Private 6 Hour Wreck & Reef Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target premium species like African Pompano, Amberjack, and CobiaSpacious catamaran accommodates up to 13 guests comfortablyProfessional captain and crew provide equipment and live bait
If you're looking for serious fishing action on some of the most productive waters around, this 6-hour private wreck and reef charter with Custom Cat Charters is exactly what you need. We're talking about dropping lines on structure that holds everything from trophy grouper to hard-fighting amberjack, with a professional crew that knows these spots like the back of their hand. Our spacious catamaran gives your group of up to 13 anglers plenty of room to work, and we come loaded with all the gear you need – from 2 to 6 heavy-duty rods to fresh live bait that gets the big fish fired up.
This isn't your average day of fishing – we're heading out to the productive wreck and reef zones where the real action happens. The stable catamaran platform gives everyone room to spread out and work different areas without getting tangled up. Your captain knows exactly where the fish are holding based on current conditions, tides, and seasonal patterns. We'll hit multiple spots throughout the day, starting with some reef fishing for snapper and grouper, then moving to wrecks where the bigger predators hang out. The crew handles all the dirty work – rigging baits, gaffing fish, and keeping the deck clean so you can focus on what matters: getting tight to some serious fish. Between the comfortable ride and professional setup, this trip caters to everyone from weekend warriors to seasoned offshore veterans.
We fish these wrecks and reefs using a mix of bottom fishing and mid-water techniques depending on what's biting. For the deeper structure, we'll drop live bait or heavy jigs down to where the grouper and snapper stack up. The wrecks are magnets for amberjack, cobia, and sharks – these fish cruise the structure looking for easy meals. When we're working the reefs, expect lighter tackle for hogfish and mutton snapper that require a more finesse approach. The crew switches up the presentation throughout the day based on fish activity and water conditions. Live bait is the real game-changer out here – nothing beats a frisky sardine or pilchard for getting the attention of trophy fish. We also run artificial lures when the bite calls for it, especially for kingfish and bonito that respond well to trolled baits and jigs.
Red Grouper are the bread and butter of wreck and reef fishing, and these chunky bottom dwellers put up a serious fight when hooked in 60-100 feet of water. They typically run 5-15 pounds but can push 20+ when you find the right spot. Best action happens during cooler months when they're actively feeding on the structure. What makes them special is that hard initial run when they try to get back to their hole – it's pure power on the rod tip.
Atlantic Bonito show up in good numbers when conditions are right, usually during spring and fall migrations. These 3-8 pound speedsters are absolute rockets when hooked, making blistering runs that test your drag system. They're perfect for lighter tackle and provide non-stop action when you find a school. The best part about bonito is they often travel with bigger fish like kingfish and cobia.
Hogfish are one of the most prized catches on the reef, both for their fighting ability and incredible table fare. These colorful reef dwellers average 2-8 pounds and require precise bait presentation since they're notoriously picky eaters. They're most active during warmer months and tend to feed early morning or late afternoon. Landing a hogfish means you've got some of the best-eating fish in the ocean.
Mutton Snapper are the crown jewel of reef fishing, with their distinctive black spot and beautiful coloration. These 5-15 pound fighters are extremely smart and require perfect bait presentation to fool. They're most active during summer months and feed heavily around full moon periods. What makes mutton snapper special is their combination of raw power and incredible table quality – they're considered by many to be the best-eating snapper species.
Black Grouper are the heavyweights of the wreck fishing world, with fish commonly reaching 20-40 pounds around deeper structure. These powerful predators are ambush feeders that explode on baits with incredible force. They're most active during cooler months when they move into shallower wrecks to feed. The challenge with black grouper is their ability to wrap you up in the structure – it's a battle of power and technique that gets every angler's heart pumping.
This 6-hour private wreck and reef charter delivers the kind of fishing action that keeps anglers coming back season after season. With Custom Cat Charters, you're getting a top-rated captain and crew who live and breathe these waters, plus a comfortable catamaran that handles conditions with ease. Whether you're after trophy grouper for the wall or looking to fill the cooler with premium eating fish, this trip covers all the bases. The private charter setup means you fish at your own pace without dealing with crowded party boats or rushing to accommodate other groups. Contact your concierge at Custom Cat Charters today to lock in your dates and discuss any additional gear or catering options for your group. The fish are out there waiting – all you need to do is show up ready to fish.
Step aboard our brand-new 35-foot custom catamaran, built specifically for serious anglers who want comfort while chasing trophy fish. This beauty cuts through the water at 20 knots thanks to twin 300HP Yamaha engines, getting you to the hottest wreck and reef spots fast. The spacious deck gives all 13 anglers plenty of room to work their lines without getting tangled up with your buddies. When the sun gets intense, retreat to the shaded areas or cool off in the large head complete with shower. Keep your catch fresh in the onboard icebox while the fish finder helps locate schools of Amberjack, Cobia, and massive Grouper lurking around underwater structures. The multimedia system keeps spirits high between bites, while GPS ensures we hit every productive fishing ground. Built in 2021, this catamaran offers the perfect blend of fishing performance and comfort for your crew's offshore adventure.
Sarda SardaAtlantic Bonito are speed demons that can hit 40 mph, showing up in large schools that feed aggressively on the surface. They're mackerel-like fish averaging 3-8 pounds with distinctive black stripes along silver bodies. These pelagic fish cruise mid-water column in coastal areas, preferring temps in the 60s. When they're feeding, you'll see birds diving and fins cutting the surface like small sharks. They hit hard and fast on almost any lure when schooled up. While not great table fare here in the States, they're pure fun on light tackle. Watch for bird activity - that's your best indicator. Once you spot a school feeding, get your lures in fast. Metal jigs work well in windy conditions, but soft plastics stay in the strike zone longer when it's calm.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack Grouper are the heavyweights of the reef, capable of reaching 100+ pounds though most run 10-30. They're olive-gray with dark rectangular blotches and prefer deeper structure - wrecks, ledges, and offshore reefs in 30-300 feet depending on season. Colder months bring them shallow, while they go deep in summer. These ambush predators are incredibly strong fighters that'll test your gear and stamina. The meat is excellent - mild flavor with firm texture. They're not picky eaters but require heavy tackle - 80lb braid minimum with 100lb leader. When you feel that thump, reel fast and hard. Black Grouper inhale prey whole and immediately head for the rocks. Get them up quickly or they'll wrap you around structure and break off. No mercy - it's a power struggle from the start.
Lachnolaimus MaximusHogfish are unique wrasse with that pig-like snout they use to root through sand for crabs and shellfish. They average 2-5 pounds but can reach 20-plus. You'll spot them around coral reefs and hard bottom in 10-100 feet, often near ledges with good relief. Males have that distinctive black spot behind the pectoral fin. These curious fish actually swim up to divers and love noise - they think commotion means food. The meat is sweet and mild, some say better than grouper. They're tricky to hook due to that snout, so live shrimp or mud crab works best. Pro tip: make some noise when you find them - tap your rod on the gunwale or drag a chain. Sounds crazy, but it draws them in thinking something's digging up food.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton Snapper are prized game fish with that olive-pink coloration and distinctive blue lines around the eyes. Adults typically run 3-8 pounds, though they can reach 30-plus. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and sandy areas in 25-200 feet - they actually change color based on bottom type. These fish are excellent fighters relative to other snappers and make fantastic table fare. They're often solitary or in small groups, unlike other snapper species. Fresh bait is critical - use light sinkers and let it drift naturally. Chumming brings them up where you can work jigs or flies. When you see that pink flash coming up through clear water, that's your mutton. Keep steady pressure but don't horse them - they'll run for structure and cut you off on the reef.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are solid, meaty fish with that distinctive rusty red color and white spots. Most run 5-10 pounds, though they can hit 50. You'll find them around reefs, ledges, and wrecks in 10-100 feet - they love rocky bottom structure where they hunt crabs and shrimp. These guys are aggressive strikers and tough fighters once hooked, making them a favorite target. The meat is outstanding - firm, flaky, with a sweet shellfish-like taste that's hard to beat. They're not picky eaters, so shrimp or crab bait works great. Here's the key: once you feel that hit, crank hard immediately. Red Grouper don't nibble - they suck prey whole, so you've got about two seconds before they head back to the rocks and break you off.
Marathon, FL