Key West Private Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Threehour private inshore charter targets multiple fish speciesProtected waters with calm conditions suit all experience levelsAll fishing gear, bait, and licenses included with captain assistance
Captain Barry's got the perfect setup for anglers who want to fish Key West's protected inshore waters without dealing with rough seas or long boat rides. This 3-hour private charter takes up to 6 people out at 2 PM when the afternoon bite picks up, staying in calm backcountry flats and channels where the fish are hungry and the conditions stay comfortable. You'll target everything from hefty grouper to lightning-fast jacks, all while learning from a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand. With all gear, bait, and licenses covered, you just need to show up ready to catch some fish.
This charter keeps things simple and productive by sticking to Key West's legendary inshore grounds. Captain Barry uses inland routes to reach productive fishing spots while avoiding choppy open water, making this trip perfect for families, first-timers, or anyone who prefers a smoother ride. The afternoon departure timing hits prime feeding windows when predators move shallow to hunt baitfish. You'll fish protected mangrove edges, grass flats, and rocky bottom structures where amberjack, grouper, and cobia patrol for easy meals. The relaxed pace means everyone gets hands-on instruction, whether you're learning to work a jig or perfecting your bottom fishing technique. Bring your sunglasses and sunblock because these shallow flats reflect serious sun, plus pack some snacks and water to keep your energy up during the action.
Captain Barry keeps a full arsenal of tackle ready for whatever the fish want on any given day. You'll spin fish with live bait around structure for grouper and snapper, troll small lures through channels for cobia and jacks, and drop bottom rigs on rocky spots where hogfish hang out. The gear is sized perfectly for inshore species - strong enough to muscle a big grouper out of cover but light enough to feel every bite. Live shrimp, pilchards, and cut bait stay fresh in the live wells, while artificial lures cover situations when the fish want something moving fast. The captain reads the conditions and adjusts tactics throughout the trip, switching from trolling to bottom fishing based on current, wind, and fish activity. No previous experience needed since Captain Barry walks everyone through proper techniques, from setting the hook to fighting fish without losing them at the boat.
Bonnethead sharks cruise Key West's shallow flats year-round, typically measuring 2-4 feet and providing exciting fights on light tackle. These smaller members of the hammerhead family love sandy bottom areas where they hunt for crabs and small fish. Kids especially get a kick out of their unique hammer-shaped heads, and they're perfect for beginners since they don't grow too large but still put up a good scrap. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temperatures keep them active in the shallows.
Blacktip sharks show up in bigger numbers during warmer months, often jumping clear out of the water when hooked. These athletic predators patrol grass flats and channel edges, usually running 3-6 feet long with incredible speed and agility. They're famous for their aerial displays, making them a customer favorite for the pure excitement factor. The key is using circle hooks and wire leaders since their teeth can slice through regular mono in seconds.
Lemon sharks represent the heavyweight division of Key West inshore fishing, with mature fish reaching 6-8 feet and providing arm-burning battles. These powerful predators prefer deeper channels and mangrove cuts where they ambush prey. Their distinctive yellow coloring makes them easy to identify, and their strength tests even experienced anglers. Late spring through early fall brings the best opportunities when they move into shallower water to feed and reproduce.
Mutton snapper offer some of the best eating in these waters, typically running 2-8 pounds with occasional monsters pushing 15+ pounds around deeper structure. They're incredibly wary fish that require finesse and patience, making them a favorite target for anglers who enjoy technical fishing. Their pink and yellow coloration stands out beautifully, and they fight hard with powerful runs toward cover. Summer months produce the most consistent action when they gather around rocky bottom and patch reefs.
Black grouper are the prize catch of Key West inshore waters, with fish ranging from keeper-sized juveniles to trophy specimens over 20 pounds. These ambush predators hide in holes and under ledges, requiring precise bait placement and quick reflexes to prevent them from diving back into cover. Their mottled brown coloration provides perfect camouflage, but their white meat makes them incredibly sought after. Year-round residents, they bite best during slack tide periods when current doesn't push bait away from their hiding spots.
Captain Barry's private inshore charter delivers consistent action in comfortable conditions, making it the perfect choice for your Key West fishing adventure. The combination of productive waters, expert guidance, and relaxed atmosphere creates exactly what most anglers want from their Florida Keys experience. With everything provided except your enthusiasm, this trip removes all the hassle while maximizing your time with fish on the line. The 3-hour timeframe fits perfectly into vacation schedules while providing enough fishing time to target multiple species and techniques. Book your charter now to secure your spot on Key West's top-rated inshore fishing experience.
Meet Rampage Magic, your floating basecamp for serious Key West inshore fishing. This well-equipped motorboat handles up to 6 anglers in comfort while Captain Barry navigates the protected waters around Key West targeting amberjack, grouper, cobia, and more. The boat's air-conditioned salon with leather seating gives you a break from the Florida sun, while the full kitchen and refrigerator keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. When you need a moment between fish, retreat to the shaded areas or grab a snack from the onboard kitchen. The clean restroom with hot water shower means you can rinse off the salt spray, and if you book a longer trip, there's even a private cabin with double beds. GPS keeps you on the fish, while the multimedia system adds entertainment between bites. Perfect for families and mixed skill levels - Captain Barry provides all tackle, bait, and fishing licenses, so just bring sunscreen, water, and your appetite for some great Key West fishing action.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack groupers are the heavyweights of our reef systems - thick-bodied ambush predators that can really test your gear. Most are 2-3 feet long, but the big ones push 4+ feet and can weigh 50+ pounds. They love hanging around wrecks, ledges, and rocky bottom in 30-200 feet, waiting to inhale anything that swims by. Winter's prime time when they move shallow for spawning, making them easier to target. The appeal is simple: they're incredible table fare and give you an honest fight with surprising power. When hooked, they'll try to bury you in the rocks, so it becomes a test of will and tackle strength. The meat is sweet, firm, and perfect for any cooking style. My rule is simple - once you feel that thump, start cranking immediately. Don't give them time to think or they'll wrap you around structure and break you off every time.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are some of the most exciting sharks you'll encounter in our inshore waters. These athletic fish average 4-5 feet but can get up to 8 feet, and they're famous for their spectacular jumps when hooked - sometimes launching 20+ feet out of the water. Look for them around structure in 30-100 feet, especially near reefs where they hunt mackerel, sardines, and herring. They're most active during warmer months and can get pretty worked up when there's a feeding frenzy going on. The fight is what gets people hooked - they're fast, strong, and those aerial shows are something you'll never forget. Use heavy braided line with circle hooks since they can get excitable once hooked. Here's the key: bring plenty of oily fish like mackerel for chum. Pound it into a paste and let that scent trail work its magic.
Sphyrna TiburoThese smaller hammerheads are perfect for families since they're harmless and typically run 3-4 feet long. You'll spot their distinctive shovel-shaped heads in our shallow bays and grass flats, usually in groups of 5-10 fish. They love cruising sandy bottoms hunting crabs and small fish. Fall through spring is prime time when they migrate down from the Carolinas seeking warmer water. What makes them fun is the scrappy fight they put up - not huge but surprisingly strong for their size. Plus, they're one of the few sharks that travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. My go-to trick is using fresh blue crab chunks on a circle hook with a wire leader. Cut the crab in half and hook it through a leg - that natural movement drives them crazy and they'll hit it hard.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon sharks are one of our most recognizable inshore predators with their distinctive yellow-bronze coloring. These bruisers typically run 6-8 feet and pack serious muscle, making them a favorite among anglers wanting a real workout. They cruise mangrove creeks, shallow flats, and bay areas in 10-30 feet of water, often hunting alone but sometimes in small groups. Spring through fall gives you the best shot when they're most active in our warmer shallows. What guests love is the combination of their impressive size and the grinding, powerful fight they put up - no fancy jumps, just pure strength and endurance. The meat's actually pretty good eating too if you're keeping one within regulations. My best advice is to use big live baits like jack crevalle or ladyfish on heavy tackle with wire leaders. They'll mouth the bait first, so give them time to really take it before setting the hook.
Lutjanus AnalisMuttons are the prize snapper around here - beautiful pinkish fish with those distinctive blue streaks behind their eyes and a black spot on each side. Most run 15-20 inches, but the big ones can hit 30+ inches and really test your tackle. They hang around sandy areas near reefs and structure, usually in 15-80 feet of water. You'll find them year-round, but spring and summer are best when they're more active. What makes them special is they're fantastic table fare and put up a solid fight for their size - they'll head straight for the rocks when hooked. The tricky part is presentation since they're pretty smart. Fresh bait is crucial, and you want minimal weight so it looks natural drifting in the current. Here's my secret: use a knocker rig and let your bait drift in a chum slick. Once they taste that free meal, they'll grab your hook bait without much hesitation.
Key West, FL