Key West Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Evening departure at 5 PM for 4-hour offshore fishing adventureTarget snapper, grouper, mackerel, and sharks within 15-mile radiusProfessional crew provides filleting service for fresh catch takeaway
Picture this: it's 5 pm in Key West, the afternoon heat is starting to break, and you're about to experience some of the best bottom fishing the Florida Keys has to offer. This isn't your typical dawn patrol fishing trip – we're talking about an evening adventure that takes full advantage of those golden hours when the fish are actively feeding and the water comes alive. Captain and crew at Cora Beth Fishing know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're ready to put you on fish within a 15-mile radius of Key West's legendary reefs.
This 4-hour charter is designed for up to 2 anglers, making it perfect for couples, father-son duos, or best friends looking to get away from the crowds. You'll be targeting some serious bottom dwellers around Key West's productive reef structure, where grouper, snapper, and other reef species call home. The evening departure time isn't just about avoiding the heat – it's strategic. As the sun starts its descent, baitfish become more active, and predators move in to feed. The crew will have you anchored up over prime structure where these fish stack up, and you'll be dropping baits down to depths where the big boys live. Don't worry about bringing anything except your fishing license and maybe some snacks – the boat comes equipped with all the tackle, bait, and know-how you'll need. Plus, they'll clean and fillet your catch at the end of the trip, so you can take home some of the freshest fish you'll ever taste.
We're talking serious bottom fishing here – the kind where you drop heavy sinkers and chunked bait down to depths of 40 to 120 feet, depending on which reef the crew decides is producing best that day. You'll be using stout conventional reels loaded with braided line, because when a 20-pound gag grouper decides to head for the rocks, you need the gear to turn him around. The crew will set you up with circle hooks and cut bait – usually squid, ballyhoo, or sardines – that'll get the attention of hungry grouper and snapper. This isn't finesse fishing; it's about getting your bait in front of fish that want to eat and being ready for the fight when they do. The Key West reef system is riddled with ledges, holes, and structure that hold fish year-round, and the captain knows exactly where to set up for maximum action.
Red Grouper are the bread and butter of Key West bottom fishing, and for good reason. These chunky, rust-colored fighters typically run 5 to 15 pounds around here, though bigger ones definitely swim these reefs. They're most active during cooler months from October through April, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look. Red grouper are notorious for their hard initial run toward structure, and they've got the muscle to make even experienced anglers work for every fish. What makes them special is their willingness to bite – they're not as spooky as some grouper species, and they make excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying.
Great Barracuda bring a completely different energy to your fishing trip. These silver missiles can stretch 4 feet or more and put on aerial displays that'll get your heart pumping. They're year-round residents in Key West waters, but they're most aggressive during warmer months when baitfish are thick on the reefs. Barracuda have razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast reflexes, making them one of the most exciting fish to battle on medium tackle. They'll make blistering runs and often jump multiple times, testing your drag system and your nerves. While some anglers release them, smaller barracuda make decent table fare when prepared properly.
Cobia are the wildcards of this fishery – you never know when one might show up, but when they do, you're in for a treat. These brown, shark-like fish can weigh anywhere from 15 to 40 pounds around Key West, and they're curious creatures that often follow the boat or investigate divers. Spring and fall migrations bring the best cobia action, typically from March through May and September through November. They're powerful swimmers that make long, determined runs, and they're considered by many to be one of the best eating fish in the ocean. Their firm, white meat has a clean taste that works well with virtually any preparation.
Black Grouper are the heavy hitters of the grouper family in these waters. While not as common as reds, when you hook into a black grouper, you know it immediately. They can exceed 30 pounds, though most caught around Key West run 10 to 20 pounds. These fish prefer deeper structure and are most active during cooler water periods. They're notorious for their ability to find the smallest hole in a reef and wedge themselves in, making them one of the most challenging grouper species to land. Their size and fighting ability make them a prized catch among serious bottom fishermen.
Gag Grouper round out the grouper trio you might encounter on this trip. They're typically more active than blacks but spookier than reds, making them an interesting challenge. Gags prefer rocky bottom and ledges, and they're most commonly caught during their spawning season from December through April around Key West. They're excellent fighters that make strong runs toward structure, and they're considered by many to be the best eating of all the grouper species. Their sweet, flaky meat has made them a favorite among charter boat anglers throughout the Gulf and Atlantic.
This evening fishing charter offers something special – a chance to experience Key West's legendary fishing without the crowds and heat of a typical day trip. The 2-angler capacity means personalized attention from the crew, and the 4-hour duration gives you plenty of time to work multiple spots and put together a
Jump aboard our restored 55-foot Yank Marine for some serious offshore fishing action around Key West! This solid walkaround was completely rebuilt in 2021 and runs on twin 450HP Cummins engines that'll get you to the hot spots at 23 knots. Perfect for smaller groups looking to hit the reefs within 15 miles of shore. You'll find everything you need onboard - GPS and fish finder to locate the best structure, radar for those late afternoon runs, plus an icebox to keep your drinks cold and your catch fresh. The spacious deck gives you plenty of room to fight those snapper, grouper, and whatever else is biting. Evening trips start at 5 pm when the fish are feeding and the sunset views are prime. Our crew knows these waters inside and out and will even clean your fish so you can head home with dinner ready to cook.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack Grouper are the heavyweights of our reef system - olive-gray bruisers with dark rectangular blotches that can grow over 4 feet and 100+ pounds. Most we catch run 15-30 pounds, but they all fight like freight trains. These ambush predators love deep ledges, wrecks, and rocky structure from 30-300 feet, moving shallower in winter. What guests love is the pure strength and endurance - it's a real tug-of-war that tests your gear and stamina. The meat is premium too, mild and firm. Best fishing is fall through spring when they're in shallower water. Key tip: heavy tackle is a must - 80lb braid minimum. Once you feel that thump, crank immediately and don't let them get back to the rocks.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like the bulldogs of the ocean - dark brown, stocky fish that guests often mistake for sharks at first glance. These loners typically run 20-40 pounds but can hit 100+ pounds. They cruise around structure, wrecks, and buoys, usually in 30 feet or less during spring migration. Summer finds them deeper on reefs and oil rigs. What makes them special is the incredible table fare - firm, white meat that rivals any fish in these waters. They're strong fighters too, making long runs when hooked. Best fishing is spring through fall when they're moving through. Local tip: bucktail jigs work great, but color doesn't matter much. Focus on sight fishing - if you see one cruising, there's your shot.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper might not win beauty contests with their drab gray appearance, but they make up for it with fight and flavor. These marbled-looking fish average around 20 inches, though big ones can hit 50+ inches and 80 pounds. They love rocky structure, reefs, and drop-offs where they can ambush prey. Younger fish stay inshore while adults head to deeper offshore reefs. Fall and winter bring the best action when they move up from the depths. What guests enjoy is the strong fight and excellent eating - some of the best grouper meat you'll find. They're smart fish that take time to mature, so we practice good conservation. Pro tip: look for stone crab traps - gags love hanging around them for easy meals.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat Barracuda are the speed demons of our reefs - sleek, silver torpedoes that can hit 35 mph in short bursts. Most run 2-4 feet, but the big ones can stretch to 6 feet and really test your gear. You'll find them cruising near the surface around reefs, wrecks, and structure, often hunting in small packs. Spring brings the best action during spawning season. What guests love is the explosive strike and that wild first run - pure adrenaline. They're curious fish too, often following the boat. The meat's not great due to potential toxins, but the fight is what it's all about. My advice: keep some wire leader handy and don't wear shiny jewelry - these guys are attracted to anything that flashes.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are one of our most reliable reef fish around Key West. These rusty-red beauties with white spots typically run 5-10 pounds, though we've seen some push 20+ pounds. They hang out on rocky bottoms and ledges from 10-100 feet deep, making them perfect for our evening trips. What makes them special is their incredible fight - they'll try to drag your line straight back to the rocks. The meat is outstanding too, firm and flaky with a sweet taste. Best fishing happens year-round, but cooler months bring them shallower. Pro tip: once you feel that bite, crank hard and fast. Don't give them a chance to get back to structure or they'll cut you off every time.
Key West