Kingfisher Backcountry Charters
+83When 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.
Captain
Robert Horachek
Most popular features:
Trip availability and prices
Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (80)
+77Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
98%
Appropriate for children
89%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
96%
Caught fish
90%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Unforgettable Fishing Adventure in the Florida Keys with Captain Robert!
Half Day Trip (AM) on August 9, 2024
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!
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,...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Good day off Big Pine
Half Day Trip (AM) on March 19, 2025
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.
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.
Key West, Florida
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Great day on the flats
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 dinner. Rode over to take a few shots at juvenile tarpon, had a quick passing shot at permit but my casting let is down. Tried another spot and took a few shots, and landed a beautiful bonefish. Switched gears and went back after the tarpon. If it wasn't for my poor line management and slapping them in the head with a fly, I would have had a good shot at one of them. It was a beautiful day. The boat ran smooth as silk. Rob was ready to go, and I had a legitimate shot at a slam on the fly, after catching some nice snappers and pogies for dinner (which Rob did a beautiful job fileting out).
Just what the doctor ordered! Started off fishing live bait and catching just enough for my family to have a nice fish dinner. Rode over to take a few shots at juvenile tarpon, had a quick passing shot at permit but my casting let is down. Tried another spot and took a few shots, and landed a beautiful bonefish. Switched gears and went back after the tarpon. If it wasn't for my poor line management and slapping them in the head with a fly, I would have had a good shot at one of them. It was...
Gainesville, FL
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
7 hour Day
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 the lookout the entire time. He was very accommodating, adapted our approach to very different fishing styles (I fish spin and my partner fishes fly) and we stayed on a very limited number of fish for how hot it was. This was our second trip with Robert and he was super pro both times. Highly recommend.
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 the lookout the entire time. He was very accommodating, adapted our approach to very different fishing styles (I fish spin and my partner fishes fly) and we stayed on a very limited number of fish for how hot it was. This was our second trip with Robert and he was super pro both times. Highly recommend.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
A great day of fishing.
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 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!
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...
FAQs about Kingfisher Backcountry Charters
What are the trip rates for 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)
Which amenities are available onboard with Kingfisher Backcountry Charters?
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
What's included in the trip price with Kingfisher Backcountry Charters?
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)
What types of fishing does Kingfisher Backcountry Charters offer?
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)
What fishing techniques does Kingfisher Backcountry Charters offer?
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 )
Which fish species can I catch with Kingfisher Backcountry Charters?
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
Your captain
Big Pine Key, Florida, United States
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
What is the boat like?
What kind of fishing will you do?
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
Which fishing techniques you can try
Light Tackle
Spinning Rod and Reels - handles can be switched
Bottom Fishing
Inshore backcountry
Fly Fishing
Orvis Fly fishing gear. Reels are left handed
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.
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
Bonefish
Cobia
Jack Crevalle
Permit
Redfish
Snapper (Mangrove)
Snook
Spanish Mackerel
Spotted Seatrout
Tarpon