Key West FL Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore fishing charter with Captain JohnChoice between spinning gear or fly fishing equipmentTarget species include grunt, trout, jack, and pompano
Captain John knows these Key West flats like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish during this top-rated 4-hour charter. With Purple Heron Charters, you're getting a personalized fishing experience for just two anglers – no crowded boat, no waiting for your turn. You'll have your pick of spinning tackle or fly gear, depending on what gets your blood pumping. The shallow waters around Key West hold some of the most sought-after gamefish in Florida, and this trip gives you a real shot at species that make seasoned anglers travel from around the world.
This isn't your typical party boat fishing trip. Captain John runs a tight ship with just two guests max, so you're getting the kind of attention that makes the difference between going home with stories and going home empty-handed. The 4-hour window is perfect – long enough to hit multiple spots and adapt to what the fish are doing, but short enough that you can still explore Key West's famous attractions later. You'll launch from one of Key West's premier marinas and head out to the backcountry flats where the water runs crystal clear and the fish are spooky smart. The boat is rigged with quality gear, but if you're a fly fishing purist, Captain John can set you up with the right weight rods and flies that match what's happening on the water that day.
The beauty of Key West inshore fishing lies in the variety of approaches you can take. On the spinning side, you'll be working with medium-light tackle – think 2500-3000 series reels spooled with 10-15 lb braid and fluorocarbon leaders that won't spook the fish in these gin-clear waters. Live shrimp, pilchards, and small crabs are go-to baits, but don't overlook artificials like DOA shrimp, Gulp baits, or small jigs when the fish are aggressive. For fly anglers, this is paradise. You'll primarily fish 8-weight rods with floating lines, though Captain John keeps sinking tips ready when you need to get down to fish holding deeper. Clouser minnows, crab patterns, and shrimp flies in tan, olive, and white are staples, but the captain adjusts fly selection based on water clarity, tide, and what the fish have been eating. Sight fishing is the name of the game here – you'll spend time poling the flats, looking for tailing fish, nervous water, or the telltale shadows that give away a cruising permit or bonefish.
Sea Trout are the bread and butter of Key West flats fishing, and for good reason. These spotted beauties average 2-4 pounds but can push 6-8 pounds when you find the right fish. They love grass flats in 3-8 feet of water, especially during moving tides. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, though winter can produce some monster trout when cold fronts push them into deeper pockets. What makes trout special is their willingness to eat – they'll hit live bait, artificials, and flies with equal enthusiasm. The fight isn't going to tear your drag, but that distinctive headshake and the way they jump makes every hookup fun.
Permit are the holy grail of flats fishing, and Key West's backcountry holds some of the best permit fishing in the world. These silver ghosts are notorious for their spooky nature and selective feeding, making them a challenge that keeps anglers coming back for more. They average 8-15 pounds but can exceed 30 pounds, and when a big permit decides to run, you'll know you're connected to something special. Peak season runs from March through July, though you can find them year-round if you know where to look. They love crab flats, channel edges, and wrecks, often tailing in just inches of water. A hooked permit will make multiple screaming runs, testing your drag system and your nerves.
Great Barracuda bring the speed and aggression that gets your heart racing. These torpedo-shaped predators patrol the flats looking for easy meals, and they're not shy about crushing a well-presented lure or fly. Key West cuda typically run 10-20 pounds, though 30+ pounders show up regularly. They're most active during warmer months but can be targeted year-round. What makes barracuda fishing addictive is the visual aspect – you'll often see them following your lure before they decide to attack. When they hit, it's explosive, and their initial run can strip 100+ yards of line in seconds.
Crevalle Jack might not win beauty contests, but they'll give you a workout that leaves your arms burning. These golden bruisers are pure muscle, averaging 5-15 pounds with fish over 20 pounds showing up when conditions align. They travel in schools and feed aggressively, especially around bait schools on the flats. Summer and fall provide the best action, though jacks can be found throughout the year. They'll eat almost anything you throw at them, from topwater plugs to bottom-bounced jigs. The fight is all about endurance – jacks don't give up, and a 10-pound jack will fight harder than fish twice its size.
Bonefish are the ultimate flats game fish, combining spooky behavior with blistering runs that test your skills as an angler. Key West bones average 3-6 pounds, with occasional fish pushing 8+ pounds. They're most cooperative from March through October, though winter fishing can be productive during warm spells. Bonefish feed in shallow water, often with their tails visible as they root for crabs and shrimp in the sand and grass. The challenge lies in getting close enough for a good presentation without spooking the fish. When you hook a bonefish, that first run
Captain John's restored 2000 Flats & Bay boat is your ticket to Key West's prime fishing waters. This shallow-draft vessel cuts through the flats at 35 knots with its reliable 90HP Suzuki, getting you to the fish fast and quiet. Perfect for stalking permit, pompano, and speckled trout in skinny water where bigger boats can't go. The boat's equipped with everything you need - GPS to mark productive spots, fish finder to locate schools, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. With space for just 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to cast and fight fish without bumping elbows. Whether you're sight-fishing with spinning tackle or presenting flies to tailing redfish, this nimble platform puts you right where the action is. The 2022 restoration means reliable performance while you're working the grass flats and mangrove shorelines that make Key West fishing legendary.
Albula VulpesBonefish are the "silver ghosts" of the flats, and they'll test every skill you have. Most run 4-8 pounds and 16-30 inches, with their torpedo shape built for speed. They cruise turtle grass flats in just inches of water, tailing while they dig for crabs and shrimp. When spooked, they can hit 30 mph instantly. You'll spot them best on incoming tides when they move shallow to feed. What makes them special is the sight-fishing challenge and their famous runs - they'll peel off 100 yards of line before you know it. We catch-and-release since they're too bony to eat. Year-round fishing here, but spring and fall are prime. My advice: when you see a tailing fish, cast your shrimp fly or jig 3 feet ahead of where it's moving, let it sink, then strip it slowly across the bottom.
Caranx HipposJack Crevalle are the bulldogs of the flats - pure muscle that'll give you an arm workout. Most run 3-5 pounds, but we catch them up to 20 pounds regularly. They travel in schools and push baitfish to the surface, which brings in the birds - that's your best sign to look for. You'll find them on flats, around structure, and in deeper channels. They fight harder than fish twice their size and never give up easy. Not great eating due to their dark, oily meat, but they're perfect for catch-and-release fun. They're around year-round, but spring and fall see the biggest schools. Look for diving birds and cast silver spoons or topwater plugs right into the action. Here's the key: cast past the school and retrieve fast - these fish love the chase and aggressive movement.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat barracuda are the speedsters of the reef - they can hit 35 mph in short bursts. Most we catch run 2-4 feet, but the big ones can reach 6 feet and over 40 pounds. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and sometimes cruising the flats in just a few feet of water. They're ambush predators with razor-sharp teeth, so we always use wire leaders. Spring and summer are best, but they're around year-round in our warm waters. What anglers love is their aggressive strike and initial run, though they tire quickly. They're curious fish and will follow lures, so don't be surprised if you see one trailing your bait. Pro tip: use shiny spoons or fast-moving plugs, and don't stop reeling when you see one following - speed up to trigger the strike.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of flats fishing. Most run 10-20 pounds, but they can hit 40-plus. These silver, disc-shaped fish cruise turtle grass flats and hang around wrecks offshore. They've got incredible eyesight and spook at the slightest movement. Spring through fall is prime time when they're spawning, but you can find them year-round here in the Keys. What makes them special is the challenge - they're extremely picky eaters and will test your patience. When you hook one, they make blistering runs that'll empty your reel fast. We mostly catch-and-release since they're not great table fare. Here's my tip: when you see one, lead it by about three feet with a small crab fly or live blue crab, then let it sink naturally. No sudden movements.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout around Key West typically run 14-24 inches and weigh 1-5 pounds, though we occasionally see bigger ones. You'll find them on grass flats and in shallow bays, especially at night when they feed most actively. They're not actually trout but drum, and they fight pretty well for their size. The meat is white and flaky - really good eating if you don't overcook it. Spring through fall gives you the best action, but we catch them year-round in our warmer waters. One thing I always tell folks: look for slightly deeper pockets in the grass flats during the day, then move to the edges as the sun goes down. They'll move shallow to feed, and that's when the topwater bite really turns on.
Key West