Deep Drop Fishing in the Florida Keys
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target swordfish, grouper, and snapper in 6001,600 foot depthsEighthour charter includes electric reels, rods, bait, and tackleAccommodates six guests with Above & Below Adventures captain
When you're ready to fish where the big boys live, this 8-hour deep drop charter takes you straight to the productive waters 600 to 1,600 feet down off the Florida Keys. This isn't your typical reef fishing trip – we're talking serious deep-water angling where swordfish roam and heavyweight grouper stack up on the ledges. Your captain comes equipped with everything you need: electric reels that'll save your shoulders, heavy-duty rods built for the deep, and all the terminal tackle designed to get down fast and stay put in the current. Whether you're an experienced offshore angler looking for your next challenge or someone who just wants to fill the cooler with some of the best eating fish in the ocean, this trip delivers both the fight and the feast.
Your day starts with a ride out to the deep-water zones where the continental shelf drops off into the abyss. The Florida Keys sit perfectly positioned where the Gulf Stream pushes warm, clear water over underwater mountains and drop-offs that create perfect habitat for deep-dwelling species. You'll be fishing in that magical zone where the water column is loaded with baitfish, and the bottom structure holds everything from monster grouper to curious tilefish. The boat setup is specifically rigged for deep dropping – think heavy sinkers, multiple hook rigs, and electric reels that can handle the long retrieve from way down there. This isn't a numbers game like reef fishing; it's about patience, precision, and being ready when something big decides to eat. The scenery alone makes the trip worth it, with crystal-clear blue water stretching to the horizon and the occasional dolphin or sea turtle making an appearance topside.
Deep drop fishing is its own specialty, and your captain has it dialed in. We're using electric reels – and trust me, after hauling up a 20-pound snowy grouper from 1,200 feet, you'll understand why. The rigs are typically multi-hook setups with heavy sinkers (often 2-4 pounds) to cut through the current and get your baits down to where the fish are holding. Squid, cut bait, and specialized deep-water baits work best since they can handle the long drop and still look appetizing when they hit bottom. The key is getting your bait to the structure – rocky ledges, drop-offs, and seamounts where these deep-water species congregate. Your captain reads the bottom machine like a book, positioning the boat over productive spots and adjusting for current and drift. The technique requires patience since it can take several minutes just to get your bait down, but when something grabs hold at 1,000 feet, that slow, heavy pull on the rod tip gets your heart pumping fast.
Swordfish are the ultimate prize of deep drop fishing, and the waters off the Keys hold some real beauties. These apex predators can reach over 400 pounds and are most active during dawn and dusk periods, though daytime deep dropping can produce solid fish in the 50-100 pound range. What makes swordfish special isn't just their size – it's their fight. They'll make powerful runs, jump clear of the water, and test every piece of tackle you've got. The meat is exceptional too, with that firm, steak-like texture that makes them a favorite among seafood lovers.
Red Grouper are aggressive feeders that stack up on the deeper ledges and wrecks. These guys can push 30+ pounds and are notorious for their bulldogging fight – straight down toward the rocks where they know they can break you off. They're year-round residents, but the bigger fish tend to show up best during cooler months. Red grouper have that classic sweet, flaky white meat that makes them one of the most sought-after table fish in Florida waters.
Great Northern Tilefish are the deep-water oddball that many anglers fall in love with once they hook into one. These colorful fish live in burrows they dig in the muddy bottom between 600-1,200 feet deep. They can reach impressive sizes – 30 to 40 pounders aren't uncommon – and they put up a surprisingly good fight for a bottom dweller. Tilefish have a unique, almost lobster-like flavor that makes them incredibly popular with chefs and seafood enthusiasts.
Snowy Grouper are the ghosts of the deep, living in water so deep that sunlight never reaches them. These pale, almost translucent fish can live over 100 years and grow to impressive sizes. A 20-pound snowy is a solid fish, but 40+ pounders lurk in the deepest waters. They're most active during winter months when they move up from the ultra-deep water to feed. The meat is incredibly sweet and delicate – many consider it the best-eating grouper species.
Yellowedge Grouper are the workhorses of deep drop fishing, consistently showing up in good numbers on the deeper reefs and ledges. They're smaller than their snowy cousins but make up for it with their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare. These fish have distinct yellow fins and can reach 15-25 pounds. They're most active during daylight hours and are often the species that keeps the action going when other fish are being finicky.
This deep drop charter offers something you won't find on typical fishing trips – a chance to target species that most anglers never get to experience, in water deeper than most people will ever fish. The combination of world-class fishing grounds, professional-grade equipment, and a captain who knows exactly where to find these deep-water species makes this a top-rated choice for serious anglers visiting the Florida Keys. Whether you're after that once-in-a-lifetime swordfish, looking to load up on premium table fare, or just want to experience what real deep-water fishing is all about
Hit the deep waters of the Florida Keys aboard this brand-new 2025 32' SeaVee, rigged specifically for serious deep drop fishing. Twin Mercury 300s power you out to the 600-1,600 foot depths where swordfish, snowy grouper, and queen snapper lurk in the darkness below. The boat's tower gives your captain excellent visibility for navigation, while the fish finder helps locate productive bottom structure and bait schools. Electric reels take the backbreaking work out of cranking up heavy fish from extreme depths. Between drops, relax on the flybridge or grab a cold drink from the icebox. The JL sound system keeps things lively, and there's even Starlink Wi-Fi if you need to share your catch photos. With a private bathroom and shower onboard, this isn't your typical bare-bones fishing vessel. The spacious layout accommodates up to 6 anglers comfortably, with plenty of room to work multiple lines without getting tangled. GPS and radar ensure safe navigation in all conditions, while the VHF radio keeps you connected to other boats and marine traffic. Whether you're an experienced deep water angler or new to this style of fishing, this fully equipped platform gives you the best shot at landing trophy-sized bottom fish that make excellent table fare.
Lopholatilus ChamaeleonticepsGolden Tile are the prize of deep dropping - beautiful fish with that distinctive crest and blue-green coloration that turns golden when they come up. Most run 15-25 pounds, but we regularly see 30-40 pounders in 600-1200 feet over soft, muddy bottom. They're curious fish that live in burrows, and once you find them, you can usually pull several from the same spot. The meat is outstanding - firm, white, and sweet with almost no fishy taste. What's cool about these fish is they're homebodies, so productive spots stay productive. Best fishing is during cooler months when the water temperature is more stable. Pro tip: when you hit bottom, bounce your weight a few times to stir up the mud - it gets their attention and draws them right to your bait.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are some of the most reliable fighters you'll find on our reefs and ledges. These rusty-red beauties with white spots typically run 5-15 pounds, though we see some pushing 30+ pounds. They love rocky bottom and structure in 60-300 feet of water, making them perfect targets when we're working the shallower end of our deep drops. They're aggressive feeders year-round, but spring and fall fishing tends to be most productive. What makes them special is that shellfish-heavy diet - gives the meat a sweet, almost lobster-like flavor that's hard to beat. These fish will test your drag and try to wrap you around structure, so here's the key: once you hook up, get them off the bottom fast and keep steady pressure.
Epinephelus Snowy Grouper are the bullies of the deep - chunky, aggressive fish with those distinctive white spots on dark copper bodies. They average 20-30 pounds but can push 50+, and they live in 300-600 feet over rocky structure. The season runs May through August, and these fish are absolute savages when they eat - no gentle taps, just crushing strikes. What guests love is the fight and the quality of meat. They're cannibalistic predators that'll eat anything, including each other, which makes them pretty easy to hook. The challenge is muscling them up from depth before they get back to their caves. Here's what works: use heavy tackle and get them coming up immediately. Once they get their head down and start bulldogging toward bottom, you're in for a long battle.
Xiphias GladiusSwordfish are the ultimate deep water challenge - powerful, fast, and smart. These prehistoric-looking fish average 100-200 pounds but can hit 400+, with that signature flat bill and sleek body built for speed. We target them in 1200-1600 feet during both day and night trips, though they come shallower to feed after dark. The meat is dense, meaty, and perfect for steaks - totally different from any other fish. What makes swordfish special is the fight; they're one of the few fish that can actually pull drag on our heavy electric reels. Peak season is April through September when they're most active in our waters. The key to success is proper light setup and patience - use 2-3 lights spaced down your line, drop squid or mackerel chunks, and be ready to wait. When one grabs it, you'll know immediately.
Hyporthodus FlavolimbatusYellowedge Grouper are the deep water trophy fish that serious anglers dream about. These chunky fish average 20-30 pounds and are easily spotted by those bright yellow fin edges against their reddish bodies. They live alone in 400-600 feet over rocky bottom and sand holes, and they're particular about their territory. The meat is some of the best you'll find - holds moisture better than most grouper and has this unique mild flavor. They're hermaphrodites that start as females and some turn male, which makes them vulnerable to overfishing. Best fishing is during stable weather when we can work the deeper structure effectively. My tip: use multiple baits on your rig and keep it simple - whole squid or big chunks of mackerel. These fish are strong and will try to get back to their holes, so keep steady pressure coming up.
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