5.0(3 Reviews)Private 8-Hour Deep Reef Fishing Charter
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full-day charter targets deep reef fish at 500-1,000 feetElectric reels and traditional gear provided for deepwater fishingCustomizable trip includes offshore trolling for pelagic species
When you're talking serious fishing in Islamorada, this 8-hour deep reef charter is where the magic happens. Starting at 7 AM, you'll head out to some of the most productive waters in the Florida Keys, dropping lines in 500 to 1,000 feet of crystal-clear blue water. This isn't your typical inshore trip – we're talking about targeting the deep dwellers that most anglers only dream about. With space for up to 6 anglers and all gear provided, this top-rated charter combines the best of deep dropping and offshore trolling in one epic day on the water.
Your day kicks off early because that's when the fish are most active. The run out to the deep reefs gives everyone time to get rigged up and talk strategy with the captain. Once you hit the fishing grounds, you'll be working depths that require either electric reels or some serious arm strength if you're going old school with hand cranks. The beauty of this charter is the flexibility – if the deep dropping is hot, you'll stay put and fill the cooler. If conditions are right for trolling, the captain might fire up the engines and chase some pelagics. Every trip is different based on what the fish are telling us that day.
Deep reef fishing is all about precision and patience. You'll be using heavy tackle with weights that can punch through the current and get your bait down to where the big boys live. The electric reels are a game-changer when you're cranking fish up from 800 feet – trust me, your shoulders will thank you later. For bait, we're talking fresh ballyhoo, cigar minnows, and chunks that these deepwater species can't resist. The captain will position the boat over structure using advanced electronics, and it's all about feeling that subtle bite through hundreds of feet of line. When the trolling spread goes out, we'll pull lures and live bait at varying depths to tempt anything cruising the blue water.
"Our captain was awesome and hit all the spots! Snapper & Grouper! Highly recommend if you're in Destin Fl. Thank you 1st Choice Charters my family had a great time." - Ashley
"You know it's a good day when you have enough time Mahi to stop and do deep drops. The captain put us on the spot, two drops one came with a tile fish and one with a nice snowy grouper. He truly knows where the fish are. Took a total of 15 minutes. The captain was good to run us around several storms and keep catching fish. The mate colby was legit. Super friendly and new his stuff. We stopped for bait on the way out. He through two cast the first to target cigar minnows the second ballyhoo. The first yeided about 100+ minnows and they got about about 50 ballyhoo. Again Took about 30 minutes. No wasted time. I have been on several charter boats in the keys and this os one of the best charter boats in islamorada. To the person said me know it all. The captain has a little sarcastic humor and they must have missed that but he truly knows his stuff." - Kyle
"Had planned on going fishing with Captain Larry today with family, but he contacted me first thing in morning to let me know that the seas were building up quickly knowing that I have younger children. Appreciated his integrity. Will look for him on next trip." - Ly
Mahi Mahi are the crown jewel of offshore fishing in these waters. These vibrant fighters are most active during the warmer months from spring through fall, though you can find them year-round in the right conditions. What makes mahi special is their aggressive nature – they'll often travel in schools, so when you hook one, there's usually more around. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill. Mahi typically range from 10 to 30 pounds out here, though the occasional bull can push 40-plus pounds and provide a fight you'll never forget.
Atlantic Goldeneye Tilefish are the hidden gems of deep reef fishing. These bottom dwellers live in 600 to 1,000 feet of water and are absolutely delicious – think of them as the lobster of the fish world with their sweet, firm meat. Tilefish are active year-round but seem to bite best during cooler months when the water temperatures stabilize. They're not the flashiest fighters, but landing a nice tile from 800 feet deep is an accomplishment that'll have you grinning ear to ear. Most tiles run 5 to 15 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing 20 pounds or more.
Snowy Grouper represent the ultimate deep water challenge. These fish live in the deepest, coldest water we fish, often 800 feet or more down. What makes snowies so special is their rarity and incredible table fare – they're considered by many to be the finest eating grouper species. The bite is usually subtle, just a slight tightening of the line, but once you set the hook, you're in for a methodical battle as these powerful fish try to get back to their rocky homes. Snowies typically run 10 to 30 pounds, with larger specimens becoming increasingly rare due to their deep habitat and slow growth rate.
Scamp Grouper are the scrappy underdogs of the grouper family. These fish prefer rocky bottom and structure in 300 to 600 feet of water, making them perfect targets during this charter. Scamps are known for their aggressive feeding behavior and willingness to bite a variety of baits. They're excellent table fare with flaky white meat that's perfect for any preparation. Most scamps caught on this trip run 3
Captain Larry's restored 1958 Merritt is a true classic that knows these waters like an old salt. This 37-footer runs smooth and steady with twin Cummins diesels, giving you the range to hit those deep reefs where the good eating fish live. The wide-open deck gives all six anglers plenty of room to work without getting tangled up, whether you're cranking up grouper from 800 feet or running lines for wahoo on the surface. She's got all the electronics you need - GPS, fish finder, and VHF radio - plus a flybridge for spotting birds and bait schools. The head keeps everyone comfortable during those long offshore runs. Built for serious fishing, this boat handles the deeper waters beyond the reef with confidence, getting you to where the big snappers and groupers call home.
Caulolatilus ChrysopsThese golden beauties live down on the deep reefs between 250-800 feet, making them perfect for our deep drop trips. They average 2-3 feet and can push 40-60 pounds, with that distinctive olive-green back fading to bright gold spots along their sides. Goldeneyes feed mainly on crabs, shrimp, and small fish down on the bottom. They're not shy around bait and will usually hit fresh squid or cut bait pretty quick once you get down to them. The meat is excellent eating - sweet and firm. Spring through fall gives us the most consistent action when water temps are warm. My advice: once you feel that tap on the bottom, give them a second to really take the bait before you set the hook. They like to mouth it first.
Coryphaena HippurusThe dorado is one of our most popular offshore targets, and for good reason. These beautiful fish run 15-30 pounds on average, with their golden sides and electric blues putting on quite a color show when they come out of the water. You'll find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in blue water. They're aggressive feeders and put up a solid fight with plenty of jumps. The meat is firm, white, and mild-tasting - some of the best eating you'll get out here. We usually troll ballyhoo or small lures, making them skip on the surface since mahi love chasing flying fish. Here's a tip: when you hook one, keep the boat moving and look for the school underneath - where there's one mahi, there's usually more.
Mycteroperca PhenaxScamp are the prize of the grouper family - many say they're the best eating fish that swims. They're smaller than most groupers, averaging 4-6 pounds, but don't let the size fool you. These chocolate-brown fish with dark blotches are incredibly strong fighters that'll test your arms on the way up from 75-300 feet. You'll find them around ledges, wrecks, and rocky structure where they ambush baitfish. February through May is prime time when they move shallow to spawn, but we catch them year-round on the deeper reefs. They hit live pinfish, sardines, or cut bait hard and fast. The trick is getting them away from structure quickly - once hooked, they'll dive straight for the rocks. Keep steady pressure and don't give them any slack, or you'll be retying.
Epinephelus The snowy is a true deepwater trophy fish that lives on rocky bottoms from 300-600 feet down. These copper-brown beauties with white spots average around 30 pounds but can reach 70. They're only open from May through August with a one-fish-per-boat limit, so every shot counts. Snowies are ambush predators that hit hard and fight strong all the way up - that's 400+ feet of cranking on a fish that doesn't want to come up. The meat is outstanding, which is why they're so regulated. They'll eat whole squid, bonito strips, or big chunks of mackerel. Electric reels make the job easier, but plenty of guys still hand-crank them. Pro tip: use at least 80-pound leader because these fish have rocky homes and sharp gill plates that'll cut lighter line in a heartbeat.
5.0 out of 5.0Our captain was awesome and hit all the spots! Snapper & Grouper! Highly recommend if you’re in Destin Fl. Thank you 1st Choice Ch...
You know it's a good day when you have enough time Mahi to stop and do deep drops. The captain put us on the spot, two drops one c...
Had planned on going fishing with Captain Larry today with family, but he contacted me first thing in morning to let me know that ...
Islamorada, FL