Half Day Inshore

The backcountry behind Key West is a maze of mangrove islands, shallow basins, and cuts that most visitors never see. Leaving from Stock Island, we're in skinny water within minutes — no long, punishing run to get to the fish. The water is clear, the ride is calm, and there's a good chance you'll see tarpon roll, sharks cruise a flat, and rays kick up mud while we fish. This is the trip for anyone who wants the Florida Keys they pictured, not four hours of pounding into a chop.

Four hours is plenty of time to put a bend in the rod. We'll target mangrove snapper around structure, mutton snapper on the edges, jack crevalle and yellow jacks that will absolutely embarrass a light spinning outfit, and barracuda that eat like a freight train. Depending on the tide and the season, we may get shots at permit, cobia, red grouper, or a Goliath grouper. Whatever ends up in the box, Captain Brooks will fillet it and bag it before you leave the dock.

You'll fish from a 2023 Pathfinder 2600 HPS bay boat rigged with a trolling motor, live wells, and light spinning tackle that keeps the fight honest. Rods, reels, lures, live bait, ice, and your Florida fishing license are all included — just bring food, drinks, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Morning and afternoon departures are available, so you can fish and still have most of your day.