Captain
Kevin Cornell

Member since February 2026 Key Largo, United States
Background
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.
Techniques
I focus on efficient, results-driven techniques tailored to conditions and client goals. My preferred styles include sight-fishing on the flats for species like Permit, Bonefish, and Tarpon, along with live baiting and artificial presentations for Snook and other backcountry species. On the reef and wrecks, I rely on light tackle, live bait, and structure-based fishing to consistently produce Snapper and Grouper, incorporating dropping on structure and deep dropping when conditions allow for targeting deeper-water species. I adjust to jigging or bottom fishing as needed to stay productive. Offshore, I run trolling patterns as well as live-baiting and pitch baiting—two of the most engaging and productive methods for targeting Mahi, Tuna, Wahoo, and other pelagic species during seasonal runs. Every trip is adapted in real time—whether that means technical casting for experienced anglers or simplified, high-percentage approaches for beginners. The priority is always maximizing opportunity while matching the technique to the angler's skill level.

Hey, I'm Captain Kevin Cornell

Key Largo, United States
Background
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.
Techniques
I focus on efficient, results-driven techniques tailored to conditions and client goals. My preferred styles include sight-fishing on the flats for species like Permit, Bonefish, and Tarpon, along with live baiting and artificial presentations for Snook and other backcountry species. On the reef and wrecks, I rely on light tackle, live bait, and structure-based fishing to consistently produce Snapper and Grouper, incorporating dropping on structure and deep dropping when conditions allow for targeting deeper-water species. I adjust to jigging or bottom fishing as needed to stay productive. Offshore, I run trolling patterns as well as live-baiting and pitch baiting—two of the most engaging and productive methods for targeting Mahi, Tuna, Wahoo, and other pelagic species during seasonal runs. Every trip is adapted in real time—whether that means technical casting for experienced anglers or simplified, high-percentage approaches for beginners. The priority is always maximizing opportunity while matching the technique to the angler's skill level.
Anglers Choice
Verified

My Charter Listing

Excellent
5.0 / 5
(26 reviews)
Angler's choice
Key Largo
 Last booking: 11 hours ago
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $500

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 26 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (44)
Great day!!
Great day!!
July fishing trip
+41
Angler rating
26
0
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
100%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 26 reviews
Neal S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Donโ€™t stop because of rain

VERIFIED   3/4 DAY BACKCOUNTRY TRIP (PM) 6 HRS on June 3, 2026
At the beginning of the trip, it pored plus high winds.ย  we pulled into a sheltered area and the storm passed.ย  We were onto...
Neal S. recommends DREAM STATE CHARTERS
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Kevin Cornell Captain replied

Abdurrahman C.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Best Charter Iโ€™ve Ever Been On

VERIFIED   HALF DAY BACKCOUNTRY TRIP (AM) 4 HR on May 31, 2026
Iโ€™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...
Abdurrahman C. recommends DREAM STATE CHARTERS
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Kevin Cornell Captain replied

Charles M.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Awesome day in the mangroves!

VERIFIED   NEW  HALF DAY BACKCOUNTRY TRIP (AM) 4 HR on June 30, 2026
Couldnโ€™t recommened a more chill fishing charter. Capt Kevin took me and my son out for a backcountry trip and we easily...
Charles M. recommends DREAM STATE CHARTERS
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Kevin Cornell Captain replied

Mike W.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great day of fishing

VERIFIED   NEW  HALF DAY BACKCOUNTRY TRIP (PM) 4 HR on June 29, 2026
Great guide with incredible knowledge of the waters and fish. We had a blast catching snapper and racing to get them on before...
Mike W. recommends DREAM STATE CHARTERS
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Kevin Cornell Captain replied

Kevin S.
Belgrade, Serbia
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

July fishing trip

VERIFIED   NEW  EVERGLADES PEACOCK BASS ADVENTURE! on July 10, 2026
Captain Kevin did a great job. We caught a lot of fish. Steady action all day. Finishing out the day with a stud Peacock Bass...
Kevin S. recommends DREAM STATE CHARTERS
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Kevin S. recommends DREAM STATE CHARTERS
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful