When it comes down to the unspoiled flats of the Florida Keys, Kingfisher Backcountry Charters is an excellent choice. Whether you are a curious novice angler or an experienced fly-fisherman, there is a trip for you.

The company is run and operated by Captain Robert Horachek. A lifelong resident of the Florida Keys, he has been mastering these waters since he was a kid. With over 2 decades of fishing experience, Robert runs Kingfisher Backcountry Charters which he named after his late uncle’s charter boat. It was him who inspired Robert to never give up and be a better angler every day. Hoping to make a new legacy in honor of his uncle, Robert shares his wealth of knowledge with his clients and friends.

Master your cast and hone your fishing skills, make your very own “catch of the day” possible and create memories that will last a lifetime. All of that is possible aboard a 17’ Action Craft flats boat, powered by a 115 HP Mercury Pro XS Four Stroke engine. There is plenty of space for up to 2 guests and an array of electronics, gear, and professional accessories to aid your search for the fish.

The list of your potential catches includes Bonefish, Cobia, Grouper, Jack Crevalle, Permit, Snook, Tarpon, Mangrove Snapper, Spanish Mackerel, and Spotted Seatrout.

All trips come with the use of fly fishing gear by Orvis, TFO, and Sage, as well as conventional gear by Shimano, Quantum, and Okuma. Live bait will also be provided along with lures, licenses, and a complimentary fish cleaning service.



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip (AM)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 9:00 AM
    US $500
    This morning trip will take you to the flats and backcountry waters for Tarpon, Permit, Snook, Snapper, Barracuda, Redfish, and Sharks. You have the chance to catch Bonefish virtually all year, especially in winter so long as the water temperature doesn't get too cold (January is the only month that you're not as likely to catch one).
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Flats Fishing
    Backcountry Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Light Tackle
    Fly Fishing
    Popping
    Spinning
    Targeted fish
    Barracuda (Great)
    Great Barracuda
    Bonefish
    Bonefish
    Jack Crevalle
    Jack Crevalle
    Permit
    Permit
    Snook
    Snook
    Tarpon
    Tarpon
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Spotted Seatrout
    Spotted Seatrout
    Shark (Blacktip)
    Blacktip Shark
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip (PM)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
    US $500
    This trip will take you fishing the flats/backcountry of the Lower Florida Keys for Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit, Redfish, Snook, Snapper, Cudas, and Sharks. Flexible departure time is available. It's possible to catch a Bonefish all year, especially in the winter as long as the water temperature doesn't get too cold (January is the only month that you're not as likely to catch one).
    Targeted fish
    Barracuda (Great)
    Great Barracuda
    Bonefish
    Bonefish
    Grouper (Goliath)
    Goliath Grouper
    Jack Crevalle
    Jack Crevalle
    Permit
    Permit
    Snook
    Snook
    Tarpon
    Tarpon
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Redfish
    Redfish
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spotted Seatrout
    Spotted Seatrout
  • Private trip
    Night Time – 4 Hour Tarpon Trip
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 PM
    US $500
    Night Time Tarpon in the Summer months and during Tarpon Season ( April, May, and June ) is a great way to beat the heat and get on some great action fishing at night. Other oppuritunties may present as there could be Mangrove Snapper, Snook, Jacks, and Sharks. The cool thing about night time fishing is that you will see things that you dont normally see in the daytime. Feel free to ask me any questions.
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Flats Fishing
    Backcountry Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Light Tackle
    Fly Fishing
    Popping
    Spinning
    Targeted fish
    Jack Crevalle
    Jack Crevalle
    Snook
    Snook
    Tarpon
    Tarpon
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
  • Private trip
    3/4 Day Trip
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 9:00 AM
    US $600
    On this trip, you will be targeting Tarpon, Redfish, Snapper, Grouper, and other species that are in season and biting. It's possible to catch Bonefish year-round, especially in winter as long as the water temperature doesn't get too cold (January is the only time when you're not as likely to catch one).
    Targeted fish
    Barracuda (Great)
    Great Barracuda
    Bonefish
    Bonefish
    Grouper (Goliath)
    Goliath Grouper
    Jack Crevalle
    Jack Crevalle
    Permit
    Permit
    Snook
    Snook
    Tarpon
    Tarpon
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Redfish
    Redfish
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spotted Seatrout
    Spotted Seatrout
  • Private trip
    Full Day Trip
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 9:00 AM
    US $700
    This exciting full-day trip is exactly what the doctor ordered for those who want to fish the flats and backcountry of the Lower Keys for Sharks, Cudas, Snook, Snapper, Redfish, Permit, and Tarpon. If Bonefish is your main target, you can look forward to catching this fish almost any time of year, especially in the winter if the water temperature doesn't get too cold. January is the only month when you're less likely to catch Bonefish.
    Targeted fish
    Barracuda (Great)
    Great Barracuda
    Bonefish
    Bonefish
    Grouper (Goliath)
    Goliath Grouper
    Jack Crevalle
    Jack Crevalle
    Permit
    Permit
    Snook
    Snook
    Tarpon
    Tarpon
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Redfish
    Redfish
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spotted Seatrout
    Spotted Seatrout
    Cero Mackerel
    Cero Mackerel
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FAQs about Kingfisher Backcountry Charters

Kingfisher Backcountry Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $500 per group - Half Day Trip (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $500 per group - Half Day Trip (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $500 per group - Night Time – 4 Hour Tarpon Trip (4 hours)
  • US $600 per group - 3/4 Day Trip (6 hours)
  • US $700 per group - Full Day Trip (8 hours)

When you book a trip with Kingfisher Backcountry Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live Bait Well
  • Wireless Trolling Motor Minn Kota Terravoa 24 volt ipliot
  • Ice Box Cooler for food and Drinks. Seperate cooler fish

Trips booked with Kingfisher Backcountry Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle (Shimano, Quantum, Okuma, Penn)
  • Live Bait (Prepared ahead of time.)
  • Lures (Lures are used for certain situations.)
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (No charge for filleting fish for customers.)
  • Fishing License (My boat covers the licesene for all anglers)
  • Fly Fishing Equipment (Orvis, TFO, Sage, Hardy)

Kingfisher Backcountry Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore Fishing (Shark fishing in the channels or flats.)
  • Nearshore Fishing (Tarpon - Oceanside, Bridges, Channels, and Basins.)
  • Flats Fishing (Bonefish, Permit, Redfish, Snook, Barracudas.)
  • Backcountry Fishing (Backcountry fishing is great in the Cold Months)

Kingfisher Backcountry Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle (Spinning Rod and Reels - handles can be switched)
  • Bottom Fishing (Inshore backcountry)
  • Fly Fishing (Orvis Fly fishing gear. Reels are left handed )

Top targeted fish species with Kingfisher Backcountry Charters include:
  • Bonefish
  • Cobia
  • Grouper (Goliath)
  • Jack Crevalle
  • Permit
  • Redfish
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snook
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Spotted Seatrout
  • Tarpon

Meet the Captain

Robert Horachek
Big Pine Key, Florida, United States
20 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
53 Customer reviews
Response time 2 hours
Member since May 2015
I have over 20 years of experience fishing in the Florida Keys. I fished a lot offshore with my dad, uncle, and cousin for most of my life. I decided to start fishing inshore for the visual experience of sight fishing the flats for spooky fish. The adrenaline rush is there kinda like seeing a 12-point buck walking into bow range or hitting a grand slam home to put your baseball team ahead to win the game.

About this listing

Targeted species

Bonefish Bonefish
Cobia Cobia
Grouper (Goliath) Goliath Grouper
Jack Crevalle Jack Crevalle

Boat specs

Maverick 18 HPX-V (Flats boat) originally built in 2013. Powered by a 115HP Mercury Pro XS Four Stroke engine, with a maximum cruising speed of 30 knots.

Length
18 ft
Capacity
2 persons

Types of fishing

Inshore Fishing
Shark fishing in the channels or flats.
Nearshore Fishing
Tarpon - Oceanside, Bridges, Channels, and Basins.
Flats Fishing
Bonefish, Permit, Redfish, Snook, Barracudas.
Backcountry Fishing
Backcountry fishing is great in the Cold Months

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Spinning Rod and Reels - handles can be switched
Bottom Fishing
Inshore backcountry
Fly Fishing
Orvis Fly fishing gear. Reels are left handed

Amenities

GPS
Fishfinder
Live Bait Well
Wireless Trolling Motor
Minn Kota Terravoa 24 volt ipliot
Ice Box
Cooler for food and Drinks. Seperate cooler fish

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Shimano, Quantum, Okuma, Penn
Live Bait
Prepared ahead of time.
Lures
Lures are used for certain situations.
Catch cleaning & filleting
No charge for filleting fish for customers.
Fishing License
My boat covers the licesene for all anglers
Fly Fishing Equipment
Orvis, TFO, Sage, Hardy

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 7 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 7 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

Listing policies

Pickup agreed upon reservation
Transfer to/from departure site may be available and included in price depending on your location and distance from the dock.
Child Friendly
Aged 6 and over
You Keep Catch
Snapper and Seatrout
Catch and Release Allowed
Catch and Release Mandatory
Bonefish, Snook, Tarpon, Goliath, Redfish, etc

Payment

Book with 25% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 25% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

Cash
Visa
Mastercard
PayPal
Bank Transfer
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3% charge will apply.

Big Pine Key Fishing Calendar

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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 53 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (76)
Great trip
Great trip
Great trip
+73
Angler rating
48
3
1
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
98%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
96%
Appropriate for children
89%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
89%
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Featured  
Showing:
5 of 53 reviews
Thomas S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great trip

VERIFIED   NEW  Half Day Trip (AM) on March 12, 2024
Had a great time on the water and caught some fun fish. Captain was really good at spotting fish that I was completely unable...
Thomas S. recommends Kingfisher Backcountry Charters
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  Robert Horachek Captain replied

Danny H.
Gainesville, FL
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

7 hour Day

VERIFIED   3/4 Day Trip on July 12, 2023
We had a 3/4 day booked with Capt Robert.  It was brutally hot.  We didn’t find a ton of action, but Capt Robert was on...
Danny H. recommends Kingfisher Backcountry Charters
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Danny H. recommends Kingfisher Backcountry Charters
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John L.
Key West, Florida
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great day on the flats

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip on December 22, 2022
Just what the doctor ordered! Started off fishing live bait and catching just enough for my family to have a nice fish...
John L. recommends Kingfisher Backcountry Charters
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John L. recommends Kingfisher Backcountry Charters
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Danny W.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

A great day of fishing.

VERIFIED   3/4 Day Trip on August 14, 2022
Let me rephrase that, a great day of catching! He slap put me on the fish. He knew I wanted to catch a Permit. Boom by 10:00...
Danny W. recommends Kingfisher Backcountry Charters
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Danny W. recommends Kingfisher Backcountry Charters
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Bruce M.
Raleigh, North Carolina
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half-day trip with Capt. Robert

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) on March 20, 2021
Took a half day morning start back country trip with Capt. Robert on March 20. A cold front was still passing through and conditions...
Bruce M. recommends Kingfisher Backcountry Charters
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Bruce M. recommends Kingfisher Backcountry Charters
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You found this review helpful