Afternoon Reef & Wreck Fishing with Captain Tj
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fourhour afternoon charter targeting snapper and grouper on reefsAll fishing gear, tackle, and licenses included with tripAccommodates up to six guests with familyfriendly approach
Captain TJ knows these waters like the back of his hand, and when the afternoon sun starts its slow dance toward the horizon, that's when the real action begins. This 4-hour PM fishing charter takes you to some of Islamorada's most productive reef and wreck sites, where snapper, grouper, and a whole lot more are waiting to test your skills. Perfect for families looking to get the kids hooked on fishing or beginners who want to learn from one of the best guides in the Keys. Everything's included – gear, tackle, live bait, and your fishing license – so all you need to bring is your appetite for adventure.
The afternoon bite in Islamorada is something special, and Captain TJ times these trips perfectly to hit the sweet spots when fish are most active. You'll head out to productive reef systems and artificial wrecks that hold serious fish year-round. The boat accommodates up to 6 anglers, making it ideal for family groups or small parties of friends who want personalized attention. Captain TJ runs a clean, well-maintained vessel equipped with quality gear that can handle everything from feisty yellowtail snapper to hefty grouper. The vibe is relaxed but focused – this isn't about rushing around to different spots, but rather working productive structure methodically until you find what's biting. Expect plenty of hands-on instruction if you're new to bottom fishing, and Captain TJ won't hesitate to share local knowledge about reading electronics, understanding tides, and recognizing productive water.
Bottom fishing around reefs and wrecks requires a different approach than trolling or live bait fishing, and Captain TJ has dialed in the techniques that produce consistent results in these waters. You'll be using conventional tackle with circle hooks and varying weights depending on current and depth. Live bait is the name of the game here – fresh pilchards, ballyhoo, and shrimp that get presented right where the fish are holding. The captain uses quality fish finders and GPS to position the boat precisely over structure, then coaches anglers on proper technique for getting baits down to the fish zone quickly and keeping them there. Expect to learn about different sinker weights, leader lengths, and how to feel the difference between a fish bite and your weight bouncing off the bottom. These aren't deep drops – most of the fishing happens in 40 to 80 feet of water where you can actually feel what's happening down below.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of Islamorada waters, and while they're more commonly targeted on trolling trips, reef fishing occasionally produces surprise encounters with these spectacular gamefish. Sailfish average 6 to 8 feet and put on aerial displays that'll have everyone on the boat scrambling for their phones. Peak season runs from December through April when cooler water temperatures bring them closer to shore. What makes catching a sailfish special isn't just their size – it's their incredible speed and acrobatic ability that turns every hookup into a heart-pounding battle.
King Mackerel patrol these reef edges year-round, with the best action typically in spring and fall when they're feeding aggressively on baitfish schools. These toothy speedsters average 15 to 30 pounds around Islamorada and are notorious for their blistering initial runs that can strip line off your reel in seconds. Kings are ambush predators that love to hit live bait suspended over structure, and their razor-sharp teeth mean you'll need wire leader to land them consistently. The fight is all about endurance – they'll make multiple runs before finally coming to the boat.
Mahi Mahi are the most colorful fighters you'll encounter, with brilliant gold and green hues that become even more vibrant during the fight. These fish love floating structure and weed lines, often showing up around the same reefs and wrecks you're fishing for other species. Mahi typically range from 5 to 20 pounds in these waters, with larger bulls occasionally making an appearance during peak season from April through September. They're acrobatic fighters that jump repeatedly and change direction constantly, making every hookup an exciting challenge even for experienced anglers.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef, using their broad shoulders and powerful tails to test both your tackle and your stamina. These fish commonly reach 30 to 50 pounds around Islamorada's deeper wrecks and are famous for their ability to dive straight back to structure when hooked. Peak season runs from fall through early spring when they congregate around artificial reefs and wrecks to spawn. Landing a big amberjack requires patience and technique – you've got to keep steady pressure while preventing them from reaching their rocky hideouts.
Great Barracuda are the opportunistic predators that keep every angler on their toes, often appearing suddenly to investigate commotion around the boat. These silver missiles can reach 4 to 5 feet in length and are armed with impressive teeth that make them look more dangerous than they actually are. Barracuda are year-round residents in Islamorada waters and are particularly active during low-light periods like early morning and late afternoon. They're explosive fighters that make screaming runs and occasional jumps, providing plenty of excitement on tackle that's typically rigged for other species.
Captain TJ's afternoon reef and wreck charters book up quickly, especially during peak season when visiting anglers discover just how productive these waters can be. The 4-hour format gives you enough time to work multiple spots without feeling rushed, while the afternoon timing means you'll avoid the morning boat traffic and enjoy some of the best lighting for photos. With all gear, bait, and licenses included, this is a hassle-free way to experience world-class fishing in one of Florida's most renowned fishing destinations. Whether you're looking to introduce kids to the
Step aboard this beautifully restored 42' Hatteras sportfisher, your ticket to some of the best reef and wreck fishing the Keys have to offer. Twin 450HP Cummins engines power you smoothly to the hottest fishing spots at a comfortable 20-knot cruise, while the captain uses top-notch fish finders and GPS to locate those productive wrecks where snapper and grouper love to hang out. The spacious cockpit gives your group of up to 6 anglers plenty of room to work the lines without getting tangled up, and there's an icebox to keep your drinks cold and your catch fresh. When you need a break from the action, you've got a clean head onboard and radar for safe navigation. This classic sportfisher was given new life in 2016 and comes loaded with all the gear, tackle, and bait you need to make the most of your afternoon on the water.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are the showoffs of the ocean - that massive dorsal fin isn't just for looks. These fish average around 7 feet and 50 pounds, though we've seen some push 100+. They're incredibly fast, hitting 30+ mph when they want to. You'll find them in 30-650 feet of water, but we usually target them in the 60-150 foot range around current breaks and temperature changes. Winter through spring is prime time here in the Keys - that's when they're most active and feeding heavily. What makes them special is the fight - they'll jump, dive, and put on an aerial show that'll have everyone on the boat cheering. Their meat is decent, but most folks are here for the experience. Pro tip: when you see that sail come up behind your bait, don't get excited and jerk the rod. Let them eat it, count to three, then set the hook firm.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the wolves of the reef - sleek, fast, and always watching. They run anywhere from 2-6 feet long, with the bigger ones being real trophies. You'll find them around reefs, grass flats, and structure from shallow water to about 100 feet deep. They're here year-round, but spring and fall are when they're most active and aggressive. What makes them fun is the explosive strike and that initial blazing run - they'll hit 35 mph in short bursts. Most folks don't eat them due to ciguatera risk, but they're pure adrenaline on the line. They hunt by sight and are naturally curious, often following lures for a while before deciding to strike. Pro tip: use a shiny spoon or tube lure and work it fast with an erratic retrieve. When they follow without striking, speed up and make sharp direction changes - that usually triggers the attack. Always use a wire leader; those teeth will cut through mono like butter.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are the bullies of the reef - pure muscle that'll test your back and your tackle. These fish average 20-60 pounds, with some monsters pushing 100+. They live around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 60-200 feet of water, using the cover to ambush prey. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're spawning and feeding aggressively. What guests love is the raw power - amberjacks fight dirty, heading straight for structure to break you off. The meat is good eating, though larger fish can carry ciguatera, so we usually keep the smaller ones. They're not picky eaters - live bait, jigs, whatever you put in front of them. Here's the key: when you hook one, turn up that drag and horse them away from the bottom immediately. Give them an inch and they'll wrap you around the nearest piling or coral head. Heavy tackle is a must - 50-80 pound gear minimum.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are speed demons that'll test your drag system in a hurry. These fish typically run 15-40 pounds, though we catch plenty in the 50+ range during peak season. They hang out in 40-150 feet of water around structure, drop-offs, and temperature breaks. Fall through spring is when they're thick here - they follow the baitfish migrations and water temps. What guests love is the initial run - kings will peel line like there's no tomorrow, then settle into a strong, steady fight. The meat is excellent if you bleed them right away and keep them on ice. They're oily and perfect for the grill or smoker. Here's a local trick: rig two hooks on a wire leader when using live bait. Put one through the nose, let the other dangle by the tail. Kings often bite the back half of the bait first, so that trailing hook saves the day.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are pure eye candy - those electric colors when you first bring them boatside are something else. Most run 15-30 pounds, but we see bulls pushing 50+ during good years. They're surface dwellers, love floating debris, weedlines, and current edges in 100+ feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time when water temps hit 75+. What makes mahi special is they're willing biters, great fighters, and hands-down some of the best eating fish in the ocean. Sweet, firm white meat that's perfect for any preparation. They'll often travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. The bite can be fast and furious. Local tip: when you hook one, leave it in the water while you rig more lines. The hooked fish will keep the school around, and you can often catch several before they move on. Just don't boat the first one too quickly.
Islamorada