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
Andrew M.
Minneapolis, MN
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day in the backcountry

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip โ€“ Backcountry on March 8, 2022
Winds were howling this week, but we were still able to get out and catch a mess of mangrove snapper, young jacks and mackerel.ย ...
Andrew M. recommends Mile Marker 27 Fishing Charters
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Matt T.
Talleyville, DE
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great 1/2+ day with Captain Jim

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip โ€“ Backcountry on December 27, 2020
My 21 year old daughter and I booked a 1/2 day with Jim on the 3rd day of a 3 day cold front. Water was in the low 60s in the...
Matt T. recommends Mile Marker 27 Fishing Charters
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
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Thomas B.
Key West, Florida
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half Day Trip with capt. Jim

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip โ€“ Backcountry on December 31, 2020
The day started with a grim briefing of wind, waves and lack of fish, but Captain Jim knew exactly where to go. It was my father...
Thomas B. recommends Mile Marker 27 Fishing Charters
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Ben L.
Ukiah, CA
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Awesome Day with Captain Jim Loftus!

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip โ€“ Backcountry on November 17, 2022
Jimโ€™s a very professional fishing charter captain. Very informative, friendly and did an amazing job preparing and packaging...
Ben L. recommends Mile Marker 27 Fishing Charters
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Stephen D.
Sheridan, IN
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

We took a half-day trip

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip โ€“ Backcountry on December 6, 2022
We couldnโ€™t have had a better time. Captain Jim helped my wife tremendously and she caught a lot of fish. I would highly...
Stephen D. recommends Mile Marker 27 Fishing Charters
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