Michael O’Brien Charters
Michael O’Brien Charters
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.
Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (31)
+28Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
95%
Appropriate for children
72%
Friendly captain
97%
Satisfied with the boat
97%
Recommend this charter
96%
Caught fish
72%
Mar 21, 2025
3/4 Day Trip
Great Guide
Flats expert!
Flats expert!
Ventura, CA
Dec 29, 2022
Full Day Trip
Trip was great, but cold snap from prior week chased all the fish away
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.
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...
Miami, Florida
Jun 19, 2023
Half Day Trip (AM)
Half day trip with Captain Mike
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!!
Captain Mike responded quickly to our request and had great communication through the booking process. He took us to all the right...
Jan 15, 2024
Half Day Trip (AM)
January fishing trip
Springdale, AR
Mar 26, 2021
Half Day Trip (AM)
A little windy, but great day!!
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.
Had an fantastic experience on the water! I love Deep Sea Fishing, but somewhat inexperienced in the Flats. My Tarpon still eludes...
Trip availability and prices
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Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (31)
+28Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
95%
Appropriate for children
72%
Friendly captain
97%
Satisfied with the boat
97%
Recommend this charter
96%
Caught fish
72%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Great Guide
3/4 Day Trip on March 21, 2025
Flats expert!
Flats expert!
Ventura, CA
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Trip was great, but cold snap from prior week chased all the fish away
Full Day Trip on December 29, 2022
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.
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...
Miami, Florida
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half day trip with Captain Mike
Half Day Trip (AM) on June 19, 2023
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!!
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!!
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
January fishing trip
Half Day Trip (AM) on January 15, 2024
Springdale, AR
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
A little windy, but great day!!
Half Day Trip (AM) on March 26, 2021
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.
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.
FAQs about Michael O’Brien Charters
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