Florida Keys Inshore Fishing | Billfish Sportfishing

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Marathon, FL
$300 - $1,000 price range

Summary

Get ready for a great day of fishing in the Florida Keys with Bill Fish Sportfishing. Captain Bill Brown brings over 40 years of experience to every trip, taking you to prime spots where the fish are biting. You'll spend 5 to 8 hours on the water, with room for up to 3 guests on board. Depending on when you visit, you might reel in tarpon, bonefish, cobia, sharks, snapper, or other local species. Don't worry about gear - Captain Bill provides everything you need and offers hands-on tips suited to your skill level. It's perfect for families looking to try something new, first-time anglers wanting to learn the basics, or experienced fishermen aiming to land a big one. The Keys are known for great inshore fishing, and Captain Bill knows just where to find the action. Remember that deposits can't be refunded, so pick a day when the weather looks good for being out on the water.

Florida Keys Inshore Fishing | Billfish Sportfishing

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Florida Keys Inshore Fishing: Reel in the Action

Ready to wet a line in the legendary Florida Keys? Captain Bill Brown's got you covered with his 42 years of experience and insider knowledge of the local waters. Whether you're chasing trophy tarpon or stalking bonefish on the flats, this inshore fishing charter delivers non-stop action for anglers of all skill levels. Hop aboard for 5-8 hours of world-class fishing in one of America's top saltwater destinations.

What to Expect on the Water

From the moment you step on Captain Bill's skiff, you're in for a treat. He'll zip you out to prime fishing grounds where the bite is hot. Depending on the season and conditions, you might find yourself sight-casting to tailing bonefish, battling bull sharks in the channels, or working the mangroves for snapper. The Florida Keys offer year-round fishing opportunities, so there's always something pulling on the end of your line. Captain Bill provides all the gear, from top-notch rods and reels to live bait, so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe a cooler of drinks).

Top Catches This Season

Inshore fishing in the Keys is all about variety. One minute you're finessing a fly to spooky bonefish, the next you're cranking on a bruiser cobia. Captain Bill's techniques are dialed in for each species. For tarpon, expect to slow-troll live mullet or pitch crabs to rolling fish. Permit fishing often involves staking out on the flats and presenting small crabs or shrimp. When targeting sharks, get ready to deploy some serious chunk bait and hang on tight. The beauty of inshore fishing is the constant change-up – you never know what's gonna hit next!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Tarpon: The "Silver King" is the crown jewel of Florida Keys fishing. These prehistoric beasts can top 150 pounds and put on an aerial show like no other. Peak season runs from April to June, but you can find resident fish year-round. Watching a 100-pound tarpon launch itself 6 feet out of the water is something you'll never forget.

Permit: Often called the Holy Grail of flats fishing, permit are notoriously picky eaters and spook at the slightest mistake. But when you do hook up, their blistering runs will test both your drag system and your stamina. Spring and fall are prime permit times in the Keys.

Cobia: These curious brown bombers often show up around structure or following large rays. They're aggressive feeders and put up a stellar fight on light tackle. Cobia can reach 100 pounds, though 20-40 pounders are more common. They make excellent table fare too!

Bull Shark: For pure power, it's hard to beat a bull shark. These brawlers inhabit the channels and flats of the Keys, reaching lengths of 8 feet or more. Hooking into one of these toothy critters on light tackle is guaranteed to get your heart racing. Captain Bill practices catch-and-release for all sharks.

Bonefish: Known as the "ghost of the flats," bonefish are prized for their blistering speed and challenge to catch. Sight-fishing for bones in gin-clear water is a test of stealth and accuracy. While not huge (typically 4-8 pounds), they're pound-for-pound one of the strongest fish in the sea.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

The Florida Keys aren't just a fishing destination – they're a fishing paradise. Where else can you target so many premier gamefish in one trip? Captain Bill's decades of experience mean you're not just going fishing, you're going catching. He knows how to put clients on fish, whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod. The scenery ain't bad either – crystal clear waters, swaying palms, and the chance to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and rays as you cruise the flats.

One of the best parts of fishing with Captain Bill is the learning opportunity. He's a wealth of knowledge on everything from fish behavior to conservation practices. By the end of your trip, you'll have picked up new techniques and insights to make you a better angler. Plus, with a max of 4 guests per trip, you get plenty of personalized attention and time on the rod.

Inside Scoop: Keys Fishing Tips

Want to make the most of your Florida Keys fishing adventure? Here are some local pro tips:

1. Dawn patrol: Early mornings often provide the best bite and calmest conditions. Be ready to hit the water at first light for prime action.

2. Dress for success: The Florida sun is no joke. Bring lightweight, long-sleeved clothing, a good hat, and plenty of sunscreen. Polarized sunglasses are a must for spotting fish on the flats.

3. Stay hydrated: Between the sun and the excitement, it's easy to get dehydrated. Bring more water than you think you'll need.

4. Camera ready: The Keys offer some stunning photo ops, both of your catches and the scenery. Don't forget your camera or smartphone!

5. Tide matters: Tides play a huge role in Keys fishing. Captain Bill will plan your trip around optimal tides, but it's good to understand their importance.

Time to Book Your Spot

A day on the water with Captain Bill Brown is more than just a fishing trip – it's a chance to experience the best of what the Florida Keys have to offer. Whether you're dreaming of your first tarpon, looking to check permit off your bucket list, or just want to bend a rod and make some memories, this is the charter for you. With limited spots available and prime dates filling up fast, don't wait to lock in your adventure. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so choose your date wisely and get ready for some of the best inshore fishing the Sunshine State has to offer. The fish are biting in the Florida Keys – are you ready to join them?

Learn more about the species

Bonefish

Bonefish are the ghosts of the flats, sleek and silver, averaging 3-5 pounds but reaching up to 19 pounds. You'll find them tailing in ultra-shallow water, often just inches deep. Spring and fall are prime, but we chase bones year-round in the Keys. Sight-fishing for these spooky speedsters is a unique challenge - they have incredible eyesight and spook at the slightest mistake. When hooked, bonefish make blistering runs that can empty your reel in seconds. It's all about the hunt and that initial run. We use light tackle, often fly rods, with small crabs or shrimp patterns. The key is a stealthy approach and pinpoint casting. Place your bait a few feet ahead of a cruising fish, not on top of it. Strip slowly to imitate a fleeing crab. When that bone takes off, hold on tight - it's an experience you won't forget.

Bull Shark

Bull sharks are the bruisers of our inshore waters. They typically run 8-10 feet long and 200-300 pounds of pure muscle. You'll find them in shallow coastal areas, river mouths, and even freshwater. These aggressive predators are around year-round but are most active in warmer months. Bull sharks put up a powerful, dogged fight that can last hours. They're not known for jumping, but their sheer strength will push your tackle to the limit. We practice catch-and-release with sharks, focusing on the thrill of the battle. For best results, use fresh cut bait like mullet or mackerel. A good chum slick helps too. When you hook up, be ready for a long, arm-burning fight. Just remember, these aren't the acrobats that some other shark species are - it's all about raw power with bulls.

Cobia

Cobia are powerhouse fish that'll give you a run for your money. They average 3-4 feet and 30-50 pounds but can reach 6 feet and 100 pounds. Look for them around buoys, wrecks, and other structure in 30-70 feet of water. Spring and early summer are prime seasons as cobia migrate through. These opportunistic feeders will hit live bait, jigs, and even topwater lures. Once hooked, they make strong runs and fight all the way to the boat. Cobia are prized for their firm, white meat - some of the best eating fish in the ocean. To improve your odds, keep an eye out for rays - cobia often follow them looking for an easy meal. Toss a jig or live eel in front of the ray and hold on tight. These hard-fighting fish will test your arms and your gear.

Permit

Permit are the holy grail of flats fishing. These wary, disc-shaped fish average 3 feet long and 30 pounds, but can reach 4 feet and 60 pounds. You'll spot them tailing on shallow flats or cruising near reefs, often in just 2-3 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but we chase permit year-round in the Keys. Anglers love the challenge - permit have incredible eyesight and spook easily. When hooked, they make blistering runs that'll test your gear. For best results, use live crabs or crab-imitation flies. The key is a stealthy approach and accurate cast. Place your bait a few feet in front of a cruising fish, not on top of it. The permit's wariness and powerful fight make it one of the most sought-after inshore species.

Tarpon

Tarpon are the iconic gamefish of the Florida Keys, growing up to 8 feet and 280 pounds. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, channels, and flats, especially during their spring and summer migration. These "silver kings" are known for their acrobatic jumps and blistering runs that'll test any angler's skills. Best fishing is April through July, but you can hook them year-round here. Tarpon put up an amazing fight but aren't good eating, so we practice catch-and-release. To improve your chances, use live bait like mullet or crabs, or try fly fishing with large streamers. When you hook one, bow to the king - lower your rod tip when they jump to avoid breaking them off. It's all about the thrill of the battle with these prehistoric fish.

About the Billfish

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 35

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 115

Ready to reel in some Florida Keys action? Join Captain Bill Brown for a productive day of inshore fishing you won't soon forget. With over four decades of experience, Bill knows all the prime spots to land Tarpon, Bonefish, Cobia, Sharks, Snapper, and more, depending on the season. His 5-8 hour charters are perfect for groups up to 4, whether you're a seasoned angler or trying fishing for the first time. Bill provides all the gear and tailors his guidance to your skill level, ensuring everyone has a great time on the water. Families love these trips for their mix of excitement and accessibility. So grab your sunscreen and get ready to make some fish stories of your own with Bill Fish Sportfishing. Just remember, deposits are non-refundable, so book with confidence and get ready for your Keys adventure!

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