DREAM STATE CHARTERS 

5.0/5 (34 reviews)
 
State licensed
 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037, United States

DREAM STATE CHARTERS 

State licensed
Key Largo, FL, United States
17 ft
3
5.0/5 (34 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

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
August 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Loading...
Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
*FUN N THE SUN! SANDBAR / ECO-TOUR*
In high demand Last booked: 1 day ago
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip multiple starting times (9:00 AM, 1:00 PM)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Grouper (Goliath)
Permit
Sailfish
+8
US $500
Entire boat: up to 3 people
EVERGLADES PEACOCK BASS ADVENTURE!
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour trip multiple starting times (7:00 AM, 1:00 PM)
Snook
Tarpon
Bass (Largemouth)
Bass (Peacock)
US $550
Entire boat: up to 3 people
HALF DAY BACKCOUNTRY TRIP (AM) 4 HR
In high demand Last booked: 17 hours ago
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Barracuda (Great)
Grouper (Goliath)
Jack Crevalle
Snook
+6
US $550
Entire boat: up to 3 people
HALF DAY BACKCOUNTRY TRIP (PM) 4 HR
In high demand Last booked: 1 day ago
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 4:00 PM
Grouper (Goliath)
Snook
Tarpon
Snapper (Mangrove)
+5
US $550
Entire boat: up to 3 people
3/4 DAY BACKCOUNTRY TRIP (AM) 6 HRS
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Jack Crevalle
Permit
Snook
Tarpon
+7
US $750
Entire boat: up to 3 people
3/4 DAY BACKCOUNTRY TRIP (PM) 6 HRS
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 2:30 PM
Grouper (Goliath)
Jack Crevalle
Permit
Snook
+8
US $750
Entire boat: up to 3 people
FULL DAY BACKCOUNTRY (AM) 8 HRS
In high demand Last booked: 3 days ago
FREE Cancellation 3 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 3 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 32 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Loading...

Rating

5.0
34 reviews
5.0
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (58)

What anglers say

100%
Recommended
100%
Caught fish

All reviews (34)

Frequently mentioned
Loading...Loading...Loading...Loading...Loading...Loading...Loading...Loading...
Showing 15 of 34 reviews
Aubrey Easterlin
Aubrey Easterlin
us
Florida, US
Member since 2016
5.0
Verified
New
Excellent charter!
HALF DAY BACKCOUNTRY TRIP (PM) 4 HR on July 30, 20261 adult1 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, 20262 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, 20262 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!

Naomi Von Bose
Naomi Von Bose
us
Tennessee, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
New
Best trip ever
HALF DAY BACKCOUNTRY TRIP (PM) 4 HR on August 1, 20263 adults

We had an amazing time fishing in the backcountry wit Captain Kevin! It was an incredible experience from start to finish. We caught a lot of fish ( snappers, trout, lady fish, snook, catfish, jack and a few sharks), while enjoying the beautiful nature. Captain Kevin was professional, knowledgeable, and took his time explaining us what to do. I would highly recommend this trip and will be back for sure!

Reported catch:
Snook
Mangrove Snapper
Lemon Shark
Bull Shark
Matthew Fullam
Matthew Fullam
us
North Carolina, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
New
Fantastic! Definitely recommend
HALF DAY BACKCOUNTRY TRIP (PM) 4 HR on July 22, 20262 adults

Kevin is a great Captain. does a fantastic fishing experience. My self and my stepson went out in the back country fishing in the evening. it was only supposed to be 4 hours butthe fish were hitting so good we stayed fishing until after 9:00. Had a great ime and caught plenty of fish, even a fw sharks.

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

Epic trip! Thanks again for coming out with me. Had a blast with you guys. Hope to have you again.

FAQs about DREAM STATE CHARTERS

DREAM STATE CHARTERS offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $500 per group - *FUN N THE SUN! SANDBAR / ECO-TOUR* (4 hours)
  • US $500 per group - *FUN N THE SUN! SANDBAR / ECO-TOUR* - 1:00 PM (4 hours)
  • US $550 per group - EVERGLADES PEACOCK BASS ADVENTURE! (6 hours)
  • US $550 per group - EVERGLADES PEACOCK BASS ADVENTURE! - 1:00 PM (6 hours)
  • US $550 per group - HALF DAY BACKCOUNTRY TRIP (AM) 4 HR (4 hours)
  • US $550 per group - HALF DAY BACKCOUNTRY TRIP (PM) 4 HR (4 hours)
  • US $750 per group - 3/4 DAY BACKCOUNTRY TRIP (AM) 6 HRS (6 hours)
  • US $750 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
Kevin Cornell

Key Largo, Florida, United States

ID & license verified
34 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.

ID & license verified
34 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.

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

  • Loading...
  • Loading...
  • Loading...
  • Loading...

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
From Upper Keys to South Miami-Dade
Wreck Fishing
Flats Fishing
Backcountry Fishing
Florida Bay, Flamingo, Cape Sable and Biscayne Bay

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 3 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 3 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

PermitPermit
RedfishRedfish
Snapper (Mangrove)Snapper (Mangrove)
Snapper (Mutton)Snapper (Mutton)
Snapper (Yellowtail)Snapper (Yellowtail)
SnookSnook
Speckled TroutSpeckled Trout
TarponTarpon

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
DREAM STATE CHARTERS
DREAM STATE CHARTERS
State licensed
5.0
(34)
17 ft
Group size 1 - 3
1 - 3
Fish 1
Fish 2
+10
4 hour trip • 3 persons
US $550