Private Gulf Shrimp Boat Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private 33-foot charter targets deep-water wrecks and follows shrimp boatsFish for Cobia, Blackfin Tuna, Permit, Grouper and Snapper speciesAccommodates up to 6 guests with Captain John in Gulf waters
Captain John's got something special cooking on his 33-foot center console, and trust me, this isn't your typical fishing trip. When you book this private Gulf charter, you're signing up for one of the most productive fishing strategies in Key West waters. Following working shrimp boats creates a feeding frenzy that draws in some serious predators, and we're talking about fish that'll make your drag scream and your arms burn. This top-rated charter accommodates up to 6 anglers, making it perfect for families or groups who want the boat to themselves without dealing with strangers cutting into their fishing time.
Here's how this works: we head out into the Gulf and locate active shrimp boats working the deeper waters off Key West. These commercial boats are doing us a huge favor without even knowing it. When they haul their nets, they're stirring up baitfish and discarding smaller catch that creates an underwater buffet. The smart predators know this routine, and they follow these boats like a dinner bell just rang. We position ourselves in the strike zone and work the edges where hungry fish are cruising for easy meals. The water's usually 80-120 feet deep, crystal clear most days, and the action can happen fast once we find the right boat to shadow. Captain John's been running this pattern for years, so he knows which shrimp boats to follow and exactly where to set up for maximum hookups.
We're fishing multiple methods depending on what's showing up on the sonar and what the fish are telling us. Live bait works magic out here - we'll have pilchards, threadfin herring, and sometimes blue runners ready to go. When the bite gets hot, we'll have four rods working at once with different presentations. Some days we're free-lining baits back in the current, other times we're fishing with just enough weight to get down in the water column where the action's happening. The 33-foot center console gives us plenty of room to spread out and fight multiple fish without getting tangled up. All tackle's provided, but if you've got a favorite rod setup, bring it along. We're using 20-30 pound spinning gear for most situations, though we'll bump up to 40-50 pound class when the big grouper start showing up on the bottom machine.
Permit are the holy grail for many anglers, and following shrimp boats gives us a real shot at these finicky fighters. These silver torpedoes cruise in small schools and can be incredibly picky about what they'll eat. When they do bite, get ready for a blistering run and some serious head-shaking action. They average 15-25 pounds in these waters, though 30-pounders show up regularly. Spring through fall offers the best permit fishing, and the Gulf side of Key West is world-class for these fish.
Cobia are perhaps the most exciting species we target on this charter because they're curious, aggressive, and absolutely beautiful fish to see swimming up to the boat. These brown sharks with attitude often cruise near the surface, and when Captain John spots one, he'll fire up the engines for a sight-fishing opportunity you'll never forget. They're built like torpedoes with broad tails, averaging 20-40 pounds, and they'll test your tackle with long, powerful runs. May through September is prime cobia season, and the Gulf waters off Key West are some of the most productive cobia grounds in Florida.
Gag grouper are the bulldogs of the deep, and when you hook one over structure, you better be ready for a fight. These bottom dwellers can exceed 40 pounds and they know every ledge, rock, and hiding spot on the reef. The key is stopping their initial run before they get back to cover, and that means cranking down the drag and holding on tight. Gags are excellent table fare and always a customer favorite. Winter months tend to produce the biggest fish, though we catch them year-round in the Gulf.
Blackfin tuna might be the smallest tuna species in our waters, but they make up for size with pure speed and fighting ability. These silver bullets rarely exceed 20 pounds, but they'll peel line off your reel faster than you can imagine. When a school of blackfins shows up behind a shrimp boat, the surface looks like it's boiling with activity. They're incredible table fare when prepared properly, and the non-stop action when you find a school keeps everyone on the boat busy.
This private Gulf charter offers something you won't find on crowded party boats or cookie-cutter fishing trips. Captain John's shrimp boat strategy consistently produces fish when other methods come up short, and having the boat to yourself means you set the pace and call the shots. Whether you're serious anglers looking to target specific species or families wanting a fun day on the water, this charter delivers the goods. The Gulf of Mexico off Key West holds some of Florida's best fishing, and following the commercial fleet puts you right in the middle of the action. Don't wait for perfect conditions or the "right" season - fish are biting year-round, and your next personal best might be swimming behind a shrimp boat right now.
Captain John's 33-foot Contender center console is your ticket to serious Gulf fishing action. Built in 2015 with twin 300HP Yamaha engines, this beast cuts through choppy waters like butter while chasing shrimp boats for the best bite. The spacious layout comfortably handles 6 anglers without feeling cramped, whether you're battling big grouper or scanning for tailing permit. Smart features include GPS navigation, radar for those foggy mornings, and a fish finder that'll put you right on top of structure. The flybridge gives you that perfect vantage point to spot birds working bait, while the icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during long runs to productive wrecks. With plenty of room to move around and fight fish, this setup is built for anglers who want to get after it in deep water where the big ones live.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are speed demons that'll test your reflexes and tackle. These smaller tunas typically run 20-30 inches and up to 40 pounds, with dark backs and that distinctive gold stripe along their sides. We find them in open water around wrecks and drop-offs, usually schooled up and feeding aggressively. Fall through spring is peak season here in the Keys when water temps are right. What guests love is the non-stop action - they fight hard with blistering runs and never give up. The meat is outstanding, perfect for sashimi or searing. They've got sharp eyes, so scale down your tackle - use 30-pound fluorocarbon leaders and 5/0 circle hooks. The trick is chumming with live pilchards to get them fired up, then vertical jig or chunk bait in the spread. When they're on, it's fish after fish.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of my favorite fish to target because they're aggressive fighters and taste amazing on the table. These brown, shark-looking fish average around 6 feet and can hit 100 pounds - they're built like torpedoes. You'll find them around wrecks, reefs, and structures in 30-70 feet of water, though they cruise shallower during spring migration. They're mostly solitary fish, so when you spot one, work it hard. Peak season runs spring through summer when they're moving and feeding heavy. Guests love them because they fight dirty - long runs and head shakes that'll test your drag. The meat is firm and flaky, perfect for grilling. My tip: bring bucktail jigs in 4-8 ounce weights. Color doesn't matter much, but presentation does. When you see one, get that jig down quick and work it steady.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bulldogs of the reef - once hooked, they'll try everything to get back to their rocky hideouts. These gray, mottled fish average 20 inches but the big ones can push 4 feet and 80 pounds. You'll find them hanging around our deeper wrecks and rocky structures where they ambush prey. They're year-round residents, but cooler months often produce the biggest fish. What makes them popular is the fight - they'll pull hard toward structure, testing your drag and skill. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the Gulf with sweet, flaky white meat. The secret is keeping your reel locked tight and your rod low when you hook one. Use live pinfish or cut bait near structure, and be ready to muscle them out before they hole up in the rocks.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are one of the most challenging fish you'll encounter in these waters. These silver, disc-shaped fish average around 3 feet but can push 4 feet and 60 pounds. You'll find them around our offshore wrecks and structures, though they also cruise shallow flats in just a couple feet of water. Their golf ball-sized eyes rotate almost 360 degrees, giving them incredible vision that makes them spook easily. Spring through fall is prime time when they're spawning and more active. What makes them special? They're absolute fighters with powerful runs, plus they make excellent table fare. The key to hooking one is using live blue crabs and keeping your approach quiet - these fish are smart and will bolt at the first sign of trouble. When you do hook up, get ready for a battle.
Key West