Key Largo Half Day Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour morning and afternoon nearshore fishing adventures in Key LargoTarget Mutton Snapper, Red Snapper, and Red and Black GrouperSmall group charters accommodate up to six guests maximum
Looking for some serious action on the water without burning your whole day? Captain Pete Jacobsen's got you covered with these half-day fishing trips that'll have you fighting fish in some of Key Largo's most productive nearshore waters. Whether you're an early bird ready to catch first light or prefer to sleep in and fish the afternoon bite, these 4-hour trips pack plenty of punch. We're talking about targeting some of the most sought-after bottom fish in South Florida - Red Snapper, Mutton Snapper, and those bruiser Black Grouper that'll test your drag system. With just 6 anglers max, you're not fighting for rod space or Captain Pete's attention like those cattle boat operations.
These trips run smooth and efficient - no wasted time motoring to distant spots when the fish are biting right in our backyard. Captain Pete knows every ledge, wreck, and reef structure within range, and he's not shy about sharing what's working. The morning trips usually kick off around sunrise when the snapper are most active, while afternoon charters take advantage of that prime feeding window before sunset. You'll be fishing depths ranging from 40 to 120 feet, working structure that holds fish year-round. The boat's rigged with quality tackle, but feel free to bring your own setup if you've got preferences. We're talking circle hooks for the snappers, heavy enough tackle to turn grouper away from their holes, and fresh bait that actually gets bit. No shortcuts here.
This is classic South Florida bottom fishing at its finest. We're dropping baits on natural and artificial reefs, targeting structure where these fish live and feed. Captain Pete runs a variety of techniques depending on conditions - sometimes it's straight vertical jigging with bucktails, other times we're fishing cut bait on the bottom with enough weight to stay put in the current. The key is reading the electronics, understanding how fish relate to structure, and adjusting your presentation accordingly. When the grouper are being finicky, we might switch to live pinfish or grunt to trigger that reaction strike. For snappers, fresh cut yellowtail or pilchards usually do the trick. The captain provides all the terminal tackle, weights, and bait, but he's always happy to see anglers who come prepared with their own gear and knowledge.
Red Snapper are the bread and butter of these nearshore trips, and when they're open, it's game on. These fish average 3-8 pounds in our local waters, though don't be surprised when a 15-pounder bends your rod double. They're schooling fish, so when you find them, you'll usually find numbers. Red Snapper are notorious for their aggressive feeding behavior and that distinctive head-shaking fight that'll remind you why circle hooks are mandatory. They're most active during cooler months, roughly October through March, though regulations can change yearly so always check current rules.
Mutton Snapper are the locals' favorite and for good reason - they fight harder pound-for-pound than their red cousins and taste even better on the dinner table. These fish are year-round residents on our reefs, ranging from schoolie-sized fish around 2-3 pounds up to genuine trophies pushing 15-20 pounds. Muttons are smart, structure-oriented fish that require finesse. They'll test your knot-tying skills and drag settings, making long runs toward the reef when hooked. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, but Captain Pete knows spots that produce quality muttons any time of year.
Black Grouper are the heavyweights of this fishery, and landing one is always a highlight of any trip. These ambush predators lurk in holes and under ledges, waiting to inhale anything that looks like an easy meal. When you hook a black grouper, the first few seconds determine whether you're landing fish or donating tackle to the reef. They're incredibly strong, using their broad tails and knowledge of structure to their advantage. Most blacks on our local reefs run 5-15 pounds, though 20-plus-pound fish are always possible. They're more active during warmer months but can be caught year-round by anglers who understand their habits.
Half-day trips are perfect for families, visiting anglers, or locals who want to get their fish fix without making it an all-day affair. Captain Pete's reputation for putting clients on fish while sharing his knowledge of these waters makes these charters a customer favorite among both beginners and seasoned anglers. The 6-person limit ensures everyone gets personal attention and plenty of fishing time. Morning or afternoon, these trips consistently produce action on quality fish. Don't wait until you're already in town - the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak season. Book your spot now and get ready to experience why Key Largo's nearshore fishing scene keeps anglers coming back for more.
Meet your fishing platform for Key Largo's nearshore waters - a classic 34-foot Downeast cabin cruiser that's been working these reefs since 1987. This Crusader-built vessel hauls up to 6 anglers with its reliable 375HP Caterpillar engine, cruising at a steady 18 knots to get you on the fish without wasting daylight. The flybridge gives your captain clear sight lines for spotting structure and working birds, while the fish finder down below pinpoints where the snappers and groupers are holding. When the Florida sun heats up, duck into the cabin where you'll find a proper head and icebox to keep your drinks cold and your catch fresh. The onboard multimedia keeps everyone entertained during the ride out to the productive grounds. Built for serious fishing, this downeast design handles the chop between the patch reefs where mutton snapper roam and cuts through the swells heading to deeper structure for those trophy grouper. Whether you're targeting the morning bite or afternoon action, this proven hull gets you there comfortably and brings you back with a cooler full of dinner.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack Grouper are the bulldogs of our reefs - thick-bodied, powerful fish that'll give you a workout. Most run 20-30 inches, but we see some real monsters pushing 40+ pounds around our deeper structure. They hang out in 30-300 feet around wrecks, ledges, and rocky bottom where they ambush prey. Winter months bring them shallow, making them perfect targets for our half-day trips. What makes them special is the fight - pure strength and stubbornness - plus they're fantastic eating with firm, mild meat. When you hook one, the battle starts immediately as they try to dive back into the rocks. My advice: bring heavy tackle, get your bait right on bottom, and the second you feel that thump, start cranking hard. Don't give them an inch or they'll wrap you around the structure and break you off every time.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton Snapper are some of our most prized catches here in Key Largo. These olive-green fish with distinctive blue streaks behind their eyes typically run 15-20 inches, but can stretch to 3 feet. You'll find them around our nearshore reefs in 80-300 feet, especially where sand meets structure. They're smart fish that put up a solid fight, but what really gets people excited is the table fare - excellent eating. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they're more active. The trick with muttons is presentation - use the freshest bait you can get on a light knocker rig, and let it drift naturally in the current. They're spooky, so keep your chum going and watch for that pink flash coming up through the clear water. That's when you know you've got one worth bragging about.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the prize of our nearshore reefs, averaging 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, though they can hit 35+ pounds. These deep red beauties live around structure in 30-200 feet, loving our wrecks and rocky bottom. They're absolute fighters - once hooked, they'll dive straight for cover trying to cut your line on the reef. The meat is outstanding with that mild, nutty flavor that makes them restaurant favorites. Best fishing is during cooler months when they move up from deeper water. Here's the key: use fresh bait like cigar minnows or live pinfish, get it right to the bottom, and when you feel that thump, reel hard and fast. Don't give them time to think or they'll wrap you around the nearest piece of structure and you'll be retying.
Key Largo