World-Class Key Largo Eco Tour & Inshore Fishing

Published Date: October 30, 2025
Fishing

Florida
$250 - $750 price range

Summary

Join Back Bone Charters for a laid-back eco tour through the coastal waters of Key Largo and Everglades National Park. This private trip is ideal for small groups or families looking to soak in the natural beauty and spot wildlife without venturing too far offshore. Your captain will navigate calm inshore areas where you're likely to see diverse marine life up close. If you're in the mood to fish, light tackle options abound – from redfish and snook to bonefish and tarpon when conditions are right. No experience needed, as the captain provides gear and handles the technical stuff. It's a smooth morning on the water that works well for beginners or anyone wanting a relaxed look at Key Largo's coastal ecosystem. With a max of 2 guests, you'll have plenty of space to take in the views and try your hand at fishing if you choose. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly for this slice of Florida Keys nature.

World-Class Key Largo Eco Tour & Inshore Fishing

Coastal Key Largo Views

Happy Jack Crevalle catch in Key Largo!

Two people fishing on the shore in Florida

Shark release success in Key Largo!

A fisherman holding a spotted weakfish caught while fishing in FL

Nice Seatrout action in Key Largo!

Three spotted weakfish caught while fishing in FL

Solid Seatrout haul in Key Largo!

Key Largo's Best-Kept Secret: Eco Tour & Fishing

Hop aboard for a laid-back morning in the Florida Keys that'll have you feeling like a local. This private tour with Back Bone Charters gives you and up to three buddies front-row seats to Key Largo's coastal playground. We're talking calm waters, loads of wildlife, and the chance to wet a line if you're in the mood. It's the kind of trip where time slows down, and you remember why you came to the Keys in the first place.

Your Key Largo Playground

Picture this: you're cruising through Key Largo's inshore waters, the mangroves creating a perfect backdrop as your captain points out osprey nests and maybe even a manatee or two. The beauty of this trip is its flexibility. Want to focus on spotting wildlife? We've got you covered. Feeling the itch to catch some fish? Your captain's got the local know-how to put you on some action. It's all about what floats your boat (pun intended). And with a maximum of four guests, it's like having your own personal slice of the Keys for the morning.

Fishing 101: Keys Style

If you decide to drop a line, we're talking light-tackle fishing that's perfect for everyone from first-timers to seasoned anglers. Your captain will set you up with all the gear you need – no need to lug anything along. We'll be targeting inshore species like redfish, snook, and spotted seatrout. The best part? These waters are calm, so you can focus on the fun without worrying about choppy seas. Your captain will show you the ropes, from how to cast to where the fish are hiding. It's hands-on learning without any pressure – just the way fishing should be.

Why Folks Keep Coming Back

This tour hits the sweet spot for a lot of our guests. It's not too long, not too short, and gives you a real taste of the Keys without overwhelming you. Families love it because kids can spot wildlife one minute and try their hand at fishing the next. Nature enthusiasts get their fix of local ecosystems, and fishing fans appreciate the chance to target some of the area's most sought-after species. Plus, with your captain handling all the details, you get to sit back and soak it all in. It's the kind of morning that leaves you with stories to tell and a desire to come back for more.

Fish You Might Find

Let's talk about some of the stars of the show here in Key Largo's waters. First up, we've got snook – these guys are like the rock stars of inshore fishing. They're known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps. Snook love to hang around structure, so we'll be targeting mangrove edges and dock pilings. They're most active in the warmer months, making them a summer favorite.

Tarpon, often called the "silver king," are the heavyweight champs of the flats. These massive fish can grow over 150 pounds and put up a fight that'll leave your arms sore (in the best way). Spring and early summer are prime tarpon time in the Keys. Even if you don't hook one, just seeing a tarpon roll on the surface is a memory you won't forget.

Redfish are the reliable crowd-pleasers of Key Largo. With their distinctive spot on the tail, they're easy to identify and fun to catch. Reds are around all year, but fall is when they really shine. They're not the biggest fish in the sea, but pound for pound, they put up a great fight on light tackle.

Permit and bonefish are the speedsters of the flats. Both species are known for their blistering runs and can be a real challenge to catch. Permit have a reputation for being picky eaters, making them a true trophy for any angler. Bonefish, often called "grey ghosts," are masters of camouflage and can disappear in an instant. Catching either of these species is considered a real accomplishment in the Keys.

Ready to Hit the Water?

Whether you're looking to cast a line, spot some wildlife, or just cruise the beautiful waters of Key Largo, this eco tour has got you covered. It's the perfect way to start your day in the Keys – calm waters, good company, and the chance to see (or catch) something amazing. Remember, trips like this tend to fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. So if you're thinking about it, don't wait too long to book. Give Back Bone Charters a call and get ready for a morning that'll have you feeling like a true Key Largo insider. Trust me, once you've experienced the Keys this way, you'll be planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock.

Learn more about the species

Bonefish

Bonefish are the speed demons of Key Largo's flats. These silvery torpedoes typically run 4-8 pounds but fight like fish twice their size. You'll find them tailing and mudding in super shallow water, often just inches deep. Spring and fall offer the best shots, but you can catch bones year-round here. Anglers love the challenge of spotting these ghosts and making the perfect presentation. Live shrimp work great, but many prefer the art of fooling them with flies. When hooked, bonefish make blistering runs that'll have your reel screaming. They're all about stealth and accuracy. If you see a fish or a mud puff, make a quiet, precise cast well ahead of it. Let your bait or fly sink, then give it the slightest twitch. When a bone pounces, set the hook fast – they spit out flies in a heartbeat. It's catch-and-release only, but the thrill of the hunt keeps anglers coming back for more.

Permit

Permit are the holy grail of Key Largo flats fishing. These silvery, disc-shaped fish average 10-20 pounds but can top 40. You'll spot them tailing on shallow flats or cruising over deeper grass beds, often in small groups. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but you can find permit year-round. They're incredibly wary, making them a true challenge to catch. Anglers love the hunt – spotting a permit, making the perfect cast, and hoping it eats. Live crabs are the go-to bait, but fly fishers score with crab patterns too. The fight is strong and fast, with long runs that'll test your gear. Patience is key when permit fishing. Sometimes you'll spend hours looking before getting a shot. When you do see one, cast well ahead and let the bait sink. If a permit follows, resist the urge to move it – often they'll pick it up if you just let it sit.

Redfish

Redfish are a Key Largo staple, cruising our shallow flats year-round. Most run 5-10 pounds, but bulls over 30 are out there. Look for their copper backs and distinctive tail spots in 1-3 feet of water. They love hanging around oyster bars, mangroves, and grass flats. Fall and winter are prime seasons when reds school up. These fish have a sweet spot for crabs and shrimp, but they'll hit artificial lures too. Anglers love 'em for their hard pulls and tailing behavior. When you see those tails waving in skinny water, it's game on. Reds can be spooky, so a stealthy approach is key. Try working a gold spoon or soft plastic slowly across the bottom. If you see a push of water, that's often a redfish cruising the flat. Cast ahead of it and hold on tight – even smaller reds put up a great fight on light tackle.

Snook

Snook are a prized catch in Key Largo's inshore waters. These sleek predators typically run 1-3 feet long and put up an impressive fight. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, bridges, and seawalls, especially in the cooler months. Snook love to ambush prey, so casting near structure is key. Live bait like pilchards or pinfish works great, but artificial lures can be just as effective. Spring and fall are prime seasons when snook are feeding heavily. Anglers love targeting them for their hard strikes and acrobatic jumps. While they're tasty, most folks practice catch-and-release to preserve the fishery. If you're looking to land a big one, fish the outgoing tide at night around dock lights. That's when the big girls come out to play. Just be ready for that first run – snook are known for making blistering breaks for cover once hooked.

Tarpon

Tarpon are the silver kings of Key Largo's flats. These prehistoric giants can reach over 6 feet and 150 pounds, offering anglers an epic battle. You'll find them rolling and gulping air in shallow bays and channels, especially from spring through fall. Tarpon migrate through our waters, following bait schools and warm currents. They're not the easiest to hook, but man, are they worth it. When a tarpon goes airborne, shaking that big silver head, it's a sight you won't forget. Most folks use heavy spinning gear with live bait like crabs or pinfish. Fly anglers chase them too, but it takes some serious skill. Dawn and dusk are prime times, particularly on moving tides. If you see a tarpon's back or tail break the surface, cast well ahead of it and hang on tight. These fish can peel off 100 yards of line in seconds. It's all catch-and-release, but the photos and memories last a lifetime.

About the Backbone

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 43

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 115

Escape to the natural wonders of Key Largo on this laid-back eco tour perfect for small groups. Your captain will guide you through calm inshore waters, where you'll have the chance to spot diverse wildlife and marine life in their natural habitat. Whether you're keen to try some light-tackle fishing or simply want to soak in the coastal scenery, this trip offers something for everyone. The gentle waters make it ideal for families, beginners, or nature enthusiasts looking for a relaxed morning out. Your experienced captain handles all the details, from providing fishing gear to sharing local knowledge, so you can sit back and enjoy the beauty of the Florida Keys and Everglades National Park. It's a great way to experience the area's rich ecosystem up close without venturing too far from shore.

Sitemap