World-Class Inshore Fishing | Big Pine Key Charters

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Big Pine Key, FL
$500 - $1,000 price range
Updated Date: November 18, 2025

Summary

Join us for a laid-back half-day fishing trip in the beautiful waters around Big Pine Key. We'll head out at 8 AM for 4 hours of cruising the backwaters, targeting big game fish like barracuda and amberjack. Our private charter gives you and up to 3 friends the run of the boat as we explore some of the Keys' best hidden spots. We'll swing by the famous local sandbar - a perfect place to take a dip or just soak in the views. Bring your favorite drinks; we've got a cooler with ice to keep 'em cold. Whether you're an experienced angler or just looking to wet a line and enjoy being on the water, this trip offers a perfect mix of fishing action and Keys-style relaxation. Our local knowledge means we'll put you on the fish while showing you the natural beauty that makes the Florida Keys so special.

World-Class Inshore Fishing | Big Pine Key Charters

Backwater Catches & Views

Big Pine Key fishing: a new adventure every day

Adventures abound in Big Pine Keys waters

Where the fish are biting in Big Pine Key

2 people fishing on the beach at Big Pine Key

Big Pine Keys waters are full of surprises

Half Day Fishing Bonanza in Big Pine Key

Ready for a morning of pure Florida Keys fishing magic? Hop aboard with Kokomo Keys Charters for a 4-hour private trip that'll have you reeling in memories (and hopefully some big ones) before lunch. We'll cruise out from Big Pine Key at 8 AM sharp, aiming for those sweet spots where the barracuda snap and the amberjack prowl. And don't worry about your drinks getting warm - we've got a cooler packed with ice to keep 'em frosty. Whether you're itching to bend a rod or just want to soak in the Keys vibe, this trip's got you covered.

What's the Deal?

Picture this: You and up to three buddies, out on the crystal-clear waters of the Florida Keys, with nothing but blue skies above and fish-filled waters below. We're talking a private charter here, so it's all about what you want. Fancy hitting that famous sandbar for a quick dip? You got it. Want to focus on chasing down that bucket-list barracuda? We're on it. Our seasoned captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, so you're in for some prime fishing action. And hey, even if the fish aren't biting (but let's be real, they usually are), the views alone are worth the trip.

Fishing 101: Keys Style

Alright, let's talk tactics. Depending on what's biting, we might be doing some light trolling for mahi-mahi, or maybe dropping lines for those hard-fighting amberjack. If the tarpon are rolling, get ready for some heart-pounding surface action. We'll set you up with all the gear you need - rods, reels, bait, the works. Just bring your game face and maybe a lucky hat. Our captain will show you the ropes if you're new to this, or if you're an old salt, they'll be happy to swap fish tales and share some local honey holes.

Reel Talk from Happy Anglers

"My wife and I took a half day trip with Jordan. He is a safe and knowledgeable captain. He has an amazing attitude and is a blast to spend the day with in his boat. Highly recommend him." - Sheryl

"I can't recommend Captain Jordan and Kokomo keys charters enough. He is with out a doubt the most personable captain I have ever had the pleasure of fishing with. Didn't feel like I was fishing with a hired captain but a long time friend or brother. Laughing and catching fish all day. Must have caught over a dozen species of fish including some delicious snapper for dinner which Captain Jordan cleaned for me and recommended local restaurants that would cook our catch for the whole family to enjoy. Truly one of the best experiences the keys has to offer. Can't recommend enough." - Tim

Fish on the Radar

Tarpon: The "Silver King" is the crown jewel of Keys fishing. These acrobatic beasts can top 100 pounds and put on a show like no other. Spring through early summer is prime time, but don't be surprised if you hook one year-round. When a tarpon goes airborne, it's a sight you'll never forget.

Mahi Mahi (Dolphinfish): These colorful speedsters are as beautiful as they are delicious. We often find them around floating debris or weed lines. Mahi are known for their spectacular aerial displays and hard runs. They're most abundant in summer, but you can catch them year-round in the Keys.

Greater Amberjack: Nicknamed "reef donkeys" for their bulldog strength, amberjack are the heavyweight champs of the deep. They hang around wrecks and reefs, and when you hook one, get ready for a serious workout. Fall and winter are peak seasons, but these bruisers are available year-round.

Wahoo: Speed demons of the open water, wahoo are like the Ferraris of the fish world. They're here year-round but peak in winter. Known for blistering runs that can smoke a reel, hooking a wahoo is an adrenaline rush like no other. Plus, they make for some killer sashimi.

Great Barracuda: With their menacing teeth and lightning-fast attacks, 'cudas are the bad boys of the flats. They're here all year and love to hang around structure. Watching a barracuda rocket out of nowhere to nail your lure is something you've got to see to believe.

Time to Get Your Lines Wet

Look, whether you're a seasoned angler or someone who can barely tell a fish from a bicycle, this trip's got something for everyone. You'll be out there with a top-notch guide who knows how to put you on fish and show you a good time. And let's be honest, even if you don't catch the big one, you're still spending a morning in paradise. So what are you waiting for? The fish are biting, the boat's gassed up, and we've got a cooler with your name on it. Book your spot now and let's make some waves!

Customer Reviews

Jordans Joyride

My wife and I took a half day trip with Jordan. He is a safe and knowledgeable captain. He has an amazing attitude and is a blast to spend the day with in his boat. Highly recommend him.

Sheryl K

April 17, 2024

Reel Friendship

I can’t recommend Captain Jordan and Kokomo keys charters enough. He is with out a doubt the most personable captain I have ever had the pleasure of fishing with. Didn’t feel like I was fishing with a hired captain but a long time friend or brother. Laughing and catching fish all day. Must have caught over a dozen species of fish including some delicious snapper for dinner which Captain Jordan cleaned for me and recommended local restaurants that would cook our catch for the whole family to enjoy. Truly one of the best experiences the keys has to offer. Can’t recommend enough.

Tim M

May 4, 2024

Learn more about the species

Great Barracuda

Great barracuda are the toothy terrors of the flats. These long, sleek predators can stretch 5-6 feet and hit 30+ pounds. You'll find them lurking around reefs, channels, and grass flats in 5-30 feet of water. They're here year-round but most active in warmer months. Anglers target 'cudas for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. Trolling tube lures or casting topwater plugs works well. My top tip: use wire leaders or you'll lose a lot to those razor teeth. When a big 'cuda hits, it's all slashing runs and aerial displays. Just be careful handling them - those teeth are no joke. While not great eating, barracuda offer exciting light tackle action, especially for newcomers looking to tangle with a toothy predator.

Greater Amberjack

Greater amberjacks are brutes of the deep. These powerful fish typically run 20-50 pounds but can reach over 100. You'll find them around deep reefs and wrecks, usually in 60-250 feet of water. Spring and fall are great seasons to target them. Anglers love AJs for their sheer strength - hooking one is like trying to stop a freight train. Live bait like blue runners works well, or try big jigs if you're up for a workout. Fair warning: these guys don't give up easy. My top tip is to get them off the bottom fast or they'll break you off in the structure. The meat is good eating too, just watch out for worms in bigger fish. Overall, amberjacks offer an awesome deep-water challenge if you're looking to test your gear and muscles.

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Mahi mahi are some of the most exciting fish to catch around here. These colorful speedsters average 15-30 pounds but can get up to 50+. You'll often spot them near floating debris or weed lines offshore. Mahi are fast-growing and quick to bite, making for great action. Spring through fall is prime time, with summer being the peak. Anglers love mahi for their acrobatic jumps and delicious meat. To land one, try trolling with ballyhoo or casting jigs and poppers to feeding schools. My local tip: If you hook one, keep it in the water to draw in the whole school. Mahi travel in groups, so you can often catch several from one stop. Just be ready for some chaos when they start biting!

Tarpon

Tarpon are legendary game fish in the Keys. These silver giants can grow over 6 feet long and leap spectacularly when hooked. You'll find them in Florida Bay's deeper channels and along the Atlantic and Gulf sides. Spring and summer are prime seasons as they migrate through. Anglers love the challenge - tarpon fight hard and can take hours to land. We usually target them in 10-30 feet of water near bridges or channels. Live bait like mullet or crabs works well. My top tip: Let them run on the first few jumps before applying pressure. It's catch-and-release only, but the thrill of battling one of these prehistoric monsters is unforgettable. Just be ready for an arm workout!

Wahoo Fish

Wahoo are the speed demons of the ocean. These sleek predators can hit 60 mph in short bursts. Most run 15-30 pounds, but 100+ pounders aren't unheard of. You'll find them in open water, often near temperature breaks or drop-offs. Late summer through fall is prime wahoo season here. Anglers love 'em for their blistering runs and tasty white meat. High-speed trolling with lures or rigged baits is the go-to method. My local tip: use wire leaders or you'll lose a lot of fish to their razor-sharp teeth. When a wahoo hits, it's like hooking a missile - be ready for smoking drags and screaming reels. They're not the most common catch, but landing one of these speedsters is always a highlight.

About the 22ft Kirkland

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 40

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 150

Ready for a chill morning on the water? Join us for a 4-hour private fishing trip around Big Pine Key. We'll cruise the backwaters of the Florida Keys, where you can cast your line for barracuda, amberjack, and other local species. Our boat comfortably fits up to 4 guests, so bring your friends or family along for the ride. We'll even make a stop at the famous sandbar – a perfect spot to take a dip or snap some photos. Don't worry about your drinks getting warm; we've got a cooler stocked with ice to keep everything frosty. Whether you're an experienced angler or just looking to enjoy the scenery, this laid-back trip offers a great mix of fishing and sightseeing. We'll set off at 8:00 AM, giving you plenty of time to explore the hidden spots of the Keys before lunch. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's hit the water for a memorable morning in paradise.

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