Key West Backwater Fishing 

4.7
(155 reviews)
 
State licensed
 Overseas Highway 5710, Stock Island, FL 33040, United States–

Key West Backwater Fishing 

Stock Island, FL, United States
–
17 ft
2
4.7
(155 reviews)

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With 33 years' experience guiding anglers in the lower Keys, Captain Sean O'Keefe of Key West Backwater Fishing will make sure your day on the water with him will be not only fun, but also a great learning experience. These trips are a great chance to fish for some of the most exciting backwater species, including the elusive Bonefish, brutish Tarpon, and hard-hitting Permit.

Fishing aboard a 17 ft Action Craft boat, Captain Sean has all the equipment and knowledge you need to have a rewarding fishing experience in some of the most beautiful waterways in the world. The vessel is an Action Craft flats boat powered by a 115 HP Mercury engine. She can take up to two people.

The boat is fitted with navigational electronics, has a live bait well, an ice box, and stores safety equipment. For fly fishing enthusiasts, you will find the gear onboard, but can bring along your favorite set.

Another great thing when fishing lower Florida Keys is that you could be fishing within 15 minutes of leaving the dock, sometimes even less. This, of course, depends on the tide, but works as a general rule. So, if you're a novice angler, even a half day trip will get you enough time to get nice fishing action.

You will find all the fishing gear onboard. Captain Sean mostly uses Penn and Lew's these days. He will provide the leads, flies, tackle - basically all you need to have a successful trip. The fishing license is included in the trip rates. You will need to bring your own food and drinks, as well as sun protection, a cap, polarized sunglasses, and a camera. Put on appropriate clothing, and come aboard to see for yourself how good fishing the flats can be.

With 33 years' experience guiding anglers in the lower Keys, Captain Sean O'Keefe of Key West Backwater Fishing will make sure your day on the water with him will be not only fun, but also a great learning experience. These trips are a great chance to fish for some of the most exciting backwater species, including the elusive Bonefish, brutish Tarpon, and hard-hitting Permit.

Fishing aboard a 17 ft Action Craft boat, Captain Sean has all the equipment and knowledge you need to have a rewarding fishing experience in some of the most beautiful waterways in the world. The vessel is an Action Craft flats boat powered by a 115 HP Mercury engine. She can take up to two people.

The boat is fitted with navigational electronics, has a live bait well, an ice box, and stores safety equipment. For fly fishing enthusiasts, you will find the gear onboard, but can bring along your favorite set.

Another great thing when fishing lower Florida Keys is that you could be fishing within 15 minutes of leaving the dock, sometimes even less. This, of course, depends on the tide, but works as a general rule. So, if you're a novice angler, even a half day trip will get you enough time to get nice fishing action.

You will find all the fishing gear onboard. Captain Sean mostly uses Penn and Lew's these days. He will provide the leads, flies, tackle - basically all you need to have a successful trip. The fishing license is included in the trip rates. You will need to bring your own food and drinks, as well as sun protection, a cap, polarized sunglasses, and a camera. Put on appropriate clothing, and come aboard to see for yourself how good fishing the flats can be.

Sean Okeefe
Captain
Sean Okeefe
38 years of experience
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
November 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
3 hour fish and explore
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
3 hour trip starts at 9:00 AM
Barracuda (Great)
Bonefish
Cobia
Jack Crevalle
+5
US $400
Entire boat: 2 people
Half Day Trip (AM)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 7:30 AM
US $550
Entire boat: 2 people
Half Day Trip (PM)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 12:30 PM
Seasonal trip
Jan 1 - Mar 15 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
US $550
Entire boat: 2 people
3/4 Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 7:30 AM
US $675
Entire boat: 2 people
Full Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 7:30 AM
Seasonal trip
Oct 1 - Jun 15
US $800
Entire boat: 2 people

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.7
155 reviews
4.8
Boat & equipment
4.8
Captain & crew
4.7
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (87)

What anglers say

90%
Great experience
81%
Family friendly
97%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
92%
Recommended
72%
Caught fish

Reviews (155)

  • Chris Fischer
    Chris Fischer
    Repeat angler
    us
    Illinois, US
    Member since 2025
    4 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Captain!

    3 hour fish and explore on April 26, 2026 • 2 adults • 1 child

    Captain Sean was great to hang out with. I was with my 11 year old son and he put him on the fish. Maxx caught a 42” barracuda and a few decent sized jacks. We didn’t get the trophy tarpon but that’s fishin’!

  • David Benedick
    David Benedick
    us
    Virginia, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Loved fishing the flats

    3 hour fish and explore on April 2, 2026 • 2 adults

    Sean was an awesome guide and my son and I had a great time. It was my first time fiahing the flats. It was just as much fun as offshore without the sea sickness, a closer round trip and better views.

  • Matthew Peace
    Matthew Peace
    Repeat angler
    us
    Kentucky, US
    Member since 2021
    11 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Capt. Sean saved our trip

    Half Day Trip (AM) on December 30, 2024 • 2 adults

    Great morning fishing with Captain Sean we came down to Key West had two charters planned bad weather canceled both. Got a hold of Sean told him we had a few hours Monday morning. He took us out early. I don’t think I’ve ever caught that many fish in the first two hours we were out. Very knowledgeable nice guy. We had a great time. Definitely use him again.

  • Travis Eastman
    Travis Eastman
    us
    Minnesota, US
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    Great guy to fish with

    Half Day Trip (AM) on December 21, 2024 • 2 adults

    The day we fished was a cold front that came in and a bit windy, didn't see many other boats out but we went. Sean did everything he could to get us on some fish. He listened to what species we wanted to target and I feel he did his best. Boat was clean, equipment was in good shape and he knows fishing. Overall caught 6 different species. Highly recommend Sean as a guide!

  • Maurice Allen
    Maurice Allen
    us
    Georgia, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Book This Charter !!!!

    Half Day Trip (AM) on April 14, 2025 • 2 adults

    Captain Sean is fantastic. His knowledge of Backwater Fishing is unmatched. You can’t find a better guide. Thank you Captain for an incredible morning of the best fishing ever.

  • Kevin Reese
    Kevin Reese
    Repeat angler
    us
    Washington State, US
    Member since 2023
    4 trips
    4.0
    Verified

    Tough Trip

    Full Day Trip on May 4, 2024 • 2 adults

    We fished for three consecutive days and the wind was blowing the whole time. The tarpon just weren’t in. Our guide worked his tail off to try to put us on fish but it was tough. We got into some bones on the second day and finally hooked a couple of tarpon in the third. All and all, a very enjoyable trip. Can’t control the weather. This is the second time I booked through fishbooker due to last minute plan changes, and both times the logistics of the trip were handled flawlessly. It was easy and everything went as planned. Wouldn’t hesitate to use them again. Thanks guys.

  • Thomas Clements
    Thomas Clements
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2022
    5.0
    Verified

    SEAN WAS AWESOME

    Half Day Trip (AM) on October 7, 2023 • 2 adults

    Sean was handsdown the best! From the moment we arrived to the dock sean treated my husband and I like we were family. He welcomed us with open arms and helped us every step along the way. Sean made our experience on the water so memorable that when we come back, we only want to fish with him! He took us to the most remarkable spots and made so worth while. We will definitely be back to fish with him.

  • Robert Taylor
    Robert Taylor
    us
    Mississippi, US
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    Caught my first Tarpon

    3/4 Day Trip on May 18, 2024 • 2 adults

    Capt. Sean did a great job locating and staying with the fish. The Tarpon were a little finicky but eventually they turned on and the action started.

  • James Romero
    James Romero
    us
    California, US
    Member since 2021
    5.0
    Verified

    April Tarpon Back Country Fishing

    Half Day Trip (AM) on April 19, 2021 • 1 adult

    My April trip with Captain Sean Okeefe was a lifetime experience for me. I have had multiple trips fishing the back country but never experienced what I did with Sean. Sean is extremely knowledgable and shared information about the tides in the area, the winds we were experiencing and how to fight and land the fish when I did. The morning started out a little rough, there was wind and the water was pretty choppy, conditions weren't great but after moving in to a different channel we hooked a tarpon that I would have never imagined, she hit and skated across the water about 10 times, she was huge. I / we finally got her to the boat after fighting her for about 45-50 minutes. Sean estimated she was 6'-7' long and weighing between 125-140 lbs, she was a beast. The pics I have attached aren't as good as I would have liked but they tell the story. Needless to say I will be fishing again next year with Sean, I suggest you book a trip with him as well.

  • Jeff Martella
    Jeff Martella
    Repeat angler
    us
    Mississippi, US
    Member since 2020
    4 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    First time fishing in the keys

    Half Day Trip (AM) on August 22, 2024 • 2 adults

    Sean was very personable and accommodating. Fish weren’t as nice as he.

FAQs about Key West Backwater Fishing

Key West Backwater Fishing offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $400 per group - 3 hour fish and explore (3 hours)
  • US $550 per group - Half Day Trip (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $550 per group - Half Day Trip (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $675 per group - 3/4 Day Trip (6 hours)
  • US $800 per group - Full Day Trip (8 hours)
When you book a trip with Key West Backwater Fishing, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live bait well
  • Ice box
Trips booked with Key West Backwater Fishing include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait
  • Lures
  • Fishing license
  • Fly fishing equipment
Key West Backwater Fishing offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore fishing
  • Flats fishing
  • Backcountry fishing
Key West Backwater Fishing offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Spinning
  • Fly fishing
Top targeted fish species with Key West Backwater Fishing include:
  • Barracuda (Great)
  • Bonefish
  • Cobia
  • Jack Crevalle
  • Permit
  • Pompano
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Speckled Trout
  • Tarpon

Your captain

Sean Okeefe
Sean Okeefe
Stock Island, Florida, United States
ID & license verified
155 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since August 2016
Captain Sean Okeefe has over 31years' experience guiding anglers across the flats and backcountry of the lower Florida Keys. He has taught countless men, women, and children the techniques and skills necessary to become a successful angler in the Keys.
Sean Okeefe
Sean Okeefe
Fully verified
155
reviews
2016
member since
~1h
response
Captain Sean Okeefe has over 31years' experience guiding anglers across the flats and backcountry of the lower Florida Keys. He has taught countless men, women, and children the techniques and skills necessary to become a successful angler in the Keys.

The fish you can target

Great Barracuda
Great Barracuda
Bonefish
Bonefish
Cobia
Cobia
Jack Crevalle
Jack Crevalle
Permit
Permit
Pompano
Pompano
Mangrove Snapper
Mangrove Snapper
Speckled Trout
Speckled Trout
Tarpon
Tarpon
Great Barracuda
Great Barracuda
Bonefish
Bonefish
Cobia
Cobia
Jack Crevalle
Jack Crevalle
Permit
Permit

Real catches by this captain

  • A young angler and an adult proudly displaying a large Barracuda on a boat in clear waters, showcasing a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Great Barracuda
    Chris F.
    Chris F.
    Captain Sean was great to hang out with. I was with my 11 year old son and he put him on the fish. Maxx caught a 42” barracuda and a few decent sized jacks. We didn’t get the trophy tarpon but that’s fishin’!
  • A young angler proudly displaying a large Barracuda while fishing with a guide in a tropical setting.
    Fish 1
    Great Barracuda
    David B.
    David B.
    Sean was an awesome guide and my son and I had a great time. It was my first time fiahing the flats. It was just as much fun as offshore without the sea sickness, a closer round trip and better views.
  • Two anglers on a flat boat enjoying a fishing trip in clear waters, with one casting a line while the other watches.
    Maurice A.
    Maurice A.
    Captain Sean is fantastic. His knowledge of Backwater Fishing is unmatched. You can’t find a better guide. Thank you Captain for an incredible morning of the best fishing ever.
  • Angler holding a shiny fish, possibly a Jack Crevalle, against a serene ocean backdrop during a fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Jack Crevalle
    Matthew P.
    Matthew P.
    Great morning fishing with Captain Sean we came down to Key West had two charters planned bad weather canceled both. Got a hold of Sean told him we had a few hours Monday morning. He took us out early. I don’t think I’ve ever caught that many fish in the first two hours we were out. Very knowledgeable nice guy. We had a great time. Definitely use him again.
  • An angler proudly displaying a large Barracuda while fishing on a boat in clear waters.
    Fish 1
    Great Barracuda
    Travis E.
    Travis E.
    The day we fished was a cold front that came in and a bit windy, didn't see many other boats out but we went. Sean did everything he could to get us on some fish. He listened to what species we wanted to target and I feel he did his best. Boat was clean, equipment was in good shape and he knows fishing. Overall caught 6 different species. Highly recommend Sean as a guide!
  • Two anglers proudly displaying a large Tarpon while fishing in a calm coastal waterway.
    Jeff M.
    Jeff M.
    Sean was very personable and accommodating. Fish weren’t as nice as he.
  • Anglers engaged in an exciting moment as a large Tarpon leaps out of the water during a fishing trip in clear coastal waters.
    Robert T.
    Robert T.
    Capt. Sean did a great job locating and staying with the fish. The Tarpon were a little finicky but eventually they turned on and the action started.
  • Angler displaying a caught Bonefish while fishing in clear waters, showcasing a sunny day on the boat.
    Kevin R.
    Kevin R.
    We fished for three consecutive days and the wind was blowing the whole time. The tarpon just weren’t in. Our guide worked his tail off to try to put us on fish but it was tough. We got into some bones on the second day and finally hooked a couple of tarpon in the third. All and all, a very enjoyable trip. Can’t control the weather. This is the second time I booked through fishbooker due to last minute plan changes, and both times the logistics of the trip were handled flawlessly. It was easy and everything went as planned. Wouldn’t hesitate to use them again. Thanks guys.
  • Angler casting a line from the bow of a boat in a tranquil mangrove setting during sunrise.
    Thomas C.
    Thomas C.
    Sean was handsdown the best! From the moment we arrived to the dock sean treated my husband and I like we were family. He welcomed us with open arms and helped us every step along the way. Sean made our experience on the water so memorable that when we come back, we only want to fish with him! He took us to the most remarkable spots and made so worth while. We will definitely be back to fish with him.
  • Open-water fishing scene from the bow of a boat, with a fishing rod visible and a fish leaping near the horizon.
    Blaire B.
    Blaire B.
    We had such a fun trip. Landed my first tarpon and the biggest fish of my life. Sean is great, super knowledgeable about the area. Such a fun guide!!

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Skiffs and flats boats
Capacity
2 persons
Boat length
17 ft
Year built
1998
Restored in
2017
Boat manufacturer
Action Craft
Boat type
Flats boat
Engine model
Mercury
Powered by
1 x 115HP
Max cruising speed
50 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Inshore Fishing
Flats Fishing
Backcountry Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Spinning
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
Lures
Fishing license
Fly fishing equipment

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.
Catch and release allowed
Catch and release mandatory
Some exceptions permitted. Must request in advance

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
 Checks
 Bank transfer

What’s biting in Stock Island right now

Barracuda (Great)Barracuda (Great)
BonefishBonefish
CobiaCobia
Jack CrevalleJack Crevalle
PermitPermit
PompanoPompano
Snapper (Mangrove)Snapper (Mangrove)
Speckled TroutSpeckled Trout
TarponTarpon

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Key West Backwater Fishing
Key West Backwater Fishing
State licensed
4.7
(155)
17 ft
Group size 1 - 2
1 - 2
Fish 1
Fish 2
+7
4 hour trip • 2 persons
US $550