Sutton Charters in Ramrod Key

Sutton Charters is Captain Sam Sutton's Lower Keys guide service, based on Ramrod Key between Marathon and Key West. Its focus is backcountry and flats fishing, with fly anglers and other shallow-water enthusiasts among the intended guests. Half-day and full-day options offer different amounts of time to work toward the group's fishing goals.

Contact and booking details

Lower Keys flats and backcountry

Bonefish, permit and tarpon feature prominently in the operator's fishing description. Redfish, sea trout, snook, barracuda and sharks are also named as possible interests. Rather than committing every day to the same species, Sutton invites a conversation about the experience the angler wants and the opportunities that fit the season and conditions.

The site describes a quiet skiff-fishing environment among mangrove islands and shallow flats, with the captain poling the boat. That makes the charter relevant to anglers who enjoy looking for fish and preparing a cast. Explain whether you are experienced with saltwater fly fishing, prefer spinning tackle or would like help learning a new approach.

Captain Sam and charter choices

Sutton grew up on central Florida's east coast and spent childhood summers in the Keys, later moving to the Lower Keys in 2003. His biography also describes guiding and teaching through the Boy Scouts' Florida Sea Base. Instruction and working with younger anglers are therefore part of the background presented by the service.

Four-hour half days and eight-hour full days are published options. The website says fishing-license coverage is provided and describes a deposit requirement. Ask for the current rate, party limit and cancellation terms for your reservation. If arranging a larger group, the operator says it can recommend additional guides rather than assuming everyone will fit on one skiff.

Meeting on Ramrod Key

The direct telephone number is 386-235-2102. Ramrod Key is the stated base, with alternative meeting locations or waterfront pickups described as possible by arrangement. Confirm those details individually; the possibility of a boat pickup does not mean every rental dock or tide stage will be suitable for boarding.

Ask which rods, reels, flies or other tackle are supplied and whether your own equipment would be useful. Food, drinks, polarized glasses and sun protection should be planned around the selected duration. A clear statement of goals lets Sutton recommend whether a compact introduction or a full day searching the Lower Keys flats is the better use of your time.

Details checked October 21, 2026, against published operator information. Confirm rates, departure details and policies directly before booking. Fishing targets depend on conditions, applicable seasons and the trip selected.

Featured photo: Guide poling a skiff on a Lower Keys flat. Photo from Sutton Charters.

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