats, mangrove edges, and structure where snook, sea trout, and snappers love to ambush baitfish. The boat stays moving until you find the bite, then you work that area hard before moving on to the next hot spot. With only four anglers max, everyone gets plenty of rod time and personal attention from the captain. Kids do great on these trips since the action stays consistent, and beginners get hands-on coaching to improve their technique. The pace keeps everyone engaged, and you'll be surprised how many different species you can encounter in just two hours when you're fishing with someone who knows these waters inside and out.
Captain Andrew runs light tackle setups perfectly matched to the inshore game you're targeting. Spinning reels loaded with 15-20 pound test give you the backbone to handle bigger fish while still having the finesse for spooky shallow water species. Live bait is the go-to method here - pilchards, shrimp, and pinfish presented on circle hooks near structure where gamefish hunt. You'll also throw some artificials when the situation calls for it, working soft plastics through grass beds or bouncing jigs along mangrove roots. The captain handles all the rigging and re-baiting, so you stay focused on fishing instead of fumbling with tackle. He'll adjust your drag, coach you through the fight, and make sure you're using the right technique for whatever species you hook up with. The boat is equipped with a quality fishfinder to locate structure and baitfish, plus all the nets and gaffs needed to boat your catch safely.
"The trip was really good. The captain kept moves us very fast from a couple spots that were not hitting well. He did a good job of finding the fish, and helped show us how to best catch them. We had a few kids on the boat and they had a great time too!" - Devin
"Captain Andrew was great, we only booked the 2 hour tour but were able to catch several fish to take home, including a 4.5 ft Barracuda, which was fun to catch." - Mario
"Drew was a great captain! We had a great time with some beginners who were hesitant to come. Drew was great helping all of us and we had a great time. Only regret was not doing a longer trip! It's gorgeous out there and the fish were biting! Highly recommend using Local Grown of you want to go on a fishing trip." - Ben
Snook are the crown jewel of Key Largo's inshore scene, and these ambush predators know how to put up a fight. They'll crush live bait presented near mangrove roots or dock pilings, then immediately try to wrap you up in structure. Snook hit hard and jump when hooked, making every hookup exciting whether it's a schoolie or a slot-sized fish. Best action happens during moving water on the tide changes, especially early morning and late afternoon when they're actively feeding.
Grey Snapper might not be the flashiest fish in the bay, but they're some of the best eating you'll find, and they'll test your skills with their light bites and quick runs. These guys hang around structure and are notorious for stealing bait, so you need to stay alert and set the hook at the first sign of a pickup. They're available year-round in Key Largo's waters, with the bigger breeding-size fish showing up in summer months.
Sea Trout are perfect for light tackle fishing, offering consistent action throughout the year in the grass flats and shallow bays. They'll hit live shrimp, pilchards, or soft plastic lures worked slowly along the bottom. Trout have soft mouths so you need a smooth drag and steady pressure, but their cooperative nature makes them ideal for beginners learning proper fish-fighting technique.
Redfish are the bulldogs of the flats, using their broad tails and powerful bodies to make long, sustained runs when hooked. They cruise the shallows looking for crabs and shrimp, often giving away their location with tailing or waking on the surface. Reds hit live bait aggressively and don't give up easily, providing some of the most satisfying fights you'll experience on light tackle.
Permit are the holy grail for many inshore anglers, known for their spooky behavior and incredible fighting ability. These silver ghosts cruise the flats in small schools, often ignoring perfectly presented baits before suddenly crushing an offering. When you hook a permit, get ready for blistering runs and aerial displays that'll have your drag screaming.
Crevalle Jack bring pure power to the party, hitting baits with reckless abandon and fighting like fish twice their size. They travel in schools and when you find them feeding, the action can be non-stop with multiple hookups
Your fishing machine for Key Largo's backwaters is a 2018 Pathfinder that knows how to get you on the fish fast. This 24-footer cuts through the shallows with a 300hp Yamaha pushing her to 52 knots when you need to chase down that perfect snook spot. Built for up to 4 anglers, she's got the room to cast without tangling lines while staying nimble enough to slip into those tight mangrove pockets where the big sea trout hide. The fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating structure and bait schools, while GPS keeps you locked onto productive honey holes. When the afternoon haze rolls in, the radar helps you navigate back through the maze of channels. This boat was built for one thing – putting you on fish in Key Largo's productive inshore waters where grey snapper, snook, and sea trout make their living.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jacks are the bulldogs of the flats - powerful, aggressive fish that school up and create surface mayhem when feeding. These brassy-green fighters typically run 3-8 pounds inshore, but we see some real tanks pushing 15+ pounds. Look for them around bait schools, often marked by diving birds, over grass flats and near structure. They're year-round residents here, but summer months bring the most consistent action when bait is thick. What guests love about jacks is the nonstop action - they hit hard, fight dirty, and rarely come alone. While they're not great table fare, the sport is top-notch for both kids and adults. Pro tip: when you find feeding jacks, cast silver spoons or white jigs past the school and reel fast - they love the chase and competition.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snapper, or mangroves as we call them, are perfect for anglers wanting steady action with great table fare. These copper-red fish typically run 12-16 inches inshore, though we occasionally land 3-4 pounders around deeper structure. They hang around docks, bridges, and rocky areas where they can ambush crabs and small fish. Being nocturnal, they feed best during low-light periods, but we catch them all day around good structure. Guests love them because they're scrappy fighters for their size and absolutely delicious - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They're also great for kids since they bite consistently. Here's a local trick: use a live shrimp hooked through the tail and let it sink to the bottom, then reel up just a foot to avoid snags.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of flats fishing - these tall, silver-sided fish are incredibly spooky and challenging to catch. They typically run 10-20 pounds inshore, with that distinctive diamond shape and deeply forked tail. We find them on shallow sand and grass flats, often in just 2-4 feet of water, usually cruising solo or in small groups. Spring through fall offers the best shots, especially during calmer conditions when you can spot them easier. What makes permit special is the difficulty - they have amazing eyesight and spook easily, making each hookup a real achievement. They're also strong fighters that make long runs. The meat is excellent, though many anglers release them. Key tip: use a live crab and make your cast well ahead of the fish, letting it sink naturally - permit are all about presentation.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate sight-fishing target on our shallow flats - bronze-colored fish with that signature black spot near the tail. Most range 20-30 inches and 5-15 pounds, making for solid fights in shallow water. We find them tailing in 1-4 feet over grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove edges, especially on warmer days with good tides. They're year-round fish here, but spring and fall offer the most consistent action. Guests love redfish because they're visual - you can often see them before casting, plus they make strong runs and are great table fare up to about 27 inches. The bigger "bull" reds are pure sport fish. My go-to tip: when you spot a tailing red, cast well ahead of where it's moving and let your bait settle before the fish gets there.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout are the bread and butter of our grass flats fishing here in Key Largo. These silvery fish with dark spots typically run 14-18 inches, with some nicer ones pushing 20+ inches and 3-4 pounds. You'll find them over seagrass beds in 2-6 feet of water, especially around potholes and edges where the grass meets sand. They bite best during cooler months and overcast days, plus early morning and evening periods. What makes trout special is their willingness to hit topwater lures - nothing beats that explosive surface strike. They're also excellent eating with tender, flaky meat that's perfect for the dinner table. Local tip: when working topwater lures over grass, pause between pops and let the lure sit still - that's usually when they strike.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most popular targets here in Key Largo - these sleek, golden fish with that distinct black lateral line really know how to fight. Most run 18-28 inches, but we see some real bruisers up to 35+ inches around the mangroves and docks. They love structure - think bridge pilings, mangrove shorelines, and creek mouths where they ambush baitfish. Best action comes during warmer months, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is that explosive strike and their tendency to jump when hooked. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Pro tip: when casting near mangroves, let your lure sink a bit before retrieving - snook often hit on the fall.
5.0 out of 5.0The trip was really good. The captain kept moves us very fast from a couple spots that were not hitting well. He did a good job of...
Great trip! Captain Andrew was very accommodating for our schedule.
Captain Andrew was great, we only booked the 2 hour tour but were able to catch several fish to take home, including a 4.5 ft Barr...
Captain Andrew was great, we only booked the 2 hour tour but were able to catch several fish to take home, including a 4.5 ft Barr...
Captain Andrew was great, we only booked the 2 hour tour but were able to catch several fish to take home, including a 4.5 ft Barr...
Captain Andrew was great, we only booked the 2 hour tour but were able to catch several fish to take home, including a 4.5 ft Barr...
Captain Andrew was great, we only booked the 2 hour tour but were able to catch several fish to take home, including a 4.5 ft Barr...
Captain Andrew was great, we only booked the 2 hour tour but were able to catch several fish to take home, including a 4.5 ft Barr...
Captain Andrew was great, we only booked the 2 hour tour but were able to catch several fish to take home, including a 4.5 ft Barr...
Captain Andrew was great, we only booked the 2 hour tour but were able to catch several fish to take home, including a 4.5 ft Barr...
Captain Andrew was great, we only booked the 2 hour tour but were able to catch several fish to take home, including a 4.5 ft Barr...
Captain Andrew was great, we only booked the 2 hour tour but were able to catch several fish to take home, including a 4.5 ft Barr...
Captain Andrew was great, we only booked the 2 hour tour but were able to catch several fish to take home, including a 4.5 ft Barr...
Captain Andrew was great, we only booked the 2 hour tour but were able to catch several fish to take home, including a 4.5 ft Barr...
Captain Andrew and his first mate, Rob were awesome! Very friendly, professional and courteous. They made sure we were comforta...
Local Grown Charters and Captain Andrew Atwill was a top notch choice for fishing the inshore reefs. He took me out and we caught...
Great first experience! Very kind and made sure we brought back some fish to eat aswell! made sure that we were all fishing and ho...
Great trip! We had a lot of fun and captain Andrew put us on some fish.
Captain Drew was great! My wife and I enjoyed our last evening in the Keys catching fish left and right with Capt Drew and his fir...
Drew was a great captain! We had a great time with some beginners who were hesitant to come. Drew was great helping all of us and...
We had such a successful fishing trip with Captain Andrew. He worked diligently to help us get our poles back in the water by chan...
Key Largo, FL