Florida Keys Backcountry Fishing Charters

Florida Keys Backcountry Fishing Charters

Top Florida Keys Backcountry Fishing Destinations

Best Backcountry Fishing Charters in Florida Keys

Backcountry Fishing in Florida Keys

Spanning 125 glorious miles, the 800 islands of the Florida Keys are a natural phenomenon. Thanks to the tropical climate, it’s a warm water paradise for many sought-after fish. The backcountry shallows are no exception. Step aboard a Florida Keys backcountry fishing charter and catch the biggest variety of fish almost anywhere in the world. 

What to Expect

The backcountry comprises mangrove islands and grassy bays. From Key Largo to the southernmost tip of the US, you’re in for a real treat in these rich fishing grounds. 
 

The Upper Keys

Blending into the Everglades, backcountry fishing is a way of life around Key Largo. You’ll witness some incredible fishing in the shallow waters of the Florida Bay and in the Atlantic, too. 
 
Hop aboard a Florida Keys backcountry fishing charter to explore coves, grass flats, and sandbanks for some prized fish. Beginners can target delicious Trout and Snappers, while avid anglers will relish the chance to land Snook, Tarpon, Redfish, or Bonefish.
 

The Middle Keys

The Middle Keys boast incredible fishing year round. Explore the wealth of mangrove islands leading to the Everglades. With little land mass, these are havens for smaller fish, giving the predators reason to hunt.
 
Out of Tavernier and Islamorada, beginners and enthusiasts will be in their element. Where else in the world can you fill the boat with delicious Redfish and Trout on the same trip you land a Snook or Tarpon?

 

The Lower Keys

Possibly more famed for offshore fishing, there’s a world of backcountry fishing out of Key West. These warm waters see plenty of monster fish passing through. You can land a Barracuda close to shore on your first venture out. 
 
Catch the right time and you could land the “Grand Slam” of inshore fishing. Tough-fighting Tarpon, Permit, and Bonefish are the holy grail. A trip in spring or summer will give you the best chance of landing all three! 

How to Prepare

Aboard a Florida Keys backcountry fishing charter, you’ll have everything you need for a productive day out. Rods, reels, and bait will be on board and you may even have complimentary water to stay refreshed. 
 
If you fancy yourself on the fly, check with your captain if you need to bring your own gear. Bring snacks and drinks aboard and make the most of your trip. A thrilling adventure awaits, wherever you go in the Keys! 
 
Florida Keys
Excellent
4.6 / 5
Based on 28,443 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

What anglers said about Backcountry Fishing in Florida Keys

Get hooked up with Captain Blake. He knows the waters can confidently navigate you to the catch.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Get hooked up with Captain Blake. He knows the waters can confidently navigate you to the catch.
Key West Charter Fishing
Key West Charter Fishing
Key Largo has an awesome fishery, but due to the weather the day we went we werenโ€™t able to take full advantage of it, but did the best we could and got a good meal of fish.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Key Largo has an awesome fishery, but due to the weather the day we went we werenโ€™t able to take full advantage of it, but did the best we could and got a good meal of fish.
Eye Catcher Charters โ€“ Key Largo
Eye Catcher Charters โ€“ Key Largo
Be flexible and prepared to switch up the plan if game fish are not hitting.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be flexible and prepared to switch up the plan if game fish are not hitting.
Reef Runner Charters Key West
Reef Runner Charters Key West
If you are prone to getting seasick make sure to take something. Our trip today was very choppy but didnโ€™t bother any of us. They worked hard to find us fish to catch and it was a success!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
If you are prone to getting seasick make sure to take something. Our trip today was very choppy but didnโ€™t bother any of us. They worked hard to find us fish to catch and it was a success!
Ana Banana Fishing Charters (Cpt JoJo)
Ana Banana Fishing Charters (Cpt JoJo)
After Bryce cleaned our fish, we brought it to Lazy Days Restaurant and had a great dinner! They cook your fish for you and it was incredible. Highly recommend it!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
After Bryce cleaned our fish, we brought it to Lazy Days Restaurant and had a great dinner! They cook your fish for you and it was incredible. Highly recommend it!
Captain Jay Charters 2 (Bay Boat)
Captain Jay Charters 2 (Bay Boat)
It was much better than I expected. I would bring a windbreaker as it was very windy on water.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
It was much better than I expected. I would bring a windbreaker as it was very windy on water.
Captain Jay Charters 2 (Bay Boat)
Captain Jay Charters 2 (Bay Boat)
Absolutely! It was our first time out in these waters. The crew helped every step of the way on best methods for catching lots of fish.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Absolutely! It was our first time out in these waters. The crew helped every step of the way on best methods for catching lots of fish.
Manic Sportfishing 36ft Triple Motor
Manic Sportfishing 36ft Triple Motor
Trust the captain on what kind of fish to target. If you try to pick one species you might spend a whole day and not catch much. Be flexible
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Trust the captain on what kind of fish to target. If you try to pick one species you might spend a whole day and not catch much. Be flexible
Snap Em Up Fishing
Snap Em Up Fishing
So many different ways to fish in marathon. But we wanted something that wasnโ€™t too taxing on the wife and kids so we decided on yellowtail. We got plenty of fish, didnโ€™t have to go 20 miles offshore and it was just an all-around awesome day
Excellent
5.0 / 5
So many different ways to fish in marathon. But we wanted something that wasnโ€™t too taxing on the wife and kids so we decided on yellowtail. We got plenty of fish, didnโ€™t have to go 20 miles offshore and it was just an all-around awesome day
Foodchain Fishing
Foodchain Fishing
On this charter, simply let the captain know what youโ€™d love to do and he will make it happen! Hat, glasses, & good balance ;)
Excellent
5.0 / 5
On this charter, simply let the captain know what youโ€™d love to do and he will make it happen! Hat, glasses, & good balance ;)
Callion Fishing Charters
Callion Fishing Charters
Weather that day seemed to be perfect but didnโ€™t catch allot of fish going through the mangroves. The captain even did recommend booking a 4 instead of a 2 hour trip to go further out to better chances of catching more fish.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Weather that day seemed to be perfect but didnโ€™t catch allot of fish going through the mangroves. The captain even did recommend booking a 4 instead of a 2 hour trip to go further out to better chances of catching more fish.
Aloha Boat Charters
Aloha Boat Charters
LOL....I guess it was good. Everyone was catching fish...which puts it in at least the "Good" realm!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
LOL....I guess it was good. Everyone was catching fish...which puts it in at least the "Good" realm!
Cora Beth Fishing
Cora Beth Fishing
Ron is very professional and an expert fishermen for this area. He worked very hard to get us a nice catch.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Ron is very professional and an expert fishermen for this area. He worked very hard to get us a nice catch.
Green Eyed Girl Charters
Green Eyed Girl Charters
Captain Robert and his mate, Dalton, are just incredibly patient, articulate and warm people who really help you learn how to catch fish. They have decades of knowledge you can rely on and the true patience of teachers who want you to have a great day. You are in excellent hands - novices and expert fishermen alike. Canโ€™t recommend them highly enough.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Captain Robert and his mate, Dalton, are just incredibly patient, articulate and warm people who really help you learn how to catch fish. They have decades of knowledge you can rely on and the true patience of teachers who want you to have a great day. You are in excellent hands - novices and expert fishermen alike. Canโ€™t recommend them highly enough.
Infinite Blue โ€“ 50โ€™ SeaRay,  Bathroom & AC
Infinite Blue โ€“ 50โ€™ SeaRay, Bathroom & AC
The Marina and location were easy to get to and really beautiful. There are restrooms on location
Excellent
5.0 / 5
The Marina and location were easy to get to and really beautiful. There are restrooms on location
Silver Tide Charters
Silver Tide Charters
Sport fishing is more April through August but there is still great fishing for great quality smaller fish. We took ours to lazy days and it was fantastic eating.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Sport fishing is more April through August but there is still great fishing for great quality smaller fish. We took ours to lazy days and it was fantastic eating.
Wet Tails Charters โ€“ Keys Fishing Experience
Wet Tails Charters โ€“ Keys Fishing Experience
The afternoon charters are nice because you will enjoy the sunset on your ride back to the dock.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
The afternoon charters are nice because you will enjoy the sunset on your ride back to the dock.
Second Nature Charters
Second Nature Charters
Skip the bigger charters who aren't concerned with catching fish. Find the locals that have smaller more personalized trips and can get you on fish.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Skip the bigger charters who aren't concerned with catching fish. Find the locals that have smaller more personalized trips and can get you on fish.
Lock It Up Charters
Lock It Up Charters
Be patient and ready to catch lots of fish ,captain beamer knows what hes doing
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be patient and ready to catch lots of fish ,captain beamer knows what hes doing
BGS South Charters LLC
BGS South Charters LLC
We weee here for a quick weekend with friends, so not really the better time of year for tarpon. Would probably try later in June or July if tarpon are what youโ€™re looking for.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
We weee here for a quick weekend with friends, so not really the better time of year for tarpon. Would probably try later in June or July if tarpon are what youโ€™re looking for.
Reel Easy Charters
Reel Easy Charters

Top Targeted Backcountry Fishing Species in Florida Keys