DREAM STATE CHARTERS 

5.0
(56 reviews)
 
State licensed
 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037, United States–

DREAM STATE CHARTERS 

Key Largo, FL, United States
–
17 ft
3
5.0
(56 reviews)

Booked with us before? You may qualify for a Loyalty Discount. Sign in to check.

Fish the productive waters of the Upper Florida Keys and Biscayne Bay with Captain Kevin Cornell, born and raised locally and dialed into the inshore Waters, Everglades Backcountry, and Reef / Reef Edge Systems year-round.

We prioritize Inshore, Reef & Backcountry fishing first, keeping runs short and lines tight.  On weather permitting days we may venture past the reef edge or into the Gulf for a chance at larger game.

🎣 Key Largo Inshore & Backcountry

Target:

Snook

Tarpon

Redfish

Spotted Seatrout

Goliath and Gag Grouper

Mangrove Snapper

Jack Crevalle

Permit

Bonefish

Tripletail

🌊 Key Largo Reefs & Reef Edge

Short runs to the reef for:

Yellowtail Snapper

Mutton Snapper

Mangrove Snapper

Black & Red Grouper

Goliath Grouper

Kingfish

African Pompano

🔵 Seasonal Offshore (Weather Dependent)

Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)

Blackfin Tuna

Wahoo

Sailfish

Techniques include spin fishing, sight-fishing, drifting, jigging, trolling, and bottom fishing based on conditions and season.

The Boat

17' Center Console | Up to 4 passengers
Perfect for shallow water / Backcountry Creek access and reef structure.

What's Included

✔ Rods, reels, tackle & lures
✔ Live bait (as available)
✔ Fishing license covered
✔ Bottled Ice Water onboard

Bring sunscreen (non-spray), sunglasses (polarized if possible), Drinks, and snacks. Kids welcome. Alcohol allowed in moderation (no glass, no hard liquor).

If you're looking for a true Local fishing charter focused on productive inshore, backcountry and reef fishing, Dream State Charters puts you on fish — not long boat rides.

Book today and get tight!

Fish the productive waters of the Upper Florida Keys and Biscayne Bay with Captain Kevin Cornell, born and raised locally and dialed into the inshore Waters, Everglades Backcountry, and Reef / Reef Edge Systems year-round.

We prioritize Inshore, Reef & Backcountry fishing first, keeping runs short and lines tight.  On weather permitting days we may venture past the reef edge or into the Gulf for a chance at larger game.

🎣 Key Largo Inshore & Backcountry

Target:

Snook

Tarpon

Redfish

Spotted Seatrout

Goliath and Gag Grouper

Mangrove Snapper

Jack Crevalle

Permit

Bonefish

Tripletail

🌊 Key Largo Reefs & Reef Edge

Short runs to the reef for:

Yellowtail Snapper

Mutton Snapper

Mangrove Snapper

Black & Red Grouper

Goliath Grouper

Kingfish

African Pompano

🔵 Seasonal Offshore (Weather Dependent)

Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)

Blackfin Tuna

Wahoo

Sailfish

Techniques include spin fishing, sight-fishing, drifting, jigging, trolling, and bottom fishing based on conditions and season.

The Boat

17' Center Console | Up to 4 passengers
Perfect for shallow water / Backcountry Creek access and reef structure.

What's Included

✔ Rods, reels, tackle & lures
✔ Live bait (as available)
✔ Fishing license covered
✔ Bottled Ice Water onboard

Bring sunscreen (non-spray), sunglasses (polarized if possible), Drinks, and snacks. Kids welcome. Alcohol allowed in moderation (no glass, no hard liquor).

If you're looking for a true Local fishing charter focused on productive inshore, backcountry and reef fishing, Dream State Charters puts you on fish — not long boat rides.

Book today and get tight!

Kevin Cornell
Captain
Kevin Cornell
12 years of experience
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
October 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Loading...
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
*FUN N THE SUN! SANDBAR / ECO-TOUR*
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 hour trip multiple starting times (9:00 AM, 1:00 PM)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Grouper (Goliath)
Permit
Sailfish
+8
US $550
Entire boat: up to 3 people
EVERGLADES PEACOCK BASS ADVENTURE!
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 hour trip multiple starting times (7:00 AM, 1:00 PM)
Snook
Tarpon
Bass (Largemouth)
Bass (Peacock)
US $600
Entire boat: up to 3 people
HALF DAY BACKCOUNTRY TRIP (AM) 4 HR
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Barracuda (Great)
Grouper (Goliath)
Jack Crevalle
Snook
+6
US $600
Entire boat: up to 3 people
HALF DAY BACKCOUNTRY TRIP (PM) 4 HR
In high demand Last booked: 4 days ago
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 4:00 PM
Grouper (Goliath)
Snook
Tarpon
Snapper (Mangrove)
+5
US $600
Entire boat: up to 3 people
3/4 DAY BACKCOUNTRY TRIP (AM) 6 HRS
In high demand Last booked: 5 days ago
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Jack Crevalle
Permit
Snook
Tarpon
+7
US $800
Entire boat: up to 3 people
3/4 DAY BACKCOUNTRY TRIP (PM) 6 HRS
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 2:30 PM
Grouper (Goliath)
Jack Crevalle
Permit
Snook
+8
US $800
Entire boat: up to 3 people
FULL DAY BACKCOUNTRY (AM) 8 HRS
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Grouper (Goliath)
Jack Crevalle
Permit
Snook
+8
US $950
Entire boat: up to 3 people
FULL DAY BACKCOUNTRY (PM) 8 HRS
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 12:00 PM
Grouper (Goliath)
Jack Crevalle
Permit
Snook
+8
US $950
Entire boat: up to 3 people
There are 12 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Loading...

Rating

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

Anglers' gallery (103)

What anglers say

100%
Great experience
100%
Friendly captain
97%
Good boat
100%
Recommended
100%
Caught fish

All reviews (56)

Showing 1 – 5 of 56 reviews
Grant Nawoichyk
Grant Nawoichyk
Repeat angler
us
New York, US
Member since 2026
3 trips
5.0
Verified
New
“True to it, not new to it”
HALF DAY BACKCOUNTRY TRIP (AM) 4 HR on October 10, 2026 • 2 adults

From the moment we booked to the moment we said goodbye, Kevin was outstanding! Of the many charters we have been on, this was our favorite. Kevin is a knowledgable, personable, and enthusiastic angler with passion for the game and for sharing that passion with his clients. He brought us to many locations, taught us tips and tricks for many species such as Snook, Snapper, Trout, Tarpon, and even sharks! He was open, honest, funny, and helpful for the entirety of our trip. Kevin sent us off with almost 6 pounds of fileted catches, new knowledge in this area of fishing, and the desire to come back! Thank you for such an incredible trip Kevin and we hope to see you again soon! Book with Kevin 10/10!

Reported catch:
Snook
Mangrove Snapper
Tarpon
Kevin Cornell
Response from Captain

Thank you for the wonderful review and for making the guiding experience such a joy. You guys were incredible! Loved having you guys and hope you’ll come back again for some more action. 🫡

Stephanie Patton
Stephanie Patton
us
Texas, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
New
my sons new super hero
HALF DAY BACKCOUNTRY TRIP (AM) 4 HR on October 12, 2026 • 2 adults • 1 child

Captain Kevin was so relaxed and fun and really worked with our 10 year old ( and us) to undertsand and improve his skills. our kid was so happy - as were we. we learned that you have to be patient with nature, watch and listen, and then be rewarded. Kevin has so much wisdom to share about the land, water, fish, and birds of the amazing backcountry that is the everglades. we caught our fill of snapper ( well 13 of 15) and my husband caught a jack that we used to bait a shark- but the shark ate it whole! have to respect that!

Reported catch:
Jack Crevalle
Tarpon
Redfish
Kevin Cornell
Response from Captain

Thanks again! Glad to have had the opportunity to fish with you guys! Had a great time out there with you and the fam. Really hoping to do it again sometime!

Aubrey Easterlin
Aubrey Easterlin
us
Florida, US
Member since 2016
5.0
Verified
Excellent charter!
HALF DAY BACKCOUNTRY TRIP (PM) 4 HR on July 30, 2026 • 1 adult • 1 child

I’ve been on several charters. This was the first one with my 12yY/O Son. Capt Kev kept the focus on my guy and kept him on fish. He didn’t just do everything for us like a lot of charter guys do. My Son has a budding interest in fishing. CPT Kevin took the time to explain how and why he was doing the things he did. He was patient, and very intuitive when working with a kid who was clearly more interested in learning than just reeling fish in. As a father with only basic fishing experience, he did this in a way that taught my little guy, but also kept me involved. We had a great day. CPT Kevin’s knowledge of the local waters, tides, times of day and of course locations were second to none. I’d recommend him to anyone. Advanced anglers, and beginners alike!

Neal Sereboff
Neal Sereboff
us
Maryland, US
Member since 2020
5.0
Verified
Don’t stop because of rain
3/4 DAY BACKCOUNTRY TRIP (PM) 6 HRS on June 3, 2026 • 2 adults

At the beginning of the trip, it pored plus high winds. we pulled into a sheltered area and the storm passed. We were onto fish for the rest of the trip. I wore quick drying clothing. basically a synthetic fishing shirt and a bathing suit. He has water but i brought food. I wish I remembered polarized sunglasses. The review part wants extra words before it allows me to post. Because the system is annoying, I will write thoughts about this comment area. This is great fun. I am so glad that i did this. i am really glad that it doesn’t end. I am lucky to experience a system tgat trapped me and won’t just let me be free. i can’t cut the line fast enough.

Kevin Cornell
Response from Captain

Thanks for the review! That storm was something else but you prevailed and were rewarded ! Until next time my friend.

Abdurrahman Chandia
Abdurrahman Chandia
Repeat angler
us
California, US
Member since 2026
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Best Charter I’ve Ever Been On
HALF DAY BACKCOUNTRY TRIP (AM) 4 HR on May 31, 2026 • 2 adults

I’m sure there are plenty of reviews that most just skim through, but if there is one that you read through, let it be this one. Dream State Charter gave me the fishing experience of a lifetime. We hooked into more fish than I can count, and it was my first time catching even one shark, but we ended up getting 3 to the boat! The price is the most reasonable in the Keys from my personal research, and Captain Kevin is incredibly knowledgeable and fun to fish with. If you are interested in having a genuinely awesome fishing experience while being down here, Dream State Charter is the boat to go with! You will not regret an experience through them.

Reported catch:
Great Barracuda
Tarpon
Kevin Cornell
Response from Captain

Thanks so much! God bless you. Great time indeed! I will not soon forget the Tarpon throwing that bait, seeing it land on a monster Cuda and then watching him almost peel off all the line!💥 😂 Thats the intensity every angler lives for!

FAQs about DREAM STATE CHARTERS

DREAM STATE CHARTERS offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $550 per group - *FUN N THE SUN! SANDBAR / ECO-TOUR* (4 hours)
  • US $550 per group - *FUN N THE SUN! SANDBAR / ECO-TOUR* - 1:00 PM (4 hours)
  • US $600 per group - EVERGLADES PEACOCK BASS ADVENTURE! (6 hours)
  • US $600 per group - EVERGLADES PEACOCK BASS ADVENTURE! - 1:00 PM (6 hours)
  • US $600 per group - HALF DAY BACKCOUNTRY TRIP (AM) 4 HR (4 hours)
  • US $600 per group - HALF DAY BACKCOUNTRY TRIP (PM) 4 HR (4 hours)
  • US $800 per group - 3/4 DAY BACKCOUNTRY TRIP (AM) 6 HRS (6 hours)
  • US $800 per group - 3/4 DAY BACKCOUNTRY TRIP (PM) 6 HRS (6 hours)
  • US $950 per group - FULL DAY BACKCOUNTRY (AM) 8 HRS (8 hours)
  • US $950 per group - FULL DAY BACKCOUNTRY (PM) 8 HRS (8 hours)
When you book a trip with DREAM STATE CHARTERS, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live bait well
  • Ice box
Trips booked with DREAM STATE CHARTERS include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait (Pilchard, Mullet, or Shrimp)
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (All Fish harvest are cleaned and bagged free of charge. )
  • Drinks (Cold Water)
  • Fishing license
DREAM STATE CHARTERS offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore fishing
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Offshore fishing
  • Reef fishing (From Upper Keys to South Miami-Dade)
  • Wreck fishing
  • Flats fishing
  • Backcountry fishing (Florida Bay, Flamingo, Cape Sable and Biscayne Bay)
DREAM STATE CHARTERS offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Drift fishing
  • Deep sea fishing
Top targeted fish species with DREAM STATE CHARTERS include:
  • Grouper (Black)
  • Grouper (Goliath)
  • Grouper (Red)
  • Permit
  • Redfish
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snapper (Mutton)
  • Snapper (Yellowtail)
  • Snook
  • Speckled Trout
  • Tarpon
  • Tripletail

Your captain

Kevin Cornell
Kevin Cornell
Key Largo, Florida, United States
ID & license verified
56 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since February 2026
Angler's Choice
The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.
Born and raised in the Florida Keys, Captain Kevin is the owner of Dream State Charters and brings a lifetime of on-the-water experience to every trip. What started as a passion for fishing these waters evolved into a disciplined, results-driven approach built on understanding tides, seasonal patterns, and real-time conditions across Key Largo's inshore, reef, backcountry, and offshore fisheries. Specializing in inshore and reef fishing—with access to the Everglades backcountry and nearby wrecks—Captain Kevin positions clients for success with a focused, no-wasted-time approach. Target species include Snook, Tarpon, Permit, Bonefish, Mangrove Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Grouper, and seasonal offshore fish like Mahi, Tuna, and Wahoo. From technical sight-fishing on the flats to productive reef and structure fishing, every trip is tailored to the client's goals and experience level. Beyond fishing, Dream State Charters also offers private sandbar trips, remote beach days, and eco tours through the Everglades and surrounding reef systems. These experiences highlight some of the most breathtaking and untouched scenery the Florida Keys has to offer, ideal for families, couples, and private groups looking for a more relaxed and memorable day on the water. Driven by consistency and execution, Captain Kevin runs each trip with precision, professionalism, and a commitment to delivering a high-quality experience—whether targeting specific species or exploring the natural beauty of the Keys.
Kevin Cornell
Kevin Cornell
Fully verified
Angler's Choice
56
reviews
2026
member since
~1h
response
Born and raised in the Florida Keys, Captain Kevin is the owner of Dream State Charters and brings a lifetime of on-the-water experience to every trip. What started as a passion for fishing these waters evolved into a disciplined, results-driven approach built on understanding tides, seasonal patterns, and real-time conditions across Key Largo's inshore, reef, backcountry, and offshore fisheries. Specializing in inshore and reef fishing—with access to the Everglades backcountry and nearby wrecks—Captain Kevin positions clients for success with a focused, no-wasted-time approach. Target species include Snook, Tarpon, Permit, Bonefish, Mangrove Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Grouper, and seasonal offshore fish like Mahi, Tuna, and Wahoo. From technical sight-fishing on the flats to productive reef and structure fishing, every trip is tailored to the client's goals and experience level. Beyond fishing, Dream State Charters also offers private sandbar trips, remote beach days, and eco tours through the Everglades and surrounding reef systems. These experiences highlight some of the most breathtaking and untouched scenery the Florida Keys has to offer, ideal for families, couples, and private groups looking for a more relaxed and memorable day on the water. Driven by consistency and execution, Captain Kevin runs each trip with precision, professionalism, and a commitment to delivering a high-quality experience—whether targeting specific species or exploring the natural beauty of the Keys.

The fish you can target

Black Grouper
Black Grouper
Goliath Grouper
Goliath Grouper
Red Grouper
Red Grouper
Permit
Permit
Redfish
Redfish
Mangrove Snapper
Mangrove Snapper
Mutton Snapper
Mutton Snapper
Yellowtail Snapper
Yellowtail Snapper
Snook
Snook
Speckled Trout
Speckled Trout
Tarpon
Tarpon
Tripletail
Tripletail
Black Grouper
Black Grouper
Goliath Grouper
Goliath Grouper
Red Grouper
Red Grouper
Permit
Permit
Redfish
Redfish

Real catches by this captain

  • Awesome day on the water!
    Mark M.
    Mark M.
  • my sons new super hero
    Stephanie P.
    Stephanie P.
  • “True to it, not new to it”
    Grant N.
    Grant N.
  • kevin is fantastic!!!!
    Mindyn C.
    Mindyn C.
  • Great trip!
    Evan H.
    Evan H.
  • Peacock Bass
    Harvey W.
    Harvey W.
  • Fantistic trip, lots of fish
    Taylor B.
    Taylor B.
  • Dream State Charters
    Patrick H.
    Patrick H.
  • Great day fishing with the boys
    Roman D.
    Roman D.
  • Backcountry fishin at its best!
    Andrew A.
    Andrew A.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
3 persons
Boat length
17 ft
Year built
1996
Boat manufacturer
BOSTON WHALER
Boat type
Center console
Engine model
YAMAHA
Powered by
1 x 130HP
Max cruising speed
40 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

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

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Drift Fishing
Deep Sea 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
Pilchard, Mullet, or Shrimp
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
All Fish harvest are cleaned and bagged free of charge.
Drinks
Cold Water
Fishing license

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
You keep catch
Catch and release allowed

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 50% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 50% 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
 PayPal
 Bank transfer

What’s biting in Key Largo right now

Grouper (Black)Grouper (Black)
Grouper (Red)Grouper (Red)
PermitPermit
RedfishRedfish
Snapper (Mangrove)Snapper (Mangrove)
Snapper (Mutton)Snapper (Mutton)
Snapper (Yellowtail)Snapper (Yellowtail)
SnookSnook
Speckled TroutSpeckled Trout
TarponTarpon
TripletailTripletail

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
DREAM STATE CHARTERS
DREAM STATE CHARTERS
State licensed
5.0
(56)
17 ft
Group size 1 - 3
1 - 3
Fish 1
Fish 2
+10
4 hour trip • 3 persons
US $600