Key Largo Afternoon Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Four-hour private charter targeting multiple reef and pelagic speciesCaptain Justin Hann guides trips through Pennekamp Coral Reef watersAll equipment, bait, and fishing licenses included for groups
Captain Justin Hann knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to show you why Key Largo is one of Florida's top-rated fishing destinations. This 4-hour private afternoon charter puts you right in the action, whether you're working the colorful reefs of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park or heading offshore to battle pelagic giants. Starting at 1:00 PM, you'll have the perfect window to capitalize on prime afternoon feeding times when fish are most active. With room for up to 4 anglers, this trip strikes the perfect balance between intimate fishing and having enough hands to work multiple lines when the bite gets hot.
Captain Justin tailors each trip based on current conditions and what's biting that day. Some afternoons, you'll find yourselves drifting over vibrant coral heads where snapper and grouper lurk in the shadows, while other days call for heading to deeper waters where the big pelagics roam. The boat comes fully rigged with quality tackle, fresh bait, and all the gear you need to land everything from feisty barracuda to heavyweight amberjack. You won't need to worry about licenses either – that's all taken care of. Just bring your cooler with snacks and drinks, slather on the sunscreen, and get ready to put some serious bends in the rods. The afternoon timing is money – it avoids the morning crowds and puts you on the water when many species are most aggressive.
Depending on where the fish are holding, Captain Justin employs different strategies to maximize your success. Over the reefs, you'll likely be bottom fishing with live or cut bait, targeting structure where grouper and snapper set up shop. When chasing pelagics, expect to troll lures or pitch live bait to feeding schools. The boat's equipped with everything from light spinning gear for smaller reef fish to heavy conventional setups that can handle the screaming runs of king mackerel and mahi. Captain Justin reads the water constantly – watching for bird activity, bait schools, and current edges that concentrate fish. He's not afraid to move if the bite slows down, and his local knowledge of productive spots gives you a serious edge over fishing blindly.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of Key Largo's offshore scene, and while they're most reliable in winter months, don't be surprised if one crashes your afternoon party. These acrobatic fighters put on aerial displays that'll have you scrambling for your phone camera between fighting the fish. They're fast, jumping multiple times, and even a smaller sail will test your skills with blistering runs.
King Mackerel patrol these waters year-round but really turn on during spring and fall migrations. These toothy speedsters hit trolled baits like freight trains and make screaming runs that'll have your drag singing. A good king will easily stretch into the 20-30 pound range, and they're phenomenal on the dinner table when prepared fresh.
Mahi Mahi, or dolphinfish as locals often call them, are pure gold when you find them. They travel in schools, so when you hook one, get ready for multiple hookups. Their brilliant colors and acrobatic fights make them a customer favorite, plus they're absolutely delicious. Peak season runs spring through fall, and they love floating debris and weedlines.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef, using their broad sides and powerful shoulders to wage war from the depths. These bruisers can exceed 50 pounds and will test both your endurance and your tackle. They're structure-oriented fish that ambush prey, making them perfect targets when working the deeper reefs and wrecks around Key Largo.
Great Barracuda are lightning-fast predators that provide heart-stopping strikes on both live bait and lures. While they're abundant year-round, they're especially aggressive during warmer months. Their torpedo-shaped bodies and impressive teeth make them exciting catches, and they're surprisingly good eating when prepared correctly, despite what some anglers think.
This world-class fishing opportunity books up fast, especially during peak season when word gets out about the hot bite. Captain Justin's reputation for putting clients on fish speaks for itself, and his afternoon timing gives you flexibility if you want to enjoy Key Largo's other attractions in the morning. Whether you're looking to introduce kids to offshore fishing, celebrate a special occasion, or just want to experience some of Florida's best fishing, this charter delivers. The 4-hour window is perfect – long enough to get into serious fishing but not so long that anyone gets worn out. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before you commit. Don't sleep on this one – afternoon charters with this level of local expertise and fish-producing track record are exactly what separates a good fishing trip from one you'll be talking about for years.
Set sail on our 28' Kevlacat catamaran, designed to handle Key Largo's challenging waters with twin-hull stability and smooth performance. This motorboat cuts through swells while you target everything from reef snappers to deep-water mahi. Advanced GPS navigation and fish finder electronics help locate the hottest fishing spots around John Pennekamp's reefs or open blue water. The spacious deck comfortably accommodates up to four anglers with plenty of room to fight fish and move around. Captain Justin knows these waters inside and out, taking you where the fish are biting based on seasonal patterns and current conditions. Whether you're working the shallow coral heads for grouper or trolling the edge for wahoo, this cat delivers the platform you need for a productive afternoon on the water.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are the speed demons of Key Largo waters, reaching up to 10 feet and averaging around 50 pounds. These blue-gray beauties with their iconic sail-like dorsal fins hunt in 30-65 feet of water, though they'll dive deeper when chasing bait. Winter months are prime time here in the Keys when they migrate through our warm waters following schools of sardines and mackerel. What makes them special? The fight. When hooked, sailfish put on an aerial show, leaping and diving repeatedly with incredible stamina. They're also masters of color change, flashing blues and blacks when excited. Pro tip: when you see that sail come up behind your bait, resist the urge to set the hook immediately. Let them take it and run first, then set firm when they turn.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the water wolves of Key Largo - sleek, fast, and built for ambush hunting. These silver bullets average 2-4 feet but can stretch to 6, with a mouthful of razor teeth and speeds hitting 35 mph. You'll find them patrolling shallow reefs, grass flats, and drop-offs, especially around structure where they can surprise prey. They're year-round residents, but spring and summer offer the most consistent action. What hooks anglers is their explosive strikes and wild fights - they'll jump, run, and thrash like crazy, though they tire quickly. Not great table fare due to ciguatera risk, but the thrill is in the battle. My advice: use wire leaders and watch your fingers around the boat. When landing one, grab behind the gills with pliers or a net - those teeth aren't just for show, and they'll use them if given the chance.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are the bulldozers of the reef, averaging 39 pounds but capable of reaching 6 feet and testing every ounce of your tackle. These bluish-gray bruisers with their distinctive amber stripe live around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 60-200 feet of water. Spring months from April through May are prime time when they're spawning and extra aggressive. What makes AJs special is their pure power - they'll head straight for the bottom and try to wrap you around every piece of structure they can find. The fight is all about endurance, theirs and yours. The meat's excellent when prepared right, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. Here's the deal: use heavy tackle, at least 50-pound test, and the moment you hook one, turn up the drag and pull hard. Don't give them an inch or they'll find the nearest wreck to break you off.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel, or "Kings," are built for speed and can rival wahoo in the water. These olive-backed fish average around 30 pounds but can push 90+, with razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through light leaders. You'll find them cruising 40-150 feet deep around reefs and drop-offs, especially when water temps hit that sweet 68-84°F range. Spring through fall brings the best action as they follow bait schools along our coast. Kings are pure adrenaline - they'll scream drag and make blistering runs that test your gear. The meat's decent if you like oily fish, but it's really about the fight. Here's the key: always use wire leaders and rig with two hooks - one in the bait's nose, another trailing behind. Kings love to hit the tail end of live baits, so that stinger hook saves the day.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the golden gems of offshore fishing, averaging 15-29 pounds with brilliant yellow sides that light up like a neon sign when they're fired up. These surface dwellers love floating debris, weed lines, and anything that provides shade in blue water. They're year-round residents here, but spring and summer fishing is fantastic when they school up under sargassum patches. What guests love most is the non-stop action - where there's one mahi, there's usually more. They fight hard with acrobatic jumps and make outstanding table fare with firm, mild white meat. The color show they put on is something else too, flashing every shade from gold to green. My go-to trick: once you hook one, keep a few baits ready and don't move the boat. The school will often stay around, giving everyone a shot at multiple fish.
Key Largo