Kevin Cornell
Captain

Kevin Cornell

Key Largo, United States
Angler's choice
50+ reviews
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.

Charter

Rating

5.0
55 reviews
4.9
Boat & Equipment
5.0
Captain & Crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

100%
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
97%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish

All reviews (55)

Showing 1 – 5 of 55 reviews
  • Grant Nawoichyk
    Grant Nawoichyk
    Repeat angler
    us
    New York, US
    Member since 2026
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified
    NEW

    “True to it, not new to it”

    HALF DAY BACKCOUNTRY TRIP (AM) 4 HR • 2 adults

    From the moment we booked to the moment we said goodbye, Kevin was outstanding! Of the many charters we have been on, this was our favorite. Kevin is a knowledgable, personable, and enthusiastic angler with passion for the game and for sharing that passion with his clients. He brought us to many locations, taught us tips and tricks for many species such as Snook, Snapper, Trout, Tarpon, and even sharks! He was open, honest, funny, and helpful for the entirety of our trip. Kevin sent us off with almost 6 pounds of fileted catches, new knowledge in this area of fishing, and the desire to come back! Thank you for such an incredible trip Kevin and we hope to see you again soon! Book with Kevin 10/10!

    Reported catch:
    Snook
    Mangrove Snapper
    Tarpon
  • Stephanie Patton
    Stephanie Patton
    us
    Texas, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified
    NEW

    my sons new super hero

    HALF DAY BACKCOUNTRY TRIP (AM) 4 HR • 3 adults • 1 child

    Captain Kevin was so relaxed and fun and really worked with our 10 year old ( and us) to undertsand and improve his skills. our kid was so happy - as were we. we learned that you have to be patient with nature, watch and listen, and then be rewarded. Kevin has so much wisdom to share about the land, water, fish, and birds of the amazing backcountry that is the everglades. we caught our fill of snapper ( well 13 of 15) and my husband caught a jack that we used to bait a shark- but the shark ate it whole! have to respect that!

    Reported catch:
    Jack Crevalle
    Tarpon
    Redfish
  • Aubrey East
    Aubrey East
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2016
    5.0
    Verified

    Excellent charter!

    HALF DAY BACKCOUNTRY TRIP (PM) 4 HR • 2 adults • 1 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 • 2 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.

    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 • 2 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
    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!

Real catches shared by our community

  • DREAM STATE CHARTERS
    DREAM STATE CHARTERSKey Largo, FL
    Awesome day on the water!
    Mark M.
    Mark M.
  • DREAM STATE CHARTERS
    DREAM STATE CHARTERSKey Largo, FL
    my sons new super hero
    Stephanie P.
    Stephanie P.
  • DREAM STATE CHARTERS
    DREAM STATE CHARTERSKey Largo, FL
    “True to it, not new to it”
    Grant N.
    Grant N.
  • DREAM STATE CHARTERS
    DREAM STATE CHARTERSKey Largo, FL
    kevin is fantastic!!!!
    Mindyn C.
    Mindyn C.
  • DREAM STATE CHARTERS
    DREAM STATE CHARTERSKey Largo, FL
    Great trip!
    Evan H.
    Evan H.
  • DREAM STATE CHARTERS
    DREAM STATE CHARTERSKey Largo, FL
    Peacock Bass
    Harvey W.
    Harvey W.
  • DREAM STATE CHARTERS
    DREAM STATE CHARTERSKey Largo, FL
    Fantistic trip, lots of fish
    Taylor B.
    Taylor B.
  • DREAM STATE CHARTERS
    DREAM STATE CHARTERSKey Largo, FL
    Dream State Charters
    Patrick H.
    Patrick H.
  • DREAM STATE CHARTERS
    DREAM STATE CHARTERSKey Largo, FL
    Great day fishing with the boys
    Roman D.
    Roman D.
  • DREAM STATE CHARTERS
    DREAM STATE CHARTERSKey Largo, FL
    Backcountry fishin at its best!
    Andrew A.
    Andrew A.

What's biting with DREAM STATE CHARTERS in Key Largo

The temperatures begin to cool. This is one of the quietest months in Key Largo. But be careful – a lot of captains and guides choose this month to go on vacation so don't leave it too late to plan your charter trip.

Top catches for October