Half Day Keys Fishing for Permit, Tarpon & Snapper
There's nothing quite like an afternoon on the flats and nearshore waters of the Florida Keys, and Captain Alex Harmon knows exactly where to find the fish that make this fishery legendary. This 4-hour charter departing at 2:00 PM gives you the perfect window to target some of the most sought-after species in these waters – from the elusive permit and silver king tarpon to the reliable action of yellowtail snapper on the wrecks. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, Alex tailors the trip to your skill level and puts you on fish that'll have you talking about this trip for years.
What to Expect on the Water
Your afternoon starts aboard Alex's 28-foot Blue Wave, a boat built for both the shallow flats and the deeper nearshore waters we'll be exploring. The beauty of this trip is the variety – one moment you might be sight-fishing for bonefish in crystal-clear shallows, the next you're dropping down to a wreck 40 feet below for some fast-paced snapper action. Alex provides everything you need, from top-quality Penn spinning gear to fly rods for those who prefer the long rod. All bait, tackle, and your Florida fishing license are included, so you can focus on what matters – putting fish in the boat. The captain handles the filleting too, so your catch goes home table-ready. Just bring your sun protection, some drinks, and get ready for some serious fishing action in one of the world's premier fishing destinations.
Techniques & Tackle
The Florida Keys demand versatility, and that's exactly what you'll get with Captain Alex. On the flats, we're talking sight-fishing at its finest – stalking permit and bonefish in skinny water where every cast counts. Alex will have you using live shrimp, crabs, or small jigs, depending on what the fish are telling us. When we transition to the nearshore wrecks and structure, the game changes completely. Here we're dropping live bait for cobia and kingfish, or working the bottom for mutton and yellowtail snapper. The Penn spinning setups are perfectly matched to each situation – lighter tackle for the flats work, beefier gear when we're targeting those big tarpon or goliath grouper around the structure. If you're into fly fishing, Alex has that covered too. The shallow, clear waters of the Keys are perfect for sight-casting flies to cruising fish, and there's nothing quite like watching a permit eat your fly in three feet of water.
Customer Stories
"We had an excellent day on the water with Captain Alex Harmon. He put us on a variety of quality fish and kept the action steady throughout the trip. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a solid fishing experience." - Benji "A great guy who truly knows where to find fish and how to catch them." - Jason "My mom, sister, and I enjoyed an outstanding day on the water with Captain Alex and Salt Creek Fishing. We launched early to target big tarpon, and the plan paid off with two landed before sunrise. The action continued with several different species, including a yellow jack that we brought to a nearby restaurant for a fantastic lunch. To top it off, we finished the trip fighting two lemon sharks. Captain Alex was personable, experienced, and great to fish with. An all-around excellent experience." - Jennifer
Target Species
Permit are the holy grail of flats fishing, and the Keys offer some of the best permit fishing on the planet. These chrome-sided fighters are notorious for their finicky eating habits and explosive runs once hooked. You'll find them cruising the flats in small schools, often tailing in the shallows as they root around for crabs and shrimp. Peak season runs from March through July, though Alex finds them year-round. What makes permit so special isn't just their beauty – it's the challenge. They're incredibly spooky and selective, making every hookup feel like a victory. When you do connect, get ready for a fight that'll test your drag system and your patience.
Great barracuda are the apex predators of the flats, and they provide some of the most visual and exciting fishing you'll find in the Keys. These torpedo-shaped hunters can reach 4-5 feet and pack serious teeth, making for spectacular strikes and blistering runs. You'll often spot them hanging motionless near the surface, perfectly camouflaged until they explode into action. Barracuda are year-round residents, but they're most active during the warmer months. What anglers love about cuda fishing is the aggression – they'll chase down lures, flies, or live bait with a ferocity that gets your heart pumping. Just remember to keep your fingers clear of those razor-sharp teeth when it's time for photos.
Crevalle jacks might not win beauty contests, but they're absolute bulldogs on the end of a line. These hard-fighting members of the jack family form large schools and provide consistent action when other species get finicky. Running 2-8 pounds on average, with occasional brutes pushing 15-20 pounds, they're perfect for anglers who want to feel their rod bend. Jacks are most active during the spring and fall migrations, but smaller resident fish provide year-round action. What makes jacks so popular with guides and anglers alike is their willingness to eat almost anything and fight way above their weight class. They're also great bait stealers, so Alex keeps plenty of fresh shrimp and pilchards on hand when the jacks are around.
Bonefish are the gray ghosts of the flats, and spotting one tailing in skinny water never gets old. These silver-sided speedsters average 3-6 pounds in the Keys, with occasional fish pushing double digits. Peak bonefish season runs from October through May when cooler water temperatures have them feeding aggressively on the flats. What makes b
5.0(5 Reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Florida Keys
Four-hour afternoon charter targeting permit, tarpon, and snapper species
