7-Hour Multi-Activity Fishing Charter in Tavernier
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Seven-hour multi-activity charter combining fishing and snorkeling adventuresCaptain Scott Grenfell guides up to six guests on inshore watersSingle trip includes casting lines and exploring vibrant marine life
Captain Scott Grenfell knows how to make every minute count on the water. This isn't your typical half-day fishing trip where you're rushing to get lines wet and back to the dock. With seven full hours in the Florida Keys backcountry and nearshore waters, you've got time to really fish, explore some of the area's best snorkeling spots, and soak up what makes Tavernier special. Beyond Blessed Charters keeps groups small at six anglers max, so you're not fighting for rod time or elbow room at the best fishing spots.
Your day starts early, which is exactly how you want it in the Keys. Captain Scott will have you targeting different species as conditions and tides dictate, moving between the flats, channels, and nearshore reefs around Tavernier. The beauty of this multi-activity setup is flexibility – when the fish are biting, you fish hard. When they're finicky or you need a change of pace, you can slip on a mask and check out the coral heads and grass flats from below. The boat's equipped with quality snorkel gear, so you don't need to worry about bringing your own unless you prefer it. This approach works especially well with mixed groups where not everyone lives and breathes fishing, but everyone wants to get on some fish during the day.
The waters around Tavernier give you access to multiple fishing environments in a single trip. You'll work the shallow grass flats with live bait and artificials for snook and tarpon, especially around structure like docks, bridges, and mangrove shorelines. When targeting mahi and barracuda, expect to move into deeper water where Captain Scott will troll or work baitfish schools. The technique switches throughout the day based on what's showing up on the fish finder and what's happening with bait movements. Live pilchards, pinfish, and shrimp are standard offerings, plus a selection of jigs and plugs that produce in these waters. The boat carries proper tackle for everything from finesse fishing for tripletail around floating debris to handling the powerful runs of a big tarpon. Since meals aren't provided, pack a cooler with snacks and drinks – staying fueled matters on longer charters like this.
Snook are the bread and butter of Keys backcountry fishing, and Tavernier's got some of the best snook water in South Florida. These fish love ambush points around mangroves, docks, and bridge pilings where they can dart out to grab baitfish. They're incredibly strong fighters that will test your drag and try every trick to throw the hook. Peak snook fishing happens during the warmer months, but you'll find them year-round if you know where to look. What makes them special is that explosive strike and the way they'll jump and thrash once hooked – pure adrenaline fishing.
Tarpon fishing in the Keys is legendary for good reason. These silver kings can reach over 100 pounds and will give you the fight of a lifetime. They're most active during spring and summer months when they migrate through the area in large schools. Hooking a tarpon means you're in for multiple jumps, long runs, and a battle that can last 30 minutes or more. The key is keeping steady pressure without over-doing it – these fish are masters at throwing hooks. Captain Scott knows the tarpon highways around Tavernier, from the bridges to the deeper channels where these giants travel.
Mahi mahi bring the offshore excitement to your nearshore fishing experience. These colorful, hard-fighting fish show up around floating weeds, debris lines, and temperature breaks. They're incredibly fast swimmers with an aggressive feeding style that makes for exciting fishing. Most mahi in these waters run 10-30 pounds, perfect for great fights without being overwhelming. They're excellent table fare too, so you'll want to keep a few for dinner. Summer and fall typically offer the best mahi action around Tavernier.
Great barracuda are the missiles of the flats. These predators can reach impressive speeds and deliver bone-jarring strikes that will wake you up fast. They're visual hunters, so sight fishing for barracuda on the clear flats is some of the most exciting fishing you'll experience. They'll often follow your bait right to the boat before deciding to strike, creating heart-pounding moments. Barracuda are present year-round but are most aggressive during the cooler months. Their razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast reflexes make every hookup an event.
Tripletail are the quirky characters of this bunch. These oddly-shaped fish like to hang around floating objects, crab traps, and channel markers where they drift on their sides looking like debris. They're incredibly good eating and put up a surprisingly strong fight for their size. Finding tripletail requires a sharp eye and patience – you'll slowly work areas where they typically hold, looking for that telltale shape floating near structure. Once you spot one and get a bait in front of it, they usually can't resist. Spring through fall offers the best tripletail opportunities around Tavernier.
Seven hours on the water with Beyond Blessed Charters gives you the kind of fishing day that creates lasting memories. Captain Scott's local knowledge and the flexibility to fish multiple techniques and locations means you're maximizing your time in some of Florida's best fishing waters. Whether you're after that first tarpon, looking to put together a mixed bag of species, or want to combine fishing with some underwater exploration, this charter delivers the full Keys experience. The small group size ensures personal attention and plenty of opportunities for everyone to get on fish. Book your dates early, especially during peak seasons – quality charters like this fill up fast in the Keys.
Hit the productive waters around Tavernier aboard this well-equipped 2021 Tidewater Bay boat. The 25-footer runs smooth with a reliable 300HP Mercury engine that'll get you to the fish fast and keep you moving between spots. Captain Scott keeps up to 6 anglers comfortable while you work the inshore grounds for snook, redfish, and whatever else is biting. The fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while the wireless trolling motor lets you slip quietly into shallow areas without spooking your targets. Cold drinks and snacks stay fresh in the icebox during those long stretches between strikes. GPS keeps you on the most productive reefs and flats, and the multimedia system adds some tunes when the action slows. Perfect setup for a serious day of fishing the Keys.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the missile-shaped predators of our flats and reefs - sleek, silver fish that can hit 35 mph in short bursts. Most range 2-4 feet, but we see some giants pushing 6 feet. They patrol shallow reefs, grass flats, and mangrove edges, usually alone except during spawning. Spring brings the best action when they're most aggressive. What makes them exciting is that lightning-fast strike and strong initial run, though they tire quickly. They're curious fish that'll often follow lures before deciding to hit. Not the best eating due to potential ciguatera, but they're pure adrenaline on light tackle. Here's the key: use wire leaders and keep your bait moving fast - they're attracted to speed and flash, and that razor-sharp mouth will cut through mono in a heartbeat.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish in our waters - brilliant gold and green colors that put on a light show when they come out of the water. Most run 15-30 pounds and about 3 feet, though we see some bigger bulls. They're surface dwellers that love floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in deeper water offshore. Spring through fall gives us the best shots, especially when the water's warm and clear. Guests love them for the strong fight, stunning colors, and they're absolutely delicious - firm white meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. They often travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. My tip: look for frigates diving on bait - that's often where you'll find mahi feeding underneath.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most popular targets around Tavernier - sleek, golden fish with that distinctive black lateral line. Most run 1-3 feet, but we see some real bruisers pushing 4+ feet. They love hanging around mangroves, docks, and bridge pilings in shallow water, moving between salt and fresh depending on conditions. May through September is prime time when they spawn around the new and full moons. What makes them special is that explosive strike and the way they'll jump and run for cover. Plus, they're fantastic eating when in season. Here's a local trick: cast past them and work your bait back slowly - they spook easily but can't resist a well-presented live shrimp or pinfish drifted their way.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of our waters - massive fish that can hit 6+ feet and over 100 pounds, though most we see run 4-5 feet. They're famous for those jaw-dropping jumps when hooked, sometimes launching 10 feet out of the water. You'll find them in our shallow flats, channels, and around bridges from late spring through summer. The best action happens during their migration from May to July when they're moving through in big schools. What guests love is the sheer power and acrobatics - it's a bucket-list fish for good reason. We practice catch and release since they're not great eating. Pro tip: keep your rod tip down when they jump and "bow" to the fish - gives them slack so they can't throw the hook during those aerial displays.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are one of our most unique fish - they get their name from the way their dorsal and anal fins make it look like they have three tails. Most run 2-13 pounds and about 18 inches, with a distinctive round, compressed body that's olive-colored with dark blotches. They're surface dwellers that love floating debris, crab trap buoys, and channel markers from shallow water to about 200 feet deep. Summer through fall is prime time, especially July and August. What makes them special is they're surprisingly acrobatic for such a chunky fish, plus they're excellent eating - firm, white meat that rivals grouper or snapper. They're masters of camouflage, often floating on their sides to mimic debris. Pro tip: approach quietly and cast well away from them, then work your bait slowly their way - they spook easily but can't resist a live shrimp.
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