Tavernier Offshore Fishing with Captain Scott
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Captain Scott targets cobia, mahi mahi, and grouper offshoreHalf-day and full-day charters accommodate up to six guestsLocal Florida Keys waters provide diverse fishing opportunities
Captain Scott Grenfell runs some of the best offshore fishing charters out of Tavernier, and once you fish with Beyond Blessed Charters, you'll understand why locals and visitors keep coming back season after season. The waters around the Florida Keys hold world-class fishing opportunities, and Scott knows exactly where to find the big ones. Whether you're looking to spend half a day on the water or commit to a full-day adventure, you'll be targeting premium species like mahi mahi, cobia, barracuda, and snapper in some of the most productive fishing grounds in South Florida.
Your day starts early at the Tavernier docks, where Captain Scott will brief you on the game plan based on current conditions and what's been biting. The boat accommodates up to six anglers, making it perfect for family trips, groups of friends, or corporate outings. Scott provides all the tackle and gear you'll need, from heavy spinning setups for the bigger fish to lighter tackle when the bite calls for finesse. The waters off Tavernier offer incredible diversity - you might start the morning trolling for mahi in 200 feet of water, then move to structure fishing for cobia and grouper around wrecks and ledges. Scott's local knowledge really shines when he puts you on fish that other boats are missing. He's been working these waters for years and knows how tides, weather, and seasonal patterns affect where different species will be feeding.
Captain Scott employs a variety of proven techniques depending on what's running and where the fish are holding. Trolling is often the name of the game when targeting mahi mahi and barracuda - you'll run spreads of ballyhoo, feathers, and lures at different depths to cover water efficiently. When the boat marks good structure or finds floating debris, expect to switch to live bait fishing or jigging techniques. Scott keeps a well-stocked bait well with pilchards, goggle eyes, and other prime baits that the big fish can't resist. The boat is rigged with quality Penn and Shimano reels spooled with appropriate line weights, and Scott will match your tackle to the target species and conditions. If you're new to offshore fishing, don't worry - Scott takes pride in teaching proper techniques and will have you fighting fish like a pro. Experienced anglers appreciate his willingness to try different approaches when the standard methods aren't producing.
Mahi mahi are the crown jewel of offshore fishing in the Keys, and these acrobatic fighters put on a show that gets everyone's adrenaline pumping. These fish typically run from 10 to 30 pounds, with occasional bulls pushing 40-plus. Peak season runs from April through August, though you can find scattered schools year-round. Mahi love floating structure like sargassum weed lines and debris, and they're notorious for their spectacular jumps when hooked. The meat is absolutely top-notch, making them a favorite target for anglers who want great action and a quality dinner.
Great barracuda are the wolves of the reef, and hooking into a big 'cuda is guaranteed to test your drag and your nerves. These predators can stretch over four feet and weigh 20-plus pounds, with razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast runs that can strip line in seconds. They're year-round residents in the Keys, though spring and fall often produce the largest specimens. Barracuda are ambush predators that lurk around structure, and their explosive strikes on trolled baits or lures create some of the most heart-stopping moments in fishing.
Cobia are often called the "brown shark" for their appearance, but these fish are prized for both their fight and their excellent eating quality. Spring migration from March through May brings schools of cobia through the Keys, with fish ranging from 20 to 60 pounds. These powerful fish are known for their bulldogging fights and their habit of following rays and sharks. Captain Scott excels at sight fishing for cobia, and there's nothing quite like watching a 40-pound fish slowly approach your bait before crushing it.
Tripletail are one of the more unique species you might encounter, often found floating on their sides near debris or channel markers, perfectly mimicking a piece of floating wood. These oddball fish are fantastic table fare and put up a surprisingly strong fight for their size. They're most common during warmer months and require a stealthy approach with live or cut bait presented just right.
Grey snapper, particularly the larger mangrove snapper, provide consistent action around structure and make excellent table fare. These fish are year-round residents and can be found from shallow patch reefs to deeper offshore ledges. While they might not be the biggest fighters, snapper are incredibly tasty and often save the day when other species aren't cooperating.
Captain Scott Grenfell and Beyond Blessed Charters represent everything great about Keys fishing - local expertise, quality equipment, and a genuine passion for putting clients on fish. Whether you choose a half-day trip to get your feet wet or commit to a full day of serious fishing, you're investing in memories that will last a lifetime. The Florida Keys offer some of the most consistent offshore fishing in the country, and there's no better way to experience it than with a captain who lives and breathes these waters. Don't pack any meals - you'll be too busy fighting fish to eat anyway, and most trips end with enough fresh catch for a proper fish fry back at the dock. Book your trip with Captain Scott and discover why Tavernier has earned its reputation as one of Florida's premier fishing destinations.
Step aboard our 2021 Tidewater Bay, a 25-foot fishing machine powered by a robust 300HP Mercury engine that'll get you to the productive waters off Tavernier quickly and smoothly. This well-equipped charter boat handles up to 6 anglers comfortably, giving everyone plenty of room to fight fish without tangling lines. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools of mahi, cobia, and snapper, while the GPS keeps us on the most productive spots. When you need to position quietly over structure, the wireless trolling motor won't spook the fish below. Keep your catch fresh in the spacious icebox, and enjoy some tunes on the multimedia system during the ride out. Whether you're targeting offshore pelagics or working the reef for grouper and snapper, this boat has everything needed for a successful day on the Florida Keys waters.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of our most sought-after species - dark brown sharks lookalikes that average 20-50 pounds but can push 100. We sight-fish for them around buoys, wrecks, and channel markers in 20-60 feet, especially during their spring migration from March through June. They're usually solo swimmers cruising just under the surface. What makes cobia special is their curious nature and bulldogging fight once hooked, plus they're absolutely delicious - firm white meat that rivals any fish on the table. Summer months find them hanging around structure where we target them with bucktail jigs. Here's the key: when you spot one, don't cast right at it. Cast past the fish and work your lure back toward them - they spook easily but will chase down a well-presented bait.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the speedsters of our reefs, hitting 35 mph in short bursts with razor-sharp teeth to match. Most run 2-4 feet, but we see plenty of 5-footers around the coral heads and wrecks in 15-40 feet of water. They're year-round residents, but spring and fall fishing is prime when they're most active. What guests love is their aggressive strike and initial run - pure adrenaline. They're curious fish that'll follow lures, then explode when they decide to hit. Fair warning though: we don't usually keep them for the table due to ciguatera risk in larger fish. My advice: use a wire leader and watch your hands at boatside. These guys will jump and snap right to the end, so we always use a landing net and keep fingers clear of that mouth.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snapper, or mangrove snapper as locals call them, are smart fish with copper-red coloring and a dark eye stripe. Inshore around docks and mangroves, they typically run 1-3 pounds, but offshore fish can hit 10-20 pounds around reefs and wrecks. They're year-round residents that feed heavily at night and during dawn/dusk periods. What guests appreciate is their excellent table fare - white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. These fish are opportunistic but cautious, so finesse is key. They love structure: docks, rocks, mangrove roots, anywhere they can ambush prey. My go-to technique: use a small hook with live shrimp hooked through the tail, let it sink to the bottom, then lift it just off the structure. When you feel that tap, don't jerk - let them take it before setting the hook.
Coryphaena HippurusThese brilliant golden fish with their bright blues and greens are some of the most beautiful catches you'll see out here. Average size runs 15-29 pounds, but we've seen them push 40+ in these waters. They love floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks - that's where we focus our trolling. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps climb above 70. What makes mahi special is their crazy color show when hooked - they flash like neon lights during the fight. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, mild meat. My tip: when you see frigate birds working debris, get your ballyhoo ready and make it skip on the surface. These fish can't resist a good flying fish imitation, and once you hook one, there's usually more nearby.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are the masters of disguise - they float on their sides mimicking debris and leaves around weedlines and floating objects. Most run 2-13 pounds, but we've landed some pushing 30+ pounds out here. They're year-round fish, but summer months are best when they're spawning and more active near the surface. What's cool about tripletail is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump and run despite that chunky body. The meat is outstanding too, similar to grouper with firm, white flakes. These fish are spooky, so sight-casting is the game. When you spot one laying on its side, don't cast directly at it. My technique: cast well past the fish and slowly work your shrimp or crab back toward them. Let them ambush the bait rather than dropping it on their head.
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