Full Day Key West Spearfishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour spearfishing charter targeting snapper, grouper, and barracudaCaptain Jose Rodriguez provides gear and guidance for all skill levelsAbove & Below Adventures accommodates up to six guests on Key West reefs
Captain Jose Rodriguez knows these Key West reefs like the back of his hand, and he's ready to share 8 hours of world-class spearfishing action with you. This isn't your typical hook-and-line trip – we're talking about getting down in the clear blue water with your speargun, hunting red grouper, mutton snapper, and whatever else calls these reefs home. With gear provided and expert guidance from start to finish, this top-rated charter welcomes everyone from first-time spearfishers to seasoned underwater hunters looking for their next trophy.
Your day starts early at the marina, where Captain Jose will brief you on safety protocols and spearfishing regulations before we head out to his favorite reef spots. The waters around Key West offer some of the best visibility in Florida – often 40 to 60 feet – making it perfect for spotting your targets. We'll hit multiple reef structures throughout the day, giving you plenty of opportunities to work different depths and hunting scenarios. The boat stays positioned nearby while you're diving, with Jose keeping a watchful eye on conditions and ready to move if the fish aren't cooperating. Between dives, you'll have time to rest, hydrate, and talk strategy for the next spot. Don't worry about bringing your own gear – spearguns, masks, fins, and safety equipment are all included, though you're welcome to bring your personal setup if you prefer.
We primarily work the patch reefs and ledges that dot the waters off Key West, typically in 20 to 40 feet of water where the grouper and snapper like to hang out. Jose provides quality spearguns – usually pneumatic or band guns depending on your comfort level – along with dive flags, gloves, and all safety gear. The technique here is patience and stealth. You'll learn to approach structure slowly, checking overhangs and crevices where grouper love to hide. For the snapper, it's about positioning yourself near the reef and waiting for them to come within range. Jose will show you how to load and handle your speargun safely, proper diving techniques to conserve air, and how to approach different species without spooking them. The key is smooth, deliberate movements and knowing when to take your shot. We also cover proper fish handling and storage to keep your catch fresh throughout the day.
Red grouper are the bread and butter of these reefs, and they're active year-round in Key West waters. These chunky fish typically run 5 to 15 pounds and love to tuck themselves into holes and overhangs during the day. What makes them exciting to hunt is their curious nature – they'll often let you get surprisingly close if you move slowly and don't make sudden movements. The meat is fantastic, making them a customer favorite for good reason. Mutton snapper bring a different challenge altogether. These smart, wary fish school around the reef edges and require patience and good positioning. They can grow quite large here – we've seen fish over 10 pounds – and they're incredibly good eating. The key is getting into position and waiting for them to come to you rather than chasing them around the reef. Black grouper are less common but absolutely worth the effort when you spot one. These bruisers can exceed 20 pounds and provide an amazing fight even after you've speared them. Cobia show up seasonally, usually spring through fall, and they're probably the most exciting fish you'll encounter. They're curious about divers and will often circle around to check you out, giving you multiple shot opportunities. Yellowtail amberjack round out our target list – they're fast, strong fish that typically hang around structure in small schools. Landing one requires a good shot and quick thinking because they'll try to wrap you around the reef.
This full-day spearfishing charter delivers exactly what serious underwater hunters are looking for – extended time on productive reefs with an experienced captain who knows where the fish are. With all gear included and a maximum of 6 anglers, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of opportunities to improve your technique while filling the cooler. Whether you're new to spearfishing or looking to explore Key West's renowned reef systems, Captain Jose's charter offers the perfect blend of instruction, adventure, and productive hunting. The memories and fresh fish you'll take home make this trip worth every penny.
Get ready to hunt the reefs aboard this brand-new 2025 32' SeaVee powered by twin Mercury 300s. This custom fishing machine comes loaded with everything you need for a serious spearfishing adventure - from the tower for spotting fish to JL sound system for the ride out. Captain Jose Rodriguez knows these Key West waters like the back of his hand and will put you on snapper, grouper, and barracuda in crystal-clear conditions. The boat handles 6 divers comfortably with a private head, shower, and icebox to keep your catch fresh. Advanced fish finder and GPS ensure we're always on the fish, while the flybridge gives you perfect visibility of the hunting grounds below. Starlink Wi-Fi keeps you connected, but you'll be too busy diving the reefs to check your phone. Eight hours of prime spearfishing time with gear and expert guidance included.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack Grouper are the heavyweight champions of our reefs - dark, mottled fish that can exceed 50 pounds, though most run 10-25 pounds around Key West. They're ambush predators that hide in caves, ledges, and wrecks in 30-200 feet of water. Winter months are prime when they move shallower to spawn. These fish are bucket-list catches because of their incredible strength and premium table fare - mild, firm meat that's restaurant quality. They'll inhale any bait that hits bottom, from live pinfish to dead sardines. The challenge is stopping their initial run back to structure. Here's what works: heavy tackle with at least 80-pound braid, and the second you feel that thump, start winding and don't stop. Give them an inch and they'll wrap you up in the rocks.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are big, brown, solitary fish that cruise around reefs and wrecks looking like small sharks until you get close. These bruisers average 20-40 pounds but can hit 60+ pounds in our waters. They hang around structure in 30-100 feet, often near the surface where you can sight-fish them. Spring through fall is prime time when they're most active around Key West. What makes them special is the combination of size, fight, and incredible table fare - the meat is firm and buttery, perfect for grilling. They're aggressive predators that'll smash jigs and live bait. Here's the trick: when you spot one cruising, drop a bucktail jig right in front of its nose and work it slow. They can't resist that presentation, and once hooked, they'll give you a memorable battle.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton Snapper are beautiful pinkish fish with blue lines around their eyes and black spots on their sides. They typically run 3-8 pounds, though 15+ pounders show up on our deeper reefs. You'll find them around coral and rock structure in 30-150 feet, often in sandy areas adjacent to reefs. They're year-round residents but bite best during warmer months. What guests love is their strong fight for their size and excellent table fare - sweet, firm meat that's hard to beat. They're smart fish that require fresh bait and light tackle for best results. The key is letting your bait drift naturally in the current with minimal weight. Once hooked, that pink flash coming up through clear water is unmistakable. They'll try to run back to structure, so keep steady pressure and lead them away from the reef.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are solid reef fish that run 5-10 pounds on average, though we've seen some push 20+ pounds around Key West's deeper structures. You'll find them hanging around rocky bottoms, ledges, and wrecks in 30-100 feet of water. These rusty-red beauties with white spots are aggressive feeders that'll hit shrimp, crab, or cut bait without hesitation. They're tough fighters that'll try to get back into the rocks once hooked, so you need to apply pressure early. The meat is some of the best eating you'll find - firm, flaky, and sweet. Best fishing is during cooler months when they move shallower. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get their head down, or they'll wrap you up in the reef structure every time.
Seriola LalandiYellowtails are fast, powerful fish with bright yellow fins that make them easy to identify. Most run 15-25 pounds, but we regularly see 40-pounders around Key West's deeper reefs and wrecks. They hang around structure in 60-200 feet, often suspended in the water column. Summer months are best when warm water brings them in closer. These fish are prized for their incredible fight - they're lightning fast and will test your drag system. The meat is excellent too, especially for sashimi. They'll hit live bait, jigs, and even surface lures when they're fired up. Pro tip: when you hook one, don't try to horse it in. Let your drag do the work and stay patient - if you apply too much pressure early, they'll break you off in the structure every time.
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