Damn Good Permit Fishing Charters In Key Largo

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Recently Booked Permit Fishing Charters In Key Largo, Fl

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Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
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Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key Largo

Epic Biscayne Bay Trip

100% (11)
18 ft 1 - 3 People From $350
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Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Key Largo

Key Largo Adventure

100% (26)
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $700
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Fishing in Destin
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Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Key Largo

Key Largo Mix-It-Up

NEW
24 ft 1 - 2 People From $750
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Fishing in Destin
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Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Key Largo

Key Largo Fly Fishing The Flats

100% (1)
17 ft 1 - 2 People From $600
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Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Key Largo

Epic South Florida Fishing

100% (2)
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $700
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Fishing in Destin
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Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter near Key Largo

Islamorada Angling Excursion

100% (10)
22 ft 1 - 5 People From $850

Top Types of Permit Trips in Key Largo

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Target Species in Key Largo

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More Permit Fishing Charters In Key Largo, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter near Key Largo

Bank And Bight Backcountry

100% (3)
18 ft 1 - 2 People From $550
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Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter near Key Largo

Tavernier Backcountry Fishing

100% (8)
18 ft 1 - 3 People From $450
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Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter near Key Largo

Flats Fishing

100% (4)
24 ft 1 - 3 People From $575
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Inshore Fishing Charter near Key Largo

Tarpon On The Fly

100% (1)
18 ft 1 - 2 People From $550
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Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter near Key Largo

Islamorada Fishing Adventure

NEW
17 ft 1 - 2 People From $700
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Inshore, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter near Key Largo

Islamorada Inshore And Flats Fshing

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24 ft 1 - 8 People From $700
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Everything to Know About Booking a Key Largo permit fishing charter

What are the best permit fishing charters in Key Largo?

Why should I book a permit fishing charter in Key Largo with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 31 permit trips in Key Largo, and the most popular trips in the area are Epic Biscayne Bay Trip guided by Jason, Key Largo Mix-It-Up guided by Josh, and Key largo Fly Fishing the Flats guided by Josh.

Our guides in Key Largo are rated a 4.98 out of 5 based on 3720 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Looking for kid friendly permit guides / fishing lessons in Key Largo? Check out our beginner and family friendly permit guides in Key Largo.

What types of permit fishing charters are common in Key Largo?

Inshore fishing is the most popular type of fishing for permit in Key Largo as well as flats fishing and nearshore fishing.

The most common fishing techniques in Key Largo are light tackle fishing, live bait fishing, and artificial lure fishing but fly fishing and sight casting are popular as well.

How much do Key Largo permit fishing charters cost?

Prices for permit in Key Largo can range anywhere from about $650 to $1,800, but the average price for a half day trip for permit in Key Largo is $858. The average price for a full day trip for permit in Key Largo is $1,145.

Is booking a fishing guide worth the money?

Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a fishing guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.

Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear and tackle, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.

Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your home waters, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.

What month is best for permit fishing in Key Largo?

The most popular season for permit fishing in Key Largo is summer, and most anglers book their trips 31 days in advance.

Do I need a Key Largo fishing license for permit and what are the bag limits for permit in Key Largo?

See here for more information on fishing licenses in Key Largo, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in Key Largo. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in Key Largo.

What is permit fishing in Key Largo all about?

In Key Largo, anglers have the opportunity to target one of the most prized species of fish in the region: the permit. Known for their powerful fights and challenging behavior, permit are highly esteemed by anglers for their elusive nature and impressive size. These sleek and silver fish inhabit the shallow flats and sandy bottoms of the Florida Keys, where they feed on crustaceans, shrimp, and small fish. Key Largo's extensive network of flats, channels, and mangrove-lined shorelines provides ample habitat for permit, making it a premier destination for anglers seeking to test their skills against these elusive adversaries.

Permit fishing in Key Largo requires patience, skill, and keen observation. Anglers often sight-fish for permit, scanning the crystal-clear waters of the flats for signs of feeding fish. Once spotted, anglers must carefully present their baits or flies to the wary permit, using stealthy approaches and precise casts to avoid spooking them. Common baits and lures for permit fishing in Key Largo include live crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish, as well as artificial flies tied to mimic the natural prey of these finicky feeders. Successfully hooking into a permit is a thrilling experience, as these fish are known for their blistering runs and acrobatic leaps, testing the skills and equipment of even the most seasoned anglers.

Key Largo's permit fishing season extends throughout the year, with peak opportunities occurring during the spring and fall months. During these times, warming water temperatures stimulate increased permit activity, prompting these fish to move onto the flats in search of food and spawning opportunities. Anglers can also target permit during the summer and winter months, although they may need to adjust their tactics and target areas with suitable conditions. Whether casting to tailing permit on the flats or drifting over deeper channels and wrecks, permit fishing in Key Largo offers anglers an exhilarating and rewarding experience amidst the stunning natural beauty of the Florida Keys.

What are the most popular months to fish for permit in Key Largo?

In Key Largo, the permit fishing season extends throughout the year, offering anglers ample opportunities to target these prized game fish. However, certain seasons present more favorable conditions for permit fishing, with peak opportunities occurring during the spring and fall months. As the weather warms in spring, permit become more active and move onto the shallow flats and sandy bottoms in search of food and spawning opportunities. This period offers anglers optimal conditions for sight-fishing, as the clear waters of Key Largo provide excellent visibility for spotting feeding permit and presenting baits or flies.

Similarly, the fall season in Key Largo offers prime opportunities for permit fishing as temperatures begin to cool and permit activity increases. During this time, permit continue to feed voraciously on crustaceans, shrimp, and small fish, making them more susceptible to anglers' offerings. Anglers can expect to encounter schools of permit patrolling the flats and channels, providing thrilling sight-fishing opportunities and memorable battles with these powerful fish. With favorable weather conditions and abundant fish populations, fall is considered one of the best times of year to target permit in Key Largo.

While spring and fall are typically regarded as peak seasons for permit fishing in Key Largo, anglers can still find success targeting these elusive fish throughout the rest of the year. Winter and summer months may see fluctuations in permit activity due to changing water temperatures and weather patterns, but dedicated anglers who adapt their tactics and target areas with suitable conditions can still encounter permit in Key Largo's waters. Whether casting to tailing permit on the flats or drifting over deeper channels and wrecks, permit fishing in Key Largo offers anglers an exhilarating and rewarding experience amidst the stunning natural beauty of the Florida Keys.

What techniques are popular for catching permit in Key Largo?

Permit fishing in Key Largo demands a blend of patience, skill, and finesse due to the elusive nature of these prized game fish. Sight-fishing is a prevalent technique employed by anglers in Key Largo when targeting permit. Anglers scan the clear shallow flats and sandy bottoms for signs of feeding permit, such as tails breaking the surface or subtle disturbances. Once spotted, anglers must carefully approach the fish to avoid spooking them and make precise casts with bait or flies to entice a strike. Using live crabs, shrimp, or small baitfish as bait, or tying on realistic crab or shrimp fly patterns, anglers aim to mimic the natural prey of permit to increase their chances of success.

Another effective technique for permit fishing in Key Largo is drift fishing over flats, channels, and structure-rich areas where permit are known to frequent. Anglers drift quietly with the current, casting baits or flies ahead of the drift path to cover a wide area and intercept passing fish. This approach allows anglers to explore different depths and habitats where permit may be feeding or traveling, increasing their chances of encountering these elusive fish. Using light tackle and fluorocarbon leaders to present baits or flies naturally and stealthily is crucial for enticing wary permit to bite.

Key Largo's permit fishing season extends throughout the year, but anglers may need to adapt their techniques and strategies based on changing conditions and seasonal patterns. During the warmer months, permit may be more active on the flats and in shallower waters, making sight-fishing a preferred method. In contrast, during cooler months or inclement weather, permit may move to deeper channels or wrecks, requiring anglers to adjust their tactics accordingly. Whether sight-fishing on the flats or drift fishing over deeper waters, permit fishing in Key Largo offers anglers an exciting and challenging pursuit amidst the stunning backdrop of the Florida Keys.

What other species are popular in Key Largo?

In addition to permit, Key Largo offers anglers a diverse range of fish species to target, ensuring an exciting and varied fishing experience. One popular catch is the bonefish, known for its speed, agility, and challenging behavior. Bonefish inhabit the shallow flats and sandy bottoms of the Florida Keys, where they feed on crustaceans, shrimp, and small fish. Anglers in Key Largo often employ sight-fishing techniques to spot feeding bonefish and make precise casts with bait or flies to entice a strike. These elusive fish provide thrilling battles and require finesse to catch, making them a favorite among fly fishermen and light tackle enthusiasts.

Another sought-after species in Key Largo is the tarpon, revered for its impressive size, acrobatic jumps, and formidable fighting abilities. Tarpon are known to inhabit the coastal waters, channels, and flats around Key Largo, particularly during the warmer months. Anglers target tarpon using a variety of techniques, including live bait fishing, lure casting, and fly fishing. Tarpon fishing in Key Largo offers anglers the chance to hook into some of the largest and most powerful fish in the ocean, making for memorable battles and adrenaline-pumping encounters.

Additionally, Key Largo's coastal waters are home to a variety of other prized species, including redfish, snook, snapper species such as mangrove snapper and mutton snapper, grouper species such as black grouper and gag grouper, as well as king mackerel, wahoo, tuna, sailfish, and mahi-mahi, among others. Whether fishing from shore, pier, or boat, anglers can explore a range of habitats and depths in pursuit of their favorite catches. With its diverse marine ecosystem and abundance of fishing opportunities, Key Largo remains a top destination for anglers seeking memorable experiences on the water.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    Super guide. Knows the waters and area. Had a great time.

    David G. | September 12, 2024

    Trip: Flats fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Amazing trip! Lots of laughs and tons of fish! We even got our target fish which was tarpon. Captain mark is great and we will definitely use him again.

    Angela F. | September 6, 2024

    Trip: Everglades Inshore Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome trip, would recommend without hesitation!

    Steven B. | August 31, 2024

    Trip: Islamorada Live Action Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Jason is an exceptional fisherman and superb steward of the wildlife surrounding the Keys! We caught tons of fish and had a great time with him! We would recommend taking a charter out with him!!

    Jessica P. | August 31, 2024

    Trip: Epic Biscayne Bay Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Jay was an experienced captain who took us on an incredible fishing excursion. We were a group mixed fishing experience, caught tons of fish, and took plenty home with us for dinner! 10/10. We will be back!

    Paige H. | August 17, 2024

    Trip: Epic Biscayne Bay Trip

  • ★★★★★
    What a Great Trip, Ben was a Great Guide, We laughed and caught fish and had fun.

    Richard H. | August 3, 2024

    Trip: Tavernier Backcountry Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great time with Captain Chris today. Caught a lot of fish and had a lot of laughs. Had an unforeseen technical issue but Captains Mike and Chris took care of it with grace and humor. We’ll be back.

    Jesse S. | June 25, 2024

    Trip: Islamorada Live Action Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Randy comes highly recommended. This was a retirement trip for my brother and it was truly amazing!! Captain Randy went above and beyond to make sure our 2 day trip was full of action, and adventure. His love for The Florida Keys is contagious. He will put you on the fish! If you seriously love fishing, he’s your guy! Captan Experiences made booking and paying our Captain so much easier than doing it over the phone. Everything was seamless and I look forward to booking with them and Captain Randy again.

    Dave A. | June 24, 2024

    Trip: FL Keys Flats Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Great day! Despite the weather captain jason put us on the fish!!

    Winslow W. | June 22, 2024

    Trip: Epic Biscayne Bay Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Fantastic guide! Friendly and helpful. Had a great time.

    John K. | June 13, 2024

    Trip: Flats Backcountry Quest

  • ★★★★★
    Great day- will book with Jay again 100%.

    Mckenzie K. | June 8, 2024

    Trip: Epic Biscayne Bay Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Andrew, put us on fish right away! He knowledgeable about all things Key Largo. He is professional, organized, and enthusiastic about what he does. We highly recommend captain andrew to anyone, and when we come back we will book with him again. Highlight of the trip was landing the nurse shark!

    Jaime P. | June 5, 2024

    Trip: Key Largo Adventure

  • ★★★★★
    Some times you are fortunate to meet people that leave a deep impression an impregnation on you. Captain Mark is one of these rare persons. I was fortunate to go fishing with him today and we had a blast. He is so kind, so full of knowledge, that I do recommend going fishing with him. His repeated actions around the wounded warrior project are a tribute to his care about his peers and good people in general.

    Cornelissen M. | May 19, 2024

    Trip: Everglades Inshore Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Excellent guide. Worked hard to get us into the fish. Caught over 40 fish. Having snapper and trout for dinner!

    Unknown U. | May 18, 2024

    Trip: Epic Islamorada Inshore

  • ★★★★★
    Jason was lively and knowledgeable. He definitely knows the area and loves fishing. He put us on a few good spots and we had fun. I will definitely choose him again!

    Dennis R. | May 13, 2024

    Trip: Epic Biscayne Bay Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Great guy, great trip

    Doug K. | May 4, 2024

    Trip: Islamorada Angling Excursion

  • ★★★★★
    Fantastic trip! We had a wonderful time!

    Diane S. | May 3, 2024

    Trip: Bank and Bight Backcountry

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great day on the water. Caught a variety of fish, some bigger some smaller. Captain Jason proved to be a real people person, in firm control of his craft. Great conversationalist. Definitely would go out with him again.

    John U. | April 26, 2024

    Trip: Epic Biscayne Bay Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Fishing with Captain Randy was a blast caught plenty of bonefish and some sharks Randy is a cool dude really enjoyed my trip

    Rick B. | April 13, 2024

    Trip: FL Keys Flats Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    If you want to be inspired to be a better person, laugh, and catch the most fish out of the Islamorada marina Captain Mark is the way to go. Thanks Mark for a great day. Also thank you for your service to our country and continued surrport of disabled veterans!

    Brian S. | April 6, 2024

    Trip: Everglades Inshore Trip

Other Hunting Species in Key Largo

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