Private 4 Hour Reef/Wreck/Drift Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Fourhour private charter targets reef, wreck, and drift zonesAll equipment, bait, licenses, and fuel included for four anglersFish depths from 40 to 300 feet for multiple species
Get ready for some serious bottom fishing action in the productive waters off Biscayne Bay. This private 4-hour charter takes you and up to three buddies to the best reef structures, artificial wrecks, and drift zones where South Florida's premier game fish hang out. We're talking depths from 40 feet all the way down to 300 feet, targeting everything from hefty snappers and groupers to the lightning-fast pelagics that cruise these waters. Whether you've been fishing these waters for years or you're new to the offshore game, this trip delivers the kind of variety that keeps your rod bent and your cooler full.
Your day starts with a quick briefing on safety and tackle setup before we head out to the fishing grounds. The beauty of Biscayne Bay fishing is the diversity – one minute you're dropping cut bait to the bottom for a monster mutton snapper, the next you're watching your line scream off the reel as a cobia makes its run. We'll hit multiple spots depending on conditions, current, and what's biting. The reef structures hold plenty of bottom fish, while the wrecks are magnets for both resident species and passing pelagics. When we're drift fishing, you'll feel that South Florida current working in your favor as we cover more water and put different presentations in front of hungry fish. Everything's included in your trip – fuel, ice, bait, chum, tackle, and your fishing license. Just bring your own food, drinks, and plenty of sunblock because four hours flies by when the fish are cooperating.
We use a mix of fishing methods to maximize your success on this charter. Bottom fishing with circle hooks and heavy sinkers gets your bait down to the grouper and snapper haunts around the reefs and wrecks. We'll rig you up with everything from live pilchards and pinfish to cut ballyhoo and squid strips, depending on what species we're targeting. For the drift fishing portions, we lighten up the tackle and let the current do the work, presenting baits at multiple depths in the water column. This technique is deadly for cobia, barracuda, and mahi when they're moving through. The artificial reefs and shipwrecks create structure that holds baitfish, and where there's bait, there's always something bigger looking for an easy meal. We keep a variety of rod weights on board so beginners can handle smaller fish comfortably while experienced anglers can battle the bigger specimens on appropriate tackle.
Mahi mahi are the crown jewel of South Florida offshore fishing, and these waters produce some beauties. These fish are pure adrenaline – when a bull dolphin hits your bait, you'll know it immediately. They're aggressive fighters that jump, run, and put on a show that'll have you grinning for days. Peak season runs from late spring through summer when the weed lines and debris hold schools of baitfish. The bigger bulls often travel with females, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Their bright colors and acrobatic fights make them a favorite for both eating and bragging rights back at the dock.
Great barracuda are the speed demons of these waters, capable of slicing through the water at over 35 mph. These apex predators patrol the reef edges and wrecks, ambushing anything that looks like an easy meal. They're sight feeders with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. A cuda strike is explosive – they'll often jump completely out of the water before you even know you're hooked up. While they're year-round residents, the bigger specimens show up during the cooler months. Their aggressive nature makes them a blast on lighter tackle, though you'll want to use a steel leader unless you enjoy getting cut off.
Cobia are the gentle giants that cruise these waters, often mistaken for sharks when they're swimming near the surface. These fish are curious by nature and will often approach the boat, making for some exciting sight fishing opportunities. They're strong, steady fighters that prefer deeper water around structure. Spring and early summer bring the bigger fish through Biscayne Bay as they follow their migration patterns. Cobia are excellent table fare and can reach impressive sizes, with 30-40 pound fish not uncommon in these waters. Their brown coloration and distinctive white stripe make them easy to identify.
Cubera snapper are the monsters of the snapper family, with the potential to reach trophy sizes around the deeper wrecks and ledges. These powerful fish are ambush predators that use their massive mouths to inhale prey. They're notoriously difficult to land due to their strength and tendency to head straight back to structure when hooked. The bigger cuberas are typically caught in deeper water, often at night, but daytime fishing around the right structure can produce fish in the 20-30 pound range. Their impressive size and fighting ability make them a bucket-list species for serious bottom fishermen.
Mutton snapper are the bread and butter of South Florida reef fishing, known for their consistent availability and excellent eating qualities. These fish are structure-oriented and can be found around virtually every reef and wreck in the area. They're smart feeders that require finesse – light leaders and natural baits work best. Muttons are most active during the warmer months and feed heavily on live bait like pilchards and shrimp. Their pinkish coloration and distinctive black spot make them easy to identify, and they're one of the most sought-after species for both sport and the dinner table.
This private charter gives you the flexibility to fish at your own pace with your own crew, without dealing with crowded party boats or strangers. Four hours is the perfect amount of time to hit multiple spots, try different techniques, and put a variety of species in the box. The waters off Biscayne Bay are some of the
This restored 25' Mako Walkaround is your ticket to serious fishing action in Biscayne Bay's productive waters. Powered by a reliable 300HP Yamaha that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast, hitting 35 knots when conditions allow. The spacious cabin layout comfortably handles up to 4 anglers with plenty of room to work the lines and fight fish. Essential gear includes a fish finder to locate structure and schools, GPS for precise navigation to productive spots, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh. The onboard multimedia system keeps things entertaining during longer runs, while the head adds convenience for extended trips. Built for offshore fishing, this boat handles the choppy waters between reefs and wrecks with ease, giving you a stable platform whether you're bottom fishing for snapper and grouper or drifting for pelagics. Everything's included - fuel, bait, tackle, and ice - so you can focus on what matters: getting lines in the water and bringing home dinner.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the gentle giants that'll surprise you - often mistaken for sharks with that dark brown color and dorsal fin cruising near the surface. They average around 30-50 pounds but can push 100 pounds. We spot them around our wrecks, buoys, and reef edges, mostly in 30-70 feet of water, though they'll go deeper to 200 feet on offshore structures. Spring migration from March to May is when they're most active, moving through our waters heading north. What guests love is they're usually sight-fishing targets - you see the fish and cast to it. They fight hard with long, powerful runs and they're absolutely delicious table fare with firm, white meat. My tip: when you spot one, get a bucktail jig or live bait down to them quickly but don't spook them - they're curious but can be picky eaters.
Lutjanus CyanopterusCubera are the bruisers of the snapper family - true trophy fish that can hit 40-60 pounds, with monsters over 100 pounds lurking on our deeper reefs. These gray-brown giants live around rocky ledges and reef structure from 80-150 feet deep. They're year-round residents, but summer months from May through August bring the best action when they're more active and feeding heavy. What makes them special is that bone-crushing bite and the ability to dive straight back into the rocks when hooked. They're strong as bulls and will test your drag system. The meat is excellent when smaller, though big ones can have ciguatera. Key tip: when you hook one, you've got to get them up and away from structure immediately - let them get back into those rocks and ledges, and you're done. Heavy tackle and no mercy on the drag.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the rockets of the reef, hitting 35 mph in short bursts with those torpedo-shaped bodies. Most run 2-4 feet, but we see some monsters pushing 5-6 feet around the deeper structures. They hang around our reefs, wrecks, and anywhere there's current bringing baitfish through, from the surface down to about 100 feet. Year-round fishing is good here, but they're most aggressive during warmer months when bait is thick. Guests love the visual aspect - you can often see them cruising just under the surface, checking you out with those curious eyes. The strike is explosive, and they'll make several blistering runs before coming to the boat. Here's the thing: they're attracted to shiny objects, so keep your flashy lures moving fast and erratic near structure.
Coryphaena HippurusThese colorful fighters are some of the most beautiful fish you'll see out here. Mahi run 15-30 pounds on average, with that stunning golden-yellow color and electric blue-green backs that put on a light show when they come out of the water. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks, usually in the top 40 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time when they're pushing through our waters following the warm currents. What makes them special is that explosive fight - they'll jump, run, and give you everything they've got. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean with that firm, sweet meat. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your eyes peeled because they often travel in small groups, so get another line ready quick.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are the pretty fighters of the bunch, with that pinkish-olive color and distinctive blue streaks around their face. They typically run 2-5 pounds, but we catch some nice ones up to 15-20 pounds on the deeper reefs. You'll find them from shallow grass flats to about 100 feet deep, usually around reef edges where sand meets structure. Spring and summer are prime time when they're most active and feeding. Guests enjoy them because they're scrappy fighters that'll make several hard runs, and they're absolutely delicious - some of the best table fare we catch. These fish are smart and can be picky, so fresh bait is key. My go-to technique: use a knocker rig with fresh ballyhoo or pilchard, let it drift naturally in the current, and when you hook up, keep steady pressure to prevent them from diving back into the structure.
Miami