Tight Lines Charter – Keys 

4.9/5 (23 reviews)
 
State licensed
 36850 Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key, FL 33043, United States

Tight Lines Charter – Keys 

State licensed
Big Pine Key, FL, United States
22 ft
4
4.9/5 (23 reviews)

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Get into the 'Tarpon mode' with Tight Lines Charters! Captain Jeff Zellers has been fishing in this area for more than 14 years and Tarpon is the main reason he comes to Florida Keys. Considered to be one of the most exciting and challenging fish to catch, Tarpon can be found in the waters of the Florida Keys year round – and Capt. Jeff can help you catch them.

You'll fish aboard the captain's 22' Scout bay boat that accommodates up to 4 people (2 can fish at the same time). She's powered by a 150 HP Yamaha 4 stroke engine. Capt Jeff installed a fighting chair on the bow of the boat, specially for Tarpon trips. There's also a cooler to keep your drinks cold and a T-top to keep you in the shade.

Capt. Jeff offers Tarpon trips from April to the end of May. They are available every day of the week, both morning and afternoon. The boat departs from the public boat ramp in Spainish Harbor. Capt. Jeff will prepare your fishing equipment and your fishing license is also covered. Just bring your drinks, snacks, and sunscreen.

Regardless of your skill level, catching a Tarpon is something that should be on your bucket list. This hard-fighting fish is a challenge and having a shot at catching one is an unforgettable opportunity. Join Capt. Jeff and find out why fishermen travel all around the world to come to the Florida Keys.

Get into the 'Tarpon mode' with Tight Lines Charters! Captain Jeff Zellers has been fishing in this area for more than 14 years and Tarpon is the main reason he comes to Florida Keys. Considered to be one of the most exciting and challenging fish to catch, Tarpon can be found in the waters of the Florida Keys year round – and Capt. Jeff can help you catch them.

You'll fish aboard the captain's 22' Scout bay boat that accommodates up to 4 people (2 can fish at the same time). She's powered by a 150 HP Yamaha 4 stroke engine. Capt Jeff installed a fighting chair on the bow of the boat, specially for Tarpon trips. There's also a cooler to keep your drinks cold and a T-top to keep you in the shade.

Capt. Jeff offers Tarpon trips from April to the end of May. They are available every day of the week, both morning and afternoon. The boat departs from the public boat ramp in Spainish Harbor. Capt. Jeff will prepare your fishing equipment and your fishing license is also covered. Just bring your drinks, snacks, and sunscreen.

Regardless of your skill level, catching a Tarpon is something that should be on your bucket list. This hard-fighting fish is a challenge and having a shot at catching one is an unforgettable opportunity. Join Capt. Jeff and find out why fishermen travel all around the world to come to the Florida Keys.

Jeff Zellers
Captain
Jeff Zellers
21 years of experience
responds within an hour

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
July 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
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Half Day Trip (AM)
FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Apr 1 - May 31
US $750
Entire boat: up to 4 people
Half Day Trip (PM)
FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 1:00 PM
Seasonal trip
Apr 1 - May 31
US $750
Entire boat: up to 4 people
3/4 Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Apr 1 - May 31
US $1,000
Entire boat: up to 4 people

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.9
23 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
4.9
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (47)

All reviews (23)

Frequently mentioned
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Showing 15 of 23 reviews
Brian Fitzgibbon
Brian Fitzgibbon
Repeat angler
us
Massachusetts, US
Member since 2023
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Half Day of Tarpon Fishing
Half Day Trip (AM) on May 5, 20233 adults

We had booked a 3 person half day charter for Tarpon fishing with Jeff. Jeff had us hooked on the Tarpon less than 5 minutes after dropping anchor. Everyone caught at least 1-2 Tarpon per person and the fight that these fish put up is unforgettable. We had the best time and would highly recommend Tight Lines Charter and Captain Jeff did a great job getting us on the Tarpon and had great patience with us for fighting a long battle with each tarpon. We also encountered a hammerhead shark that unfortunately ate our last catch of the day. By far the best fishing trip I’ve ever been on! Thanks again for a great day of fishing and will be booking another trip for next year.

John Dellinger
John Dellinger
Repeat angler
us
Banner Elk, NC, US
Member since 2023
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Tarpon fishing with Captain Jeff
3/4 Day Trip on May 12, 20232 adults

My friend and I went tarpon fishing with Captain Jeff Zellers on a 6 hour trip. Fishing conditions were not ideal, with steady east wind and a good bit of chop on the water. Captain Jeff did a great job anchoring the boat in such position to optimize our hook up chances. We brought one to the boat and jumped and fought4 others. We did not see any other boats with a hookup. Captain Jeff is patient, pleasant, and knows his stuff on the tarpon fishing. I would recommend him highly.

Paul Mullins
Paul Mullins
Repeat angler
au
Australia
Member since 2020
3 trips
5.0
Verified
Tarpon Fantasies Fulfilled!
3/4 Day Trip on April 12, 20221 adult

I enjoyed a fantastic 3/4 day out on the water with Jeff. 2 massive Tarpon and a Permit brought to the boat then released, the largest of which was 68 inches long and 39 inches girth and an estimated 136 lbs. The rest were brutal bust-offs after spectacular tussles and aerobatics. Jeff is a first class guide; knowledgeable, helpful and great company. I would whole heartedly recommend him to the serious angler wanting to fulfil their BIG Tarpon fantasies.

Jeff Zellers
Response from Captain

Thank you for the kind words Paul. You were awesome! Congrats of the trophies you caught! It was fun to watch!

Brent Linegar
Brent Linegar
Repeat angler
us
Alaska, US
Member since 2024
4 trips
5.0
Verified
Tarpon Fishing
3/4 Day Trip on May 17, 20242 adults

Our captain worked the water the entire time and kept us on the fish. Very knowledgeable and professional. We had a great time.

Mike Elrod
Mike Elrod
us
Alabama, US
Member since 2023
5.0
Verified
Half day with Jeff zeller
Half Day Trip (AM) on April 18, 20232 adults

Wish I could say it was horrible so I could keep him to myself. But I can’t. The trip was everything I expected and more. Bucket list item for me and he did not disappoint. Great trip, he even suggested we wait a few hours so conditions would improve. Thank you Jeff we will be back

Reported catch:
Tarpon
Jeff Zellers
Response from Captain

Thanks Mike. You guys were awesome!

FAQs about Tight Lines Charter – Keys

Tight Lines Charter – Keys offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $750 per group - Half Day Trip (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $750 per group - Half Day Trip (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $1,000 per group - 3/4 Day Trip (6 hours)
When you book a trip with Tight Lines Charter – Keys, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Fighting chair
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live bait well
  • Ice box
Trips booked with Tight Lines Charter – Keys include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait
  • Lures
  • Fishing license
Tight Lines Charter – Keys offers the following type of fishing:
  • Inshore fishing
Tight Lines Charter – Keys offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Spinning
Top targeted fish species with Tight Lines Charter – Keys include:
  • Tarpon

Your captain

Jeff Zellers
Jeff Zellers
Jeff Zellers

Big Pine Key, Florida, United States

23 Fishing Reports
23 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since January 2019

'I've been on the water all my life. I love fishing and love taking customers fishing.' Capt. Jeff is a licensed fishing guide and an avid outdoorsman. He has been fishing since the age of 5. He spends his winters in the Florida Everglades, where he guides fishing charters in the backcountry, seeking out Seatrout, Redfish, and Snook. After that he heads to the Florida Keys to put clients on Permit and Tarpon in the spring. He is joined by his wife Beth, son Theo and daughter Lila wherever the tides take them.

23 Fishing Reports
23 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since January 2019

'I've been on the water all my life. I love fishing and love taking customers fishing.' Capt. Jeff is a licensed fishing guide and an avid outdoorsman. He has been fishing since the age of 5. He spends his winters in the Florida Everglades, where he guides fishing charters in the backcountry, seeking out Seatrout, Redfish, and Snook. After that he heads to the Florida Keys to put clients on Permit and Tarpon in the spring. He is joined by his wife Beth, son Theo and daughter Lila wherever the tides take them.

The fish you can target

Tarpon
Tarpon
Tarpon
Tarpon

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
4 persons
Boat length
22 ft
Year built
2012
Boat manufacturer
Scout
Boat type
Bay boat
Engine model
Yamaha
Powered by
1 x 150HP

What kind of fishing will you do?

Inshore Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Spinning

Which amenities are available onboard

Fighting chair
GPS
Fishfinder
Live bait well
Ice box

What’s included in the trip price

Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
Lures
Fishing license

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 30 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 30 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.

More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup not included

Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.

Child friendly
Catch and release mandatory

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 4% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Big Pine Key right now

TarponTarpon

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Tight Lines Charter – Keys
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State licensed
4.9
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22 ft
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1 - 4
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US $750