8 Hour Key Largo Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day charter targeting seven inshore species around Key LargoEight hours allows multiple location changes for active fishAll equipment and licenses included for up to two guests
When you're serious about fishing the waters around Key Largo, nothing beats having eight solid hours to work the flats, backcountry channels, and productive edges where the big fish hang out. This full-day charter gives you and one other angler the time to really dial in on what's biting, whether that's cruising tarpon rolling in the morning light or tailing redfish working the turtle grass beds as the tide changes. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on fish from the moment you push off the dock at 7 AM until you head back with a cooler full of stories and hopefully some dinner.
This isn't your typical half-day rush where you're watching the clock instead of your line. With eight hours of fishing time, you'll cover serious ground across Key Largo's most productive waters. Your captain will start the day reading conditions and targeting the most active areas, whether that's working the oceanside flats for bonefish and permit or sliding into the backcountry mangroves where snook and redfish ambush baitfish. The beauty of a full day is flexibility – if the bite slows in one spot, you've got time to relocate and try different techniques. Maybe you'll start sight fishing the flats at first light, then switch to working structure for mangrove snapper when the sun gets high, finishing the day throwing topwater at tarpon as they start rolling in the late afternoon. Every trip is different based on tides, weather, and what the fish are doing, but that's exactly what keeps things interesting.
Your captain comes loaded with everything you need to target multiple species throughout the day. We're talking light spinning tackle for sight fishing bonefish and permit on the flats, medium action setups for working snook around structure, and heavier gear ready to go when tarpon show up. Depending on conditions, you might be throwing live pilchards under popping corks, working soft plastics along mangrove edges, or sight casting to cruising fish in skinny water. The tackle box includes a full spread of jigs, flies, live bait, and artificials to match whatever the fish want on any given day. Your guide will teach you how to read the water, spot fish, and present baits properly – skills that'll make you a better angler long after this trip ends. All rods, reels, tackle, and fishing licenses are included, so you just need to bring sunscreen, snacks, and plenty of water for the day.
Snook are the kings of the backcountry, and Key Largo's mangrove shorelines and creek mouths hold some real monsters. These ambush predators love to hang around structure – downed trees, dock pilings, and undercut mangrove roots where they can dart out to nail passing baitfish. They're most active during moving tides, especially around dawn and dusk, and they'll absolutely destroy a well-placed live shrimp or pinfish. What makes snook so addictive is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight – they'll try every trick in the book to wrap you around the nearest obstruction.
Tarpon fishing in Key Largo is world-class, with fish ranging from juvenile "baby" tarpon in the 10-30 pound range up to massive silver kings pushing triple digits. These prehistoric fighters are most active from spring through fall, often rolling and feeding in channels, basins, and along the edges of flats. When you hook a tarpon, especially a big one, get ready for a show – they'll jump, tail-walk, and run like nothing else that swims in these waters. The key is keeping steady pressure while giving them room to jump, and your captain will coach you through every minute of the fight.
Redfish are year-round residents that never fail to put a bend in your rod. These copper-colored bruisers love shallow water and aren't shy about eating just about anything you throw at them. You'll find them tailing in turtle grass, cruising sand flats, and working mangrove edges looking for crabs and shrimp. Reds between 18 and 27 inches are slot-sized keepers that make excellent table fare, while the bigger bull reds are pure fighting machines that'll test your drag and your patience. They're perfect for anglers who want consistent action without too much finesse required.
Permit are the holy grail of flats fishing – incredibly spooky, selective feeders that will test every skill you've got as an angler. These disc-shaped fighters prefer sandy areas where they root around for crabs and other bottom-dwelling treats. Spotting a permit is only half the battle; getting one to eat requires perfect presentation and a lot of luck. When it all comes together and you hook one, though, permit make blistering runs that'll have your reel screaming. They're considered one of the toughest fish to catch on the flats, which makes landing one even more satisfying.
Bonefish are the ghosts of the flats – silver bullets that can appear and disappear in seconds if you're not paying attention. These masters of camouflage cruise shallow water looking for shrimp, crabs, and small fish, often in water so thin their backs are out of the water. The challenge with bones is spotting them before they spot you, then making a quiet, accurate cast that doesn't spook the whole school. Once hooked, bonefish make screaming runs across the flats that'll empty your reel in seconds. They're catch-and-release fish that provide some of the most technical and rewarding angling you'll find anywhere.
Eight hours on the water with a top-rated Key Largo guide gives you the best shot at experiencing everything these waters have to offer. You're not just buying a fishing trip – you're investing in a full day of learning, exploring, and hopefully landing some
Step aboard this 16' Dolphin Super Skiff and get ready to explore Key Largo's legendary fishing grounds. Built specifically for shallow water work, this technical poling skiff cuts through skinny flats with a whisper-quiet ride that won't spook the fish. The boat's design gives you easy access to backcountry waters where the big ones hide – from Biscayne Bay's grass flats to the Keys' remote channels. With GPS navigation keeping you on the fish and plenty of deck space for sight casting, this skiff handles everything from stalking tailing redfish in ankle-deep water to working structure for snook and tarpon. Perfect for two anglers who want to cover serious water and put their skills to the test in Florida's most productive inshore fishery.
Albula VulpesBonefish earn their "gray ghost" nickname honestly - these torpedo-shaped silver fish are masters of camouflage on the flats. Most run 16-24 inches and 3-8 pounds, but their speed makes them feel twice that size. They hunt the shallow grass and sand flats during incoming tides, often in water so shallow their backs are exposed. You can fish for bones year-round here, though spring and fall offer the most consistent action. What makes bonefishing addictive is the sight-fishing aspect and their blistering runs - they'll peel 100 yards of line in seconds. They're too bony to eat, so it's all about the sport. Watch for "tailing" fish feeding head-down with their tails breaking the surface. Key tip: cast well ahead of cruising fish and let your bait settle before they arrive - movement spooks them instantly.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are hands down the most challenging fish on our flats. These disc-shaped silver bullets average 15-25 pounds but can hit 40+. They cruise the shallow sand and grass flats, often in just 2-3 feet of water despite their tall profile. Spring through fall gives you the best shots, particularly April through October. What draws serious anglers to permit is the difficulty - they've got incredible eyesight and spook at the slightest disturbance. Landing one is a real achievement that separates experienced flats fishermen from weekend warriors. They're decent eating but most people release them due to their challenge factor. Live crabs are the gold standard for bait, but they're extremely picky. My advice: make long, accurate casts and be ready to wait - permit fishing teaches patience like no other species.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are perfect for anglers wanting consistent action and great table fare. Around here they average 18-30 inches, with that copper-red color and distinctive black spots near the tail. You'll find them cruising the shallow flats in 1-4 feet of water, especially around oyster bars and grass beds. They're year-round fish, but fall and winter months are prime when they school up. What makes reds so popular is their willingness to eat almost anything and their solid, steady fight. Plus they're some of the best eating fish we catch - firm, sweet meat that's perfect for blackening or grilling. They're not as spooky as some flats species, so they're great for beginners. Local trick: look for nervous water or muddy spots where they're rooting around feeding.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of those fish that really get your adrenaline going. Most run 18-36 inches around here, with that distinctive black lateral line and golden color that makes them easy to spot. They love hanging around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths in both salt and brackish water - anywhere there's structure and moving bait. Spring through fall are your best bets, especially around the full and new moons when they're most active. What makes snook so popular is their explosive strike and hard runs once hooked. They'll jump, shake their heads, and try every trick to throw the hook. The meat's excellent too - flaky white flesh that tastes great grilled. One tip: always approach them from the down-current side and cast past them, then work your bait back naturally with the flow.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate bucket-list fish down here. These silver giants typically run 4-6 feet and 80-150 pounds, though we see some real monsters pushing 200+. They love the deeper channels around the flats, bridge areas, and anywhere baitfish stack up. Late spring through summer is prime time, especially May through July when they're migrating through. What hooks people on tarpon fishing is watching a 100-pound fish launch itself 6 feet out of the water - pure spectacle. They're not great eating due to all the bones, so most folks just want the photos and bragging rights. These fish can live 50+ years and are incredibly strong. Pro tip: keep steady pressure but don't horse them - let them jump and tire themselves out. The longer the fight, the better your chance of landing one.
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