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

My Charter Listing

Excellent
4.9 / 5
(50 reviews)
Ramrod Key
trips from US $500

Fishing Reports

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 50 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (48)
March fishing trip
March fishing trip
March fishing trip
+45
Angler rating
48
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 50 reviews
Stacy S.
Wausau, WI
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with captain Jim

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip โ€“ Backcountry on May 16, 2023
We were fishing with Jim last week. Had a great time. Learned a lot! even caught some fish!!
Stacy S. recommends Mile Marker 27 Fishing Charters
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Kim H.
Merrimack, NH
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

June fishing trip

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip โ€“ Backcountry on June 16, 2023
Kim H. 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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Mark S.
Key West, Florida
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Excellent Learning Experience

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip โ€“ Backcountry on December 20, 2021
Captain Jim was a great teacher. Our goal was to understand back-country fishing tips and tricks relative to kayak....
Mark S. recommends Mile Marker 27 Fishing Charters
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David S.
Phoenixville, PA
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

This is the Guy!

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip โ€“ Backcountry on November 11, 2022
Capt. Jim took us out for a 4 hour trip after our flights got postponed and our arrival delayed.ย  He was very flexible and...
David S. recommends Mile Marker 27 Fishing Charters
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