Key Largo Inshore Fishing with Captain Ricky
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour private inshore fishing charter for up to four guestsTarget Amberjack, Cobia, Snapper, Snook, and Wahoo speciesCaptain Ricky provides equipment and local Key Largo expertise
Looking for some solid fishing action without the long haul to the deep blue? Captain Ricky Spikes knows these Key Largo waters like the back of his hand, and his four-hour inshore trips are about as good as it gets for families and small groups. You'll fish the flats, channels, and structure where the fish actually live – not just where the crowds go. With room for up to four anglers, this isn't some cattle boat operation. It's personal, it's productive, and it's exactly what you came to the Keys to experience. Whether you're trying to get the kids hooked on fishing or you're a seasoned angler looking for that perfect half-day trip, Reel Sporty Charters delivers the goods every single time.
Captain Ricky runs a tight ship, but don't expect military precision – this is all about having fun while putting fish in the boat. You'll launch early enough to beat the afternoon winds that can make inshore fishing tricky, but not so early that you're stumbling around in the dark. The beauty of inshore fishing in Key Largo is the variety. One minute you're working a mangrove shoreline for snook, the next you're drifting over a patch reef hoping for that monster cobia to cruise by. Ricky's got all the tackle sorted – from light spinning gear for the finesse work to heavier conventional setups when you need to muscle a fish away from structure. The boat's rigged with everything you need, including a good fishfinder, plenty of ice, and most importantly, a captain who knows when to move and when to stay put. This isn't about checking boxes or following a script. It's about reading the water, watching the birds, and putting you on fish that actually want to bite.
Inshore fishing around Key Largo is all about matching your approach to the conditions and the fish you're targeting. Captain Ricky switches between live bait and artificial lures depending on what's working best that day. You might find yourself freelining a pilchard along a mangrove edge, pitching soft plastics to structure, or trolling small spoons through a channel. The water here ranges from gin-clear flats where you can sight-fish to deeper cuts and channels where you're fishing blind but the fish are stacked up. Ricky's tackle selection covers all the bases – medium-heavy spinning rods for most situations, some lighter gear for the spookier fish, and heavier stuff when you need to turn a fish's head before it reaches the rocks. Circle hooks are the standard for live bait fishing, which means better hookups and healthier fish releases. The fishfinder gets plenty of use, especially when working the deeper structure for amberjack and cobia. Bottom line: you don't need to bring anything but yourself and maybe some snacks. The fishing side of things is completely handled.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef, and Key Largo's got some serious fish. These guys typically run 20 to 50 pounds, though bigger ones show up regularly. They live around any kind of structure – wrecks, reefs, rock piles – and they fight dirty. Once hooked, an amberjack will immediately dive for the bottom and try to wrap you around whatever's down there. They're most active during the cooler months, roughly November through March, but you can find them year-round if you know where to look. What makes them so exciting is that initial run – it's pure power, and even experienced anglers get surprised by how hard these fish pull.
Wahoo might seem like an odd target for an inshore trip, but Key Largo's unique geography means you're never far from blue water. These fish are pure speed – they can hit 60 mph and their initial run will make your drag scream. Most inshore wahoo run 15 to 30 pounds, perfect eating size. They're more common during the winter months when baitfish are thick, and they often show up when you're targeting other species. The excitement comes from the surprise factor and that blistering first run. One second you're reeling in what feels like a decent fish, the next your reel is singing and line is disappearing at an alarming rate.
Cobia are the gentlemen of the flats – curious, approachable, and absolutely delicious. These bronze-colored fish cruise the shallows, especially around rays and sharks, looking for stirred-up prey. They average 20 to 40 pounds in these waters and are surprisingly willing to eat a well-presented bait or lure. Spring and early summer are prime time, when they're moving through on their annual migration. What makes cobia special is that you can often see them coming – they'll cruise right up to the boat, check you out, then either eat your bait or swim away. It's visual, interactive fishing at its best.
Red Snapper are the bread and butter of reef fishing, and while regulations can be tricky, when they're open, it's game on. These fish are smart, structure-oriented, and absolutely delicious. Most run 3 to 8 pounds, though bigger fish are always possible. They're year-round residents but fish best during the warmer months when they're more aggressive. The challenge with red snapper is getting your bait down to them without feeding every grunt and yellowtail in between. When you do connect, they make strong runs toward the bottom, and their red color flashing in the clear water is a beautiful sight.
Snook are Florida's signature gamefish, and the backcountry around Key Largo holds some fantastic fish. They're ambush predators that love structure – mangroves, docks, bridges, anywhere they can hide and wait for prey to swim by. Most snook here run 5 to 15 pounds, with bigger fish always lurking in the shadows. They're most active during the warmer months and can be
The 2007 Sea Hunt center console is your ticket to prime fishing waters around Key Largo. This 26-foot sportfisher runs on twin 150HP Yamaha outboards, giving you the power and reliability to reach those productive fishing spots where snapper, cobia, and snook are waiting. The boat's setup is built for serious angling – GPS and fishfinder help locate structure and schools, while the live bait well keeps your bait fresh and lively. Outriggers and tuna tubes let you run multiple lines effectively, and the onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold throughout the four-hour adventure. With room for up to four anglers, there's plenty of space to fight fish without getting tangled up. Captain Ricky knows these waters inside and out, positioning you over the best spots for amberjack, wahoo, and mangrove snapper. The center console design gives everyone easy access to the action while providing a stable platform for landing that next big fish.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia look like brown sharks at first glance, but they're actually one of our best fighting fish, averaging 20-40 pounds and sometimes hitting 6 feet. You'll spot them cruising shallow reefs, wrecks, and around buoys in 30-70 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May is when they're most active, but we catch them all summer around structure. What guests love about cobia is their curious nature - they'll come right up to the boat to investigate, and once hooked, they put up a serious fight with strong runs and head shakes. The meat is fantastic, firm and mild. Pro tip: when you see one cruising near the surface, cast a bucktail jig right in front of their nose and work it slowly - they usually can't resist.
Seriola dumeriliThese blue-grey bruiser fish average around 40 pounds but can push past 6 feet and really test your drag system. You'll find them hanging around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 60-200 feet of water year-round here in the Keys. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're most active. What makes amberjack special is their raw power - they'll make long runs and try to wrap you around structure, so you need heavy tackle and patience. The meat is excellent when prepared right, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. My tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't give them slack to dive back to structure. Use live bait or heavy jigs, and be ready for a real workout.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the classic bottom fish that everyone wants to catch - bright red with those big eyes, averaging 2-8 pounds but capable of reaching 20+ pounds. These guys live on hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 60-200 feet of water. Summer months give you the best shot at them during the federal season, though regulations change yearly. What makes snapper special is they're scrappy fighters that dive straight down when hooked, plus they're absolutely delicious - mild, flaky white meat that's perfect for any recipe. The key is getting your bait to the bottom quickly before other fish grab it. I always use a knocker rig with live pinfish or fresh squid, and keep steady pressure once you hook up because they'll try to cut your line on the reef.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Florida's signature inshore game fish with that distinctive black lateral line and golden color, typically running 18-30 inches around the mangroves and shallow waters. You'll find them in the backcountry, around docks, bridges, and creek mouths in 2-10 feet of water. Warmer months from May through September are peak season, especially around the full and new moons when they spawn near passes. Guests love snook because they're ambush predators that explode on topwater lures and make powerful runs toward structure. They're also excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. The secret is working the edges of mangroves and structure with live shrimp or soft plastics - cast tight to cover and be ready for that aggressive strike.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of our waters, hitting 50+ mph and averaging 30-50 pounds when we find them. These silver bullets with blue stripes cruise the open water and around our reef edges, usually within 10 miles of shore. July through November is prime time here in South Florida when they're most abundant. Guests love wahoo because they're lightning fast, jump like crazy, and make some of the best eating fish in the ocean - firm, white meat that's perfect for steaks or fish tacos. The trick with wahoo is speed - troll fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders since their razor teeth will cut through anything else. When you hear that reel screaming, hang on tight because these fish don't quit.
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