Key Largo Inshore Fishing with Captain Ricky
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Four-hour private inshore fishing charter for up to four guestsTarget Amberjack, Cobia, Snapper, Snook, and Wahoo speciesCaptain Ricky provides all equipment and local fishing expertise
Looking for a solid day of fishing in the pristine waters around Key Largo? Captain Ricky Spikes knows these flats and backcountry waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This four-hour private charter is perfect for families wanting to introduce kids to fishing or experienced anglers looking to target some of Florida's most prized species. With room for up to four guests, you'll have plenty of space to cast, fight fish, and enjoy the crystal-clear waters that make the Upper Keys a world-class fishing destination.
Captain Ricky runs a clean, well-maintained boat equipped with everything you need for a successful day of inshore fishing. You'll start your trip from Key Largo and head out to productive waters where mangroves meet grass flats and structure holds hungry gamefish. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – one minute you're sight-casting to cruising Cobia, the next you're working a snapper hole or throwing live bait at aggressive Snook. The captain provides all the tackle, from light spinning gear for snapper to heavier setups when those big Amberjack show up. Don't worry about experience level either – Captain Ricky takes pride in teaching newcomers proper techniques while challenging seasoned anglers with different presentations and spots.
Inshore fishing in Key Largo means adapting to conditions and what the fish are telling you. You'll likely use a mix of live bait and artificials depending on the target species and time of year. For Snook around the mangroves, expect to throw live pilchards or work soft plastics along the edges where these ambush predators lurk. When targeting Red Snapper and Mangrove Snapper, you'll drop down with circle hooks and fresh cut bait or live shrimp around structure and ledges. The real excitement comes when Cobia cruise by – Captain Ricky will have you sight-casting with live crabs or jigs to these curious brown sharks. For Amberjack, it's all about getting baits down to structure quickly before these powerful fish drag you into the rocks. The captain carries an arsenal of tackle options, from 20-pound spinning outfits to 50-pound conventional gear for the bigger players.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef, and Key Largo's waters hold some serious specimens. These powerful fish typically range from 20 to 60 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing 80 pounds or more. Spring and early summer offer the best action when they move shallow to spawn. What makes Amberjack so exciting is their initial run – they'll strip line faster than you can believe and test every knot in your system. Captain Ricky knows the wrecks and ledges where these fish stack up, and he'll have you dropping live goggle eyes or large jigs to entice them up from the depths.
Wahoo might seem like an offshore fish, but Key Largo's unique geography brings these speedsters within inshore range. These silver rockets can exceed 40 mph and regularly reach 30 to 50 pounds in local waters. Fall and winter months see the best Wahoo action when they follow baitfish closer to shore. The strike is explosive – often resulting in spectacular jumps and blistering runs that will have your drag screaming. Captain Ricky targets them with high-speed trolling using wire leaders and flashy lures, or by drifting live bait around structure where they ambush unsuspecting prey.
Cobia are perhaps the most underrated gamefish in Florida waters, and Key Largo consistently produces quality fish from 20 to 60 pounds. These curious fish cruise shallow waters from spring through fall, often following rays and sharks while looking for easy meals. What makes Cobia fishing so addictive is the visual aspect – you'll actually see these brown submarines swimming toward your bait. They fight dirty too, using their broad sides to pull hard and making multiple runs toward structure. Captain Ricky keeps live crabs and eels on hand, plus an assortment of bucktail jigs that drive these fish crazy.
Red Snapper remain one of the most sought-after species in Key Largo waters, with good reason. These beautiful fish average 5 to 15 pounds but can grow much larger, and they're absolutely delicious on the table. Summer months typically offer the best Red Snapper fishing when regulations allow harvest. They're structure-oriented fish, holding around ledges, rocks, and artificial reefs. The key is getting your bait to the bottom quickly and keeping it there – Red Snapper are aggressive feeders but they want their meal presented properly. Captain Ricky uses everything from live pinfish to cut sardines, depending on current and conditions.
Snook are Florida's signature gamefish, and the waters around Key Largo offer excellent opportunities year-round. These greenbacks typically range from 5 to 20 pounds, with trophy fish exceeding 30 pounds. They're ambush predators that love structure – mangrove shorelines, docks, bridges, and any place that provides cover and current. What makes Snook so special is their explosive strike and aerial ability. They'll hit a bait hard, then immediately jump and gill-rattle trying to throw the hook. Captain Ricky targets them with live pilchards, pinfish, and an assortment of plugs and soft plastics worked along likely structure.
Captain Ricky Spikes has built a reputation as one of Key Largo's most reliable fishing guides, and his four-hour trips offer the perfect balance of fishing action and family-friendly fun. Whether you're looking to check multiple species off your bucket list or simply want to enjoy a relaxing day on some of Florida's most beautiful waters, this charter delivers. The boat runs rain or
Captain Ricky's 2007 Sea Hunt center console is built for serious fishing in Key Largo's productive waters. This 26-footer runs on twin 150HP Yamaha outboards that'll get you to the fish quickly and reliably. The boat's designed with anglers in mind - GPS and fishfinder help locate the best spots for snapper, cobia, and wahoo, while the live bait well keeps your bait fresh and lively. Outriggers and tuna tubes give you the setup needed for trolling, and there's plenty of deck space for up to four anglers to work the water comfortably. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during the four-hour adventure. Whether you're targeting mangrove snapper around the structure or hoping for that trophy amberjack, this fishing machine has everything needed for a productive day on Florida's beautiful waters.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the bulldogs of inshore fishing - big, brown, and built for battle. They average 20-40 pounds but can hit 80+ pounds. Most people mistake them for sharks at first glance. We spot them cruising shallow reefs, wrecks, and channel markers in 20-60 feet of water. Spring migration from March to May is peak season when they're moving through. What makes them awesome targets is their curious nature - they'll follow the boat and eat just about anything you throw at them. The meat rivals any fish in the Gulf, firm and mild. Bucktail jigs work great, but live bait gets the biggest fish. Pro tip: when you see one, don't get excited and cast right at it. Lead them like you would a duck - they spook easy but come back if you're patient.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are solid fighters that'll test your gear - these bruisers average 30-40 pounds but can push 60+ pounds. You'll find them around wrecks, reefs, and ledges in 60-200 feet of water. They're not picky eaters, hitting live bait, jigs, and trolled lures equally well. Spring through fall gives you the best shots when they're most active. What makes them special is that powerful run when hooked - they'll head straight for structure trying to break you off. The meat's excellent eating too, white and firm. Here's a tip that works: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and try to turn their head up quickly. If you let them get their nose down and run for the bottom, they'll likely win that fight.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the gold standard of bottom fishing - beautiful fish with that classic red color and excellent table fare. Most run 3-8 pounds, though 15+ pounders aren't uncommon on deeper structure. We target them on reefs, wrecks, and ledges in 60-150 feet of water. They're year-round residents, but summer months offer the most consistent action. What guests love is the steady bite and unbeatable eating quality - mild, nutty flavor that's hard to beat. These fish are smart though, so fresh bait is crucial. Cigar minnows, squid, and live pinfish work best. Here's the trick: when you feel that tap-tap bite, don't set the hook immediately. Let them take it and start moving away, then drive the hook home. Rush it and you'll pull the bait right out of their mouth.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Florida's signature inshore gamefish - sleek predators with that distinctive black lateral line. They run 18-30 inches mostly, with slot limits protecting the population. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, bridges, and creek mouths in shallow water up to 30 feet. Warmer months from May through September are prime time, especially around new and full moons. What makes them special is their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps, plus they're fantastic eating when in season. They're ambush feeders that love structure and moving water. Soft plastics, topwater plugs, and live shrimp all produce. The secret is working the shadows and current breaks where they stage to feed. Present your bait naturally and be ready - when a snook commits, it's game on.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are pure speed demons - some of the fastest fish in the ocean hitting 50+ mph. Most run 20-50 pounds, but they can stretch over 6 feet. We find them in open water around current breaks and floating debris, usually in 30-100 feet. July through November is prime time here in the Keys when they're thick. What guests love is that blistering first run and the delicate, flaky meat that's perfect for fish tacos. These fish have razor teeth, so wire leaders are mandatory. Best technique is high-speed trolling with diving plugs or ballyhoo rigs at 12-15 knots. The key is keeping your baits moving fast - slow presentations rarely work. When you hook one, hold on tight because that initial run will smoke your reel.
Fort Pierce