5.0(7 Reviews)Half Day Reef/Inshore Fishing - Tavernier, FL
5.0(7 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Halfday fishing targeting patch reefs and inshore watersProfessional guides navigate to productive Florida Keys spotsAll licenses included with beverages for six guests
Picture yourself casting lines in some of Florida's most productive fishing waters, where the Atlantic's crystal-clear shallows meet vibrant patch reefs just minutes from shore. Captain Chris runs a top-rated charter operation out of Tavernier that puts you right in the heart of the Upper Keys fishing action. Whether conditions have us working the grass flats for snook and redfish or dropping baits on offshore structure for grouper and snapper, you're looking at a half-day trip that consistently produces bent rods and full coolers. With all licenses covered and cold drinks flowing, the only thing you need to bring is your appetite for some serious angling.
This isn't your typical cookie-cutter fishing trip where you hit the same spots regardless of conditions. Captain Chris reads the water like a book and adjusts the game plan based on what Mother Nature serves up each day. When the winds are calm and visibility is perfect, we might head to the patch reefs where mutton snapper and grouper stack up around coral heads and ledges. If weather pushes us inshore, that opens up a whole different playbook targeting redfish along mangrove shorelines and snook holding in current breaks around bridges and channels. The beauty of fishing these Upper Keys waters is having multiple game plans that all produce fish. You'll spend your four hours actively fishing prime spots rather than burning time running to distant grounds, and with a six-angler maximum, there's plenty of room to spread out and work different techniques without crowding the boat.
Captain Chris keeps his boat rigged with quality gear that can handle everything from finicky inshore species to bruiser reef fish. When we're working the flats, expect to throw live bait on spinning tackle or work artificial lures around structure and cover. The inshore game often involves sight fishing where you'll actually see your targets before making the cast – there's nothing quite like watching a big redfish inhale your bait in two feet of crystal-clear water. Reef fishing switches gears to heavier tackle and bottom rigs designed to get baits down quickly and keep them in the strike zone despite current and wind. We're talking circle hooks, egg sinkers, and fresh-cut bait that triggers aggressive strikes from snapper and grouper holding tight to structure. The captain provides all necessary tackle, bait, and terminal gear, so you can focus on fighting fish instead of rigging lines.
"Despite terrible weather, Captain Chris created a memorable trip for us. Good boat, excellent equipment and a knowledgeable Captain. Get his ceviche recipe!" - William
Redfish are the crown jewel of Upper Keys inshore fishing, and these copper-colored bruisers provide some of the most visual and exciting angling you'll find anywhere. These fish cruise shallow grass flats and mangrove edges year-round, with peak action during cooler months when they school up in large numbers. Reds typically run 20-30 inches in these waters and fight with bulldogging power that tests your drag system. What makes them special is how they feed – often tailing in skinny water where you can spot them from a distance and make precision casts. The sight of a slot redfish crushing your bait in knee-deep water never gets old.
Mutton snapper represent the reef fishing experience at its finest, combining beautiful fish with challenging angling and excellent table fare. These colorful snappers congregate around patch reefs and deeper structure throughout the year, with summer months producing the most consistent action. Muttons average 3-5 pounds but can reach double digits, and they're notorious for their finicky feeding habits that demand precise bait presentation and light leaders. They school heavily during spawning season, creating opportunities for multiple hookups when you find the right spot and dial in the technique.
Gag grouper are the heavy hitters of the reef fishing scene, with their powerful builds and hard-fighting nature making every hookup a battle. These bottom dwellers love rocky structure and coral heads where they ambush passing bait, and they're most active during cooler months when regulations typically allow harvest. Gags commonly reach 20-30 pounds in these waters, and their initial runs toward structure will test both your tackle and technique. Landing a quality gag requires keeping constant pressure and preventing them from reaching their rocky hideouts.
Snook fishing in the Upper Keys offers year-round action with these distinctive inshore gamefish that patrol mangrove shorelines, bridge pilings, and current breaks. These ambush predators are most active during dawn and dusk periods, though they'll feed throughout the day when conditions are right. Snook are renowned for their acrobatic fights that include multiple jumps and powerful runs, and they're particularly aggressive during warmer months. What makes snook special is their unpredictable nature – they might ignore dozens of perfect presentations before absolutely crushing the next bait that comes their way.
Goliath grouper represent the ultimate big game experience in relatively shallow water, with these giants reaching hundreds of pounds and providing fish-of-a-lifetime encounters. While catch-and-release only, hooking into a goliath creates an unforgettable battle that showcases the raw power of Florida's largest reef fish. These prehistoric-looking giants hang around structure and wrecks year-round, with summer months providing peak opportunities. The initial strike from a big goliath will pin your rod tip to the water and test every component of your tackle system, creating stories that last a lifetime even though the fish swims away healthy.
Captain Chris's reputation for putting clients on fish regardless of conditions doesn't happen by accident – it's the result of years spent learning these waters and adapting techniques to match daily variables. This half-day format gives you serious fishing time without burning a full day, making it perfect for families, first-time visitors, or seasoned anglers looking
This well-equipped motorboat gets you to Florida's best fishing spots around Tavernier with room for up to 6 anglers. The spacious layout features comfortable seating at both bow and stern, plus a large canopy that keeps everyone cool when the Florida sun gets intense. Built for serious fishing, she's loaded with a fish finder to locate those productive reefs and a GPS system for precise navigation to both shallow inshore waters and deeper offshore patches. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold throughout the day. Whether you're targeting snapper on the patch reefs or working the flats for tarpon and redfish, this boat handles both inshore and reef fishing with ease, adapting to whatever conditions Mother Nature serves up in the Keys.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bread and butter of our reef fishing. Most run 18-24 inches, but we regularly see fish in the 30-40 pound range around deeper structure. They live around rocky bottoms, ledges, and wrecks in 60-200 feet of water. Younger fish hang closer to shore, but the big ones are out on the offshore reefs. Winter months can be fantastic when they move shallow to spawn. What guests love about gags is that initial run - once hooked, they'll try to get back to their hole fast, so you better be ready. They're also top-notch table fare with firm, white meat. The key trick with gags is getting them off the bottom quick. Use heavy tackle, lock that drag down tight, and don't give them any slack line. The moment you feel the bite, start cranking - hesitate and they'll wrap you around the reef every time.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath grouper are the giants of our reefs - true monsters that can reach 200-400 pounds and live over 50 years. You'll find them around ledges, wrecks, and coral heads in 20-100 feet of water. These fish are around year-round, but summer brings the best action when they gather for spawning. What makes them special isn't just the size - it's that initial run that'll test every piece of your gear. They're strictly catch-and-release, protected by law, but hooking one is a bucket list experience. The fight is intense but usually short - they use their bulk and the structure to try breaking you off. My advice: use the heaviest tackle you've got, at least 80-pound gear. When you hook up, lock that drag and don't give any line - you've got about 10 seconds to turn their head before they reach their cave and it's game over.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snappers are a real treat to catch out here. These olive-colored fish with blue streaks around their eyes typically run 15-20 inches, though we see some pushing 25+ pounds on deeper reefs. You'll find smaller ones in shallow grass beds, but the real fighters live around patch reefs and ledges in 30-100 feet of water. They're year-round residents, but summer months when they're spawning can produce some outstanding fishing. What makes them special is that solid fight - they'll make strong runs and test your drag. Plus, they're hands down some of the best eating fish in these waters. Here's a local trick: use the freshest bait you can get on a light knocker rig, and let it drift naturally in the current. When you feel that thump, don't hesitate - set the hook hard and keep them away from the structure.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of our most popular targets around Tavernier. You'll recognize them by that signature black spot near the tail and copper-colored sides. Most fish we catch run 20-28 inches, but don't be surprised if you hook into a bigger one. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Look for them around oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and grass flats in 1-4 feet of water. Spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps are right. These fish fight hard with strong runs and that distinctive head-shaking. They're also excellent eating with mild, flaky meat. Pro tip: when you spot one tailing in shallow water, cast your bait well ahead of where they're moving - they spook easily but the reward is worth the patience.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the ultimate inshore game fish around here. These sleek predators average 24-30 inches with that distinctive black lateral line running down their golden sides. They're structure lovers - you'll find them around mangroves, docks, bridges, and inlet mouths in 3-15 feet of water. Warmer months from May through September are prime time, especially around the full and new moons when they're spawning. What makes snook fishing special is their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll jump, run, and use every trick in the book. They're catch-and-release only right now, which keeps the fishery strong. Here's what works: focus on moving water around structure changes. Cast your bait or lure upstream and let it drift naturally past cover. Snook are ambush feeders, so they want an easy meal drifting by their hideout.
5.0 out of 5.0Despite terrible weather, Captain Chris created a memorable trip for us. Good boat, excellent equipment and a knowledgeable Captai...
Despite terrible weather, Captain Chris created a memorable trip for us. Good boat, excellent equipment and a knowledgeable Captai...
Despite terrible weather, Captain Chris created a memorable trip for us. Good boat, excellent equipment and a knowledgeable Captai...
Despite terrible weather, Captain Chris created a memorable trip for us. Good boat, excellent equipment and a knowledgeable Captai...
Despite terrible weather, Captain Chris created a memorable trip for us. Good boat, excellent equipment and a knowledgeable Captai...
Despite terrible weather, Captain Chris created a memorable trip for us. Good boat, excellent equipment and a knowledgeable Captai...
Despite terrible weather, Captain Chris created a memorable trip for us. Good boat, excellent equipment and a knowledgeable Captai...
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