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Mike O’Brien
Captain

Mike O’Brien

Cudjoe Key, United States
25+ reviews
Captain Mike O'Brien is not just a charter captain. He's also a photographer with a masters degree in Art. He got very involved in the fly fishing scene for Tarpon, Permit, and Bonefish, and took it to the next level to help other people excited about saltwater fly fishing by becoming a Guide.

Charter

Rating

4.8
46 reviews
4.8
Boat & Equipment
4.8
Captain & Crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

95%
Good experience
97%
Friendly captain
96%
Recommend this charter
73%
Appropriate for children
97%
Satisfied with the boat
73%
Caught fish

All reviews (46)

Showing 1 – 5 of 46 reviews
  • Evana Vasilj
    Evana Vasilj
    Repeat angler
    us
    California, US
    Member since 2026
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Fun day out in the Keys

    3/4 Day Trip • 2 adults

    Super fun day out on the water! Michael was great and took us to a bunch of different spots trying to track down the fish. We got a few bites here and there, and then right at the very end we finally got one on the hook — it was a large tarpon perfect way to close out the trip. Would definitely go again!

    Reported catch:
    Tarpon
  • Dave Yovanno
    Dave Yovanno
    Repeat angler
    us
    California, US
    Member since 2022
    7 trips
    4.7
    Verified

    Trip was great, but cold snap from prior week chased all the fish away

    Full Day Trip • 2 adults

    Spent all day chasing fish and didn’t even get a bite, Captain Mike was great, and I think if water temps were above 75 would’ve had a better outcome, but caught zero fish at 68-71 degrees, mostly because of the severe cold weather from the prior week, they just didn’t seem to be around anywhere. We did find a honey pot of tarpon, but they wouldn’t bite. Maybe if we were using live bait we could’ve had a better outcome, but Capt Mike prefers using only artificial. Really felt that Captain Mike was doing the best that he possibly could to get us some action but just didn’t happen. I do think that our trip is an extreme outlier, and would highly recommend Capt Mike.

  • Nicholas Santoni
    Nicholas Santoni
    Repeat angler
    us
    Virginia, US
    Member since 2022
    7 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Guide

    3/4 Day Trip • 2 adults

    Flats expert!

  • Amelia Makowski
    Amelia Makowski
    us
    Maryland, US
    Member since 2023
    5.0
    Verified

    Half day trip with Captain Mike

    Half Day Trip • 2 adults

    Captain Mike responded quickly to our request and had great communication through the booking process. He took us to all the right spots to put us on fish. Very knowledgeable. Great day on the water, great conversation. Definitely recommend!!

    Reported catch:
    Tarpon
    Bonefish
    Great Barracuda
  • Drake Oetting
    Drake Oetting
    us
    Missouri, US
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    January fishing trip

    Half Day Trip • 2 adults
    Reported catch:
    Great Barracuda

Real catches shared by our community

  • Michael O’Brien Charters
    Michael O’Brien ChartersKey West, FL
    Half day trip with Capt Mike
    Amy C.
    Amy C.
  • Michael O’Brien Charters
    Michael O’Brien ChartersKey West, FL
    Tons of fish out. Today!
    Gary S.
    Gary S.
  • Michael O’Brien Charters
    Michael O’Brien ChartersKey West, FL
    Half Day August Trip
    Owen C.
    Owen C.
  • Michael O’Brien Charters
    Michael O’Brien ChartersKey West, FL
    Fishing with Mike
    Mark R.
    Mark R.
  • Michael O’Brien Charters
    Michael O’Brien ChartersKey West, FL
    A little windy, but great day!!
    Kenneth D.
    Kenneth D.
  • Michael O’Brien Charters
    Michael O’Brien ChartersKey West, FL
    Half day with Captain Mike
    Charles L.
    Charles L.
  • Michael O’Brien Charters
    Michael O’Brien ChartersKey West, FL
    Fishing with Mike
    Jonathan .
    Jonathan .
  • Michael O’Brien Charters
    Michael O’Brien ChartersKey West, FL
    Tarpon and Barracuda fishing with Captain Mike O’Brian
    Bruce B.
    Bruce B.
  • Michael O’Brien Charters
    Michael O’Brien ChartersKey West, FL
    Great day on the water
    Andrew H.
    Andrew H.
  • Michael O’Brien Charters
    Michael O’Brien ChartersKey West, FL
    Fishing with Mike
    Tom P.
    Tom P.

What's biting with Michael O’Brien Charters in Cudjoe Key

In the latter months of fall, the reefs provide anglers the best action around. Plentiful baitfish that are now present in the area are making Mutton Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper, and various Grouper very active. This is a great time to catch some prime table fare.

Top catches for October

Fishing reports

Angler holding a bonefish in shallow tropical flats while fly fishing, with a fly rod and reel visible against a sunny coastal backdrop.

Late Summer and Fall Tarpon and Bonefish

Sep 16, 2026 • Cudjoe Key
September and October are good times to fish in the Keys and Key West. All sizes of Tarpon are around and the Bonefishing is really good too! We are seeing some Permit on the flats and also Barracuda . This is my favorite time to fish because there is a lot less pressure on the water this time of year and the fish are happy .
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A fisherman stands confidently on the poling platform of a skiff in shallow waters, showcasing the boat's sleek design against a tropical backdrop.

Wintertime in the lower keys and Key wes

Nov 26, 2024 • Cudjoe Key
fishing is good all year here in the Keys . Bonefish and Barracuda are both good sight fishing targets this time of year
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Close-up of a fish's side, with unclear details and no visible species identification.

Morning Tarpon

Sep 22, 2023 • Cudjoe Key
The early morning Tarpon fishing has been good!!
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A young angler proudly displaying a large Tarpon while wading in the water during a fishing trip.

August Tarpon fishing has been Good!

Aug 12, 2023 • Cudjoe Key
The past werk we have had sime very exiting tarpon fishing
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A fish leaps out of the water, creating a splash, showcasing the excitement of fishing in a natural environment.

September and October are a great time t

Sep 10, 2018 • Cudjoe Key
We got 2 nice tarpon and a bonefish today. Had cloudy skies so it was hard to find the Permit but Fall is a great time to permit fish.
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An angler is seen in the water, holding a fish by its tail, showcasing a catch during a fishing expedition.

Water is 85 degrees and the fish are hap

Apr 11, 2018 • Cudjoe Key
We fished yesterday for a few hours. Fed one big tarpon a fly and had shots at lots of bonefish and a few nice permit. Caught some cudas and Jacks too.
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