Charter Fishing Key Largo with Reel Deal
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Six-hour backcountry fishing adventure through Key Largo watersTarget seasonal fish along flats and mangrove shorelinesSmall group experience with maximum two guests per trip
When you're ready to get serious about backcountry fishing in the Florida Keys, this 6-hour charter puts you right where the action happens. We're talking shallow water flats, mangrove shorelines, and crystal-clear waters where some of the most sought-after gamefish in South Florida call home. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and with just 2 anglers max, you'll get the personalized attention that makes all the difference between a good day and an epic one. This isn't your typical party boat experience – it's quality fishing time designed for anglers who want to target trophy species in their natural habitat.
Your day starts early in Key Largo's backcountry, where we'll be working the flats and casting tight to mangrove structure. The boat's designed for shallow water work, so we can get into spots bigger vessels can't touch. You'll be sight fishing in gin-clear water one minute, then working the shadows under overhanging mangroves the next. The variety keeps things interesting, and the scenery is world-class – think pristine waters, birds working the shallows, and that classic Florida Keys vibe. Weather plays a big role out here, so we'll adjust our game plan based on conditions. Light winds mean we can work the open flats, while breezier days have us tucked into protected creeks and channels. Either way, there's always somewhere to fish productively in this massive backcountry system.
We're primarily sight fishing and structure fishing, which means your eyes are just as important as your casting arm. Live bait is king out here – pilchards, pinfish, and shrimp are the go-to options depending on what we're targeting. For artificial lures, we'll have topwater plugs, soft plastics, and jigs rigged and ready. The tackle is medium to medium-light spinning gear, perfect for the 10-30 pound fish we're after. Casting accuracy matters more than distance since we're often putting baits within feet of structure or specific targets. The captain will coach you through the techniques, whether it's working a jig along a mangrove edge or presenting live bait to a cruising fish on the flats. Polarized sunglasses are absolutely essential – half the battle is spotting fish before they see you, and good glass makes all the difference in this clear water environment.
Snook are the crown jewel of backcountry fishing here, and Key Largo's waters are renowned for producing quality fish year-round. These ambush predators love structure, so we'll be working them around mangrove points, creek mouths, and dock pilings. They're incredibly aggressive when they're feeding, often exploding on topwater lures in spectacular fashion. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish ranging from schoolie size up to trophy specimens over 30 inches. What makes snook fishing so addictive is their fighting ability – they'll jump, run, and try every trick to throw the hook.
Grey Snapper, or mangrove snapper as the locals call them, are abundant and willing biters that make for great action when the bigger fish are being finicky. These guys are smart and structure-oriented, typically hanging around mangrove roots, rock piles, and channel edges. They're excellent table fare and provide consistent action throughout the year. Don't let their size fool you – a 3-4 pound mangrove snapper will give you a solid fight on light tackle, and they're notorious for making last-second runs just when you think you've got them beat.
Tarpon are the silver kings of the backcountry, and while they're most active from spring through summer, resident fish can be found year-round in deeper channels and basins. These fish are pure adrenaline – even a 20-30 pound juvenile will test your tackle and skills with their acrobatic jumps and powerful runs. Tarpon fishing requires patience since they can be selective feeders, but when you hook up, it's game on. We practice catch and release with these magnificent fish, as they're too valuable as a sport fish to keep.
Redfish are customer favorites for good reason – they're aggressive, great fighters, and absolutely beautiful fish. The backcountry flats are prime redfish habitat, especially the grass beds and oyster bars where they cruise looking for crabs and baitfish. Fall and winter are peak times, when cooler water concentrates the fish in predictable areas. Reds are known for their bulldogging fighting style, making long, powerful runs that will test your drag system. A slot-sized redfish between 18-27 inches is perfect for the dinner table.
Bonefish represent the ultimate flats fishing challenge – they're spooky, selective, and incredibly fast. These ghosts of the flats are most active during warmer months and require stealth and precision to hook. Bonefish are primarily caught and released, prized for their sporting qualities rather than food value. When you hook a bonefish on light tackle, get ready for a screaming run that can strip 100 yards of line in seconds. They're the fish that turn casual anglers into obsessed flats fishing addicts.
This top-rated charter experience gives you access to some of the best backcountry fishing in South Florida with a crew that knows how to put you on fish. The 6-hour trip length is perfect – long enough to work different areas and techniques, but not so long that you're worn out by the end of the day. With only 2 anglers per trip, you'll get the personalized instruction and prime fishing time that makes for memorable days on the water. The Key Largo backcountry is fishing at its finest, and Reel Deal Charter Fishing has the local knowledge to make it happen. Whether you
This nimble 18' Beavertail flats boat gets you into Key Largo's shallow backcountry waters where the big fish hide. Built in 2007 and powered by a reliable 50HP Evinrude, she'll cruise at 35 knots to get you on the fishing grounds fast. The shallow draft design lets you slip into skinny water along mangrove shorelines and grass flats where tarpon, redfish, and snook cruise. With space for 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to cast without tangling lines. The fish finder helps locate schools while GPS navigation keeps you on productive spots. Stay connected with VHF radio and keep your catch fresh in the onboard icebox. This boat's built for serious backcountry fishing where stealth and shallow water access make all the difference between watching fish and catching them.
Albula VulpesBonefish are the "grey ghosts" of our shallow flats - silvery, torpedo-shaped fish that blend perfectly with the sandy bottom. Most run 16-24 inches and 4-6 pounds, but their speed is what gets your attention. They cruise grass flats and sandy areas in 6 inches to 4 feet, often "tailing" while rooting for crabs and shrimp. Best fishing happens on falling tides when they're pushed onto the flats to feed. What draws anglers worldwide is the challenge - these fish are incredibly spooky and can hit 30 mph when they take off. They're pure catch-and-release since they're too bony to eat well. Year-round fishing, but spring through fall offers the most activity. Stealth tip: approach from downwind and keep your shadow off the water. One wrong step or cast and they'll vanish like they were never there.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snapper, or mangrove snapper as we call them locally, are smart little fighters that hang around our dock pilings and mangrove edges. Most run 10-14 inches and 1-2 pounds, though we occasionally see bigger ones in deeper water. They're greyish-red with a dark stripe through the eye and love structure in 5-20 feet. Year-round species, but they bite best during moving tides and low-light periods. What guests love about these fish is they're scrappy for their size and make excellent eating - sweet, white, flaky meat that's perfect for fish tacos. They're also nocturnal feeders, so evening trips can be productive. Pro tip: use a smaller hook than you think you need - 1/0 or 2/0 works great. These fish are cautious, and oversized hooks will cost you bites.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish, or red drum, are our bread and butter sight-fishing species on the shallow flats around Key Largo. These copper-backed beauties average 20-28 inches with that famous black spot near the tail. They cruise the skinny water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out - hunting crabs and shrimp around grass beds and oyster bars. Best action happens on incoming tides when they move up to feed. What makes redfish so popular is their willingness to eat topwater lures and the explosive surface strikes that follow. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with mild, flaky meat. Year-round fishing, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action. Local secret: look for nervous water or slight wakes on calm days - that's often redfish pushing through ankle-deep water before you ever see the fish.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most popular backcountry targets around Key Largo's mangroves and flats. These golden, sleek fish average 18-24 inches but can stretch over 3 feet. That distinctive black lateral line makes them easy to spot. They love structure - docks, mangrove roots, and creek mouths in 2-8 feet of water. Best fishing is during warmer months when they're most active, especially around dawn and dusk. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and powerful runs once hooked. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here's a local tip: when casting near mangroves, let your lure sink a bit before starting your retrieve. Snook often hit on the drop, and that pause can trigger strikes from fish tucked back in the roots where you can't see them.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate backcountry challenge - massive silver fish that can reach 6-8 feet and jump clear out of the water when hooked. Around Key Largo, we find them in deeper channels between flats, under bridges, and along mangrove edges in 6-15 feet of water. Prime season runs May through September when they migrate through our waters. What makes tarpon fishing special is pure adrenaline - watching a 100-pound fish cartwheel through the air is something you'll never forget. Most anglers release them since they're bony and not great eating. These fish have been around 125 million years, so you're battling a living fossil. Key tip: when they jump, bow to the king - drop your rod tip toward the fish to keep slack in the line, or they'll throw the hook every time.
Key Largo