Half Day Florida Keys Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour charter targeting flats species and reef fishAll fishing gear and licenses included with tripAccommodates up to five guests with professional guide
When you're looking for a solid fishing charter in the Florida Keys that doesn't waste your time, Funyet Charters delivers exactly what you want. This 4-hour trip out of Little Torch Key hits all the right spots – starting on the flats where bonefish cruise in skinny water, then moving to productive reefs where the real action happens. Captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and whether you've never held a rod or you're chasing your next personal best, this charter adapts to your skill level. All your gear and licenses are sorted, so you just show up ready to fish. At $850 for up to 5 anglers, it's a smart choice for groups wanting quality time on the water without breaking the bank.
Your day starts early – that's when the fish are most active and the wind hasn't kicked up yet. You'll launch from Little Torch Key, perfectly positioned between the Atlantic and Gulf waters, giving you access to diverse fishing grounds. The first part of your trip takes you to the famous flats, where crystal-clear water lets you sight-fish for species like bonefish and permit. This is technical fishing at its finest – watching fish approach your bait in just a few feet of water gets your heart racing every time. After working the flats, your captain transitions to deeper reef structure where grouper, snapper, and amberjack hang out. These spots produce consistent action, and the variety keeps everyone engaged. The boat's equipped with quality tackle, from light spinning gear for the flats to heavier conventional setups for bottom fishing. Your captain reads the conditions and adjusts the game plan – if the wind's up, you might spend more time on protected reef spots. If it's calm, expect more time sight-fishing the flats.
Flats fishing requires a different approach than most anglers are used to. You're hunting specific fish in shallow water, often casting to visible targets. Live shrimp and small crabs work best here, presented on light tackle to avoid spooking wary fish. Your captain handles the boat positioning while you focus on making accurate casts – it's teamwork that makes the difference between seeing fish and actually hooking them. When you move to the reefs, the fishing changes completely. Bottom fishing with heavier weights gets your bait down to where grouper and snapper live, usually in 30-80 feet of water. Circle hooks are standard here, both for conservation and better hooksets. The captain knows specific ledges, rocks, and structure that hold fish consistently. GPS coordinates matter, but reading the bottom and understanding fish behavior separates good guides from great ones. Live bait when available, quality frozen bait when it's not – either way, you're fishing with proven producers. Rod holders keep multiple lines working while you focus on the hot rod, maximizing your chances when the bite turns on.
Yellowedge Grouper represent some of the finest eating fish in Florida waters, and they put up a serious fight when hooked. These deep-water specialists typically run 5-15 pounds, though larger specimens push 20+ pounds and test your tackle to its limits. They prefer rocky bottom in 60-200 feet of water, feeding heavily on crabs, small fish, and squid. Peak season runs from fall through early spring when they move shallower to spawn, making them more accessible to charter boats. What makes yellowedge special is their consistent availability – while other species follow seasonal patterns, these fish provide year-round action. When you hook one, expect a determined fight straight down toward structure, then a steady battle to the surface. Their flaky white meat rivals any fish in the ocean, making them a customer favorite for both sport and table fare.
Mutton Snapper are the prize catch that keeps experienced anglers coming back to the Keys. These beautiful fish average 3-8 pounds but can reach 15+ pounds when conditions align perfectly. They school around reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom, often suspending in the water column rather than hugging the bottom like their cousins. Summer months bring the best mutton fishing as they aggregate to spawn, creating opportunities for multiple hookups. They're incredibly structure-oriented, so precise boat positioning makes all the difference. Live bait works best, particularly pilchards and goggle-eyes, though they'll take quality cut bait when presented properly. Fighting a good mutton means dealing with powerful runs and head-shaking jumps that can throw hooks if you're not careful. Their distinctive olive and red coloration makes them easy to identify, and their excellent table quality ensures they're always welcome in the cooler.
Black Grouper are the bruisers of the reef, capable of reaching 50+ pounds though most caught on this charter run 8-20 pounds. They're ambush predators that lurk around structure, waiting for unsuspecting baitfish to venture too close. These fish are incredibly structure-oriented, rarely found far from their rocky homes. Spring through fall provides the best black grouper action as they move into shallower water to feed and spawn. When you hook a black grouper, the fight is immediate and intense – they dive straight for the rocks, using their powerful bodies and intimate knowledge of the bottom to try breaking your line. Heavy tackle and quick pressure are essential to turn them away from structure. Their aggressive nature means they'll often take large baits that smaller fish ignore, making them perfect targets when you want to catch something substantial. The meat is firm and white, perfect for grilling or frying, which explains why they're always in high demand.
This half-day charter hits the sweet spot for Florida Keys fishing – long enough to experience different techniques and locations, but short enough to leave you wanting more. The combination of flats and reef fishing gives everyone on board something to get excited about, whether you prefer the visual excitement of sight-fishing or the steady action of bottom fishing. Funyet Charters has built their reputation on putting clients on fish consistently, and their local knowledge shows in the results. The $
Set out from Little Torch Key aboard our fully restored 33-foot Ocean Master center console, rigged specifically for Florida Keys fishing success. This spacious boat handles up to 5 anglers comfortably while twin 300HP Yamaha engines power you to the hottest fishing spots at 30 knots. Whether you're working the shallow flats for bonefish and permit or hitting deeper reefs for snapper and grouper, our setup delivers. The flybridge gives you elevated sight fishing advantages, while the fish finder pinpoints structure below. Keep your catch fresh in the built-in icebox, and GPS navigation ensures we find productive waters efficiently. With an onboard toilet and plenty of deck space for casting, this boat lets you focus on what matters most—hooking up with Florida Keys game fish. Perfect for beginners learning the ropes or seasoned anglers chasing their next trophy.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack Groupers are the powerhouses of our reef fishing. These olive-gray bruisers with dark blotches average 20-40 pounds but can push 100+ pounds if you're lucky. They hang around wrecks, ledges, and rocky bottom from 30 feet in winter up to 300 feet in summer. What sets them apart is the incredible fight - they're pure muscle and won't give up easy. The meat is mild, firm, and absolutely delicious. Cool weather months bring them shallow where they're more accessible. The secret is heavy tackle - 80lb braid minimum - and the instant you feel that thump, start cranking hard. They inhale bait whole, so no nibbling around. Don't let them get back to their hole or you'll lose every time. Live or dead bait works, just keep it on the bottom where they hunt.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton Snappers are one of our most prized catches here in the Keys. These olive-green beauties with blue facial markings typically run 15-20 inches, but the big ones can hit 30+ pounds. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and sandy areas from 80-200 feet, especially where there's good current flow. They're fantastic fighters - much stronger than other snappers - and the meat is top-shelf eating. Summer months are prime time when they're most active. The trick with muttons is fresh bait presentation. Use a light knocker rig with the freshest pilchard or ballyhoo you can get, and let it drift naturally in the current. Once you hook one, watch for that pink flash coming up through the clear water - that's your signal to keep steady pressure and lead them away from the structure.
Hyporthodus FlavolimbatusYellowedge Groupers are the deep-water bruisers that'll test your tackle. These chunky red fish with bright yellow fin edges typically run 20-30 pounds, though bigger ones lurk in the depths. You'll find them around 400-600 feet on rocky bottoms and reef edges throughout the year. What makes them special? That fight in deep water is something else - they're strong and stubborn. Plus, the meat is outstanding - flaky, moist, and mild-flavored. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at them. Here's the key: use fresh cut bait like mackerel or squid, and the moment you feel that tap, start cranking hard. Don't give them time to think or they'll wrap you around the bottom structure and it's game over.
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