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Michael O’Brien Charters 

4.8
(46 reviews)
 
State licensed
 477 Drost Drive, Cudjoe Key, FL 33042, United States–
Meet the Captain
+48
+45

Michael O’Brien Charters 

Cudjoe Key, FL, United States
–
16 ft
2
4.8
(46 reviews)
Trips & prices
Targeted species
Boat info
What's biting
What's included
Contact captain
Trips & prices
What's included
Targeted species
Boat info
Reviews
Contact captain

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Come on down to the Florida Keys and enjoy world-class flats fishing with Michael O'Brien Charters. Going out of Cudjoe Gardens Marina, Michael will show you why fishing in the Keys draws in anglers from all over the country. Whether you're looking for a quick 3-hour evening trip or a full day adventure, he'll make sure you get a tailored experience.

Captain Mike's boat is a 16' Dolphin skiff that's powered by a single 70 HP Yamaha engine. A smaller skiff is the kind of boat you want to be on when going out in the flats because it can easily navigate very shallow waters. There's room for two anglers here, so why not bring a friend along for the ride?

Fishing the Keys is a unique experience, and fly anglers are particularly big fans of the local fishery. Sight casting for the likes of Bonefish and Permit is a great test of your skill, and when Tapon roll in during summertime, the fight is really on!

Captain Mike will provide you with the necessary rods, reels, and terminal tackle you'll need for the trip. There's always water and ice aboard, but feel free to bring some drinks of your own if you like. Mike runs a strictly catch and release charter, as he's all about the sport and joy of fishing itself. Come on down and don't miss out on an unforgettable time on the water.

Come on down to the Florida Keys and enjoy world-class flats fishing with Michael O'Brien Charters. Going out of Cudjoe Gardens Marina, Michael will show you why fishing in the Keys draws in anglers from all over the country. Whether you're looking for a quick 3-hour evening trip or a full day adventure, he'll make sure you get a tailored experience.

Captain Mike's boat is a 16' Dolphin skiff that's powered by a single 70 HP Yamaha engine. A smaller skiff is the kind of boat you want to be on when going out in the flats because it can easily navigate very shallow waters. There's room for two anglers here, so why not bring a friend along for the ride?

Fishing the Keys is a unique experience, and fly anglers are particularly big fans of the local fishery. Sight casting for the likes of Bonefish and Permit is a great test of your skill, and when Tapon roll in during summertime, the fight is really on!

Captain Mike will provide you with the necessary rods, reels, and terminal tackle you'll need for the trip. There's always water and ice aboard, but feel free to bring some drinks of your own if you like. Mike runs a strictly catch and release charter, as he's all about the sport and joy of fishing itself. Come on down and don't miss out on an unforgettable time on the water.

Mike O’Brien
Captain
Mike O’Brien
19 years of experience
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour
Popular features
Fishing license
Drinks
Child friendly
Ice box
Rods, reels & tackle
Popular features
Fishing license
Drinks
Child friendly
Ice box
Rods, reels & tackle

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
November 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
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Father and Son/Daughter Special
Non-refundable
4 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Barracuda (Great)
Bonefish
Jack Crevalle
Permit
+4
US $700
Entire boat: 2 people
Half Day Trip
Non-refundable
4 hour trip multiple starting times (7:00 AM, 1:00 PM)
Barracuda (Great)
Bonefish
Jack Crevalle
Permit
+4
US $700
Entire boat: 2 people
3/4 Day Trip
Non-refundable
6 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Barracuda (Great)
Bonefish
Jack Crevalle
Permit
+1
US $800
Entire boat: 2 people
Full Day Trip
Non-refundable
8 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Barracuda (Great)
Bonefish
Permit
Tarpon
US $900
Entire boat: 2 people

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.8
46 reviews
4.8
Boat & equipment
4.8
Captain & crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (32)

What anglers say

95%
Great experience
73%
Family friendly
97%
Friendly captain
97%
Good boat
96%
Recommended
73%
Caught fish

All reviews (46)

Frequently mentioned
Showing 1 – 5 of 46 reviews
Evana Vasilj
Evana Vasilj
Repeat angler
us
California, US
Member since 2026
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Fun day out in the Keys
3/4 Day Trip on April 24, 2026 • 2 adults

Super fun day out on the water! Michael was great and took us to a bunch of different spots trying to track down the fish. We got a few bites here and there, and then right at the very end we finally got one on the hook — it was a large tarpon perfect way to close out the trip. Would definitely go again!

Reported catch:
Tarpon
David Yovanno
David Yovanno
Repeat angler
us
California, US
Member since 2022
7 trips
4.7
Verified
Trip was great, but cold snap from prior week chased all the fish away
Full Day Trip on December 29, 2022 • 2 adults

Spent all day chasing fish and didn’t even get a bite, Captain Mike was great, and I think if water temps were above 75 would’ve had a better outcome, but caught zero fish at 68-71 degrees, mostly because of the severe cold weather from the prior week, they just didn’t seem to be around anywhere. We did find a honey pot of tarpon, but they wouldn’t bite. Maybe if we were using live bait we could’ve had a better outcome, but Capt Mike prefers using only artificial. Really felt that Captain Mike was doing the best that he possibly could to get us some action but just didn’t happen. I do think that our trip is an extreme outlier, and would highly recommend Capt Mike.

Nicholas Santoni
Nicholas Santoni
Repeat angler
us
Virginia, US
Member since 2022
7 trips
5.0
Verified
Great Guide
3/4 Day Trip on March 21, 2025 • 2 adults

Flats expert!

Amelia Makowski
Amelia Makowski
us
Maryland, US
Member since 2023
5.0
Verified
Half day trip with Captain Mike
Half Day Trip on June 19, 2023 • 2 adults

Captain Mike responded quickly to our request and had great communication through the booking process. He took us to all the right spots to put us on fish. Very knowledgeable. Great day on the water, great conversation. Definitely recommend!!

Reported catch:
Tarpon
Bonefish
Great Barracuda
Drake Oetting
Drake Oetting
us
Missouri, US
Member since 2024
5.0
Verified
January fishing trip
Half Day Trip on January 15, 2024 • 2 adults

Reported catch:
Great Barracuda

FAQs about Michael O’Brien Charters

Michael O’Brien Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $700 per group - Father and Son/Daughter Special (4 hours)
  • US $700 per group - Half Day Trip (4 hours)
  • US $700 per group - Half Day Trip - 1:00 PM (4 hours)
  • US $800 per group - 3/4 Day Trip (6 hours)
  • US $900 per group - Full Day Trip (8 hours)
When you book a trip with Michael O’Brien Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Ice box
Trips booked with Michael O’Brien Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Lures
  • Drinks (water and ice)
  • Fishing license (Florida fishing license is included under my license)
  • Fly fishing equipment
Michael O’Brien Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Flats fishing
  • Backcountry fishing
Michael O’Brien Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Spinning
  • Fly fishing
Top targeted fish species with Michael O’Brien Charters include:
  • Barracuda (Great)
  • Bonefish
  • Jack Crevalle
  • Permit
  • Shark (Blacktip)
  • Shark (Bonnethead)
  • Shark (Lemon)
  • Tarpon

Your captain

Mike O’Brien
Mike O’Brien
Cudjoe Key, Florida, United States
6 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
46 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since April 2018
Captain Mike O'Brien is not just a charter captain. He's also a photographer with a masters degree in Art. He got very involved in the fly fishing scene for Tarpon, Permit, and Bonefish, and took it to the next level to help other people excited about saltwater fly fishing by becoming a Guide.
Mike O’Brien
Mike O’Brien
Fully verified
6
reports
46
reviews
2018
member since
~1h
response
Captain Mike O'Brien is not just a charter captain. He's also a photographer with a masters degree in Art. He got very involved in the fly fishing scene for Tarpon, Permit, and Bonefish, and took it to the next level to help other people excited about saltwater fly fishing by becoming a Guide.

The fish you can target

Great Barracuda
Great Barracuda
Bonefish
Bonefish
Jack Crevalle
Jack Crevalle
Permit
Permit
Blacktip Shark
Blacktip Shark
Bonnethead Shark
Bonnethead Shark
Lemon Shark
Lemon Shark
Tarpon
Tarpon
Great Barracuda
Great Barracuda
Bonefish
Bonefish
Jack Crevalle
Jack Crevalle
Permit
Permit
Blacktip Shark
Blacktip Shark

Real catches by this captain

  • Angler holding a bonefish in shallow tropical flats while fly fishing, with a fly rod and reel visible against a sunny coastal backdrop.
    September and October are good times to fish in the Keys and Key West. All sizes of Tarpon are around and the Bonefishing is really good too! We are seeing some Permit on the flats and also Barracuda . This is my favorite time to fish because there is a lot less pressure on the water this time of year and the fish are happy .
  • A fisherman stands confidently on the poling platform of a skiff in shallow waters, showcasing the boat's sleek design against a tropical backdrop.
    Fish 1
    Great Barracuda
    fishing is good all year here in the Keys . Bonefish and Barracuda are both good sight fishing targets this time of year
  • Close-up of a fish's side, with unclear details and no visible species identification.
    The early morning Tarpon fishing has been good!!
  • A young angler proudly displaying a large Tarpon while wading in the water during a fishing trip.
    The past werk we have had sime very exiting tarpon fishing
  • A cheerful group of three adults enjoying their time on a boat at the marina, with a scenic view of other boats in the background.
    Amy C.
    Amy C.
    We had a great time riding around with Capt. Mike. He was very knowledgeable!!
  • A fish is actively being reeled in during a fishing trip in calm waters, showcasing the excitement of the catch.
    Fish 1
    Jack Crevalle
    Gary S.
    Gary S.
    Had tons to catch right from the start, me inexperienced but got a few of these fighters in and lost a few after a fight….the Guide / captain caught few more than me all around the same time. Then, we enjoyed some sandbar relaxation in the heat of the day. Great time, will try again someday.
  • Silvery game fish being held in clear shallow water with a bright yellow lure visible near its mouth.
    Owen C.
    Owen C.
    Had a great time fishing the flats and landed a nice bonefish would highly recommend
  • Two adult anglers proudly hold a large barracuda on the bow of a fishing boat over shallow coastal waters.
    Fish 1
    Great Barracuda
    Mark R.
    Mark R.
  • Adult angler holding a large silvery jack fish aboard a center-console boat in shallow coastal waters.
    Fish 1
    Jack Crevalle
    Kenneth D.
    Kenneth D.
    Had an fantastic experience on the water! I love Deep Sea Fishing, but somewhat inexperienced in the Flats. My Tarpon still eludes me, but not for Mike not trying hard and teaching me new techniques. Caught a couple of Jack Fish, which was a blast on light tackle. Saw Sharks, and spent time trying to catch them, but they didn’t seem hungry. Looking forward to my next trip with this cool dude! Kenneth Davis, Mount Jackass Plantation, NW Arkansas.
  • Two adult anglers proudly display a large barracuda aboard a shallow-water fishing boat in clear tropical coastal waters.
    Fish 1
    Great Barracuda
    Charles L.
    Charles L.
    Great day on the water with Captain Mike! He got us on fish!

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Skiffs and flats boats
Capacity
2 persons
Boat length
16 ft
Year built
2000
Boat manufacturer
Dolphin
Boat type
Flats boat
Engine model
Yamaha
Powered by
1 x 70HP

What kind of fishing will you do?

Flats Fishing
Backcountry Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Spinning
Fly Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

GPS
Fishfinder
Ice box
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Lures
Drinks
water and ice
Fishing license
Florida fishing license is included under my license
Fly fishing equipment

How cancellations work

Deposit non-refundable
If it is unsafe to travel, you may still cancel free of charge or change the date(s) of your booking.
More details

What the listing policies are

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
Catch and release mandatory
catch and release for tarpon permit and bonefish also barracudas

How you can pay

Pay online in full
Pay online in full through FishingBooker and save on credit card fees at the dock.
No additional fees.
Book with 20% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 20% 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
 American Express
 PayPal
 Checks
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Cudjoe Key right now

Barracuda (Great)Barracuda (Great)
BonefishBonefish
Jack CrevalleJack Crevalle
PermitPermit
TarponTarpon

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Michael O’Brien Charters
Michael O’Brien Charters
State licensed
4.8
(46)
16 ft
Group size 1 - 2
1 - 2
Fish 1
Fish 2
+6
4 hour trip • 2 persons
US $700