Key West Private Gulf Shrimp Boat Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private 33foot charter targets deepwater wrecks and follows shrimp boatsCaptain John guides guests to Cobia, Tuna, Permit, Grouper, and SnapperGulf of Mexico offshore fishing accommodates up to six guests
Captain John's got something special brewing on his 33-foot center console, and trust me, it's not your typical offshore trip. This private Gulf shrimp boat charter takes you where the real action happens – following working shrimp boats and hitting deep-water wrecks where the big fish feed. You'll be targeting some of the Gulf's most prized species while watching the commercial fleet do their thing. It's like having insider knowledge on where the fish are stacked up, because those shrimp boats are basically ringing the dinner bell for everything with fins.
Your day starts early, which is exactly how you want it when you're chasing quality fish. Captain John knows these Gulf waters like the back of his hand, and he's built his reputation on putting anglers on fish when others come up empty. The 33-foot center console gives you plenty of room to fight fish and move around – important when you've got up to six people aboard and someone hooks into a bull cobia or heavyweight grouper. The boat's rigged with quality tackle and electronics, so you're not just hoping to stumble onto fish. We're using the GPS to hit productive wrecks, then watching for shrimp boat activity that signals feeding frenzies. The Gulf of Mexico off Key West is famous for its clear blue water and diverse fish populations, but what makes this trip special is the strategy. Those commercial shrimpers are inadvertently creating bait clouds that attract everything from permit to blackfin tuna. You'll watch the birds working, see the boats pulling nets, and position yourself where the predators are waiting for an easy meal.
Following shrimp boats isn't just about running up behind them and dropping lines – there's real technique involved. Captain John positions the boat where the discarded bycatch creates feeding opportunities, and that's where you'll see cobia cruising the surface or permit tailing in the clean water. We'll be using a mix of live bait, fresh dead bait, and artificials depending on what we're targeting. For the wreck fishing, you'll be dropping heavy jigs and live pinfish down to structure where the big grouper and snapper live. The bottom fishing requires some muscle – these Gulf wrecks hold gag grouper that'll test your drag and your back. When we're working the shrimp boats, it's more about reading the water and making precise casts to visible fish. Permit are notoriously spooky, so presentation matters. Cobia are curious but selective, often following baits for long distances before committing. The blackfin tuna move fast through bait schools, so you've got to be ready when they show up. Captain John provides all the tackle you'll need, from heavy conventional reels for bottom fishing to spinning gear for sight fishing around the boats.
Permit are the holy grail for many anglers, and the Gulf waters off Key West hold some real trophies. These fish are incredibly smart and picky eaters, often tailing in shallow water behind shrimp boats where they're rooting for crabs and small fish in the mud. A good permit might run 20-30 pounds, and they'll make runs that'll burn line off your reel like you wouldn't believe. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at these fish, and when you hook one, you'll understand why permit fishing becomes an obsession. They're strong, stubborn, and beautiful – a real prize catch that many anglers chase for years.
Cobia show up reliably around shrimp boats because they're opportunistic feeders that follow the easy meals. These fish can get big – we're talking 40, 50, even 60-pound fish that'll give you a serious workout. They're curious by nature, often swimming right up to the boat to check you out before deciding whether to eat. The best cobia fishing happens from late spring through early fall, and these fish are excellent table fare. They fight hard with long, powerful runs, and seeing a big brown shark-looking fish cruise up to your bait gets your heart pumping every time.
Gag grouper are the bread and butter of Gulf wreck fishing, and Captain John knows exactly which pieces of structure hold the biggest fish. These bottom dwellers can reach 30-40 pounds, and they're ambush predators that'll inhale a bait and head straight for the rocks. You've got seconds to turn their head and get them up, or they'll cut you off in the structure. The fight is pure power – no fancy jumps or long runs, just raw strength trying to get back to the bottom. Prime gag season runs from fall through spring, and they're some of the best eating fish in the Gulf.
Blackfin tuna bring speed and excitement to the mix, often showing up in schools around bait balls near the shrimp boats. These fish might run 15-25 pounds, but they're pure muscle and adrenaline. When a school moves through, it's fast action with fish hitting multiple lines at once. They're year-round residents in these waters, but the larger schools typically show up when the water temperature and bait concentrations are just right. Blackfins make excellent sashimi, and the fight is all about scorching runs and head shaking that'll test your tackle.
This isn't your average charter fishing trip – it's a specialized Gulf adventure that combines local knowledge with proven techniques. Captain John's shrimp boat strategy consistently produces fish when traditional offshore trips struggle, and the variety keeps everyone engaged whether you're an experienced angler or picking up a rod for the first time. The private charter means you're not competing with other groups for fishing spots or fighting time, and six people max ensures everyone gets plenty of action. Book your Key West private Gulf shrimp boat charter with Fish Daily Charters and experience what happens when commercial fishing meets recreational fishing in some of the most productive waters in the Gulf of Mexico.
Captain John's 33-foot Contender center console is your ticket to prime Gulf fishing grounds off Key West. Built in 2015 with twin 300HP Yamaha engines, this fishing machine cuts through choppy waters with ease while tracking down shrimp boats where the action heats up. The spacious center console layout gives all 6 anglers room to work, whether you're battling a hefty Cobia or chasing schooling Blackfin Tuna around deep-water wrecks. The boat's fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating productive spots, while GPS navigation keeps you on course to the best fishing zones. When weather turns sketchy, the radar system ensures safe passage back to port. An oversized icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long runs to offshore structure. The elevated flybridge gives Captain John a clear view of bird activity and surface action, helping spot feeding fish from miles away. Perfect for targeting big Grouper, Snapper, and Permit in Gulf waters where the continental shelf drops into serious fishing territory.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are pure speed and energy - the smallest of the tuna family but they pack a serious punch. Most run 10-25 pounds and about 2-3 feet long, but don't let the size fool you. These fish are built for speed and will test your drag system. We find them in blue water around wrecks and drop-offs, usually schooled up and feeding aggressively. Fall through spring is peak season here in the Keys when the water stays above 68 degrees. Guests love the non-stop action and the sashimi-grade meat - there's nothing better than fresh blackfin for dinner. Vertical jigging and live pilchards work well. Pro tip: scale down your tackle with 30-pound fluorocarbon leaders and smaller hooks. Their eyesight is sharp, so finesse beats brute force with these fish.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of my favorite fish to target because they're aggressive fighters and taste amazing on the table. These dark brown, shark-looking fish average around 30-50 pounds but can reach 100+ pounds and 6 feet long. They're loners, not schooling fish, so you'll usually spot them cruising solo near the surface around wrecks, buoys, and structure in 30-70 feet of water. Spring migration and spawning season from April through summer is when they're most active in our area. Guests love them because they fight hard and the meat is firm with great flavor - perfect for the grill. Bucktail jigs work well, but here's my trick: look for them following rays or sharks near the surface. When you spot one, cast ahead of where it's swimming and work that jig back slowly.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bread and butter of our deep-water fishing trips. These chunky fish average 15-25 pounds but can push 50+ pounds on a good day. They love hanging around wrecks, ledges, and rocky bottom in 60-200 feet of water, always looking for a good hiding spot. Year-round fishing is solid, but cooler months often produce bigger fish as they move offshore. What guests really enjoy is the arm-wrestling match once hooked - these guys immediately try to dive back into their holes and break you off on the structure. They're also fantastic eating with firm, white meat. Live pinfish or cut bait works great, but here's the key: once you hook up, lock that reel down tight and keep steady pressure. Don't give them an inch or they'll wrap you around the wreck every time.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are one of the most challenging fish you'll encounter out here. These silvery, disc-shaped fish typically run 15-30 pounds, though we've seen 50-pounders that'll test your skills. They've got incredible eyesight with those golf ball-sized eyes that rotate almost 360 degrees, making them spook easily. You'll find them around wrecks, reefs, and sometimes surprisingly shallow flats in just a couple feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time when they're spawning and more active. What makes them special? They're notorious for being tough to hook and putting up a serious fight once you do. Blue crabs are the go-to bait - live ones work best. My tip: when you see one, don't rush it. Present that crab naturally and be ready for a long battle when they take it.
Key West