Kingfisher Backcountry Charters 

4.9
(59 reviews)
 
State licensed
 29837 Journeys End Rd, Big Pine Key, FL 33043, United States

Kingfisher Backcountry Charters 

Big Pine Key, FL, United States
18 ft
2
4.9
(59 reviews)

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.

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.

Robert Horachek
Captain
Robert Horachek
12 years of experience
ID & credentials verified

Select date to see availability

Trip availability and prices

Trip date:
Group Size:
September 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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Half Day Trip (AM)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 9:00 AM
Barracuda (Great)
Bonefish
Jack Crevalle
Permit
+5
US $500
Entire boat: 2 people
Half Day Trip (PM)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 1:00 PM
Barracuda (Great)
Bonefish
Grouper (Goliath)
Jack Crevalle
+7
US $500
Entire boat: 2 people
Night Time – 4 Hour Tarpon Trip
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 6:00 PM
Jack Crevalle
Snook
Tarpon
Snapper (Mangrove)
US $500
Entire boat: 2 people
3/4 Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 9:00 AM
Barracuda (Great)
Bonefish
Grouper (Goliath)
Jack Crevalle
+7
US $600
Entire boat: 2 people
Full Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 9:00 AM
Barracuda (Great)
Bonefish
Grouper (Goliath)
Jack Crevalle
+8
US $700
Entire boat: 2 people
There is 1 person looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

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

Anglers' gallery (90)

What anglers say

98%
Great experience
89%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
97%
Recommended
90%
Caught fish

Reviews (59)

  • Geri Simpson
    Geri Simpson
    us
    Tennessee, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Not just going fishing but catching fish!

    Half Day Trip (PM) on December 12, 2025 • 1 adult

    Captain Robert was fantastic. He went out of his way to accommodate me. From the pick up point to the cleaning of the fish. I cannot recommend this trip enough. I don’t usually leave for a review but he was exceptionally good and I felt he deserved 5 stars!

  • Kristen Leblanc
    Kristen Leblanc
    us
    Arizona, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    great day!

    3/4 Day Trip on December 27, 2025 • 2 adults

    my husband and I came from Arizona. We went on a 6hr trip amd caught so nany fish! tarpon, shark, mackerel, snapper, blue runners, and more. we had an amazing day!

  • Joshua Thurmer
    Joshua Thurmer
    us
    Wisconsin, US
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    Unforgettable Fishing Adventure in the Florida Keys with Captain Robert!

    Half Day Trip (AM) on August 9, 2024 • 2 adults

    We had an incredible day fishing in the Florida Keys with Captain Robert! Our main goal was to get my son on a Tarpon, and Captain Robert didn't disappoint. He put us on fish right away, and although it was challenging to get them out of the mangroves, we hooked up several times. We took a break from Tarpon fishing to reel in a slew of Snapper, which was a blast. Finally, we hooked up and landed several nice Tarpon, which made the day even more special. We also caught lemon sharks, Snapper, Barracuda, and of course, those elusive Tarpon. Captain Robert's expertise and dedication made for a memorable day on the water. I highly recommend booking a trip with him if you're in the Keys!

  • David Preston
    David Preston
    Repeat angler
    us
    North Carolina, US
    Member since 2019
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Good day off Big Pine

    Half Day Trip (AM) on March 19, 2025 • 1 adult

    Another good trip with Capt Robert. Been going out with him since 2019. Always professional and fun to hang with. Will do everything to put you on fish. Highly recommend.

  • Danny Williams
    Danny Williams
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2019
    5.0
    Verified

    A great day of fishing.

    3/4 Day Trip on August 14, 2022 • 2 adults

    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 fish on. My first permit! So we started stalking tarpon boom by 12:00 fish on, then on to bonefish boom boom boom three bonefish. And caught several small mangroves along the way. Captain Robert knows that area well. I’ve fished Flamingo extensively and this was a real treat. Permit, Tarpon and Bonefish all in the same day!!! It’s going to take me a while to get over this lol. I can’t wipe the smile off my face. Thanks Robert!

  • Gregg Elliott
    Gregg Elliott
    Repeat angler
    us
    Maryland, US
    Member since 2021
    4 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Flats fishing

    Full Day Trip on August 19, 2025 • 2 adults

    Another amazing trip with Robert

  • Thomas Steen
    Thomas Steen
    us
    North Carolina, US
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    Great trip

    Half Day Trip (AM) on March 12, 2024 • 2 adults

    Had a great time on the water and caught some fun fish. Captain was really good at spotting fish that I was completely unable to see 😀

  • Alfred Rodriguez
    Alfred Rodriguez
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2021
    5.0
    Verified

    Backcountry fishing in the Keys

    Half Day Trip (AM) on March 29, 2021 • 2 adults

    Captain Robert was fantastic. After leaving the ramp and within 5 minutes we saw Tarpon rolling in the channel and my son hooked and landed an 80 lb tarpon . We then hooked a second Tarpon that broke free. Shortly after we caught 2 redfish and finished the day looking for bonefish. I would highly recommend Captain Robert with Kingfisher Backcountry Charters

  • Kurt Nicolay
    Kurt Nicolay
    us
    Ohio, US
    Member since 2022
    5.0
    Verified

    Record day

    3/4 Day Trip on February 27, 2022 • 1 adult

    Captain Robert was fantastic, knew the backcountry extremely well new when and where to find fish. A lot of fun

  • Gregg Elliott
    Gregg Elliott
    Repeat angler
    us
    Maryland, US
    Member since 2021
    4 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Fishing with Robert

    3/4 Day Trip on August 29, 2022 • 2 adults

    Robert was awesome. Me when his waters extremely well and had a amazing day of fishing

Rating

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

Anglers' gallery (90)

What anglers say

98%
Great experience
89%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
97%
Recommended
90%
Caught fish

All reviews (59)

Frequently mentioned
Showing 15 of 59 reviews
Geri Simpson
Geri Simpson
us
Tennessee, US
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
Not just going fishing but catching fish!
Half Day Trip (PM) on December 12, 20251 adult

Captain Robert was fantastic. He went out of his way to accommodate me. From the pick up point to the cleaning of the fish. I cannot recommend this trip enough. I don’t usually leave for a review but he was exceptionally good and I felt he deserved 5 stars!

Reported catch:
Mangrove Snapper
Spanish Mackerel
Speckled Trout
Kristen LeBlanc
Kristen LeBlanc
us
Arizona, US
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
great day!
3/4 Day Trip on December 27, 20252 adults

my husband and I came from Arizona. We went on a 6hr trip amd caught so nany fish! tarpon, shark, mackerel, snapper, blue runners, and more. we had an amazing day!

Reported catch:
Great Barracuda
Tarpon
Mangrove Snapper
Spanish Mackerel
Miller Mears
Miller Mears
us
Virginia, US
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
November fishing trip
3/4 Day Trip on November 9, 20251 adult

Robert Horachek
Response from Captain

thank you for the review Miller.

Joshua Thurmer
Joshua Thurmer
us
Wisconsin, US
Member since 2024
5.0
Verified
Unforgettable Fishing Adventure in the Florida Keys with Captain Robert!
Half Day Trip (AM) on August 9, 20242 adults

We had an incredible day fishing in the Florida Keys with Captain Robert! Our main goal was to get my son on a Tarpon, and Captain Robert didn't disappoint. He put us on fish right away, and although it was challenging to get them out of the mangroves, we hooked up several times. We took a break from Tarpon fishing to reel in a slew of Snapper, which was a blast. Finally, we hooked up and landed several nice Tarpon, which made the day even more special. We also caught lemon sharks, Snapper, Barracuda, and of course, those elusive Tarpon. Captain Robert's expertise and dedication made for a memorable day on the water. I highly recommend booking a trip with him if you're in the Keys!

Reported catch:
Tarpon
Great Barracuda
Mangrove Snapper
David Preston
David Preston
Repeat angler
us
North Carolina, US
Member since 2019
3 trips
5.0
Verified
Good day off Big Pine
Half Day Trip (AM) on March 19, 20251 adult

Another good trip with Capt Robert. Been going out with him since 2019. Always professional and fun to hang with. Will do everything to put you on fish. Highly recommend.

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:
  • Barracuda (Great)
  • Bonefish
  • Cobia
  • Grouper (Goliath)
  • Jack Crevalle
  • Permit
  • Redfish
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snook
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Speckled Trout
  • Tarpon

Your captain

Robert Horachek
Robert Horachek

Big Pine Key, Florida, United States

20 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
59 Customer reviews
Typical response within 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.

Robert Horachek
Robert Horachek
Fully verified
20
reports
59
reviews
2015
member since
~2h
response
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.

The fish you can target

Great Barracuda
Great Barracuda
Bonefish
Bonefish
Cobia
Cobia
Goliath Grouper
Goliath Grouper
Jack Crevalle
Jack Crevalle
Permit
Permit
Redfish
Redfish
Mangrove Snapper
Mangrove Snapper
Snook
Snook
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel
Speckled Trout
Speckled Trout
Tarpon
Tarpon
Great Barracuda
Great Barracuda
Bonefish
Bonefish
Cobia
Cobia
Goliath Grouper
Goliath Grouper
Jack Crevalle
Jack Crevalle

Real catches by this captain

  • great day!
    Kristen L.
    Kristen L.
  • Not just going fishing but catching fish!
    Geri S.
    Geri S.
  • Great trip
    Thomas S.
    Thomas S.
  • Fishing with Robert
    Gregg E.
    Gregg E.
  • A great day of fishing.
    Danny W.
    Danny W.
  • Record day
    Kurt N.
    Kurt N.
  • August fishing trip
    Camron M.
    Camron M.
  • Backcountry fishing in the Keys
    Alfred R.
    Alfred R.
  • What Memories!
    Thomas M.
    Thomas M.
  • 3/4 day trip
    Charlie  .
    Charlie .

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Skiffs and flats boats
Capacity
2 persons
Boat length
18 ft
Year built
2013
Boat manufacturer
Maverick 18 HPX-V
Boat type
Flats boat
Engine model
Mercury Pro XS Four Stroke
Powered by
1 x 115HP
Max cruising speed
30 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Flats Fishing
Backcountry Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Fly Fishing

Which amenities are available 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
What's included in the trip price
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

How cancellations work

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.

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
Aged 6 and over
You keep catch
Snapper and Seatrout
Catch and release allowed
Catch and release mandatory
Bonefish, Snook, Tarpon, Goliath, Redfish, etc

How you can pay

Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% 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.

What’s biting in Big Pine Key right now

Barracuda (Great)Barracuda (Great)
BonefishBonefish
CobiaCobia
Jack CrevalleJack Crevalle
PermitPermit
RedfishRedfish
Snapper (Mangrove)Snapper (Mangrove)
SnookSnook
Spanish MackerelSpanish Mackerel
Speckled TroutSpeckled Trout
TarponTarpon

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Current
Kingfisher Backcountry Charters
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Group size 1 - 2
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+10
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US $500