5.0(1 Reviews)6-Hour Reef Fishing Adventure with Ben O'fishal
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Six-hour reef and wreck fishing targeting premium speciesAccommodates up to six guests with mixed offshore opportunitiesProfessional charter specializing in snapper, grouper, and sailfish
Looking for a solid day on the water that combines variety with results? This 6-hour reef fishing trip hits all the right notes. You'll work the reefs, drop lines on wrecks, and maybe even push offshore for some pelagic action. With room for up to 6 anglers, it's perfect for families, groups of friends, or anyone wanting to experience different types of fishing in one outing. No meals are included, so pack your lunch and drinks – you'll work up an appetite pulling fish over the rail.
This trip is all about versatility. You're not stuck doing one thing all day – instead, you'll sample the best fishing styles these waters offer. Start the morning working structure for bottom fish like snapper and grouper, then transition to wreck fishing where the big boys hang out. If conditions are right and fish are cooperating, you might push out to blue water for a shot at sailfish and mahi. The boat's setup handles all these scenarios, with comfortable seating, shade when you need a break, and a clean head for longer trips. Captain Ben and his crew know these waters inside and out, so they'll put you on fish and keep the day moving at a good pace.
You'll be using a mix of fishing methods depending on what you're targeting. Bottom fishing around reefs means dropping baits to 60-120 feet, using circle hooks and enough weight to stay connected to structure. Wreck fishing requires precision – you'll position over known spots and work jigs or live bait down to where grouper and big snapper hold tight. When the action shifts offshore, it's time for trolling spread with ballyhoo, diving plugs, and maybe some live bait if conditions are right. The crew provides all tackle and bait, plus they'll adjust techniques based on what's biting and your experience level. Beginners get coaching on fighting fish properly, while seasoned anglers can dial in their technique.
"We had an amazing 3/4 day trip and caught plenty of fish! Ben and Alex were incredibly friendly and helpful, and they were fantastic with our two teenage boys. We reeled in tons of yellowtail snapper, a few large mutton snapper, a giant Amberjack, and more! We also hooked a couple of sailfish, though we didn't land one. The boat was very comfortable, with shaded areas to relax (perfect for my son, who loves taking boat naps) and a functional head, which is always a plus on longer trips. It was a great experience, and we'll definitely book again on our next trip to Marathon!" - Jill
Red Grouper are the bread-and-butter fish of reef fishing, and for good reason. These chunky bottom dwellers average 5-15 pounds but can push 20+ on a good day. They're year-round residents around hard bottom and low-profile reefs, though they bite best during cooler months when they're more active. Red grouper fight hard initially but tire quickly – the trick is keeping them off the bottom where they'll try to cut you off in the rocks. Their white, flaky meat makes them a favorite for the dinner table.
Mahi Mahi bring the excitement factor to offshore fishing. These colorful fighters average 10-25 pounds and put on a spectacular show when hooked, jumping and tail-dancing across the surface. Peak season runs spring through fall, when they follow floating debris and current lines. Mahi school up, so when you find one, there's usually more around. They're aggressive feeders that hit trolled baits hard and fast. The meat is outstanding – firm, white, and perfect for grilling.
Red Snapper are the prize of wreck and deeper reef fishing. These beautiful red fish average 8-15 pounds but can reach impressive sizes around structure. They're strong fighters that make long runs and test your drag system. Red snapper are more seasonal, with best fishing typically in summer and early fall. They're smart fish that require quality bait and proper presentation. The meat is legendary among anglers – sweet, firm, and considered one of the best eating fish in these waters.
Black Grouper represent the heavyweight division of reef fishing. These bruisers can reach 30-50 pounds and fight like freight trains. They live around deeper reefs and wrecks, ambushing prey from caves and ledges. Black grouper are more common in warmer months and require heavy tackle and quick reflexes – they'll head straight for cover when hooked. Landing a quality black grouper is a real accomplishment and provides enough meat for multiple meals.
Gag Grouper round out the grouper slam opportunity on this trip. These fish are excellent table fare and strong fighters, typically running 10-25 pounds. Gags prefer hard bottom areas and are more active during cooler water periods. They're known for their initial powerful runs and bulldog fighting style. Unlike other grouper species, gags will sometimes come up in the water column to feed, making them catchable on lighter tackle. Their mild, sweet meat makes them highly sought after by both recreational and commercial anglers.
Six hours gives you enough time to really fish without feeling rushed, and the variety keeps things interesting from start to finish. Whether you're after dinner for the family or looking to check some bucket-list species off your list, this trip delivers both quantity and quality fishing opportunities. The crew's local knowledge and willingness to adapt based on conditions means you're always fishing where the action is hottest. With only 6 spots available, popular dates fill up quickly – especially during prime fishing seasons. Don't wait to secure your spot for what could be your best fishing day of the year.
This restored 42-foot Morgan sportfishing boat is your ticket to serious reef and wreck fishing action. Built to handle offshore waters, she's powered by twin 325HP Caterpillar engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds at a steady 20 knots. The 2020 restoration means everything's in top shape for your 6-hour adventure targeting snapper, grouper, sailfish, and dolphin. Captain and crew know these waters well, using onboard fish finder and GPS to locate the hottest spots. The flybridge gives you great visibility while fighting fish, and there's plenty of deck space for up to 6 anglers to spread out. Keep your catch fresh in the icebox, grab cold drinks from the refrigerator, and stay comfortable with the onboard head. Radar keeps you safe if weather rolls in, while the multimedia system adds some entertainment between bites. Whether you're working the reefs or dropping lines on productive wrecks, this boat's got the equipment and space to make it a productive day on the water.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack Grouper are the bulldozers of the reef - not the fastest swimmers, but they'll give you an arm-burning fight once hooked. These olive and gray bruisers with dark rectangular blotches average over 2 feet, though the monsters can hit 100+ pounds. Find them around offshore wrecks, ledges, and reefs in 30-300 feet, with shallower water being better in winter months. They're ambush predators that vacuum up anything near the bottom - snappers, crabs, whatever's handy. November through May is prime time during their spawning season. The meat has a mild flavor with firm texture that's perfect for the dinner table. Here's the deal: bring heavy tackle (80lb braid minimum) because once you hook one, it's going straight for the rocks. Don't let them think about it - lock that drag and winch them up fast, or you'll be retying.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper might not win any beauty contests with their drab gray appearance, but they make up for it with pure fighting power. These marbled-looking fish average around 20 inches, though the big males can push 50+ inches and 80 pounds. You'll find them around rocky structure, reefs, and wrecks where they can hide and ambush prey. Young ones stay closer to shore while adults head to deeper offshore spots. They're suckers for live bait - mullet and pinfish work great, but cut crab and squid get their attention too. Look for them year-round, but they're more active in cooler months. What guests love is that classic grouper fight - they'll try to drag your bait straight back to the rocks. The trick is keeping your rod tip low and not giving them any slack. Once they grab it, lock that reel and start cranking immediately, or they'll find a hole and you'll be done.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the speed demons of our offshore trips, and watching them light up in gold and electric blue when they hit the surface never gets old. Most run 15-29 pounds, but we've seen some real bulls pushing 40-plus. Look for them under floating debris, weedlines, or anywhere birds are working about 5-15 miles out. They travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. The fight is pure adrenaline - long runs and aerial shows that'll test your drag. Plus, the meat is fantastic - firm, mild, and perfect on the grill. Summer months are prime time when the water warms up. Here's the key: once you hook your first one, keep another rod ready with fresh bait. While you're fighting that fish, his buddies are still hanging around hungry, and that's when you can really load the boat.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are some of the most reliable fighters you'll find on our reefs. These rusty-red beauties average 5-10 pounds, though we see plenty in the 15-20 pound range around wrecks and ledges in 30-120 feet of water. They love rocky bottoms and structure where they ambush crabs and smaller fish. What makes them special is that aggressive strike - they'll inhale your bait whole, so no light nibbling here. The meat is outstanding too, firm and sweet with that shellfish flavor from their crab diet. Year-round fishing is good, but spring and fall really shine when they're more active. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep that rod tip low and crank hard right away. Give them a second to think about it and they'll dive straight into the rocks and break you off every time.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the prize of our bottom fishing, and for good reason. These deep red beauties average 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, though the big ones can push 20-plus. You'll find them hugging structure in 60-200 feet - wrecks, ledges, and rocky bottom where they can ambush baitfish. Summer season from June through August is when they really turn on. What makes them special is that classic snapper fight - they'll make strong runs for cover and test every knot you've tied. The table fare is world-class too, with sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. During spawning season (May-October), the bigger fish move shallow and get more aggressive. My advice: use circle hooks with fresh squid or cigar minnows, and keep that drag tight. When they feel the hook, they're heading straight for the nearest hole.
5.0 out of 5.0We had an amazing 3/4 day trip and caught plenty of fish! Ben and Alex were incredibly friendly and helpful, and they were fantast...
Marathon