5.0(1 Reviews)Full Day Florida Keys Fishing Charter
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour charter targets tarpon, bonefish, and permit inshoreProfessional captain provides 28foot boat with all gear includedMaximum four guests with catch cleaning service available
When you want to make the most of your time on the water in the Florida Keys, this 8-hour full day charter with Salt Creek Fishing Charters delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for. Captain Alex Harmon knows these backcountry flats and nearshore waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the track record to prove it. Whether you're chasing your first tarpon or you're a seasoned angler looking to complete the Keys slam, this extended trip gives you the best shot at multiple species while exploring some of the most productive fishing grounds in South Florida. You'll be fishing from a well-maintained 28' Blue Wave bay boat that can handle everything from skinny water stalking to nearshore structure fishing, and with only 4 anglers max, everyone gets plenty of attention and prime fishing time.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head in. Eight hours on the water means you can really dial in on different species as conditions change throughout the day. Early morning might find you working the flats for permit and bonefish when the water's calm and clear, then as the sun gets higher, you could be targeting tarpon around bridges and channels, or heading to nearshore structure for snapper and cobia. Captain Alex reads the water, weather, and fish behavior to keep you in the action all day long. All your gear, bait, and Florida fishing licenses are included, so you just need to bring sun protection, snacks, and drinks. The boat's equipped with quality tackle that can handle everything from finicky bonefish to freight-train tarpon, and Alex provides professional fish cleaning services so your catch goes home table-ready.
The beauty of a full day charter in the Keys is the variety of techniques you'll use and waters you'll cover. In the backcountry, you might be sight fishing with live shrimp or crabs, making precise casts to cruising permit or tailing bonefish on the flats. When targeting tarpon, you could be fishing live pinfish around bridge pilings or drifting cut bait along channels where these silver kings stage. The nearshore action often involves bottom fishing with live or cut bait around coral heads and ledges for snapper species, or casting jigs and live bait to cobia cruising the surface. Captain Alex adjusts tactics based on tides, weather, and what the fish are doing that particular day. The 28' Blue Wave is perfect for this kind of versatility – stable enough for comfortable fishing in nearshore waters but with a shallow draft that lets you get back into skinny backcountry spots where bigger boats can't go.
"This captain has a real instinct for locating fish, whether you're focused on catch-and-release or bringing home a meal. He didn't just get us into the action—he made sure the entire day stood out. Anglers of any experience level will feel supported and confident. The boat is in excellent shape, and his precision on the water is impressive, even making subtle position changes to stay right on the bite when conditions allow. For the smoothest ride, grab the rear seat, apply sunscreen, and enjoy the day while he handles the rest. I'll book this charter every time I'm in the Keys. As a fellow captain, I can say with confidence that he truly knows his craft." - Scotty
Snook are one of the most sought-after gamefish in the Keys, and for good reason. These ambush predators love structure – mangrove shorelines, dock pilings, and bridge spans where they can dart out to nail passing baitfish. They're incredibly strong fighters that will dive for cover the second they feel the hook, often jumping and gill-rattling to throw your lure. Peak snook fishing happens during warmer months from spring through fall, with dawn and dusk being prime time. What makes snook so addictive is their attitude – they can be incredibly aggressive one minute and completely shut down the next, making every hook-up feel earned.
Blackfin Tuna are the speed demons of the nearshore waters, and when you hook one, you'll know it immediately. These smaller cousins of yellowfin tuna rarely exceed 30 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in pure acceleration and endurance. They school up around offshore structure and temperature breaks, often feeding on the surface in fast-moving blitzes that create some of the most exciting fishing you'll find in the Keys. Blackfins are typically most active during cooler months from fall through spring, and they make excellent table fare with their deep red meat that's perfect for sashimi or searing.
Tarpon are the undisputed kings of Keys fishing, and landing one is a bucket-list experience that never gets old. These prehistoric giants can exceed 100 pounds and 6 feet in length, with silver sides that flash like mirrors when they launch themselves completely out of the water. Tarpon are around year-round in the Keys, but the best action typically runs from March through July when they migrate through in large numbers. They're almost exclusively catch-and-release fish, but the fight alone is worth it – imagine hooking into something that can jump 8 feet in the air and run line off your reel for 200 yards without stopping.
Permit are often called the holy grail of flats fishing, and once you've tangled with one, you'll understand why. These disc-shaped gamefish are incredibly spooky and selective, often following a bait or lure for long distances before either eating it or swimming away uninterested. They're most commonly found on shallow flats where they root around for crabs and small fish, their distinctive black-edged fins cutting through the water as they cruise. Permit fishing is best during warmer months when they're most active on the flats, and hooking one requires patience, skill, and often a bit of luck
Your 28' Blue Wave bay boat is built for serious Florida Keys fishing. This versatile rig handles shallow backcountry flats and nearshore waters with ease, giving you access to prime tarpon, bonefish, and permit territory. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when stalking spooky fish in skinny water, while the spacious casting deck gives all four anglers room to work without tangling lines. Professional electronics including GPS and fish finder help locate productive spots, from mangrove cuts holding snapper to deeper channels where cobia cruise. The boat's shallow draft opens up fishing grounds that bigger vessels can't reach, perfect for exploring the maze of keys and channels that make this fishery legendary. Captain Alex keeps premium tackle rigged and ready, so you can focus on making the cast when that permit finally shows up on the flat.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest of the tuna family but don't let that fool you - they're scrappy fighters that'll test your drag. Most run 15-30 pounds, though we see some pushing 40. These dark-bodied speedsters school up near the continental shelf in 60-200 feet of water, often mixed with skipjacks. Peak season here is fall through spring when water temps drop below 75°F. They're drawn to structure like wrecks and drop-offs where baitfish congregate. What guests love is the non-stop action once you find a school, plus blackfin make excellent sashimi - some of the best eating tuna around. The trick is scaling down your tackle; these fish have sharp eyes, so use lighter fluorocarbon leaders and smaller circle hooks. Chunk with pilchards or vertical jig to keep them fired up.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the wolves of the flats - aggressive predators that'll hammer almost anything shiny or moving fast. Most run 3-4 feet long with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. You'll find them patrolling coral reefs, grass flats, and drop-offs from shallow water to about 30 feet deep. They're here year-round but really turn on during spring and summer. What guests love is the explosive strike and that initial blistering run - they hit like freight trains but tire quickly. They're curious fish that often follow the boat, making them great for kids and beginners. The fight is short but intense, and smaller ones make decent table fare. Pro tip: use a wire leader and keep your lure moving fast - barracuda can't resist a flashy spoon or tube lure ripped through the water column.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of flats fishing - beautiful, spooky, and tough as nails to catch. These disc-shaped silver ghosts typically run 10-20 pounds with that distinctive tall profile and forked tail. You'll spot them tailing on shallow grass flats, around wrecks in 20-60 feet, or cruising channel edges. April through October is prime time, but they're here year-round. What makes permit special is the challenge - they've got incredible eyesight and will spook at the slightest wrong move. When you do hook one, they make blistering runs that'll smoke your drag. The meat is excellent too, similar to pompano. Live blue crabs are the gold standard bait, but they're picky eaters. The key is a perfect presentation - get that crab in front of them without spooking them, and stay ready for a long fight.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most prized inshore targets here in the Keys. These ambush predators typically run 18-30 inches, with that distinctive black lateral line and that mean-looking lower jaw. You'll find them hugging structure - mangroves, docks, bridges, and creek mouths where they can dart out to grab baitfish. They love brackish water and can handle both salt and fresh. May through September is prime time when they're spawning and their fins turn bright yellow. What makes snook special is that aggressive strike and the way they fight in tight quarters. Plus, they're great eating with white, flaky meat. Here's the key: present your bait quietly and keep it moving - snook are spooky but can't resist a well-placed live shrimp or pinfish near cover.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon fishing is what dreams are made of down here. These silver kings average 80-150 pounds and can push 6-7 feet long - pure muscle that'll jump clean out of the water when hooked. We find them rolling in channels, around bridges, and on the flats from about 3-30 feet deep. May through July is peak season when they're thick during their spawn, but we catch them year-round in the Keys. What hooks people is watching a 100-pound fish go airborne multiple times - it's addictive. They're almost always released since the meat isn't great, but landing one is a lifetime achievement. The secret is keeping your rod tip down when they jump; bow to the king or they'll throw the hook. Live crabs and big pinfish work best, but they'll also crush a well-placed fly on the flats.
5.0 out of 5.0This captain has a real instinct for locating fish, whether you’re focused on catch-and-release or bringing home a meal. He didn’t...
Florida Keys