Damn Good Inshore Fishing Charters In The Florida Keys

Check real-time availability and compare rates on Florida Keys inshore fishing trips. Confidently book your next day on the water.

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Recently Booked Inshore Fishing Charters In The Florida Keys

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing in Key West

Stock Island Flats And Backwater

100% (6)
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $750
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats in Islamorada

Bank And Bight Backcountry

100% (3)
18 ft 1 - 2 People From $550
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing in Key Largo

Key Largo Adventure

100% (30)
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $700
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing in Key Largo

Key Largo Flats Fishing

100% (3)
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $700
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing in Cudjoe Key

Big Pine Key Action

100% (2)
18 ft 1 - 2 People From $500
Damn Good
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, Nearshore, Flats in Islamorada

Everglades Inshore Trip

100% (11)
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $650

Top Types of Inshore Trips in the Florida Keys

Top Species for Inshore Fishing in the Florida Keys

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More Inshore Fishing Charters In The Florida Keys

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing in Layton

Florida Keys Skinny Water

100% (3)
16 ft 1 - 2 People From $500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing in Islamorada

Islamorada Classic Trip

100% (1)
25 ft 1 - 4 People From $800
Veteran Operated
This trip is managed by a veteran of the US armed forces.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing in Marathon

Backcountry Trip - 25' Custom

100% (3)
25 ft 1 - 4 People From $650
Damn Good
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, Nearshore Fishing in Key West

Key West Family Fun Fishing

100% (22)
30 ft 1 - 6 People From $750
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing in Islamorada

Chasing Tarpon

100% (2)
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $700
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing in Key West

Key West "Flex" Sportfishing

100% (13)
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $650
See All Inshore Trips in the Florida Keys

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Everything to Know About Booking a Florida Keys inshore fishing charter

What are the best inshore fishing charters in the Florida Keys?

Why should I book an inshore fishing charter in the Florida Keys with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 87 inshore trips in the Florida Keys, and the most popular trips in the area are Stock Island Flats and Backwater guided by Tyler, Bank and Bight Backcountry guided by Jon-Paul, and Key Largo Adventure guided by Andrew.

Our guides in the Florida Keys are rated a 4.99 out of 5 based on 4441 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 inshore guides / fishing lessons in the Florida Keys? Check out our beginner and family friendly inshore guides in the Florida Keys.

What types of inshore fishing charters are common in the Florida Keys?

The most commonly sought after species for inshore fishing are: 1. tarpon, 2. mangrove snapper, 3. mahi mahi, 4. blackfin tuna, and 5. yellowtail snapper.

The most common fishing techniques in the Florida Keys are light tackle fishing, live bait fishing, and bottom fishing but artificial lure fishing and heavy tackle fishing are popular as well.

How much do Florida Keys inshore fishing charters cost?

Prices for inshore fishing in the Florida Keys can range anywhere from about $650 to $2,000, but the average price for a half day trip for inshore fishing in the Florida Keys is $949. The average price for a full day trip for inshore fishing in the Florida Keys is $1,356.

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 inshore fishing in the Florida Keys?

The most popular season for inshore fishing in the Florida Keys is spring, and most anglers book their trips 31 days in advance.

Do I need a the Florida Keys fishing license and what are the bag limits in the Florida Keys?

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

What is inshore fishing in Florida Keys all about?

Inshore fishing in the Florida Keys offers anglers a unique and exciting experience in one of the world's most renowned fishing destinations. Known for its crystal-clear waters, expansive flats, and diverse marine ecosystems, the Keys provide opportunities to target a wide variety of inshore species year-round. Anglers can expect to encounter prized game fish such as bonefish, tarpon, permit, snook, redfish, and mangrove snapper, among others. Each species offers its own set of challenges and rewards, making the Keys a paradise for both casual anglers and serious fishermen alike.

One of the highlights of inshore fishing in the Florida Keys is targeting bonefish, often referred to as the "gray ghost" due to their elusive nature and silver scales. Bonefish are commonly found on the shallow flats and sandy bottoms, where they feed on crustaceans and small fish. Anglers typically use light tackle and present flies or small live baits like shrimp to entice bonefish bites. These fish are known for their speed and strength, providing an exhilarating challenge for anglers who pursue them.

Tarpon are another iconic species in the Florida Keys, prized for their acrobatic jumps and powerful runs. These silver kings can be found in channels, along bridges, and in deeper flats, particularly during their seasonal migrations. Anglers often use live mullet, crabs, or artificial lures like swimbaits and topwater plugs to target tarpon. Spring and early summer are prime seasons for tarpon fishing in the Keys, attracting anglers from around the world to test their skills against these majestic fish. Inshore fishing in the Florida Keys offers not only thrilling fishing opportunities but also the chance to explore some of the most picturesque and diverse marine environments in the United States.

What are the most popular months to go inshore fishing in Florida Keys?

Inshore fishing seasons in the Florida Keys offer anglers a year-round opportunity to enjoy the abundant and diverse marine life that inhabits these pristine waters. Each season brings unique opportunities to target different species, making the Keys a versatile destination for fishing enthusiasts.

Spring in the Florida Keys marks the beginning of peak fishing season, characterized by warming waters and increased activity among species like tarpon, bonefish, permit, and snook. Anglers flock to the shallow flats, channels, and mangrove-lined shorelines to target these prized game fish. Tarpon, known for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps, are a major draw during this time, particularly around bridges and deeper channels. Bonefish and permit are also abundant, feeding actively on crustaceans and small fish in the clear, shallow waters.

Summer brings hot temperatures and bustling fishing activity in the Florida Keys, with species like tarpon and snook continuing to be popular targets. Early mornings and late evenings are ideal for fishing when the heat is less intense and fish are more active. Anglers often find success using live bait such as mullet or crabs, as well as artificial lures like jigs and swimbaits. Summer is also a great time for night fishing around lighted docks and bridges, where snook and tarpon gather to feed under the cover of darkness.

Fall in the Florida Keys is characterized by cooling temperatures and a shift in fishing patterns, with species like bonefish, permit, and redfish becoming more active. Bonefish and permit are still plentiful on the flats, while redfish can be found around mangrove islands and shallow grass beds. This season offers anglers a chance to catch larger specimens as fish prepare for winter. Understanding the seasonal behavior and habitat preferences of each species enhances the fishing experience in the Florida Keys, ensuring anglers can enjoy productive outings throughout the year.

What techniques are popular for inshore fishing in Florida Keys?

Inshore fishing in the Florida Keys offers anglers a diverse range of types and techniques to explore its rich marine habitats. One popular method is flats fishing, where anglers target species like bonefish, permit, and tarpon in the shallow, clear waters of the flats. This technique often involves using light tackle and presenting small live baits such as shrimp or crabs, or using artificial lures like flies and soft plastics. Flats fishing requires stealth and precision casting to sight fish for these elusive species amidst the seagrass beds and sandy bottoms.

Another effective technique in the Florida Keys is mangrove fishing, where anglers navigate through the labyrinthine mangrove islands and shorelines to target species like snook, redfish, and mangrove snapper. Mangroves provide shelter and abundant food sources for these fish, making them prime habitats for inshore anglers. Anglers often use live bait such as pilchards or pinfish, as well as artificial lures like jerkbaits and crankbaits, to entice strikes from these ambush predators hiding among the roots and branches.

Dock and bridge fishing is also popular in the Florida Keys, offering anglers convenient access to deeper channels and structure-rich environments where fish congregate. Species like tarpon, snook, and barracuda are commonly targeted around docks and bridges, especially during tidal changes when water movement brings food to waiting predators. Anglers use a variety of baits and lures such as live mullet, crabs, or large swimbaits to attract these larger fish that frequent these structures. Each fishing technique in the Florida Keys provides a unique opportunity to explore its diverse habitats and target a variety of species, ensuring an exciting and memorable fishing experience for anglers of all skill levels.

What species are popular for inshore fishing in Florida Keys?

Inshore fishing in the Florida Keys offers anglers a spectacular array of species to target, each with its own unique characteristics and challenges. One of the most iconic species in these waters is the tarpon, known for its impressive size, acrobatic leaps, and powerful runs. Tarpon can be found throughout the Keys, particularly in channels, around bridges, and near flats where they feed on baitfish. Anglers often use live mullet, crabs, or large artificial lures like swimbaits to entice strikes from these majestic fish, especially during their seasonal migrations in spring and early summer.

Bonefish are another prized catch in the Florida Keys, renowned for their speed, elusive nature, and challenging fights. These silver bullets inhabit the shallow flats and sandy bottoms, where they feed on crustaceans and small baitfish. Anglers often sight fish for bonefish, using light tackle and presenting small live baits such as shrimp or crabs, or using artificial flies designed to mimic their natural prey. Spring and fall are peak seasons for bonefish fishing in the Keys, when the water temperatures are moderate and the fish are actively feeding.

Permit are highly sought after by anglers in the Florida Keys for their strength, stamina, and intelligence. These powerful fish can be found on flats, wrecks, and around structure where they feed on crabs, shrimp, and small fish. Permit fishing requires patience and skill, often involving sight casting with small live crabs or using crab-patterned flies. Spring and summer are prime times for permit fishing in the Keys, when these fish are more abundant and actively feeding. Understanding the behavior and habitat preferences of each species enhances the fishing experience in the Florida Keys, offering anglers a chance to pursue their favorite catches amidst the stunning backdrop of tropical waters and mangrove islands.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    Great family trip finishing for snapper. Everyone on the boat caught a fish. Captain Wayne did a great job putting us on the fish.

    Mike D. | April 29, 2025

    Trip: Backcountry Trip - 25' Custom

  • ★★★★★
    Very patient and tries very hard to get you on fish. We had a mid day trip that I knew would be tuff but Andrew kept us on the hunt. I would definitely book this guide again.

    Kyle S. | April 29, 2025

    Trip: Key Largo Shark Special

  • ★★★★★
    Had an amazing day on the water with captain Billy! He is the best captain I’ve had in the keys and he was able to find the fish with ease!

    Kent K. | April 29, 2025

    Trip: Chasing Tarpon

  • ★★★★★
    I had a great day in the Lower Keys with Capt. Robert. It was my first time salt-water fly fishing. He gave me lots of good advice. The fishing was excellent — and his knowledge of the area and technique is extensive. As a lady fisher, I appreciate some guidance on how to and Robert gave enough without over doing it. We landed five bonefish on a half day’s trip — and several were big! All gave a good fight. I missed several permit by being not fast on the draw but really stoked to have had a shot. Loved it!! I am already planning my next trip.

    Pamela P. | April 29, 2025

    Trip: Big Pine Key Action

  • ★★★★★
    Ben was amazing!!! Put us on fish all day long with constant action with Tarpon, Bonefish, you name it, he knows where they are at!! Super patient and a lot of fun! I highly recommend Ben

    Harold B. | April 27, 2025

    Trip: Summerland Key Flats Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Great time this am with Capt. Pete…out for finicky Tarpon and it proved they certainly are. A couple bites but no luck…however, we did hook up on two nice 6ft nurse sharks! Will def come back.

    Rich C. | April 26, 2025

    Trip: Inshore Tarpon Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Great experience, Tyler worked his ass off to put us on the tarpon. Would highly recommend him for the experienced or novice anglers. Hope to be back soon.

    Kevin C. | April 26, 2025

    Trip: Targeting Tarpon in Key West

  • ★★★★★
    Jamie was great! Despite very windy conditions, we saw a wide variety of fish. He was very patient with my wife and I and ensured we caught fidh!

    William S. | April 20, 2025

    Trip: Key West on Light Tackle & Flies

  • ★★★★★
    Eric is a great guide. Really knows his guiding craft well. Put us on fish in difficult weather conditions. Exceeded our expectations for the day. Highly recommend him, you won't be disappointed.

    Stephen K. | April 3, 2025

    Trip: Back Country Bonanza

  • ★★★★★
    Fantastic time with Eric. He is a great guide and put us on fish from the get go. Looking forward to fishing with him again. Highly recommend Capt. Eric.

    Stephen K. | April 1, 2025

    Trip: Back Country Bonanza

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time with billy. He took the time to show us a few things, and tell us about the keys. He is a very cool guy and I would recommend booking with him. I plan on doing this again and if I do, I will be trying to get billy again. We had a blast and caught a handful of fish. He knew where to go and what bait to use. I cant say enough of the great time and what a great guy he is,I could not thank him enough.

    Gregory C. | March 27, 2025

    Trip: Key West Wreck Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Really good time. Even tho the fishing was a little slow, captain didn’t give up really did his best to put me on fish and it ended up paying off with a few good ones at the end. Also had a few big ones break off. But hey that’s fishing.

    Riley R. | March 25, 2025

    Trip: Key West "Flex" Sportfishing

  • ★★★★★
    Fishing was tough today with wind and a lack of current, but we managed to grab a few snook away from the hungry lemon sharks and some jack crevalle. Captain Nick was a great, easy-going quide, and I look forward to fishing with him again perhaps when Mother Nature is a little more accomodating!

    Mike S. | March 25, 2025

    Trip: Flats fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Mark, thanks again for the awesome day on the water! You were great with the girls and it was a memorable experience for all!! And we caught a bunch of fish too... God bless!

    Shaun H. | March 24, 2025

    Trip: Everglades Inshore Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Great experience all around. Friendly, knowledgeable captain. Enjoyed the conversation and catching lots of fish.

    Grady P. | March 22, 2025

    Trip: Key Largo Flats Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Great knowledge of the area! Despite windy, cold front conditions he worked hard to get us on the fish. We had an awesome time, caught plenty of fish, and he was super fun to fish with. First mate Rob made sure we were taken care of.

    Andy T. | March 21, 2025

    Trip: Key Largo Adventure

  • ★★★★★
    Great Trip! Put us right on the fish and kept it entertaining for the entire morning!

    Judson D. | March 21, 2025

    Trip: Back Country Bonanza

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip with Zach. He really knows the waters around the Keys! We had a blast and would highly recommend!

    Taylor T. | March 13, 2025

    Trip: Big Pine Key Fly or Light Tackle - Skiff

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip, Captain Eric got us on many good fish and has a great knowledge of the local water.

    Charlie M. | March 10, 2025

    Trip: Back Country Bonanza

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time with Tyler. He was a lot of fun to hang out with. Caught a bunch of different species of fish. Good time!

    Taylor T. | March 10, 2025

    Trip: Marquesas Key Run

Other Types of Fishing in the Florida Keys

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See All Inshore Trips in the Florida Keys