5.0(2 Reviews)Half Day Inshore Tarpon & Bonefish Charter
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Four-hour guided trip targeting tarpon, bonefish, and snapper speciesAll tackle, fishing license, and professional catch cleaning includedCaptain provides 28-foot Blue Wave boat with Penn equipment
When you're looking for that perfect blend of technical fishing and raw excitement, this half-day charter with Salt Creek Fishing Charters hits all the marks. Captain Alex Harmon knows these Florida Keys waters like the back of his hand, and he's got a knack for putting you on fish whether you're slinging flies or working light tackle. The 7 AM launch gives you those prime morning hours when the flats come alive, and with just four hours on the water, you'll pack more action into a morning than most anglers see in a weekend.
Your day kicks off in the legendary Florida Keys backcountry, where crystal-clear flats stretch for miles and every cast could connect you with a fish of a lifetime. Captain Alex runs a well-equipped 28' Blue Wave that's built for these shallow waters, letting you slip into skinny spots where the big fish cruise. You'll start your morning working the flats for those iconic species like tarpon and bonefish, then transition to nearshore structure where snapper, cobia, and kingfish hang out. The beauty of this trip is the variety – one minute you're sight-fishing to tailing bones in two feet of water, the next you're dropping down on a wreck for some hefty yellowtail snapper. Alex keeps the Penn rods rigged and ready, so you can focus on what matters most: putting fish in the boat.
This charter caters to both fly fishing purists and spin tackle enthusiasts, so you can fish your preferred style without compromise. On the flats, you'll be sight-fishing to individual fish – watching for that telltale mud cloud or the flash of a silver side as a bonefish works the bottom. The fly fishing here is technical stuff: long, accurate casts and quiet presentations that don't spook these incredibly wary fish. If you're more comfortable with spinning gear, Captain Alex will have you rigged with light tackle that's perfect for these conditions. When you move nearshore, the approach shifts to structure fishing and drop-shotting around wrecks and ledges. All your tackle, including Penn rods and reels, comes included, plus your Florida fishing license is covered. The boat's setup lets you fish multiple techniques throughout the day, so you're always fishing the most effective method for whatever species you're targeting.
"We had a wonderful family fishing trip. While the catch was modest, the captain worked hard to locate productive spots and kept us moving to try different styles of fishing. The effort and variety made the experience enjoyable, and I'd gladly book another trip in the future." - Kori
"Our day with Salt Creek Fishing Charters was fantastic." - James
Permit are the holy grail of flats fishing, and for good reason. These disc-shaped fighters are notoriously spooky and incredibly selective about what they'll eat. In the Keys, permit cruise the flats year-round, but spring and fall offer your best shots when they're actively feeding on crabs and small fish. When you hook one, expect a blistering run followed by some serious head-shaking that'll test your drag system. Most permit here run 15-30 pounds, and landing one is a badge of honor that'll have you coming back for more.
Great Barracuda are the speed demons of the flats, and they'll absolutely demolish whatever you're throwing at them. These toothy predators love to ambush prey along grass lines and drop-offs, and they're suckers for fast-moving lures or flies. You'll find them year-round in the Keys, but they're most active during the warmer months. A big 'cuda might stretch four feet and pull drag like a freight train. Just remember to bring a wire leader – these guys have razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through mono in a heartbeat.
Crevalle Jack might not win any beauty contests, but they're pound-for-pound some of the strongest fish you'll tangle with. These bruisers hunt in schools around structure and drop-offs, and when you find them feeding, the action can be non-stop. Jack Crevalle are available throughout the year and will eat just about anything you throw at them. A 20-pound jack will give you a workout that'll leave your arms sore, and their bulldogging runs are legendary among light-tackle anglers.
Bonefish are what flats fishing is all about – the perfect combination of wariness, speed, and fighting ability that makes every hookup feel like a victory. These "gray ghosts" cruise the shallow flats feeding on crabs, shrimp, and small fish, and spotting them requires sharp eyes and patience. Keys bonefish average 4-8 pounds but can push into double digits. They're most active during moving tides, and once hooked, they'll peel line off your reel in runs that seem to last forever. Spring through fall offers prime bonefishing, though you can find them year-round in the right conditions.
Snook are the ultimate inshore gamefish, combining explosive strikes with acrobatic fights that'll get your heart pumping. These ambush predators love structure – docks, mangrove shorelines, and creek mouths where they can surprise unsuspecting baitfish. Snook are highly regulated with specific seasons and slot limits, but when they're open, few fish provide more excitement. They're most active during summer months and will absolutely destroy topwater lures at dawn and dusk. A slot snook runs 28-33 inches and fights with the determination of a fish twice its size.
This half-day charter gives you a taste of everything that makes Florida Keys fishing legendary. With Captain Alex's local knowledge, top-quality gear, and access to both backcountry flats an
Captain Alex Harmon's 28' Blue Wave bay boat is built for serious angling in the Florida Keys backcountry. This shallow-water specialist cuts through skinny flats with ease, getting you within casting distance of cruising tarpon and spooky bonefish. The wireless trolling motor keeps things whisper-quiet when stalking permit on turtle grass beds, while the spacious casting deck gives all four anglers room to work without tangling lines. Pro-grade fish finder helps locate structure holding snapper and grouper, and the GPS keeps you on productive spots. Penn rods and reels are rigged and ready, whether you're sight-casting flies to rolling tarpon or dropping baits for yellowtail snapper on the reef. Wide gunwales provide stable footing when fighting fish, and there's plenty of storage for tackle, ice, and your catch. Perfect platform for targeting everything from backcountry gamefish to nearshore species like cobia and kingfish.
Albula Vulpessummary text here Bonefish are the "grey ghosts" of the flats - silvery, torpedo-shaped fish that average 6-8 pounds but can reach 16. They cruise sandy and grass flats in water so shallow you'll see their backs and tails above the surface when feeding. Low tide periods are prime time when they move up to hunt crabs and shrimp. What makes bones special is the combination of challenge and reward - they're incredibly spooky but once hooked, they'll rip 100 yards of line in seconds. We practice catch and release since they're too bony to eat well. The thrill is in the stalk and that first screaming run. Success comes down to stealth and accuracy. When you spot tailing fish, approach quietly and cast small crab or shrimp patterns just ahead of their path. Let it sink naturally - no twitching or you'll spook them.
Caranx Hippossummary text here Jack Crevalle are the bulldogs of the backcountry - aggressive, powerful fish that average 3-5 pounds but can hit 20+. Look for them in schools around grass flats, channels, and nearshore structure. They're year-round residents but spring through fall brings the best action. Watch for diving birds - jacks push baitfish to the surface and create feeding frenzies you can spot from miles away. What guests love is the pure fight these fish bring. They hit hard, run fast, and never give up easy. Plus they're great on light tackle and perfect for beginners who want to feel what a real fish fight is like. Here's the trick: cast silver spoons or white soft plastics past the school and retrieve them fast. Jacks love the chase, so keep that lure moving. Don't worry about being subtle - these fish attack anything that looks like fleeing baitfish.
Sphyraena Barracudasummary text here Great barracuda are the ocean's speed demons, hitting 35 mph in short bursts. These silver torpedoes typically run 2-4 feet long but can reach 6 feet and 100+ pounds. You'll find them near the surface around coral reefs, mangroves, and grass flats, but they'll also cruise deeper waters hunting baitfish. They're curious fish that often follow divers and boats, attracted to shiny objects. Year-round fishing is good here, but spring and summer are peak when they're most active. Guests love the aggressive strikes and fierce initial runs, though they tire quickly. The razor-sharp teeth and powerful jaws demand respect - always use a wire leader and landing net. Pro tip: retrieve your lure fast and erratically. Barracuda are sight hunters that love the chase, so make that bait look like it's trying to escape.
Trachinotus Falcatussummary text here Permit are the holy grail of flats fishing - these silvery, disc-shaped fish typically run 8-15 pounds but can hit 30+ in our waters. You'll spot them cruising shallow grass flats and sandy areas, sometimes in just 2 feet of water despite their tall profile. Their golf ball-sized eyes rotate almost 360 degrees, making them incredibly spooky and challenging to approach. Spring through fall gives you the best shot, especially April to October when they're spawning. What makes permit special is their reputation as the toughest of the flats slam trio - harder than tarpon or bonefish. The fight is bulldogging power rather than speed. Here's the key: when you see one, cast your crab fly or live blue crab well ahead and let it sink naturally. Don't strip it - permit want that crab sitting still on bottom.
Centropomus Undecimalissummary text here Snook are premium gamefish that patrol mangrove shorelines, docks, and creek mouths throughout our area. These golden-sided fish with the distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-28 inches, but trophy fish over 30 inches lurk in deeper holes. They're structure-oriented ambush predators that love cover - think of them like saltwater bass. Warmer months from May through September are peak, especially around new and full moons when they spawn near passes. Guests love snook for their explosive strikes and bulldogging fights, plus they're excellent table fare with firm white meat. The key is working the edges where current meets structure. Cast live shrimp, soft plastic swimbaits, or topwater plugs tight to mangroves and pilings. Here's the secret: snook are lazy - they won't chase bait far, so put your offering right in their face.
5.0 out of 5.0We had a wonderful family fishing trip. While the catch was modest, the captain worked hard to locate productive spots and kept us...
Our day with Salt Creek Fishing Charters was fantastic.
Florida Keys