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Ready for a full day of rod-bending action in the crystal-clear waters of Key Largo? This 8-hour trip with Back Bone Charters puts you right where the fish are biting. Whether you're chasing the elusive "ghost of the flats" or looking to tangle with a monster tarpon, Captain Mike's got you covered. With decades of local knowledge and all the gear you need, this trip is perfect for serious anglers or families looking to make some lasting memories on the water.
When you step aboard for your full day trip, you're in for a true Keys fishing experience. We'll hit multiple spots throughout the day, from skinny water flats to mangrove-lined channels and everything in between. The beauty of a full day charter is the flexibility - if the bite's slow in one spot, we've got time to run to where they're really chewing. You might start off sight fishing for tailing bonefish, switch to working topwater for snook, and finish the day with some tarpon action. It's all about playing the tides, wind, and fish behavior to put you on the best bite possible.
Inshore fishing in Key Largo is all about versatility. We'll use a mix of live bait, artificial lures, and fly fishing techniques depending on what's working best. Expect to do some poling across grass flats, sight casting to cruising fish, and maybe even some dock light fishing if conditions are right. I'll show you how to work a DOA shrimp under the mangroves for snook, or how to present a crab pattern to a finicky permit. Don't worry if you're new to these techniques - I'm here to coach you every step of the way. And if you're an experienced angler, we can really dial in on some advanced strategies to target those trophy fish.
Bonefish: Known as the "ghost of the flats," bonefish are the ultimate shallow water challenge. These silver bullets can reach speeds up to 40 mph when hooked, giving you an incredible fight on light tackle. Spring and fall are prime times for bones in Key Largo, but we can find them year-round. Watching a tailing bonefish cruise across a flat and then eat your fly or bait is a rush like no other.
Tarpon: The "silver king" is the heavyweight champ of the flats. Tarpon in the Keys can easily top 100 pounds, and their acrobatic jumps and powerful runs will test both your gear and your stamina. We target them primarily from March through June during their migration, but resident fish stick around all year. Nothing beats watching a 6-foot tarpon inhale your bait and then go airborne!
Permit: If there's a fish that'll humble even the most experienced angler, it's the permit. These wary fish have incredible eyesight and are notoriously picky eaters. But when you do hook up, their powerful runs and dogged fights make it all worthwhile. Spring and fall are great for permit, but we can find them year-round on the right tides.
Snook: These ambush predators love to hang around structure like mangroves and docks. Snook put up an impressive fight with head-shaking jumps and blistering runs. They're most active in the warmer months, but we can target them year-round in Key Largo. There's nothing quite like the explosion of a big snook crushing a topwater lure at first light.
Redfish: While not as common as some other species in the Upper Keys, we do get shots at some quality redfish. These copper-colored bulldogs love to cruise the flats and mangrove shorelines. They'll readily take artificial lures, live bait, or flies. Fall is prime time for reds, but we can find them throughout the year.
A full day charter in Key Largo gives you the best shot at experiencing the diversity of our inshore fishery. With 8 hours on the water, we can really explore and adapt to changing conditions. Maybe we'll start off chasing bonefish on the oceanside flats, then run inside to the backcountry for some snook action as the tide changes. If we get word of a tarpon school rolling nearby, we can pick up and run to them. It's this flexibility and variety that keeps anglers coming back year after year.
Plus, spending a full day on the water lets you really soak in the natural beauty of the Keys. You might spot manatees, sea turtles, rays, and all sorts of birds throughout the day. And there's nothing quite like watching the sun set over Florida Bay as we head back to the dock after a successful day of fishing.
While I provide all the fishing gear, there are a few things you'll want to bring to make your day more comfortable: - Sunscreen (reef-safe if possible) - Hat and polarized sunglasses - Light, long-sleeved shirt for sun protection - Boat shoes or sandals with non-marking soles - Camera or phone for photos (waterproof case recommended) - Drinks and snacks (no glass containers) - Any medications you might need
Remember, the weather can change quickly in the Keys, so it's a good idea to bring a light rain jacket just in case. And don't forget your fishing license - I can help you get a temporary one if needed.
If you're looking for a world-class inshore fishing experience in the Florida Keys, this full day trip in Key Largo is hard to beat. Whether you're a seasoned angler chasing that permit of a lifetime or a family wanting to introduce the kids to the thrill of saltwater fishing, we've got you covered. With top-notch gear, years of local knowledge, and plenty of time on the water, you're in for an awesome day of fishing.
Don't let another season slip by without getting out on these legendary flats. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so give Back Bone Charters a call and let's get your trip on the books. Trust me, once you experience the thrill of sight-fishing in the crystal-clear waters of Key Largo, you'll be hooked for life!
Bonefish are the speed demons of Key Largo's flats. These silver bullets typically run 4-6 pounds but can reach 10+ pounds in our waters. You'll find them tailing on shallow mud or grass flats, often in water barely deep enough to cover their backs. Spring and fall offer the best fishing, but you can target bones year-round here. Anglers prize them for their blistering runs - hook one and watch your line disappear! They're strictly catch-and-release, with the thrill coming from the stalk and the fight. To spot bones, look for nervous water or tailing fish on a falling tide. Small shrimp or crab patterns work well, but presentation is key. Make long, accurate casts and let your bait or fly sink naturally. A stealthy approach is crucial - these fish have keen eyesight and spook easily. When you hook up, hold on tight and enjoy the ride!

Permit are the holy grail of flats fishing in Key Largo. These wary, disc-shaped fish can reach 30-40 pounds and are notorious for their selective feeding habits. You'll find them tailing on shallow flats or cruising over coral heads, often in crystal-clear water less than 3 feet deep. Spring and fall offer the best shots, but you can target them year-round. Anglers chase permit for the challenge - they're among the toughest fish to fool on a fly or lure. When you do hook one, expect a blistering run and a dogged fight. For your best chance, look for fish tailing up on the flats during a rising tide. Live crabs are the go-to bait, but a well-presented crab fly can work wonders too. Patience and stealth are key - make long, accurate casts and be prepared for plenty of refusals. Landing a big permit is a true badge of honor in the Keys.

Redfish are a staple of Key Largo's inshore scene. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 20-30 inches but can reach over 40 inches in the backcountry. You'll find them tailing on shallow flats or cruising mangrove shorelines, often in just a foot or two of water. They're year-round residents, but fall and winter offer the best sight-fishing opportunities. Anglers love redfish for their hard fights and their willingness to eat a variety of baits and lures. They're also excellent table fare. To spot them, look for their distinctive tail breaking the surface as they root for crabs and shrimp. A well-placed cast with a live shrimp or a gold spoon can trigger explosive strikes. For a real thrill, try sight-casting to tailing reds with light tackle or fly gear. Just remember to approach slowly and quietly - these fish have sharp eyes and spook easily.

Snook are one of the most sought-after gamefish around Key Largo. These sleek predators typically run 20-30 inches, but can reach over 40 inches and 30 pounds. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and other structure in shallow coastal waters. They love to ambush prey, so look for them in areas with good current flow. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but you can catch snook year-round here. Anglers love their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights. Plus, they're excellent eating when in season. To land a big one, try live bait like pilchards or pinfish near structure during incoming tides. Work your bait slowly and be ready for a sudden, hard hit. Snook can be finicky, so match your presentation to what they're feeding on that day.

Tarpon are the kings of inshore fishing around Key Largo. These massive silver fish can top 150 pounds and put on aerial displays that'll leave you breathless. You'll find them rolling in channels and basins or cruising the flats in just a few feet of water. Spring and early summer are prime time, as big schools move through on their migration. Anglers come from all over to battle these giants on light tackle. The thrill is in the chase and the fight - tarpon aren't prized for eating. For your best shot, look for rolling fish early morning or late evening. Live crabs or mullet are top baits, but fly fishing for laid-up tarpon on the flats is the ultimate challenge. Be ready for long runs and spectacular jumps once you hook up. Patience and persistence pay off with these silver kings.

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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 43
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 115