5.0(1 Reviews)Full Day Florida Keys Fishing Charter
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eight-hour charter targeting tarpon, bonefish, and permit in Keys watersProfessional captain provides 28-foot boat with gear and fishing licensesMaximum four guests with catch cleaning services included
When you're serious about fishing the Florida Keys, half-day trips just don't cut it. This 8-hour charter with Captain Alex Harmon gives you the time you need to really work the water and chase the fish that make these waters legendary. We're talking about getting out early, staying late, and covering everything from the shallow backcountry flats to the deeper nearshore edges where the big boys hang out. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to check tarpon off your bucket list or a family wanting to put some yellowtail snapper in the cooler, this full-day adventure puts you in the best position to make it happen.
Captain Alex runs a pristine 28-foot Blue Wave bay boat that's built for these waters – shallow enough to get you into the skinny backcountry spots where permit and bonefish cruise, yet stable enough to handle the chop when we venture out to the reef line for snapper and grouper action. The extended 8-hour window means we can adapt to what's biting and where. Maybe we start the morning working the flats for tarpon and bonefish, then move to structure for mutton snapper during the midday bite, and finish strong on the reef for yellowtail and mangrove snapper. All your gear, bait, and Florida fishing licenses are handled, plus Alex provides professional fish cleaning services so you can focus on what matters – getting your line tight. Just bring your sun protection, plenty of water, and some snacks to keep your energy up during this marathon fishing session.
The beauty of this full-day charter is the variety of fishing techniques you'll experience. In the backcountry, we're sight fishing the flats with spinning gear, making precise casts to cruising tarpon and permit. The water's crystal clear, so you'll actually see these fish before you cast – it's pure adrenaline when a 100-pound tarpon turns on your bait. When we transition to the nearshore reefs and wrecks, we switch to bottom fishing with circle hooks for snapper, using fresh cut bait and live pilchards. The boat's equipped with quality Penn and Shimano reels paired with medium to heavy action rods that can handle anything from a finicky bonefish to a freight-train cobia. Captain Alex knows exactly when to move from technique to technique based on tides, wind, and what the fish are telling us. His local knowledge of underwater structure, current breaks, and seasonal patterns is what separates a good day from an outstanding one.
"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 the ultimate backcountry predator and one of the most rewarding fish to catch in the Keys. These ambush feeders love to hide around mangrove points, creek mouths, and dock lights, exploding on live pilchards and artificial lures with bone-jarring strikes. They're notorious for their gill-rattling jumps and powerful runs toward structure. Spring through fall offers the best action, with early morning and late afternoon being prime time. What makes snook special is their fight-to-size ratio – even a 20-incher will test your drag and your nerves as it tries to wrap you around the nearest piling.
Blackfin tuna represent some of the fastest action you'll find in Keys waters. These speedsters travel in schools and when you find them, it's game on. They hit hard, run fast, and provide non-stop action on spinning gear. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when cooler water temperatures bring them closer to shore. Blackfin are perfect for anglers who want steady action – when the bite is on, everyone on the boat stays busy. They're also excellent table fare, making them a favorite for anglers wanting to take home a quality meal.
Tarpon are the reason many anglers make their pilgrimage to the Florida Keys. These silver kings can exceed 150 pounds and are famous for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. Late spring through summer brings the famous tarpon migration through these waters, but resident fish provide year-round opportunities. What sets tarpon apart is the visual aspect – you'll often see them rolling on the surface or cruising the flats before you cast. The fight is legendary, with multiple jumps and powerful runs that can last 30 minutes or more. Most anglers practice catch-and-release with these magnificent fish.
Permit are considered the holy grail of flats fishing, known for their spooky nature and selective feeding habits. These disc-shaped fighters cruise the shallow flats and wrecks, often in small groups, feeding on crabs and small baitfish. They're incredibly smart and will test your patience and casting accuracy. Spring through fall offers the best opportunities, with calm, clear conditions being essential. When you do hook a permit, expect a powerful, sustained fight with long runs and head-shaking that'll rattle your teeth. Many experienced anglers consider permit the most challenging fish in the Keys.
Great barracuda are the opportunistic predators of the flats and reef edges, known for their lightning-fast strikes and razor-sharp teeth. These torpedo-shaped fish are curious by nature and will often follow lures and bait before deciding to strike. They're found year
Your fishing platform for the day is a sleek 28' Blue Wave bay boat, built specifically for navigating the shallow flats and backcountry waters of the Florida Keys. This vessel combines stealth with performance – the wireless trolling motor lets you slip quietly into prime fishing spots without spooking wary bonefish and permit. The spacious casting deck gives all four anglers room to work their lines without tangling up, while pro-grade electronics including GPS and fish finder help locate schools of yellowtail and mutton snapper. Whether you're sight-fishing the flats for tarpon or working structure for cobia, this bay boat handles it all. The shallow draft design opens up water that bigger boats can't reach, giving you access to those secret honey holes where the fish stack up.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest of the tuna family but pack serious punch for their size, typically running 10-30 pounds in our waters. These speed demons cruise the nearshore waters along the reef edge and deeper channels, usually in 60-200 feet. They school up tight and feed aggressively on small baitfish and squid. Peak season here is fall through spring when water temps drop into the upper 60s and 70s. Anglers love them because they fight way above their weight class and make outstanding sashimi - some of the best eating fish in the ocean. They're also great for getting kids hooked on offshore fishing. My go-to trick is scaling down your tackle - use 30-pound fluoro leaders and smaller circle hooks since these fish have sharp eyes and spook easily.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat barracuda are the apex predators of our flats and nearshore waters, averaging 3-5 feet with razor-sharp teeth and lightning speed up to 35 mph. These silver torpedoes patrol coral reefs, grass flats, and channel edges year-round, though they're most active in warmer months. What draws anglers is their aggressive nature and explosive strikes - they'll hit almost anything flashy and fight with serious attitude. They're also perfect for beginners since they're not too picky about bait. While not the best table fare due to potential ciguatera, the fight is pure adrenaline. Wire leaders are absolutely essential - these fish will slice through mono instantly. My tip: use bright, flashy lures and retrieve them fast - barracuda are visual hunters and love chasing down fast-moving targets.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of flats fishing - these silver, disc-shaped fish are notorious for being extremely selective and spooky. They average 15-25 pounds with some reaching 40-plus, cruising sand and grass flats in just 2-6 feet of water. Peak season runs April through October when they're spawning and more active. What makes permit special is the challenge - they have incredible eyesight and will bolt at the slightest wrong move. It's like hunting with a fishing rod. Live blue crabs are the gold standard bait, though crab flies work for fly fishermen. The reward is landing one of the most difficult fish in the flats. Here's the secret: present your crab ahead of the fish and let it sink naturally - permit spook if you drop bait right on their heads.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most popular inshore targets, averaging 1-3 feet with that distinctive black lateral line and golden coloration. These ambush predators love hanging around mangroves, docks, and structure in our backcountry waters. They're surprisingly similar to bass fishing - they hit topwater lures, soft plastics, and live bait with serious attitude. Best fishing runs May through September when they're spawning and more aggressive. What makes them special is that explosive strike and the way they fight in shallow water, plus they're great table fare when kept in season. Pro tip: downsize your leader during the day - snook are line-shy in clear water, so drop to 20-pound fluoro for more bites.
Megalops AtlanticusThe silver king is what fishing dreams are made of - these giants average 80-150 pounds and can hit 200-plus. They patrol our shallow flats, bridges, and channels from April through August, with peak action in late spring and early summer. What sets tarpon apart is their acrobatics - they'll jump 8 feet out of the water and can strip 200 yards of line in seconds. Most anglers come here specifically for that bucket-list experience of fighting a fish this big in shallow water. We release every tarpon since they're not great eating and take decades to mature. The key to landing one is keeping steady pressure without over-fighting them - let the fish tire itself out on those long runs, and always bow to the king when they jump to keep from breaking them off.
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