Expert-Guided Miami Keys Inshore Fishing Trip

Key Largo Full Day: Epic Inshore Action

Ready for a serious day of fishing in the flats and backcountry of Key Largo? This full-day trip with Back Bone Charters puts you right in the action for 8 solid hours. We're talking prime spots for bonefish, tarpon, permit, and snook - the grand slam of the Keys. With room for up to 4 anglers, it's perfect for small groups or families looking to get the most out of their time on the water. Your captain's a local who grew up fishing these waters, so you're tapping into decades of hard-earned knowledge about where the fish are biting and how to get 'em.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll kick things off early, meeting at the dock as the sun's coming up. After a quick rundown of the day's game plan, we'll head out to some of the most productive fishing grounds around Key Largo. This isn't your typical tourist trap trip - we're going to spots that the short charters can't reach. Expect a mix of sight fishing in crystal clear shallows and working deeper channels, depending on what's hot that day. Your captain will read the water and adjust tactics to maximize your chances of hooking into something big. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned angler, we'll make sure you're set up for success.

Tactics for Taming the Flats

Inshore fishing in the Keys is all about finesse and reading the water. We'll be using light tackle and a variety of techniques to target different species. For bonefish, it's all about stealth - we'll pole the flats, looking for those telltale mud puffs or tailing fish. When we spot one, it's time for a precise cast and a delicate presentation. Tarpon fishing is a whole different ballgame - these silver kings can top 100 pounds, so we'll beef up the gear and be ready for some acrobatics when they hit. Permit are the holy grail - notoriously picky eaters that'll test your patience and skill. We might throw crabs, jigs, or flies, depending on what they're in the mood for. Throughout the day, your captain will be right there, coaching you on technique and helping you dial in your approach.

Top Catches This Season

The beauty of a full day trip is that we've got time to really explore and find where the fish are hanging. This season, we've been seeing some monster tarpon in the 80-100 pound range, cruising the channels and ready to put up a fight. The bonefish have been running a bit bigger than usual too, with several in the 8-10 pound class coming to the boat. Permit are always a wildcard, but we've had a few lucky anglers land 20+ pounders - the kind of fish that makes a trip unforgettable. And let's not forget about the snook - these guys have been stacked up around the mangroves, providing some fast action when the flats are slow.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Bonefish: These "ghosts of the flats" are the ultimate shallow water challenge. They're lightning fast, incredibly spooky, and have a knack for finding every bit of structure to wrap your line around. But when you hook one, get ready for a blistering run that'll have your drag singing. Best fishing is usually in the warmer months, from spring through fall. Sizes around Key Largo typically range from 3-8 pounds, but bigger ones are always a possibility.

Tarpon: The silver king is the crown jewel of Keys fishing. These prehistoric beasts can top 150 pounds and put on an aerial show like no other when hooked. We target them year-round in Key Largo, but the big migratory fish show up in spring and early summer. Even a smaller 40-pounder will give you the fight of your life. Be prepared for long battles and jaw-dropping jumps.

Permit: If there's a fish that'll humble even the most experienced angler, it's the permit. They're notoriously picky eaters and have eyesight that puts eagles to shame. But land one, and you've earned some serious bragging rights. We find them cruising the flats or hanging around structures, usually in the 10-30 pound range. Spring and fall are prime permit seasons in the Keys.

Snook: These ambush predators are a blast to target around mangroves and structures. They hit hard and fight dirty, using every trick in the book to break you off. We catch them year-round, but the bite really heats up in the warmer months. Expect fish in the 5-15 pound range, with some real monsters lurking in the right spots.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing the Keys that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the crystal clear water where you can watch a bonefish pick up your fly. Or the heart-stopping moment when a hundred-pound tarpon goes airborne with your lure. But beyond the fishing itself, it's the whole experience - the laid-back Keys vibe, the stunning scenery, and the satisfaction of learning new skills and techniques. A full day on the water gives you time to really soak it all in, try different spots, and hopefully land that fish of a lifetime. Plus, with a local captain who knows these waters like the back of their hand, you're always in for some great stories and insider knowledge that you just can't get any other way.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to get out on the flats and test your skills against some of the most sought-after inshore species in the world, this Key Largo full day trip is calling your name. With 8 hours of prime fishing time, expert guidance, and access to some of the best spots in the Upper Keys, it's a can't-miss experience for any serious angler. Whether you're dreaming of your first bonefish or looking to complete a Keys grand slam, we've got you covered. Just remember, the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. So don't wait - get in touch with Back Bone Charters and lock in your day on the water. Trust me, your future self will thank you when you're hooked up to that fish of a lifetime in paradise.