5.0(1 Reviews)Premier Offshore Fishing Adventures in Key West Waters
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
5hour offshore fishing charter targeting snapper and grouperAll gear, bait, licenses and ice included onboardSmall group experience with maximum 2 guests
Picture this: you're 15 miles offshore from Key West, surrounded by crystal-clear waters and some of the best fishing grounds in the Florida Keys. That's exactly where you'll find yourself on this top-rated charter with Cora Beth Fishing. We're talking about a solid 5-hour adventure that kicks off at 11 AM, giving you plenty of time to sleep in and still catch the prime fishing window. This isn't some crowded party boat situation either – with just 2 anglers max, you'll get the personalized attention every serious angler deserves. Your captain knows these reefs like the back of his hand and won't quit until you're hooked up with some serious fish.
The moment you step aboard, you'll notice this operation runs tight. Everything's already rigged and ready – we're talking both conventional and spinning setups depending on what we're targeting. Your fishing license, bait, ice, and all tackle are handled, so you can focus on what matters: putting fish in the boat. The ride out to the reefs takes about 45 minutes, but trust me, once you see the color change from that shallow turquoise to deep blue, you'll know you're in fish-holding water. These reefs sit in 80-120 feet of water and are absolutely loaded with structure. Coral heads, ledges, and drop-offs create the perfect ambush points for everything from snapper to grouper. The captain's got his numbers dialed in from years of fishing these spots, and he's constantly watching his electronics to put you on the most active fish.
We run a mix of bottom fishing and trolling depending on what's biting. For the reef fishing, you'll be using medium-heavy conventional tackle with circle hooks – perfect for those bigger grouper and snapper that like to head straight for the rocks once they're hooked. The spinning gear comes into play when we're sight fishing or working the edges of the reef for mackerel and other pelagics. Bait selection changes with the season and conditions, but expect to see live pilchards, pinfish, and cut bait depending on our target species. The boat's equipped with a quality fish finder and GPS, so we're not just fishing blind out there. When the bite slows on one spot, we're moving to the next productive area. If you've got snacks or drinks you want to bring, go for it, but there's also an onboard galley where you can grab what you need without having to pack a cooler.
"Wonderful time, the captain was adamant on having us in the perfect spot for fish and so he did. We caught a great variety and got them cleaned afterwards as well. Next time we visit key west we will be coming back!" - Christa
King Mackerel are the speed demons of this fishery, and when one hits your bait, you'll know it immediately. These fish average 15-30 pounds out here, with some real monsters pushing 40-plus during peak season from fall through early spring. They're fast, they jump, and they'll test your drag system. What makes kings so exciting is their unpredictability – one minute you're bottom fishing for snapper, the next you've got a king screaming line off your reel. They're also excellent table fare when prepared right, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Hogfish are hands-down one of the best eating fish in these waters, and they're a real challenge to catch consistently. These guys are smart and spooky, often requiring light tackle and precise bait presentation. They average 3-8 pounds and have this weird pig-like snout that they use to root around in the sand for crabs and shrimp. The bite is subtle – more like a gentle tap than the aggressive strike of a snapper. But once you dial in their feeding pattern, you can get into some really good action. Spring and early summer are prime time for bigger hogfish.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, and while the regulations are strict, when they're open, there's nothing better. These fish are aggressive, hard-fighting, and absolutely delicious. They'll average 5-15 pounds on these reefs, with some real slabs pushing 20-plus. Reds are structure-oriented, so we're fishing tight to the bottom around coral heads and ledges. They've got sharp teeth and a hard bite, so circle hooks are essential. The season typically runs June through July, making summer trips especially productive.
Mutton Snapper are the sleepers of this fishery – they don't get the press that reds do, but they're every bit as good eating and often bigger. These fish can push 15-20 pounds on the outer reefs, and they're available year-round. Muttons have this distinctive yellow color with blue stripes, and they're known for their hard runs once hooked. They're also one of the smarter snappers, often requiring a more finesse approach with lighter leaders and smaller hooks.
Gag Grouper are the bulldogs of the reef – when one grabs your bait, it's an immediate tug-of-war as they try to get back to their rocky hideouts. These fish average 8-20 pounds and are pure muscle. The first few seconds after hookup are critical because once they get their head down and start pulling toward structure, you're in trouble. Gags are most active during the cooler months, from November through March, and they're known for their curious nature. Sometimes you'll see them following other hooked fish right up to the boat.
Look, fishing charters in Key West book up fast, especially the quality operations that actually put you on fish. With Cora Beth Fishing, you're
Meet your ride to the deep waters – a classic 55-foot Yank Marine that's been completely rebuilt from the ground up in 2021. This workhorse runs on twin 450HP Cummins engines that'll get you out to those productive reefs 15 miles offshore at a steady 23 knots, cutting through the Gulf Stream chop with ease. The boat's built for serious fishing, with an icebox to keep your catch fresh, plus a fish finder to locate those bottom structures where snapper and grouper love to hang out. When visibility gets sketchy or you're running back in late afternoon haze, the radar keeps you on course. GPS navigation means no time wasted searching – straight shots to the best fishing spots. The walkaround design gives you plenty of room to move around the deck when fighting fish, and there's a head onboard for those long 5-hour trips. She'll handle up to 28 anglers comfortably, so you'll have space to spread out whether you're dropping baits on the bottom for grouper or casting spinning gear for mackerel and sharks cruising the reef edges.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bruisers of our reef structure, and they fight like it. These mottled gray groupers average 5-20 pounds but can push 50+ pounds, living around rocky bottom, ledges, and wrecks in 60-200 feet. We catch them year-round, but cooler months often produce the biggest fish as they move offshore. What guests love about gags is their power - once hooked, they'll try everything to get back to their rocky hideout, making for an epic tug-of-war. They're also top-tier table fare with firm, white meat. You'll find them around any structure that provides cover - reefs, rocks, and especially around stone crab traps where they hunt. The trick is heavy tackle and keeping your reel locked tight. Use live pinfish, grunts, or cut bait, and the moment you feel that thump, start cranking. Give them an inch and they'll dive straight into the rocks.
Lachnolaimus MaximusHogfish are one of our reef's most unique characters. These wrasses use their pig-like snouts to root through sand and coral for crabs and shellfish, reaching up to 3 feet and 20+ pounds. You'll find them around hard bottom areas, coral heads, and ledges in 20-100 feet of water. They're curious fish that often swim right up to divers, but hooking them takes finesse - their small mouths and quick reflexes make them tricky targets. Spring and summer give us the most consistent hogfish action. What guests love about hogfish is the challenge and the payoff - they're considered some of the best eating fish in the ocean, with sweet, mild meat that rivals lobster. Here's the key: use small hooks with live shrimp or small crabs, and when you feel that light tap, set the hook immediately. They're fast strikers.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel, or "kingfish," are some of the fastest swimmers you'll encounter out here. These silver rockets typically run 10-30 pounds, though we've seen some push 50+ pounds. They cruise the 40-150 foot depths around our reefs, often following baitfish in schools. Kings are ambush predators with razor-sharp teeth, so we always use wire leaders. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps hit that 70-80 degree sweet spot. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll scream line off your reel faster than almost any fish in these waters. They're also excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat. Pro tip: when trolling for kings, let your bait drift back naturally after a strike - they often grab prey from behind and need a second to turn it around before swallowing.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are some of the smartest fish on the reef, but that's what makes them so rewarding to catch. These olive-colored snappers with distinctive blue lines run 2-15 pounds typically, though 20+ pounders show up. They love sandy areas near reefs, coral heads, and ledges in 20-150 feet of water. Spring through fall brings the best action, especially during warmer months when they're more aggressive. What makes muttons special is their wariness - they'll inspect your bait carefully, making the hookup that much sweeter. They're also fantastic eating with sweet, white meat. The secret is fresh bait presented naturally - live pilchards, ballyhoo, or fresh-cut bait on light sinkers. When you see that pink flash coming up through the clear water, you'll know why muttons are such a prized catch around Key West.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the prize of our deeper reefs, and for good reason. These crimson beauties average 2-10 pounds but can reach 35+ pounds, living around rocky structure and hard bottom in 80-200 feet of water. We target them year-round, but summer months are prime when they're most active. What makes red snapper special is their bulldog fight - they'll use every bit of structure to try breaking your line, plus they're absolutely delicious with sweet, firm white meat. You'll find them stacked around our offshore reefs, wrecks, and ledges where they ambush smaller fish and crustaceans. The key to landing reds is heavy tackle and quick action - once hooked, get them up and away from the bottom fast. We fish with circle hooks, fresh cut bait or live pinfish, and enough weight to stay on the bottom in current.
5.0 out of 5.0Wonderful time, the captain was adamant on having us in the perfect spot for fish and so he did. We caught a great variety and got...
Key West