Charter Fishing Key Largo - Backcountry Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour backcountry fishing adventure in Key Largo watersTarget seasonal fish along flats and mangrove linesSmall group experience accommodating up to two guests
You've found the real deal for Key Largo fishing – a 6-hour backcountry charter that takes you where the locals fish. Captain and crew at Reel Deal Charter Fishing know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're ready to put you on some serious fish. This isn't your typical tourist trip – we're talking about getting into the skinny water where the big boys hide, working the mangrove lines, and sight fishing the flats for some of Florida's most prized gamefish. With just 2 anglers max, you'll get the personalized attention that makes all the difference between a good day and an epic day on the water.
Your morning starts early – that's when the fish are most active and the water's like glass. We'll be running a shallow-draft boat that can get into places the bigger vessels can't touch. The backcountry around Key Largo is a maze of channels, flats, and mangrove creeks that most people never see. One minute you're poling across turtle grass flats in 2 feet of water, the next you're casting to rolling tarpon in a hidden creek. The scenery changes constantly, but the action stays hot. Don't worry about bringing tackle – we've got everything dialed in with the right rods, reels, and lures for whatever we're targeting that day. The captain reads the conditions and adjusts the game plan accordingly, whether that means working the incoming tide on the flats or hitting the mangrove edges during the heat of the day.
Backcountry fishing is all about finesse and presentation. We'll be using light tackle – think 10 to 20-pound test – because these fish are spooky in shallow water. Depending on what's biting, you might be throwing live shrimp under popping corks, working soft plastics through the grass, or casting topwater plugs at first light. The key is staying quiet and making accurate casts. When we're sight fishing, you'll need to put that bait right where the captain tells you – sometimes that means dropping it 3 feet in front of a cruising redfish without spooking it. Live bait is king out here, so we'll have a well stocked with pilchards, shrimp, and whatever else is working. Artificial lures have their place too, especially when the fish are aggressive or when you want to cover water quickly. The boat's equipped with a shallow water anchor system, so we can lock down on productive spots without disturbing the bottom.
Snook are the bread and butter of backcountry fishing around Key Largo. These ambush predators love hanging around structure – downed trees, mangrove roots, and channel edges where they can dart out to grab an easy meal. They're most active during the warmer months, and there's nothing quite like watching a 30-inch snook blow up on a topwater plug at sunrise. They fight dirty too, trying to wrap you around every piece of structure they can find. Redfish are another customer favorite, especially the big bulls that cruise the flats looking for crabs and baitfish. These copper-colored bruisers can push 40 inches and will test your drag system. The best part about reds is that they're often visible in the shallow water, so you get that heart-pounding moment of seeing your target before you cast.
Tarpon are the holy grail of backcountry fishing – the silver king that every angler dreams about. Key Largo's backcountry holds resident tarpon year-round, with fish ranging from 20-pound juveniles to 100-pound giants. They're most active in the spring and summer months when the water warms up. Hooking a tarpon is just the beginning – these fish are pure athletes, jumping 6 feet out of the water and making screaming runs that will have your arms burning. Grey snapper might not get the same respect as the glamour species, but they're fantastic table fare and willing biters around the mangrove structure. They're especially active during the cooler months when the water temperature drops.
Bonefish are the ghosts of the flats – silvery shadows that appear and disappear like magic. Key Largo's turtle grass flats hold some quality bones, especially during the winter months when they school up in deeper pockets. These fish are incredibly spooky and require perfect presentation, but the fight is worth it. A 5-pound bone will run 100 yards of line off your reel faster than you can blink, and they're known for their lightning-fast runs across the flats.
This world-class backcountry fishing experience books up fast, especially during peak season from November through April. The 2-angler limit means you're getting a premium, personalized charter that's focused on putting you on fish, not packing the boat with as many people as possible. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some Florida species to your life list or someone who just wants to experience some of the best fishing Key Largo has to offer, this 6-hour adventure delivers. The memories you'll make sight-casting to tailing redfish and watching tarpon roll in the backcountry channels are the kind that last a lifetime. Don't let this top-rated charter slip away – book your date now and get ready for a day of fishing that'll have you planning your return trip before you even get back to the dock.
This 18' Beavertail flats boat is your ticket to productive fishing in Key Largo's shallow backcountry waters. Built in 2007 and powered by a reliable 50HP Evinrude, she'll cruise at 35 knots to get you on the fish fast. The shallow draft design lets you slip into skinny water where tarpon, snook, and redfish like to hide along the mangrove edges. You'll have everything needed for a successful day - GPS to mark your hotspots, fish finder to locate schools, VHF radio for safety, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. Perfect for up to 2 anglers who want to work the flats and backcountry without the crowds. This boat handles the shallow stuff like a dream and gets you into spots the bigger boats can't reach.
Albula VulpesBonefish are the "grey ghosts" of the flats - the most challenging and rewarding fish you can target. These torpedo-shaped silver bullets average 16-24 inches and 4-8 pounds, built for speed with their deeply forked tails. They cruise grass flats and sand bars in ankle-deep to waist-deep water, often "tailing" while rooting for crabs and shrimp. Early morning low tides are prime time when they move onto the flats to feed. What makes bonefish special is the hunt itself - spotting them, stalking close, making the perfect cast. When hooked, they'll scream line off your reel in 100-yard runs at 30 mph. They're catch-and-release due to their bony nature. The secret: approach quietly, cast 10 feet ahead of cruising fish, and let your fly or jig sink to the bottom. Any splash or movement will send them rocketing away faster than you can blink.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snappers, also called mangrove snappers, are smart fish that'll test your skills. Most run 12-16 inches and 1-3 pounds, though bigger ones lurk in deeper water. They're copper-red with that telltale dark stripe through the eye. You'll find them around docks, mangroves, and any structure in 2-20 feet of water. They bite year-round but are most active during warmer months and around full moons. These fish are prized for their excellent white, flaky meat - some of the best eating you'll find. They're also nocturnal feeders, so dawn and dusk fishing can be outstanding. The challenge is their wariness; they'll inspect your bait carefully. My advice: use a 4J hook with live shrimp hooked through the tail, let it sink to the bottom, then lift it just enough to stay off structure. Patience wins with these fish - let them take it without jerking the rod.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are a backcountry favorite that never disappoints. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches with those signature black spots near the tail - nature's fake-out to confuse predators. They cruise super shallow flats, often with backs exposed, making for exciting sight fishing. You'll find them tailing in 6 inches to 4 feet of water around grass beds and oyster bars. They bite year-round, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action during moving tides. Redfish are popular because they fight hard with powerful runs and have excellent table fare - mild, sweet meat perfect for the grill. They're not picky eaters, hitting everything from topwater plugs to live shrimp. Pro tip: when you see them tailing or cruising shallow, cast well ahead of their path and let your bait settle. They spook easily in skinny water, so stay quiet and make that first cast count.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of the most exciting fish you'll encounter in our backcountry waters. These sleek predators typically run 18-28 inches, though we occasionally hook monsters pushing 40+ inches. You'll spot them by that distinctive black lateral line and golden coloring. They love hanging around mangroves, docks, and structure where they can ambush prey. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially during moving tides when they're actively feeding. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and powerful runs - they'll jump and fight hard right to the boat. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with firm, white meat. Here's a local tip: when casting to mangroves, get your bait tight to the roots. Snook sit in the shadows waiting to pounce, so don't be shy about getting close to structure where other anglers fear to cast.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate backcountry challenge - the "silver king" that gets every angler's heart racing. These prehistoric giants typically run 80-150 pounds and 4-6 feet, but we see much bigger fish. They're pure silver with that massive upturned jaw and can launch 10 feet out of the water when hooked. Find them in channels, around bridges, and rolling on the flats in 3-30 feet of water. May through July is prime time when they migrate through our waters. What makes tarpon legendary is their acrobatic fights - nothing compares to watching one explode from the surface. They're catch-and-release only due to their bony meat and conservation status. The key to success: when they jump, bow to the king by dropping your rod tip toward the fish. This prevents the line from snapping on their gill plates. These battles can last hours, making every tarpon a lifetime memory.
Key Largo