Florida Keys Backcountry Fishing Charters

Florida Keys Backcountry Fishing Charters

Top Florida Keys Backcountry Fishing Destinations

Best Backcountry Fishing Charters in Florida Keys

Florida Keys: 198 fishing charters available
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(16 reviews)
Big Pine Key
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $450
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(222 reviews)
Islamorada
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $500
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(133 reviews)
Stock Island
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $500
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(33 reviews)
Islamorada
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $300

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 26,609 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

What anglers said about Backcountry Fishing in Florida Keys

Donโ€™t cut yourself short on time. Our fishing trip was amazing. The waters around here are beautiful and for the most part extremely calm. Definitely a trip we will take again!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Donโ€™t cut yourself short on time. Our fishing trip was amazing. The waters around here are beautiful and for the most part extremely calm. Definitely a trip we will take again!
Richard  M.
Richard M. Greenbackville, VA
Had an amazing experience and caught a boatload of fish! Highlight of our trip to the Keys.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Had an amazing experience and caught a boatload of fish! Highlight of our trip to the Keys.
Michael  S.
Michael S.
1/2 day trip to start. Depending on time of year, the sun can be pretty intense. UV protective clothing from top of head to feet. Chasing fish in Keys can be intense.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
1/2 day trip to start. Depending on time of year, the sun can be pretty intense. UV protective clothing from top of head to feet. Chasing fish in Keys can be intense.
Mark  V.
Mark V. Pembroke, NC
If going for dolphin (which I highly recommend), do so in late summer or early September.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
If going for dolphin (which I highly recommend), do so in late summer or early September.
David  L.
David L. Shulerville, SC
Know the fish are there but sometimes not biting. Thatโ€™s way itโ€™s called fishing not catching. Know Captain Dave is trying everything to get you fish
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Know the fish are there but sometimes not biting. Thatโ€™s way itโ€™s called fishing not catching. Know Captain Dave is trying everything to get you fish
Christine  H.
Christine H. Stuart, Florida
Get sea sick patches from the doctor just in case (put them on the night before) and trust the crew they do this every day and donโ€™t want you to be left empty-handed. You have to take what the ocean gives you.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Get sea sick patches from the doctor just in case (put them on the night before) and trust the crew they do this every day and donโ€™t want you to be left empty-handed. You have to take what the ocean gives you.
Joe  M.
Joe M. Locust Grove, GA
Good fly casting is key. Be able to double haul well. Plenty of fish there but they are highly pressured. You will see lots fish. Whether or not you connect with them might be a different story.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Good fly casting is key. Be able to double haul well. Plenty of fish there but they are highly pressured. You will see lots fish. Whether or not you connect with them might be a different story.
Alan  P.
Alan P. Trumbull, CT
End of the year for a bit cooler weather, a little breeze definitely helped keep cool. Lots of water and sunscreen applied
Excellent
5.0 / 5
End of the year for a bit cooler weather, a little breeze definitely helped keep cool. Lots of water and sunscreen applied
Ben  L.
Ben L. Wilder, ID
Check the charters for what you want to do. There are many very experienced captains and crews waiting to make your day.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Check the charters for what you want to do. There are many very experienced captains and crews waiting to make your day.
John  J.
John J. Scituate, Massachusetts
I highly recommend fishing the Keys once in your life as I have been fishing it many times throughout my life. There so many opportunities to catch species of fish, along with the weather being great the majority of the year.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
I highly recommend fishing the Keys once in your life as I have been fishing it many times throughout my life. There so many opportunities to catch species of fish, along with the weather being great the majority of the year.
Jerome  R.
Jerome R.
Plan ahead and use Charters as they know where to go and for what kinds of fish.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Plan ahead and use Charters as they know where to go and for what kinds of fish.
Paul  Y.
Paul Y. North Aurora, IL
Cannot lose. Your choice of backcountry, reefs & wrecks, or deep sea. And, of course, Islamorada is the Sportfishing Capitol of the World.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Cannot lose. Your choice of backcountry, reefs & wrecks, or deep sea. And, of course, Islamorada is the Sportfishing Capitol of the World.
Mark  Y.
Mark Y. Jacksonville, Florida
Make sure you know the seasons of what fish you really want to catch. The sailfish are January-April, and mahi/tuna are June-September. So I missed both but the yellowtail snapper is what we caught and they were delicious.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Make sure you know the seasons of what fish you really want to catch. The sailfish are January-April, and mahi/tuna are June-September. So I missed both but the yellowtail snapper is what we caught and they were delicious.
Hilarion  B.
Hilarion B.
Make sure to bring a hat, sun glasses and some water/Gatorade. Consider motion sickness pills if you have never been out on the water. Bring sun screen. Relax, have fun and enjoy your experience!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Make sure to bring a hat, sun glasses and some water/Gatorade. Consider motion sickness pills if you have never been out on the water. Bring sun screen. Relax, have fun and enjoy your experience!
David  C.
David C.
Research your guides, and come when the timing is optimum for the species you are after. Give yourself two or three days to fish.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Research your guides, and come when the timing is optimum for the species you are after. Give yourself two or three days to fish.
John  D.
John D. Crossnore, NC
Be ready for any weather conditions. Very hot, but also very windy. Make sure you pack lots of water and sunblock.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be ready for any weather conditions. Very hot, but also very windy. Make sure you pack lots of water and sunblock.
Todd  S.
Todd S. Virginia Beach, Virginia
Make sure and research the company you go with and book early as boats fill up fast.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Make sure and research the company you go with and book early as boats fill up fast.
Michele  H.
Michele H. Hooper, UT
Look for Getting Tight Charters. We went twice this week. Would highly recommend
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Look for Getting Tight Charters. We went twice this week. Would highly recommend
Linda  M.
Linda M. Jacksonville, FL
Bring the Captain and mate a breakfast sandwich or lunch when you go. It is truly appreciated and simple gesture that we make new friends.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Bring the Captain and mate a breakfast sandwich or lunch when you go. It is truly appreciated and simple gesture that we make new friends.
Walter  M.
Walter M. Lincoln University, PA
Fish around the bridges in May and avoid the traffic jam at the Marathon Hump unless you target 200lb plus gamefish or deep sea species and fish for more than a one day charter.
Very good
4.0 / 5
Fish around the bridges in May and avoid the traffic jam at the Marathon Hump unless you target 200lb plus gamefish or deep sea species and fish for more than a one day charter.
Jacqueline  S.
Jacqueline S.

Top Targeted Backcountry Fishing Species in Florida Keys