Full Day Key West Reef Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour reef fishing charter targeting snapper, grouper, and kingfishAll tackle, bait, and catch cleaning services includedAccommodates up to six guests with professional guidance provided
When you think about world-class reef fishing, Key West sits at the top of every angler's bucket list. This 8-hour charter with Above & Below Adventures puts you right where the action happens – on the productive reefs surrounding the southernmost tip of Florida. You'll be targeting some of the most sought-after species in these waters: Red and Black Grouper, King Mackerel, Great Barracuda, and the prized Mutton Snapper. With all tackle, bait, and gear provided, plus professional catch cleaning included, this trip removes every barrier between you and a day of serious fishing. Whether you're a seasoned angler or someone who just loves being on the water with a rod in hand, these reefs deliver consistent action that keeps you busy from the moment you drop lines.
Your day starts early, meeting the crew as the sun comes up over Key West Harbor. The boat heads out to the reef structures that have been producing fish for generations of local captains. These aren't your typical shallow water spots – we're talking about real reef fishing in 60 to 120 feet of water where the big fish live. The captain knows these ledges, wrecks, and coral heads like his own backyard, positioning the boat perfectly over the structure where grouper hide and snapper school up. You'll spend the day anchored over productive bottom, sometimes moving between spots when the bite slows down. The crew keeps fresh bait coming and helps with everything from rigging to netting fish. With a maximum of 6 anglers on board, there's plenty of room to fish comfortably without feeling crowded. The atmosphere stays relaxed but focused – everyone's here to catch fish, and the reefs around Key West rarely disappoint.
Reef fishing in Key West is all about precision and patience. You'll be using conventional tackle with circle hooks and heavy enough sinkers to get your bait down through the current to where the fish are holding. The crew rigs you up with the right weights for the conditions – sometimes 6 ounces, sometimes 10 or more depending on how the water's moving. Fresh cut bait like ballyhoo, pilchards, and squid gets the best results on these reefs. The technique is straightforward: drop your rig to the bottom, reel up a few cranks, and wait for that telltale thump of a grouper or the steady pull of a snapper. When kings are around, the crew switches tactics, putting out live bait or pulling small lures around the structure. The key to success is staying patient and keeping your bait fresh. These fish have seen plenty of hooks, so presentation matters. The experienced crew watches the electronics constantly, moving the boat when they mark better concentrations of fish or when the current shifts.
Red Grouper are the bread and butter of Key West reef fishing, and for good reason. These chunky bottom dwellers grow big in these waters – a solid red grouper runs 8 to 15 pounds, with bigger ones pushing 20-plus. They love structure and ambush bait fish from their rocky hideouts. Red grouper bite year-round, but summer and fall fishing tends to be most productive. When you hook one, you'll feel that classic grouper headshake before they try to dive back into the rocks. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Black Grouper are the heavyweights of the grouper family in these waters. While less common than reds, when you find them, they're usually bigger – often 15 to 30 pounds or more. Black grouper are more aggressive feeders and will often hit live bait presentations that might not interest their red cousins. They're notorious for their powerful runs back to structure once hooked, testing both your tackle and technique. The bigger blacks show up more consistently during cooler months, making them a prime target during winter fishing.
King Mackerel patrol these reefs like underwater wolves, hunting in packs and striking with lightning speed. Keys kings average 15 to 40 pounds, with larger fish showing up during their spring and fall migrations. They're pure adrenaline when hooked – long screaming runs followed by spectacular jumps. Live bait like blue runners or pilchards gets the best response, though they'll also hit trolled baits and lures. King mackerel are excellent on the table when prepared fresh, and their fighting ability makes them a favorite target for sport anglers.
Great Barracuda are the apex predators of the reef, growing to impressive sizes in Key West waters. These silver torpedoes can reach 4 to 6 feet long and pack serious speed and power. They're opportunistic feeders that will hit both live and dead baits, often surprising anglers targeting other species. Barracuda are known for their explosive strikes and aerial displays once hooked. While not everyone keeps them for the table, they're incredible sport fish that test your reflexes and equipment.
Mutton Snapper represent the premium end of the snapper family, prized both for their fighting ability and exceptional table quality. These beautiful fish with their distinctive black spot and red-tinted fins typically run 5 to 15 pounds in these waters, though larger specimens frequent the deeper reefs. Muttons are more selective feeders than other snappers, often requiring precise presentations and the freshest bait. They're most active during warmer months and around the full moon phases. When you connect with a good mutton, expect a strong, steady fight with multiple runs toward the bottom.
Key West's reef fishing scene is legendary for a reason – consistent action, diverse species, and the kind of fishing stories that last a lifetime. This full-day charter gives you the time needed to really work these productive waters without feeling rushed. The crew handles all the details so you can focus on
Get ready to fish Key West's legendary reefs aboard this brand-new 2025 32' SeaVee powered by twin Mercury 300s. This custom fishing machine comes loaded with everything serious anglers need - tower for spotting fish, advanced fish finder, GPS, and radar to keep you on the productive waters. The boat handles up to 6 anglers comfortably with a private bathroom, shower, and icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. JL sound system and Starlink Wi-Fi add modern touches between hookups. The flybridge gives you prime viewing for those trophy shots while you target snapper, grouper, and kingfish around Key West's productive reef systems. All tackle and bait included, plus they'll clean your catch so you can focus on fishing. Perfect setup for both seasoned reef fishermen and families wanting to experience Florida Keys fishing at its finest.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the heavyweight champions of our reef system, with their dark blotched bodies and serious attitude. Most run 15-30 pounds, but the real trophies can hit 50+ pounds and provide an arm-burning fight. They love deep ledges, wrecks, and rocky structure in 60-300 feet, moving shallower during winter months. These are ambush predators that inhale their prey whole, so when you feel that thump, set the hook immediately. The meat is outstanding - mild flavor and firm texture that's hard to beat. What challenges anglers is their strength and tendency to head straight for cover once hooked. Heavy tackle is a must, and you can't give them any slack. The trick is keeping constant pressure to pull them up and away from the bottom before they can wrap you up.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the wolves of the reef - fast, aggressive, and always looking for an easy meal. Most run 2-4 feet long around here, but the big ones can hit 5+ feet and really test your gear. They patrol the reef edges and grass flats, usually near the surface where they can ambush baitfish. Spring spawning season brings the biggest fish shallow, making for some exciting sight fishing. Anglers love them because they fight hard with sudden direction changes and occasional jumps. They're curious fish that'll often follow lures or check out shiny objects. The trick is using a steel leader - their razor teeth will slice through anything else. Once hooked, keep tension steady since they have soft mouths and can throw the hook with their head shaking.
Scomberomorus CavallaKingfish are the speed demons of our reefs, hitting 30+ mph when they take off on a run. Most average 15-25 pounds, but we regularly see fish in the 40-50 pound range during peak season. They cruise the 40-150 foot range along drop-offs and structure edges. Spring through fall is prime time when they're actively feeding on baitfish. What draws anglers back is that first screaming run - nothing quite like watching 200 yards of line disappear in seconds. They're also excellent eating when iced properly. The key is using a wire leader since their teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. When trolling, vary your speed and watch for bait schools - that's where you'll find the kings waiting to ambush their next meal.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are the prize of our snapper fishing, with their distinctive olive-pink coloration and blue facial markings. They typically run 15-20 inches, but the big spawners can push 30+ inches and really bend the rod. You'll find them around coral heads, ledges, and sandy areas near structure in 80-200 feet. They're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill. Spring months bring the biggest fish as they move up to spawn. What makes them challenging is their wariness - they'll inspect your bait closely before committing. Fresh bait is crucial, and lighter weights help the presentation look natural. The telltale sign you've got one hooked is that pink flash coming up through the water. Keep steady pressure and lead them away from the rocks.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are one of our most reliable reef fish here in Key West. These rusty-red beauties typically run 5-10 pounds, though we see some bruisers pushing 20+ pounds on the deeper ledges. You'll find them hanging around rocky bottoms and wrecks in 30-120 feet of water. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit live bait, cut fish, or squid without much hesitation. What makes them fun is the fight - they're bulldogs that'll try to drag you straight back to the rocks. The meat is fantastic too, firm and flaky with a sweet taste. Best fishing is during cooler months when they move shallower. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't give them any slack, or they'll wrap you up in the structure below.
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