5.0(4 Reviews)Extended Half Day Patch Reef Fishing Adventure
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Six-hour offshore fishing adventure targeting snapper and grouperAll equipment and fishing licenses included with expert captainSmall group experience limited to three guests maximum
Captain Pat knows where the fish live in Key Largo's patch reefs, and he's ready to put you on them. This 6-hour guided fishing trip takes you to some of the most productive waters in the Florida Keys, where colorful patch reefs hold everything from aggressive barracuda to hard-fighting grouper. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first real saltwater experience or you're a weekend warrior looking to bend some rods, Pat's got the local knowledge and patience to make it happen. All gear, tackle, and licenses are covered – just bring sunscreen, snacks, and get ready to fish.
Key Largo's patch reefs are like underwater cities, and each one holds different species depending on the tide, season, and time of day. Captain Pat runs a clean, well-maintained boat that gets you to the fishing grounds quickly and comfortably. These reefs sit in 15 to 40 feet of crystal-clear water, making it easy to see the structure below and watch your bait get hammered. The trip targets multiple species, so you'll be switching between different techniques throughout the day – bottom fishing for snapper and grouper, then maybe running some live bait for the bigger predators cruising the reef edges. Pat reads the water conditions and adjusts the game plan accordingly, which is why his repeat customers keep coming back season after season.
Patch reef fishing is all about presentation and knowing the structure. Captain Pat runs quality spinning gear and conventional setups depending on what you're targeting. For the bottom species like snapper and grouper, you'll fish with circle hooks and enough weight to get down and stay down in the current. Live pinfish, ballyhoo, and shrimp are the go-to baits, but Pat also knows when to switch to artificials when the fish are being picky. When targeting barracuda and other predators, expect to throw some flashy spoons or work live baits on the surface. The key to patch reef success is mobility – when one spot slows down, you move to the next. Pat knows dozens of productive reefs and isn't afraid to make the run to find active fish.
"Had a great trip with Captain Pat. He was very patient with my 11yo high energy, fishing fanatic son. Captain Pat worked his tail off to keep us on fish. When the bite slowed at a spot, we were off to another one. Managed to check off several species from my son's bucket list…..even kept us out past the trip time to do it. Boat and tackle were very nice. Pat is super knowledgeable and was fun to be around. The marina where keeps his boat was easy to get to, wasn't crowded at all, had access to a restroom, and had a great restaurant that cooked some of our catch for a late lunch after the trip - it was excellent. Cant wait to book with him again!" - Jason
"What a great charter lead by a very knowledgeable and dedicated person. Captain Pat did everything possible to have my son and I enjoy a great day in the beautiful Everglades. From chasing bait to putting us on a ton of fish. We caught Snook, Redfish, Trout, and Snappers throughout the day . Tons of fun and a great man as well. I would highly recommend him and would go back out fishing with him anytime." - Manuel
"Book with confidence!!!!!Capt. Pat was awesome!!!!! I am an avid bass angler but like to go out in the backcountry and salt water fish. Pat is definitely one of us. He is not afraid to make long runs if he isn't on fish close. He will jump from spot to spot to make sure you catch fish. Conversation was great as well. Will definitely be using Capt Pat anytime I am back in the Keys!!!! When we got off the water the last day I truly felt like I made a buddy that I will fish with from now on.Great job Capt Pat" - Danny
Permit are the holy grail of flats and reef fishing, and Key Largo's patch reefs hold some quality fish. These silver torpedoes are notorious for being spooky and selective, but when conditions are right and they're feeding on the reef, they'll take a well-presented crab or shrimp. Permit average 8-15 pounds in these waters, with the occasional 20-pounder showing up to test your drag. They're strongest from March through June when water temperatures are perfect. What makes permit special is their fighting ability – they make long, powerful runs and use their disc-shaped bodies to their advantage in the current.
Great Barracuda are the apex predators of the patch reefs, and they're always ready for a fight. These toothy missiles can reach 4-6 feet and hit your bait with explosive strikes that'll get your heart pumping. They're most active during the warmer months and love to ambush prey around the reef edges. What makes barracuda fishing so exciting is their unpredictability – they might follow your lure for 50 feet before striking, or they could slam it the second it hits the water. Their razor-sharp teeth and acrobatic jumps make them a favorite target for anglers looking for some serious action.
Mutton Snapper are one of the most prized reef fish in South Florida, and Key Largo's patch reefs produce some beautiful fish. These copper-colored snappers typically run 3-8 pounds, with trophy fish pushing 15 pounds or more. They're most active during the summer months when they school up around the reefs to spawn. Muttons are known for their excellent table fare and their stubborn fighting style – they'll use every piece of reef structure to try and break you off. The key to catching them is fresh bait and patience, as they can be incredibly line-shy in clear water.
Set out for Key Largo's productive patch reefs aboard our 24-foot Blazer Bay center console, perfectly rigged for serious fishing action. This 2019 boat runs smooth with a 300HP Mercury outboard, getting you to the best snapper and grouper spots quickly while the fish finder shows what's swimming below. The spacious layout gives you and two other anglers plenty of room to work the reefs, with an onboard icebox keeping your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 6-hour adventure. GPS navigation pinpoints the hottest fishing zones where barracuda, mackerel, and reef fish gather, while the wireless trolling motor lets us position quietly over structure without spooking the fish. Whether you're dropping bottom rigs for snapper or casting lures for surface action, this well-equipped fishing machine handles Key Largo's waters with ease.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the bulldozers of the reef - thick, powerful fish that'll test your gear and your arms. Most average around 2 feet, but the monsters can hit 5 feet and over 100 pounds. They hang around our patch reefs, wrecks, and ledges, usually right on the bottom where they ambush prey. Winter months are best when they move shallow, but we catch them year-round in 30-300 feet. What makes them special is that bone-jarring strike and the brutal fight that follows - pure muscle trying to get back to the rocks. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, mild meat that's perfect for the grill. Here's the key: once you feel that hit, start cranking immediately. Don't give them time to think or they'll wrap you around the structure. Heavy tackle is a must - at least 80-pound braid.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper might not win beauty contests with their mottled gray appearance, but they make up for it with attitude and taste. Average fish run about 20 inches, though the big ones can push 4-5 feet and 80 pounds. They love rocky structure, reefs, and wrecks where they can ambush prey. Younger fish stay closer to shore while adults head to deeper offshore spots. Spring and fall fishing is typically best when they're most active. What guests enjoy is the solid fight they put up and excellent table quality - some say they're the best eating grouper. Live bait like pinfish or mullet works great, but cut bait does too. My advice: keep your rod low and reel locked tight when you hook one. They'll try to drag your bait straight down into the rocks, so don't give them an inch of free line.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat barracuda are the torpedoes of our reefs - built for speed with that long, streamlined body and razor teeth. Most run 2-4 feet, but the big ones can hit 6 feet and over 100 pounds. They cruise near the surface around coral reefs, grass flats, and structure, often alone except during spring spawning. What makes them fun is that explosive strike and the fight they put up, though they tire quickly. They'll hit just about anything shiny or fast-moving. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're most active. Don't expect great table fare - we usually release them. Pro tip: use a wire leader because those teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. When you hook one, keep tension steady - they love to jump and throw the hook.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are some of the best eating fish we target out here, with that beautiful pinkish color and blue lines around the face. Most run 15-20 inches, but the big ones can push 3 feet and 30+ pounds. You'll find them around our patch reefs in 15-30 feet, often hanging just off the structure in sandy areas where their color shifts more gray for camouflage. They're usually solitary or in small groups. Spring through summer is prime time when they're most active. What guests love is they're great fighters relative to other snappers and absolutely delicious on the table - firm, white meat with a mild flavor. The trick is using the freshest bait possible on a light weight. Once they feel the hook, they'll try to run straight back to the reef, so keep steady pressure and lead them away from structure.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are one of the trickiest fish you'll encounter out here. These silvery, disc-shaped beauties average around 3 feet but can push 4 feet and 60 pounds. What makes them special is those golf ball-sized eyes that rotate almost 360 degrees - they see everything coming. You'll find them cruising shallow flats in just 2-3 feet of water, which seems impossible for such tall fish. They're most active April through October during spawning season. Guests love the challenge because permit are incredibly spooky and fight hard once hooked. The meat's decent, but it's really about the bragging rights. My tip: use live blue crabs and approach dead quiet - any sudden movement or noise will send them bolting. When you do hook one, keep steady pressure and pray your drag's set right.
5.0 out of 5.0Had a great trip with Captain Pat. He was very patient with my 11yo high energy, fishing fanatic son. Captain Pat worked his tai...
What a great charter lead by a very knowledgeable and dedicated person. Captain Pat did everything possible to have my son and I e...
Book with confidence!!!!!Capt. Pat was awesome!!!!! I am an avid bass angler but like to go out in the backcountry and salt water...
Boat was prepared and ready to go captain explained we would try different marks First one produced lots of sea trout with hel...
Key Largo