Key Largo Afternoon Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private 4hour afternoon charter targeting reef and pelagic speciesAccommodates up to 4 guests with all gear and licenses includedFish John Pennekamp waters for Mahi, Wahoo, Snapper, and Grouper
When the midday sun starts beating down on the Florida Keys, that's when Captain Justin Hann fires up the engines for what locals know is some of the best fishing of the day. This 4-hour private charter departing at 1:00 PM takes you into the heart of Key Largo's most productive fishing grounds, where the afternoon bite can be absolutely electric. You'll have your choice between working the crystal-clear reefs of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park or pushing out to the blue water where the big pelagics cruise. With room for up to 4 anglers, this top-rated charter gives you the perfect blend of serious fishing and laid-back Keys atmosphere that keeps people coming back season after season.
Captain Justin knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll read the conditions to put you on the fish. If the reef bite is hot, you'll drop lines over some of the most beautiful coral formations in the Atlantic, where Yellowtail Snapper and Black Grouper love to hang out in the structure. When the blue water is calling, you'll head offshore where the current lines hold Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, and those lightning-fast Barracuda that'll test your reflexes. The beauty of an afternoon trip is flexibility – the fish have had all morning to settle into their feeding patterns, and Captain Justin uses that to your advantage. Whether you're a seasoned angler or this is your first time holding a rod, he'll adjust the approach to match your crew's experience level. The boat comes fully rigged with quality tackle, fresh bait, and all the fishing licenses you need, so you can focus on what matters most – getting tight to some world-class fish.
Depending on where the bite is happening, you'll be using different approaches that Captain Justin has perfected over years of fishing these waters. On the reef, expect to work with lighter tackle and live bait or fresh cut bait, dropping down to where the Snappers and Groupers are holding tight to the coral heads. The technique here is all about feel – you need to detect those subtle bites and get the hook set before these smart fish figure out what's happening. When you head offshore for pelagics, the game changes completely. You'll be trolling with ballyhoo rigs, pulling lures through the current breaks where Mahi Mahi school up, or working the temperature changes where Sailfish cruise the edges. Captain Justin's got the electronics to mark bait schools and structure, plus he knows how to read the water color and current to put you in the strike zone. The tackle is matched to the target species – heavy enough to handle a big King Mackerel or Amberjack, but still sporting enough that you'll feel every headshake and run.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of Key Largo fishing, and these magnificent fish show up best during the winter months when the water temperature drops and baitfish stack up along the reef line. A typical Sailfish here runs 6 to 8 feet long and puts on an aerial display that'll have you scrambling for your camera. They're notorious for their long, blistering runs and multiple jumps, making them a customer favorite among serious anglers. The best action happens when you find them feeding on the surface, and Captain Justin knows exactly how to work the spread to get their attention.
King Mackerel patrol these waters year-round, but they really turn on during the cooler months when they move in closer to the reefs. These silver bullets can push 20 to 40 pounds and are famous for their smoking runs that'll burn line off your reel faster than you can believe. They're ambush predators that love to hit trolled baits, and once hooked, they'll make multiple runs before you get them to the boat. What makes Kings so exciting is their unpredictability – you never know when one will slam your bait and take off for the horizon.
Mahi Mahi are pure fun on a fishing rod, and Key Largo's offshore waters hold some beautiful fish, especially from spring through fall. These colorful fighters typically run 10 to 25 pounds and are known for their acrobatic fights and stunning colors that light up when they're hooked. They school up around floating debris and current lines, and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Mahi are also excellent table fare, making them a double win for anglers who like to take their catch home.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef, and these powerful fish will test your tackle and your arms. Running anywhere from 20 to 60 pounds, they're notorious for their straight-down runs toward the bottom structure where they try to cut you off. The fight is all about power and endurance, and landing a big AJ is something you'll remember long after the trip ends. They're most active during the warmer months and love to hang around the deeper reef structures where Captain Justin knows how to find them.
Great Barracuda are the speed demons of the flats and reef edges, and Key Largo's clear waters give you a front-row seat to some spectacular strikes. These toothy predators can reach 4 to 5 feet and are lightning-fast when they decide to hit your bait. What makes Barracuda fishing so exciting is watching them follow your lure or bait before they make up their mind to strike – the visual aspect adds a whole new dimension to the fight. They're year-round residents that provide consistent action when other species are being finicky.
This renowned afternoon charter fills up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is at its best. Captain Justin's reputation for putting clients on fish has made this trip a trending choice among both locals and visitors who want to experience Key Largo fishing at its finest. The 4-hour window gives you plenty
Step aboard our 28' Kevlacat catamaran and feel the difference those twin hulls make as you cut through Key Largo's waters. This fishing machine handles everything from the shallow reefs of Pennekamp to the deeper offshore grounds where the big pelagics roam. With GPS navigation and fish finder onboard, Captain Justin can put you right on the fish whether you're targeting snappers around the coral heads or chasing mahi and wahoo in the blue water. The spacious deck gives all four anglers room to work, while the smooth catamaran ride means you'll stay comfortable even when the seas pick up. Built tough for Florida's offshore conditions, she's got the electronics to find fish and the stability to fight them properly.
Istiophorus AlbicansThe Atlantic Sailfish is one of the ocean's most spectacular fighters, averaging 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds. These blue-silver speedsters cruise our warm waters between 30-65 feet deep, using that iconic sail-like dorsal fin to herd baitfish. Winter months bring the best action here in the Keys - they migrate south following the warmer water. What makes them special is the show they put on when hooked: multiple jumps, long runs, and that famous "tailwalking" across the surface. They're built for speed, not stamina, so the fight is intense but manageable. Pro tip: when you see that sail light up with bright colors during the fight, keep steady pressure but don't horse them - let them tire themselves out with those acrobatic displays.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat Barracuda are the ocean's silver bullets - sleek, toothy predators that can hit 4-6 feet long around our reefs and flats. These curious fish patrol shallow coral areas and grass beds, often following divers and checking out anything shiny. They're year-round residents, but spring and fall provide the most consistent action when they're actively feeding. What makes them exciting is their explosive strike and those trademark jumps - they'll come completely out of the water trying to throw the hook. The fight's intense but short-lived since they burn energy fast. Most folks target them for sport rather than the table due to occasional ciguatera risk. Pro tip: use a wire leader and be ready for that first screaming run. They hit hard and fast, so keep your drag smooth or they'll straighten hooks.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjacks are the bulldogs of the reef - stocky, powerful fish that average 30-50 pounds around our local wrecks and hard bottom. These blue-grey bruisers with that distinctive amber stripe live on structure from 60 feet out to the deep reefs. Spring spawning season brings the biggest fish, but they're catchable year-round. What guests love is the pure power - once hooked, they'll try to drag you straight back to the bottom using every bit of structure they can find. They're strong fighters with great stamina, making for arm-burning battles. The meat's excellent when prepared right, though bigger fish can carry ciguatera. Here's the key: use heavy tackle and don't give them an inch early in the fight. Let them run to the structure and you'll be re-rigging instead of landing fish.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel, or "kingfish" as locals call them, are serious gamefish that average 20-40 pounds but can push past 60. These silver torpedoes patrol waters from 40-150 feet, often around structure or temperature breaks. They're incredibly fast swimmers - almost as quick as wahoo - and their razor-sharp teeth make for exciting battles. Fall through spring offers the best fishing here, when they migrate through our waters chasing baitfish. Guests love them for the blistering initial runs and because they're excellent eating with that firm, white meat. Just watch the mercury levels on bigger fish. Here's a local trick: always use a wire leader with two hooks - one in the bait's nose, another trailing behind. Kings hit from the rear and will cut you off instantly without proper rigging.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi Mahi are the rainbow warriors of offshore fishing, flashing brilliant golds, greens, and blues when they're fired up. These surface dwellers average 15-30 pounds and love hanging around floating debris, weed lines, or any structure in blue water. We find them year-round, but spring through fall brings the best action when they're feeding heavily. What makes them special is their crazy acrobatic fight - they'll jump, dive, and put on a light show of color changes that's pretty amazing to watch. Plus, they're hands-down some of the best eating fish out here with that sweet, firm white meat. Local tip: when you hook one, don't just focus on that fish. Keep some baits out because mahi travel in schools, and you can often catch several from the same spot.
Key Largo