Mile Marker 27 Fishing Charters 

5.0
(54 reviews)
 
State licensed
 27340 Overseas Highway, Ramrod Key, FL 33042, United States–

Mile Marker 27 Fishing Charters 

Ramrod Key, FL, United States
–
23 ft
4
5.0
(54 reviews)

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Mile Marker 27 Fishing Charters provides personalized fishing charters in the lower Florida Keys from Big Pine Key to Key West. These unspoiled waters hold a huge variety of fish, thanks to the numerous islands and reefs dotted around. Captain Jim Loftus has been fishing for his whole life and has the necessary experience for a memorable fishing trip.

You'll be fishing aboard a popular and versatile 2025 Coastal Skiff 23' center console that offers a comfortable ride and excellent visibility for fishing for up to 4 guests. Powered by a 140 HP Suzuki engine and equipped with a GPS and fish finder, the boat can reach the fishing spots quickly. She also features an icebox to keep your drinks cool throughout the trip.

Mile Marker 27 Fishing Charters gives you the opportunity to explore a wide range of fishing grounds, from backcountry shallows and flats to reefs and wrecks nearshore. Whether you want to test your skills against Bonefish, Permit, and Tarpon, there's a trip for you.

Captain Jim will provide all the bait, gear, and licenses needed for an enjoyable trip. You will mainly be fishing with live bait, although cut and artificial baits can also be used.

There really is something for everyone aboard with Mile Marker 27 Fishing Charters. So book a trip today and join Captain Jim on the water!

Mile Marker 27 Fishing Charters provides personalized fishing charters in the lower Florida Keys from Big Pine Key to Key West. These unspoiled waters hold a huge variety of fish, thanks to the numerous islands and reefs dotted around. Captain Jim Loftus has been fishing for his whole life and has the necessary experience for a memorable fishing trip.

You'll be fishing aboard a popular and versatile 2025 Coastal Skiff 23' center console that offers a comfortable ride and excellent visibility for fishing for up to 4 guests. Powered by a 140 HP Suzuki engine and equipped with a GPS and fish finder, the boat can reach the fishing spots quickly. She also features an icebox to keep your drinks cool throughout the trip.

Mile Marker 27 Fishing Charters gives you the opportunity to explore a wide range of fishing grounds, from backcountry shallows and flats to reefs and wrecks nearshore. Whether you want to test your skills against Bonefish, Permit, and Tarpon, there's a trip for you.

Captain Jim will provide all the bait, gear, and licenses needed for an enjoyable trip. You will mainly be fishing with live bait, although cut and artificial baits can also be used.

There really is something for everyone aboard with Mile Marker 27 Fishing Charters. So book a trip today and join Captain Jim on the water!

Jim Loftus
Captain
Jim Loftus
14 years of experience
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
October 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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Almost there...
Half Day Trip – Backcountr (copy)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Barracuda (Great)
Grouper (Goliath)
Tarpon
Snapper (Mangrove)
+6
US $500
Entire boat: 2 people
Full Day Trip – Backcountr (copy)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
US $750
Entire boat: 2 people
Half Day Trip – Backcountry
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Barracuda (Great)
Grouper (Goliath)
Tarpon
Snapper (Mangrove)
+6
US $1,000
Entire boat: up to 4 people
Full Day Trip – Backcountry
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
US $1,400
Entire boat: up to 4 people
There is 1 person looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

5.0
54 reviews
5.0
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (51)

What anglers say

100%
Great experience
98%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
100%
Recommended
91%
Caught fish

Reviews (54)

  • Chad Shearer
    Chad Shearer
    Repeat angler
    us
    Maryland, US
    Member since 2024
    7 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Fishing with Jim

    Full Day Trip – Backcountr (copy) on June 27, 2026 • 2 adults
  • Mark Squibb
    Mark Squibb
    us
    Colorado, US
    Member since 2021
    5.0
    Verified

    Excellent Learning Experience

    Full Day Trip – Backcountry on December 20, 2021 • 2 adults

    Captain Jim was a great teacher. Our goal was to understand back-country fishing tips and tricks relative to kayak. Jim understood our goals much better than previous guides who used "big-boat" power and mobility. Jim's smaller boat had a shallow draft and worked well in waters appropriate for our kayak fishing. Jim concentrated on helping us understand how how to fish local waters effectively and safely from a kayak. Jim started with the basics specifically bottom fishing and drift fishing. This was great because we could easily do these methods in shallow waters and channels. We hooked fish almost immediately and caught fish all day. My son logged into something in the 40 lb range. Jim focused on methods practical to a kayak - including how to catch fish not having to have a live-well to keep shrimp alive. He explained the best practice about fishing the tides. He was really good at helping us break fresh-water fishing habits which led to hooking failure. Jim's boat is very quiet. We start fishing in about 1/2 hour. Prior guided experiences began with an hour journey with the loud roar of a big engine. As kayakers - we like quiet - it was nice to have instant gratification to start fishing. Take-homes: * How to avoid fresh-water fishing techniques that cause you to lose fish * How to time the tide * When to use and How to tie a spider hitch * How to fish the channels with bait that travels by kayak Pictures: 1) Basics of bottom rig 2) Shark rig using an amber-jack

  • Cathy And John Clark
    Cathy And John Clark
    us
    Ohio, US
    Member since 2022
    5.0
    Verified

    Half day trip with Captain Jim

    Half Day Trip – Backcountry on February 25, 2022 • 2 adults

    Had a really great day fishing with Captain Jim today!! Caught 10 different species of fish! Limited out on some really nice snapper, also caught a nice Mackerel to keep. A huge ladyfish, had it to the boat when a BIG bull shark came up behind it and gulped it up!! So exciting!! Captain Jim gave us alot of good fishing advice and recommendations. We highly recommend Captain Jim!!!

  • Michael Wilden
    Michael Wilden
    us
    Virginia, US
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    March fishing trip

    Half Day Trip – Backcountry on March 8, 2024 • 2 adults
  • Thomas Brandli
    Thomas Brandli
    Repeat angler
    us
    New Jersey, US
    Member since 2020
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Half Day Trip with capt. Jim

    Half Day Trip – Backcountry on December 31, 2020 • 2 adults

    The day started with a grim briefing of wind, waves and lack of fish, but Captain Jim knew exactly where to go. It was my father in law who gets sea sick very easily and myself and in the fear of the rough seas, we put our trust in the Captain. The wind howled and the boat rocked, but in a short few hours, we were able to bring 6 different species of fish on deck, and to our delight, able to bring home 7 mangrove snappers and a cero mackerel. Captain Jim is the best of the best and I will not go out with anyone else on the keys. Thank you!

  • James Witt
    James Witt
    Member since 2019
    5.0

    2 day trip with Capt Jim Loftus

    Full Day Trip – Backcountry on February 1, 2019

    My son and I came from Ohio to do a two day trip with Capt Jim. First day on his 22 Panga fishing the cuts for whatever swims. Caught 50+ fish big trout, 3 different kinds of snappers, jacks, and these crazy jumping ladyfish. He had us on fish all day. Day 2 on the Hewes skiff he poled us through the backcountry for 7 hours of sight fishing. Unbelievable! He’s got an incredible eye for the water, not just for the fish but the plant life and other aquatic oddities. Pointing out the turtles and mollusks. It’s likes a nature channel show with incredible fishing. And fish we did . Snappers, tarpon, awesome sharks, and a rare few redfish. Caught another 50+ on day two. His boats are meticulously clean with quiet high powered motors, his gear is top quality with fresh line and every lure and rig there is. I’ve fished all over the world with over 200 guides. Capt Jim is in my top ten. Tight lines Jimmy Witt

  • Helmut Alleze
    Helmut Alleze
    de
    Germany
    Member since 2022
    5.0
    Verified

    Full day

    Full Day Trip – Backcountry on May 27, 2022 • 2 adults

    Captain Jim showed us everything about fishing in the flats. Very enjoyable and successful trip. Highly recommendable.

  • Jen Cully
    Jen Cully
    Member since 2018
    5.0

    Fishing with Captain Jim

    Half Day Trip – Backcountry on August 24, 2018

    We do a guided fishing trip with the kiddos at least once per year. Captain Jim is the best guide we have ever used. He listens to what his clients are looking for - on this trip we wanted the kiddos to catch lots of fish ... big or small. He has a very clean boat and really pays attention to safety. He also understands all the tidal patterns in the Keys and shares this with you. He was very patient with our nine year old son and great with our thirteen year old daughter. By the end of the trip our daughter wanter to hold the Grouper. This was the best fishing experience. When my husband and I return without the kiddos in May for tarpon season we will be rebooking with Jim.

  • Lance Julian
    Lance Julian
    Member since 2017
    5.0

    Backcountry trip with Fin A Key Charters

    Half Day Trip – Backcountry on February 12, 2017

    My Cousin and I had an awesome experience with Captain Jimmy. The weather was iffy with high winds on our only day in town to fish. Capt Jimmy knew we had a small window to fish and wanted to get us out on the water. Thanks to his knowledge of the backcountry, he was able to find an area protected from the winds that was full of fish. We managed to catch six or eight different species of fish one after another in conditions that were not most favorable. We also managed to fit in a couple hours of shark fishing, bottom fishing for other species all the while. We had a 6-8 foot bull shark hooked up on light tackle in no time once the chum went to work. It was really a great experience. The best part for me is that Captain Jimmy lets you be as hands on as you want to be. You have the feel as if you are fishing with a good buddy, rather than a charter Captain. We had such a great time and were so busy catching fish, we never stopped to eat lunch.....now that is saying something for me! I already booked my trip for July looking to hook up a few tarpon!! CAN'T WAIT!

  • Mathew Reed
    Mathew Reed
    Member since 2018
    5.0

    Half day fishing with Captain Jim Loftus- Mile marker 27 fishing charters

    Half Day Trip – Backcountry on July 3, 2018

    Fantastic half day of back country fishing with Captain Jim Loftus of Mile Marker 27 fishing charters. Super knowledgeable, personable and easy going Charter Captain. If you're looking for a fun day out on the water, fishing away from the hussle and bussle of Key West, Mile Marker 27 fishing charters and Captain Jim Loftus is your guide to paradise.

Rating

5.0
54 reviews
5.0
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (51)

What anglers say

100%
Great experience
98%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
100%
Recommended
91%
Caught fish

All reviews (54)

Frequently mentioned
Showing 1 – 5 of 54 reviews
Rob Maroney
Rob Maroney
Repeat angler
us
Minnesota, US
Member since 2022
9 trips
5.0
Verified
Fish with Capt. Jim!
Full Day Trip – Backcountr (copy) on May 15, 2026 • 2 adults

Capt. Jim is great to fish with! We caught tons of snappers and hooked into sharks and tarpon too! Jim is knowledgeable, friendly and very enjoyable to fish with!

Reported catch:
Tarpon
Mangrove Snapper
Black Grouper
Jim Loftus
Response from Captain

Thank you, Rob. You and Johnny did a great job out there. You’re more than welcome to come back anytime you’d like. it was a pleasure having you out there!

Conor McKenzie
Conor McKenzie
Repeat angler
us
Massachusetts, US
Member since 2023
4 trips
5.0
Verified
Great day out on the water!
Half Day Trip – Backcountr (copy) on November 25, 2025 • 1 adult • 1 child

Very safe professional operation. Beautiful boat. My son and I had a great day put fishing with captain Jim. We learned a lot and had fun. We caught enough fish to eat and my son (11) has lots of stories to share!

Reported catch:
Speckled Trout
Mangrove Snapper
Jim Loftus
Response from Captain

Conor, Thank you and Gabe so much for coming out with me. I can tell you've done a great great job with him he's a perfect little gentlemen and both of you were a pleasure to have out on the water. I truly appreciate it. Happy Thanksgiving, enjoy the holiday and safe travels home!

Chad Shearer
Chad Shearer
Repeat angler
us
Maryland, US
Member since 2024
7 trips
5.0
Verified
Fishing with Jim
Full Day Trip – Backcountr (copy) on June 27, 2026 • 2 adults

Reported catch:
Mangrove Snapper
Jim Loftus
Response from Captain

Thank you Chad, I appreciate you guys coming out with me and nice pictures!

Brooks Mullen
Brooks Mullen
us
Texas, US
Member since 2023
5.0
Verified
Half day with Capt. Jim
Half Day Trip – Backcountry on July 17, 2023 • 2 adults

I took my mother on a half day trip with Captain Jim. He was an excellent guide, as good as any I have been fishing with (and I have been on guided trips from the northern end of British Columbia to Ixtapa Guatemala). He was professional, knowledgeable, friendly, and above all knows where to find fish. You would be hard pressed to find any better guide in the Keys. He even shared his recipe for blackened snapper with me and stuck around for cocktails at the tiki bar. Whether you are an experienced fly fisherman or a novice looking to have fund you will get you money's worth with Captain Jim. P.S. He is the preferred guide for Texans visiting Key West.

Reported catch:
Mangrove Snapper
Yellowtail Snapper
Jim Loftus
Response from Captain

Brooks, Thank you for the kind words. I had a great time out there with you and Rhonda and look forward to going it again! Enjoy the rest of your stay and safe travels home.

Tiffany Pruitt
Tiffany Pruitt
Repeat angler
us
Indiana, US
Member since 2022
2 trips
4.7
Verified
Full day trip with Cpt. Jim
Full Day Trip – Backcountry on January 5, 2023 • 2 adults

The ONLY reason I gave 4 stars for experience was because the fishing was awful as far as what Cpt Jim says he usually catches with people. We DID catch a lot of fish, but 1 keeper Snapper and that was all. Everything else too small. You can't control where the good fish are! It was a fun trip and we learned a few different fishing setups we can use in the future. Cpt Jim is very knowledgeable and didn't mess around if we stopped at a new spot and weren't catching a lot; he would tell us to reel in and we would move again. Overall, would definitely recommend to anyone, and will book with him again if we go to Marathon in the future.

Jim Loftus
Response from Captain

Tiffany, Thank you and Kent for coming out, it was a tough day of fishing for sure and I hope to see you guys in the future and get another chance to get you out on the water!

FAQs about Mile Marker 27 Fishing Charters

Mile Marker 27 Fishing Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $250 per person - Half Day Trip – Backcountr (copy) (4 hours)
  • US $375 per person - Full Day Trip – Backcountr (copy) (8 hours)
  • US $1,000 per group - Half Day Trip – Backcountry (4 hours)
  • US $1,400 per group - Full Day Trip – Backcountry (8 hours)
When you book a trip with Mile Marker 27 Fishing Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live bait well
  • Ice box
Trips booked with Mile Marker 27 Fishing Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait (Live and dead bait provided)
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (Fish cleaning is part of the trip and free of charge. The fish are filleted after the trip at the dock.)
  • Snacks (Can be arranged, please ask when booking your trip)
  • Drinks (Bottled water.)
  • Fishing license (Included in trip)
  • Lunch (Can be arranged, please ask when booking your trip)
Mile Marker 27 Fishing Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore fishing
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Reef fishing (Weather dependent )
  • Wreck fishing (Weather dependent )
  • Flats fishing
  • Backcountry fishing
Mile Marker 27 Fishing Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Spinning
  • Popping
  • Fly fishing
Top targeted fish species with Mile Marker 27 Fishing Charters include:
  • Bonefish
  • Cobia
  • Grouper (Black)
  • Grouper (Gag)
  • Permit
  • Shark (Bull)
  • Shark (Lemon)
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snapper (Mutton)
  • Snapper (Yellowtail)
  • Speckled Trout
  • Tarpon

Your captain

Jim Loftus
Jim Loftus
Ramrod Key, Florida, United States
28 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
54 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since January 2016
I've basically been fishing my entire life. I started out as a freshwater fisherman fishing rivers and lakes and then when I moved to Florida I began fishing the saltwater flats, reefs and wrecks. After a successful career in the business world I began exploring the idea of becoming a charter captain/guide and started the process of obtaining my US Coast Guard License to pursue my true passion for fishing. I've been a licensed captain for the past 10 years and I am a full time guide in the lower Florida Keys where I reside. In addition to my USCG License, I am a guide member of the Lower Keys Guides Association – a guide member of the Florida Coastal Conservation Association, and an accredited captain of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary & Blue Star operator. I am also fully insured to operate as a for hire charter/guide service. I also believe in giving back to our country service men and women so I do donate trips to the Wounded Warrior Foundation.
Jim Loftus
Jim Loftus
Fully verified
28
reports
54
reviews
2016
member since
~1h
response
I've basically been fishing my entire life. I started out as a freshwater fisherman fishing rivers and lakes and then when I moved to Florida I began fishing the saltwater flats, reefs and wrecks. After a successful career in the business world I began exploring the idea of becoming a charter captain/guide and started the process of obtaining my US Coast Guard License to pursue my true passion for fishing. I've been a licensed captain for the past 10 years and I am a full time guide in the lower Florida Keys where I reside. In addition to my USCG License, I am a guide member of the Lower Keys Guides Association – a guide member of the Florida Coastal Conservation Association, and an accredited captain of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary & Blue Star operator. I am also fully insured to operate as a for hire charter/guide service. I also believe in giving back to our country service men and women so I do donate trips to the Wounded Warrior Foundation.

The fish you can target

Bonefish
Bonefish
Cobia
Cobia
Black Grouper
Black Grouper
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper
Permit
Permit
Bull Shark
Bull Shark
Lemon Shark
Lemon Shark
Mangrove Snapper
Mangrove Snapper
Mutton Snapper
Mutton Snapper
Yellowtail Snapper
Yellowtail Snapper
Speckled Trout
Speckled Trout
Tarpon
Tarpon
Bonefish
Bonefish
Cobia
Cobia
Black Grouper
Black Grouper
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper
Permit
Permit

Real catches by this captain

  • Fishing with Jim
    Chad S.
    Chad S.
  • March fishing trip
    Michael W.
    Michael W.
  • We took a half-day trip
    Stephen D.
    Stephen D.
  • Full day
    Helmut A.
    Helmut A.
  • Half day trip.
    Gwen H.
    Gwen H.
  • Half day trip with Captain Jim
    Cathy A.
    Cathy A.
  • Excellent Learning Experience
    Mark S.
    Mark S.
  • Fantastic trip
    Matt N.
    Matt N.
  • Half Day Trip with capt. Jim
    Thomas B.
    Thomas B.
  • 3/4 day with Jim Loftus
    David S.
    David S.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
4 persons
Boat length
23 ft
Year built
2025
Boat manufacturer
Coastal Skiff
Boat type
Center console
Engine model
Suzuki
Powered by
1 x 140HP
Max cruising speed
30 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing
Flats Fishing
Backcountry Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Spinning
Popping
Fly Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

GPS
Fishfinder
Live bait well
Ice box
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
Live and dead bait provided
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Fish cleaning is part of the trip and free of charge. The fish are filleted after the trip at the dock.
Snacks
Can be arranged, please ask when booking your trip
Drinks
Bottled water.
Fishing license
Included in trip
Lunch
Can be arranged, please ask when booking your trip

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 not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child friendly
It is recommended that you bring children over age of five and try to keep the trip to a half day maximum for ages 5 to 12 years of old.
You keep catch
Client keeps their catch within state federal laws
Catch and release allowed
Some species are catch & release only by state law
Catch and release mandatory
Species such as Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit and Sharks

How you can pay

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

What’s biting in Ramrod Key right now

BonefishBonefish
CobiaCobia
Grouper (Black)Grouper (Black)
PermitPermit
Snapper (Mangrove)Snapper (Mangrove)
Snapper (Mutton)Snapper (Mutton)
Snapper (Yellowtail)Snapper (Yellowtail)
Speckled TroutSpeckled Trout
TarponTarpon

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Mile Marker 27 Fishing Charters
Mile Marker 27 Fishing Charters
State licensed
5.0
(54)
23 ft
Group size 1 - 4
1 - 4
Fish 1
Fish 2
+10
4 hour trip • 4 persons
US $1,000