Big Pine Key Half Day Spearfishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 4hour spearfishing and lobstering charter for small groupsFree diving with snorkel gear to hand select legal fishMorning departure at 8:30 AM with experienced captain guidance
Ready to ditch the rods and get up close and personal with your dinner? Big Boii Fishing Charters runs a top-rated 4-hour spearfishing and lobstering adventure that puts you right in the action. Starting at 8:30 AM sharp, this private charter is designed for small groups who want a hands-on underwater hunting experience in the crystal-clear waters around Big Pine Key. You'll be freediving with snorkel gear, hand-selecting legal fish and lobster when they're in season. This isn't your typical fishing trip – it's about becoming one with the water and using skill, not luck, to bring home fresh seafood. Just remember, liability waivers are mandatory before you hit the water, and deposits are non-refundable, so come prepared to dive in.
This charter is all about getting wet and staying active. You'll spend your morning freediving in some of the clearest water Florida has to offer, hunting for grouper, hogfish, and snapper in their natural habitat. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will guide you to prime spots where fish congregate around structure and reefs. Safety comes first – conditions and weather dictate where we go and what we do. You'll need to be a confident swimmer since you'll be diving down 15-30 feet depending on the spot and your comfort level. The beauty of spearfishing is the selectivity – you only take what you want, and you get to see exactly what you're harvesting. Between dives, you'll have time to rest, hydrate, and plan your next approach. The captain provides guidance on technique, local regulations, and fish identification to make sure you're doing everything by the book.
All the essential snorkel gear is provided, including masks, fins, and snorkels that fit properly. You'll be using pole spears or Hawaiian slings – simple, effective tools that require skill and precision rather than high-tech equipment. The captain will show you proper loading techniques, aiming tips, and how to approach fish without spooking them. Freediving is all about breath control and staying calm underwater. You'll learn to read fish behavior, identify legal species, and understand size limits before you take your shot. When lobster season is open, you'll also get instruction on proper lobstering techniques using tickle sticks and measuring gauges. The key is moving slowly and deliberately – rushed movements scare fish and waste energy. Most successful spearfishing happens in the first few seconds underwater when fish are curious rather than spooked.
Red Grouper are the bread and butter of spearfishing around Big Pine Key. These chunky, reddish-brown fish love hanging around rocky bottom and ledges in 20-40 feet of water. They're naturally curious, which works in your favor – they'll often approach to investigate before deciding whether to bolt. Red grouper are excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying. The minimum size is 20 inches, but you'll find plenty of keeper-sized fish in the 22-26 inch range. They're most active during cooler months when they move into shallower water.
Hogfish are the crown jewel of spearfishing in the Keys. These pink and white beauties are incredibly wary and provide a real challenge for spearfishermen. They have excellent eyesight and will bolt at the first sign of danger, so your approach and shot need to be perfect. Hogfish prefer sandy areas around reefs where they root for crustaceans and small fish. The eating quality is unmatched – sweet, flaky meat that many consider the best-tasting fish in Florida waters. The minimum size is 16 inches, and the season runs from May through October.
Mutton Snapper are another prized catch that tests your spearfishing skills. These silver and pink fish with distinctive blue markings are smart and spooky. They school around structure and reefs, often in deeper water during the day. Early morning is prime time when they're feeding and less cautious. Mutton snapper grow large – the minimum size is 18 inches, but fish in the 20-25 inch range are common. Their meat is firm and flavorful, perfect for ceviche or grilling whole.
Black Grouper are the heavyweights of the grouper family and provide an exciting challenge for spearfishermen. These dark, mottled fish can reach impressive sizes and put up a serious fight when shot. They prefer deeper structure and caves where they ambush prey. Black grouper are naturally curious but much more cautious than their red cousins. The minimum size is 24 inches, making them a trophy catch. Their large size means plenty of fillets for the dinner table, with firm white meat that's perfect for any preparation.
Gag Grouper round out the grouper slam and are known for their aggressive nature and excellent fighting ability. These brownish fish with distinctive markings prefer rocky bottom and artificial structure. They're ambush predators that rely on camouflage, making them challenging to spot until you're right on top of them. Gag grouper are closed to harvest during certain months, so timing your trip is important. When legal, the minimum size is 24 inches, and they provide excellent eating with firm, sweet meat.
This spearfishing charter offers something you won't find on traditional fishing trips – complete control over your catch and a connection to the underwater world that hooks keep you coming back. You'll leave with fresh seafood, new skills, and stories that beat any fish tale from the dock. The 6-person capacity keeps groups small and personal, giving everyone plenty of attention from the captain and room to spread out at dive sites. Remember, this is a private charter, so you're not sharing the experience with strangers – just your friends
This 25' center console is your ticket to prime spearfishing waters around Big Pine Key. Built tough for the Lower Keys conditions, she handles everything from shallow grass flats to deeper reef drops where the fish hang out. The spacious deck gives you plenty of room to gear up and move around between dive spots, while the icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold under the Florida sun. GPS and fish finder help locate the best structure and drop-offs where grouper, snapper, and lobster like to hide. Comfortably fits your crew of 4 with room for spear guns, dive gear, and coolers. The shallow draft gets you into those back-country spots where the big fish feel safe, and the reliable engine brings you home with dinner in tow.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack groupers are the heavyweights of the reef - olive-gray bruisers with dark rectangular blotches that can reach massive size. Most we see run 10-25 pounds, but monsters over 50 exist. They're ambush predators that sit tight to structure - wrecks, ledges, and deep reefs in 30-200 feet. Cold weather brings them shallower, making winter our best season. Guests love them because they're powerful fighters and excellent eating with mild, firm meat. They're also impressive fish that make great photos. The trick with blacks is they're not as aggressive as reds - you need to get close for a good shot. They'll often sit still if you approach slowly, but once spooked they disappear into the structure fast.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper might not win beauty contests with their mottled gray appearance, but they're solid reef fish that average 15-25 inches around our waters. Bigger males can push 40+ pounds and show darker coloration. They like rocky structure and drop-offs, usually in 40-120 feet, often mixed in with other species. Best hunting is fall through spring when they're more active. What guests appreciate is they're good fighters and make excellent table fare. They're also more common than some other groupers, giving better shot opportunities. The key with gags is finding the right structure - look for areas where multiple species are hanging together. They're less spooky than black grouper but still require a steady approach and clean shot placement.
Lachnolaimus MaximusHogfish are the prize of any spearfishing trip - that pig-like snout makes them unmistakable. Most run 3-8 pounds, but mature males can hit 20+ with bright orange colors and distinctive black spots behind the fins. They love hard bottom areas with coral and rock structure in 10-60 feet, always rooting around for crabs and urchins. What guests love most is the meat - sweet, mild, and considered some of the best eating in the reef. They're curious around divers but tricky to approach. The secret is making some noise by tapping your spear on rocks or tanks. Sound draws them in thinking there's food being disturbed. Once they come to investigate, stay calm and pick your shot carefully.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snappers are beautiful fish with that distinctive pinkish color and blue streaks around the eyes. Most run 3-8 pounds, though big ones can push 20+. They're smart fish that hang around reef edges and sandy areas in 20-100 feet, often moving between structure and open bottom. Peak season is spring through fall when they're more active in shallower water. What makes them special is they're excellent table fare and put up a solid fight. They're also one of the more challenging fish to approach - very wary and quick to bolt. Key trick is to stay low and approach from below if possible. They'll often circle back if you don't spook them on the first pass, so patience pays off.
Epinephelus MorioRed groupers are solid fighters that'll test your breath-holding skills. These rusty-red fish with white spots average 5-10 pounds around here, though they can hit 50+ if you're lucky. You'll find them hanging around rocky bottoms, ledges, and wrecks in 10-100 feet of water. They're not picky eaters - crabs, shrimp, octopus, whatever's available. What makes them great targets is they're aggressive strikers and the meat is top-shelf - firm, flaky, with that slight shellfish taste from their diet. They fight hard once hooked, trying to get back to structure. Pro tip: when you spot one, move slowly and let it settle before taking your shot. They're curious fish but spook easily if you rush the approach.
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