Key West Spearfishing Charter: Reef Hunt Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour spearfishing charter targeting snapper, grouper, and barracudaAll gear and instruction provided for beginners and experienced diversCaptain Jose Rodriguez guides trips around Key West's clear reefs
Captain Jose Rodriguez knows these Key West reefs like the back of his hand, and he's ready to take you on a proper underwater hunt. This 6-hour spearfishing charter puts you right where the action is – crystal-clear waters teeming with snapper, grouper, and everything else that calls these reefs home. Whether you're new to spearfishing or you've been diving with a spear for years, Jose's got the local knowledge and gear to make your day count. We're talking about some of the best reef diving in the Florida Keys, where the fish are plentiful and the water's so clear you'll think you're in an aquarium.
Your day starts early with Captain Jose, who's been working these waters for over a decade and knows exactly where the big fish like to hang out. The boat heads out to his favorite reef spots – places where grouper stack up in the ledges and snapper cruise in schools that'll make your heart race. You'll spend 6 solid hours hunting, which gives you plenty of time to get comfortable with the gear, learn Jose's techniques, and put some serious fish in the cooler. The water around Key West stays warm year-round, so visibility is usually fantastic – often 60 to 80 feet on a good day. Jose provides all the spearfishing gear, including masks, fins, snorkels, spearguns, and Hawaiian slings. He'll also give you a proper safety briefing and teach you how to read the reef structure, spot fish hiding spots, and make clean shots. This isn't just a guided dive; it's a masterclass in spearfishing from someone who lives and breathes these waters.
Jose runs a top-rated operation with quality gear that's maintained and ready to go. You'll be using pneumatic spearguns and pole spears, depending on what you're comfortable with and what the conditions call for. The reefs around Key West are perfect spearfishing territory – lots of structure, plenty of ambush points, and fish that haven't been pressured like they are in other popular spots. Jose teaches you to work the reef methodically, checking the overhangs where grouper like to hide, watching for the flash of snapper tails, and keeping an eye out for the bigger predators cruising the blue water just off the reef edge. The technique here is all about patience and positioning. You'll learn to approach fish slowly, use the reef structure to mask your approach, and make shots that count. Jose's been perfecting these methods for years, and he's got stories about monster fish and epic dives that'll keep you entertained between hunting spots. The boat carries ice and fish boxes, so everything you spear stays fresh for the trip home.
Red Grouper are the bread and butter of Key West spearfishing, and these reefs hold some real beauties. These fish love to tuck themselves into ledges and under coral heads, where they think they're invisible. Red grouper hit around 5 to 15 pounds on average, but the big ones can push 20 pounds or more. They're most active during the cooler months from October through March, when they're feeding heavily before spawning season. What makes them so fun to hunt is their curiosity – they'll often hold their ground and watch you approach, giving experienced spearos a great shot opportunity. The meat is phenomenal, with firm white fillets that taste even better when you know you earned them the hard way.
Cobia are the wildcards of this fishery, and when they show up, your heart rate jumps through the roof. These fish cruise the reefs like underwater torpedoes, often traveling in small groups and checking out anything that looks interesting – including spearfishermen. Cobia can range from 15 to 40 pounds, with some real monsters pushing 50 pounds or more. They're around Key West year-round but really light up during the warmer months from April through September. What makes cobia special is their intelligence and curiosity. They'll circle you, check out your gear, and sometimes come so close you can almost touch them. When you get a good shot on a big cobia, you're in for a fight that'll test your gear and your skills.
Yellowtail Amberjack bring serious muscle to the party, and these fish are built for speed and power. They typically run 10 to 30 pounds, though the occasional heavyweight can hit 40 pounds or better. Yellowtails are year-round residents, but they really turn on during spring and fall when water temperatures are just right. These fish love structure, especially wrecks and high-relief reefs where they can ambush baitfish. What makes yellowtail amberjack so exciting is their aggressive nature and incredible fighting ability. When you stone one, you better be ready for a battle because they'll use every ounce of their strength to reach the bottom and cut your line on the reef.
Mutton Snapper are the gold standard of Keys spearfishing, and Captain Jose knows exactly where to find the big schools. These fish typically run 3 to 8 pounds, but the real trophies can push 15 pounds or more. Muttons are most active from March through September, when they're feeding on the abundant baitfish around the reefs. They're incredibly wary and have excellent eyesight, which makes them a real challenge for spearfishermen. What separates mutton snapper from other species is their schooling behavior and intelligence. They'll often test your patience, circling just out of range before deciding whether you're a threat. When you finally get that perfect shot on a big mutton, you know you've accomplished something special.
Black Grouper are the heavyweights of the reef, and landing one is a badge of honor for any spearfisherman. These fish can range from 10 to 40 pounds, with some real monsters pushing 60
Hit the reefs around Key West aboard this brand-new 2025 32' SeaVee that's built for serious spearfishing action. Twin Mercury 300s get you to the prime hunting spots fast, while the tower gives you perfect visibility to scout fish from above. Between dives, chill with the JL sound system, stay connected with Starlink Wi-Fi, or grab a cold one from the icebox. The private head and shower mean you can rinse off the salt between reef drops. Captain Jose knows exactly where the snapper and grouper hang out, and with GPS, fish finder, and radar on board, you'll spend more time hunting underwater and less time searching. The flybridge setup gives everyone room to gear up and plenty of space for six divers to move around comfortably. Whether you're new to spearfishing or already know your way around a speargun, this rig has everything you need for a solid day targeting reef species in Key West's crystal-clear waters.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the bruisers of the reef system - thick, powerful fish with dark, mottled coloration and rectangular blotches. Most average 8-20 pounds, but the real trophies can hit 50+ pounds. They're ambush predators hanging around ledges, wrecks, and deep structure, typically 60-200 feet down. Winter months are best when they move up shallower to spawn. What makes them special is the incredible fight - they're bulldogs that'll try to pull you straight into the rocks. The meat is also outstanding, mild and firm. Here's the key: once you stick a big black, you've got about 10 seconds before they reach cover. Crank hard and don't let up - if they get back in the rocks, you're done. Heavy gear is a must for these fish.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are unique fish that'll keep you on your toes - they're often mistaken for sharks with that dark brown color and single dorsal fin. Most run 20-40 pounds, but the big ones can hit 80+ pounds. They're usually loners cruising around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 30-100 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time when they're moving through our waters. What guests love about cobia is the incredible fight - they're strong, fast swimmers that'll test your gear. The meat is also top-shelf, firm and mild, highly prized for the table. My tip: when you spot one, be patient. They're curious fish, so let them come to you rather than charging at them. A slow, steady approach usually pays off better than rushing the shot.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are some of the prettiest fish on the reef with that pinkish coloration and distinctive blue streaks around the face. Most run 3-8 pounds, but we get some nice 15-20 pounders on the deeper reefs. You'll find them around coral heads, ledges, and sandy areas near structure in 40-150 feet of water. They're active year-round, but spring and summer produce the best action. What guests love is they're excellent table fare - sweet, firm meat that's hard to beat. They're also strong fighters for their size, making good runs when hooked. Local trick: when you see that flash of pink coming up, don't get excited and rush it. Keep steady pressure and lead them away from the reef - they'll try to cut you off on coral if you give them the chance.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are one of our bread-and-butter reef fish here in Key West. Most run 5-15 pounds, though we occasionally see monsters pushing 30-40 pounds. You'll recognize them by that rusty red color and white spots scattered across their body. They hang around rocky bottoms, ledges, and wrecks typically between 30-120 feet deep. Best hunting happens during cooler months when they move shallower. What makes them special? They're tough fighters that'll try to bull their way back into structure, plus the meat is outstanding - firm, flaky, and sweet. Here's a local tip: once you stick one, get them up quick. They'll try to wrap you around the reef, so keep steady pressure and don't give them any slack.
Seriola LalandiYellowtail amberjack are speed demons of the reef - you'll know them by those bright yellow fins and streamlined silver bodies. Around Key West, most run 15-30 pounds, though the big ones can push 50+ pounds. They cruise deeper reefs and structure, usually 60-200 feet down, hunting in small groups. Summer months are peak season when they're most active around our offshore spots. What makes them special is the fight - they're incredibly fast and strong, making long runs that'll test your gear. The meat is excellent too, oily and rich, perfect for the grill. Pro tip: once you stick one, be ready for a battle. Keep steady pressure but don't horse them - they'll use that speed to break you off on structure if you're not careful.
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