Captain
Jim Loftus

Member since January 2016 Ramrod Key, United States
Background
I've basically been fishing my entire life. I started out as a freshwater fisherman fishing rivers and lakes and then when I moved to Florida I began fishing the saltwater flats, reefs and wrecks. After a successful career in the business world I began exploring the idea of becoming a charter captain/guide and started the process of obtaining my US Coast Guard License to pursue my true passion for fishing. I've been a licensed captain for the past 10 years and I am a full time guide in the lower Florida Keys where I reside. In addition to my USCG License, I am a guide member of the Lower Keys Guides Association – a guide member of the Florida Coastal Conservation Association, and an accredited captain of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary & Blue Star operator. I am also fully insured to operate as a for hire charter/guide service. I also believe in giving back to our country service men and women so I do donate trips to the Wounded Warrior Foundation.
Techniques
My preferred style of fishing is the back-country shallows, flats and near shore reefs and wrecks of the lower Florida Keys from Big Pine Key to Key West. The species I typically target depending on time of year and season is Tarpon-Bonefish-Permit-Sharks and Snappers. I prefer to fish live bait when possible but I am not opposed to fly and other techniques such as dead baiting and artificial lures. I have the option of using three different vessels depending on the type of fishing the client wants to do or the weather conditions permit: 16' Hewes Bonefisher with a 90 HP Yamaha 22' center console Panga with a 115 HP Evinrude

Hey, I'm Captain Jim Loftus

Ramrod Key, United States
Background
I've basically been fishing my entire life. I started out as a freshwater fisherman fishing rivers and lakes and then when I moved to Florida I began fishing the saltwater flats, reefs and wrecks. After a successful career in the business world I began exploring the idea of becoming a charter captain/guide and started the process of obtaining my US Coast Guard License to pursue my true passion for fishing. I've been a licensed captain for the past 10 years and I am a full time guide in the lower Florida Keys where I reside. In addition to my USCG License, I am a guide member of the Lower Keys Guides Association – a guide member of the Florida Coastal Conservation Association, and an accredited captain of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary & Blue Star operator. I am also fully insured to operate as a for hire charter/guide service. I also believe in giving back to our country service men and women so I do donate trips to the Wounded Warrior Foundation.
Techniques
My preferred style of fishing is the back-country shallows, flats and near shore reefs and wrecks of the lower Florida Keys from Big Pine Key to Key West. The species I typically target depending on time of year and season is Tarpon-Bonefish-Permit-Sharks and Snappers. I prefer to fish live bait when possible but I am not opposed to fly and other techniques such as dead baiting and artificial lures. I have the option of using three different vessels depending on the type of fishing the client wants to do or the weather conditions permit: 16' Hewes Bonefisher with a 90 HP Yamaha 22' center console Panga with a 115 HP Evinrude
Anglers Choice
Verified

My Charter Listing

Excellent
4.9 / 5
(49 reviews)
Angler's choice
Ramrod Key
 Last booking: 6 days ago
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $500

Fishing Reports

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 49 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (44)
We took a half-day trip
We took a half-day trip
Full day
+41
Angler rating
47
2
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
98%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
90%
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Showing:
5 of 49 reviews
Brooks M.
Miami, FL
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day with Capt. Jim

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip โ€“ Backcountry on July 17, 2023
I took my mother on a half day trip with Captain Jim. He was an excellent guide, as good as any I have been fishing with (and...
Brooks M. recommends Mile Marker 27 Fishing Charters
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Cody T.
Pensacola, FL
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half Day Back Country

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip โ€“ Backcountry on July 31, 2023
Jim is a great captain who really knows the area and has some amazing knowledge when it comes to fishing. He was very informative...
Cody T. recommends Mile Marker 27 Fishing Charters
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Tiffany P.
Romney, IN
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Very good
4.0 / 5
Overall

Full day trip with Cpt. Jim

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip โ€“ Backcountry on January 5, 2023
The ONLY reason I gave 4 stars for experience was because the fishing was awful as far as what Cpt Jim says he usually catches...
Tiffany P. recommends Mile Marker 27 Fishing Charters
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Joseph C.
San Antonio, TX
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

8 Hour Backcountry Trip

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip โ€“ Backcountry on December 9, 2022
Captain Jim was a great and professional captain with tons of knowledge and experience. Targeted a coveted Tarpon in the morning...
Joseph C. recommends Mile Marker 27 Fishing Charters
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David P.
Catonsville, MD
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Jim

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip โ€“ Backcountry on January 6, 2023
Captain Jim was the upmost professional fisherman and gentlemen. His knowledge and experience was what made the excursion...
David P. recommends Mile Marker 27 Fishing Charters
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