About Your Guide

Jim Loftus

Independent Guide

Talkative

Laid-back

Instructional

Beginner Oriented

Comfortable

Quality

I'm Captain Jim and I'm located in Ramrod Key, Florida which is in the lower Florida Keys just outside of Key West, Florida. I've been fishing the island chain for the past 40 years and started guiding full time in 2016. I've been a U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain for 20 years and I'm also a member of the Lower Keys Guides Association as well as a Blue Star Operator for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
I currently operate a 22' center console Panga powered by a 115hp Suzuki 4 stroke engine. My passion is inshore light tackle fishing in the lower Florida Keys backcountry where you'll fish for a variety of species such as Tarpon, Snapper, Sea-Trout, Sharks, Barracuda and a host of other inshore species.
Fishing techniques vary depending on tide phase, time of year and the species being targeted on a specific trip.

About Your Guide

Jim Loftus

Independent Guide

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Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

My biggest fish to date would be a 180lb. Tarpon that was caught back in 2020

If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

When cooking for friends my favorite thing to do is some type of meat on the grill or some local catch blackened.

What’s your favorite band?

I'm into all types of music.

What’s your favorite movie?

I've really never been a movie guy so that's one thing we probably won't be conversing about.

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

My biggest fish to date would be a 180lb. Tarpon that was caught back in 2020

If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

When cooking for friends my favorite thing to do is some type of meat on the grill or some local catch blackened.

What’s your favorite band?

I'm into all types of music.

What’s your favorite movie?

I've really never been a movie guy so that's one thing we probably won't be conversing about.

What’s your favorite sports team?

College football is where it's at!

What’s your drink of choice?

On the boat it's strictly water for me, off the boat I'm a beer guy.

What was your last halloween costume?

It was so long ago, I couldn't tell you.

What do you want for Christmas this year?

I way past that.

How did you get started guiding?

I started fishing with a guide in Islamorada, Florida back in the 80's and he taught me a lot and I got addicted to saltwater fishing from that point forward.

What makes you different from other guides?

I will work hard for you on the trip. I'm not the type of guide that brings you out there, puts you at anchor and hope's for the best. If the fish are not there, we'll go and find them.

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Fl Keys Inshore/Backcountry Fishing

NEW Ramrod Key, FL 1 - 2 People 4 - 8 Hours From $500

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FL Keys Inshore/Backcountry Fishing

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats in Ramrod Key

NEW Guided by Jim

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Pricing Matrix

	8 Hours	4 Hours
1 Person	$500.00	$750.00
2 People	$500.00	$750.00

Pay $100 as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the trip.

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About Your Trip

Water Type

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather

About Your Trip

Get ready to experience the pristine beauty and incredible fishing opportunities of the lower Florida Keys with Captain Jim! From the unspoiled waters of Big Pine Key to the iconic fishing grounds near Key West, this stretch of paradise offers some of the best fishing in the world. Captain Jim, a lifelong angler with unmatched expertise, will guide you through these diverse waters to ensure a personalized and unforgettable adventure.

Your trip begins aboard Captain Jim’s 22’ Panga LX center console, a vessel perfectly designed for navigating the unique fishing environments of the Florida Keys. This sleek and versatile boat is known for its stability and shallow-draft design, making it ideal for exploring everything from the serene backcountry flats to the vibrant reefs and wrecks offshore. Powered by a reliable 115 HP Evinrude engine and equipped with state-of-the-art GPS, radar, and fishfinder technology, the Panga LX ensures a smooth ride and quick access to prime fishing spots. With room for up to two anglers, this setup provides an intimate, comfortable, and highly customized experience.

Fishing with Captain Jim gives you access to a wide variety of techniques and environments, making it easy to tailor the trip to your goals. If you’re up for a challenge, the backcountry flats are teeming with legendary species like Bonefish, Permit, and Tarpon. These prized game fish are sure to put your skills to the test. For anglers looking to stock the cooler with fresh fillets, the reefs and wrecks nearshore are brimming with delicious species such as Yellowtail Snapper, Grouper, and Cobia. With Captain Jim’s guidance, you can decide whether to stalk the shallows, drift along the flats, or drop bait near structure to target these exciting species.

Captain Jim welcomes all skill levels, from seasoned anglers to first-timers, and his trips are tailored to fit your preferred style of fishing. Whether you enjoy light tackle, heavy tackle, spinning, popping, drift fishing, or bottom fishing, you’re in for an action-packed day. Fly fishermen are also welcome to bring their own gear and sharpen their casting skills in these world-renowned waters, you will just need to bring your own equipment.

All the essentials for your trip are provided, including high-quality rods, reels, tackle, and fresh live or cut bait. Your fishing license is included, and at the end of the day, Captain Jim will expertly clean and fillet your catch so you can enjoy a fresh meal. Bottled water is available on board to keep you hydrated, and snacks or lunch can be arranged upon request—just let Captain Jim know when booking.

Whether you’re chasing trophy fish, enjoying the scenery, or simply spending quality time on the water, Captain Jim’s backcountry and nearshore fishing trips offer something for everyone. Don’t miss the chance to explore the unique fishing grounds of the Florida Keys and create memories that will last a lifetime. Book your trip with Captain Jim today and get ready for an incredible day on the water!

Amenities

Water Type

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Fish Cleaning

This guide will clean your catch for you.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Live Bait

Live bait is included for this trip.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to kids.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled for a refund up to 5 days before the trip.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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About Your Boat

Boat photo for FL Keys Inshore/Backcountry Fishing

Boat Type: Panga
Boat Manufacturer: Panga 22 LX
Year Built: 2008
Boat Length: 22'

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Panga
Boat Manufacturer: Panga 22 LX
Year Built: 2008
Boat Length: 22'
Engine Manufacturer: Suzuki
Total Horsepower: 115
Number of Engines: 1
Additional Amenities: GPS, Fishfinder, Live Bait Well, Ice Box

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Potential Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .

	January	February	March	April	May	June	July	August	September	October	November	December
Black Grouper	Good	Good	Good	Good	Great	Great	Great	Great	Great	Great	Great	Great
Bonefish	Good	Good	Great	Great	Great	Good	Good	Good	Good	Great	Great	Good
Bull Shark	Good	Good	Good	Good	Great	Great	Great	Great	Good	Good	Good	Good
Cobia	Great	Great	Great	Good	Good	Good	Good	Good	Good	Good	Good	Good
Gag Grouper	Good	Good	Good	Great	Great	Great	Great	Good	Good	Good	Good	Good
Lemon Shark	Good	Good	Good	Good	Great	Great	Great	Great	Great	Good	Good	Good
Mangrove Snapper	Not Ideal	Not Ideal	Not Ideal	Good	Good	Good	Great	Great	Great	Good	Good	Not Ideal
Mutton Snapper	Great	Great	Great	Great	Good	Good	Good	Good	Good	Good	Great	Great
Permit	Good	Good	Good	Great	Great	Great	Great	Great	Great	Great	Good	Good
Snook	Good	Good	Good	Good	Great	Great	Great	Great	Great	Good	Good	Good
Speckled Trout	Good	Good	Good	Great	Great	Great	Good	Good	Great	Great	Good	Good
Tarpon	Good	Good	Great	Great	Great	Good	Good	Good	Good	Great	Great	Good
Yellowtail Snapper	Good	Good	Good	Great	Great	Great	Great	Great	Great	Great	Good	Good