3/4 Day Reef & Offshore – Mahi, Snapper & Grouper
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target mahi, snapper, grouper on 3/4 day offshore adventurePremium 34ft Sea Vee accommodates up to five anglers comfortablyAll fishing gear, rods, reels, bait provided by experienced captain
This isn't your typical half-day run to the local ledge. Captain Josh's 3/4 day charter gives you the time and range to hit both the productive reef structure close to shore and push out into the blue water where the pelagics roam. You'll start the day working wrecks and hard bottom for snapper, grouper, and hogfish, then make the run offshore to troll for mahi, tuna, and wahoo. The 34-foot Sea Vee is built for comfort and fishability, handling both the close-to-shore bottom fishing and the longer offshore runs with ease. With space for up to five anglers, this trip strikes the perfect balance between intimate fishing and having enough hands to work multiple lines when the bite gets hot.
You'll meet Captain Josh at first light, and after a quick safety brief, you're heading out on a fully rigged 34-foot Sea Vee that's seen its share of trophy fish. The morning typically starts working structure – think wrecks, ledges, and rocky bottom where the grouper and snapper stack up. Josh knows these spots like the back of his hand, and he'll have you dropping baits right where the fish are holding. Once you've put some quality bottom fish in the box, it's time to make the run offshore. The engines come up to cruise, and you're heading into deeper water where the current lines hold mahi, tuna, and wahoo. The transition from bottom fishing to trolling keeps things interesting – one minute you're feeling the thump of a big grouper, the next you're watching outriggers and waiting for that explosive strike from a mahi or wahoo. Captain Josh provides all the tackle, from heavy bottom rigs to trolling spreads, so you can focus on fishing instead of rigging.
The bottom fishing portion relies on solid technique and good structure. You'll be using conventional reels loaded with heavy braid, dropping everything from live bait to cut baits and jigs. The key is getting your bait down fast and keeping it in the strike zone – grouper don't give you much time to react once they grab your bait. For the offshore trolling, Captain Josh runs a spread that covers water efficiently. Outriggers keep the lines spread wide, and the lure selection changes based on conditions and what's been biting. Ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and diving plugs all have their place in the spread. When mahi show up, it's all about keeping them around the boat – that's when having multiple anglers really pays off. Someone stays hooked up while others cast to the school, and if you do it right, you can keep a school of mahi fired up and feeding for twenty minutes or more. The tackle is sized appropriately for each target – heavy enough to handle big grouper and amberjack, but sporting enough to let a mahi or wahoo show what they can do.
Mahi mahi are the stars of the offshore show, and for good reason. These fish hit hard, jump like crazy, and put incredible color displays when they're fired up. They school up around floating debris, current lines, and temperature breaks, often in groups of a dozen or more. The best mahi fishing typically runs from late spring through fall, when the Gulf Stream pushes closer and the water temperatures climb. What makes mahi special is their willingness to stay around the boat if you keep one hooked – they're curious and aggressive, making for some of the most exciting fishing you'll find offshore.
Red snapper remain the king of the reef fish, and Captain Josh knows where they stack up. These fish are structure-oriented, hanging around wrecks, ledges, and hard bottom in 60 to 200 feet of water. Snapper have excellent eyesight and can be line-shy, so the approach matters. They're strongest in summer and early fall, though regulations can change seasonally. A quality red snapper will make your drag sing on the initial run, and their fight stays strong all the way to the boat.
Black grouper are the heavyweights of the reef, with fish over 50 pounds always a possibility. These ambush predators sit in caves and under ledges, waiting for an easy meal to swim by. The trick is getting them away from structure before they can cut you off – once a big grouper gets back to its hole, the fight's usually over. Grouper fishing is productive year-round, but the larger fish tend to be more active in cooler months.
Blackfin tuna bring a different kind of fight to the mix. These smaller tunas are pure muscle, making blistering runs and never giving up until they're in the boat. They school up in areas with good current and baitfish, often in 100 to 400 feet of water. Blackfins hit trolled baits and lures, but they also respond well to live bait and chunk baits. They're excellent eating and provide consistent action when conditions are right.
Hogfish round out the reef species as one of the best eating fish in the ocean. They're found around structure in moderate depths, often mixed in with snapper and grouper. Hogfish have a distinctive appearance with their elongated snout and bright coloration. They're not the strongest fighters, but their culinary value makes them a prized catch for any angler looking to fill the cooler with premium table fare.
This 3/4 day format gives you the best of both worlds – quality reef fishing and legitimate offshore action, all in one trip. Captain Josh's local knowledge and fully equipped Sea Vee mean you're fishing, not just riding around hoping to find fish. The five-angler limit keeps the boat comfortable and ensures everyone gets plenty of rod time. Remember to bring your drinks, snacks, and a cooler – based on what regulars
Captain Josh's 34ft Sea Vee is built for serious offshore action. Twin 300hp Suzuki engines push this tournament-ready center console past 50 knots, getting you to the fish fast. The spacious deck gives up to 5 anglers plenty of room to work, whether you're dropping bottom rigs on snapper and grouper or trolling for mahi and tuna. Modern electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finder keep you on target, while the flybridge gives the captain perfect visibility to spot diving birds and feeding fish. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long 3/4 day runs. This boat handles rough offshore waters with ease, so you can focus on filling the cooler with quality fish from both reef drops and open ocean. All tackle, bait, and gear included—just bring your appetite for some serious fishing action.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the heavyweight champions of the reef, averaging over 2 feet but capable of hitting 5 feet and 125 pounds. They're ambush predators that hang around wrecks, ledges, and deeper reef structure in 30-300 feet, moving shallow in winter and deep in summer. These fish are pure muscle - once hooked, they'll try to drag you straight back to the rocks. That's exactly why anglers love them - the tug-of-war is real, and the payoff is some of the best eating fish in the ocean with mild, firm meat. Come prepared with heavy tackle - 80lb braid minimum and 100lb leader. The moment you feel that thump, start cranking hard and don't let up. They don't nibble - they inhale the bait whole.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the perfect size tunas for most anglers - they top out around 39 inches and 46 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in fight and flavor. These dark-backed beauties with their golden side stripes cruise the continental shelf waters, especially productive in fall through spring when water temps stay above 68°F. They're schooling fish that often travel with skipjacks, and they're absolute rockets once hooked. The meat is top-shelf - rich and flavorful, perfect for sushi or the grill. They've got sharp eyes, so scale down your tackle - use 30lb fluoro leader with 5/0-6/0 circle hooks. Vertical jigging and chunking with pilchards works best. When you find one, work the area hard - they travel in groups.
Lachnolaimus MaximusHogfish are one of the reef's most unique characters with that pig-like snout they use to root around for crabs and shellfish. They run 3-22 pounds and hang around hard bottom areas, coral heads, and ledges in 10-100 feet of water. The tricky part is their snout makes them tough to hook - they're fast strikers with serious reflexes. But they're worth the effort because hogfish are hands-down some of the best eating you'll find, with sweet, delicate meat that beats grouper any day. They're curious fish that respond well to noise and commotion. My go-to trick is using live mud crabs or shrimp on a small hook with light leader - the struggling bait gets their attention and that snout working in your favor.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll see out there - brilliant gold and green colors that put on a light show when you first bring them up. They average 15-29 pounds but can get much bigger, and they're absolute bulldogs on the line. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in deeper water. The fishing really picks up when water temps hit the mid-70s through summer. What makes them special is the combination - they fight hard, look amazing, and taste even better with that mild, sweet flesh. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep the boat moving and look around for more. Mahi travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually several more waiting.
Xiphias GladiusSwordfish are the ultimate deep-water challenge - these guys average 9 feet and 400 pounds, with that iconic flat bill and massive size. They live in 1500+ foot depths and are mainly active at night when they come up to around 300 feet to feed. The fishing is best from April through September when they're spawning and more active. What draws people to swordfish is the sheer size and fight - landing one is a bucket-list experience, plus the meat is outstanding with that firm, steak-like texture. We deep-drop with heavy tackle, using bright lights to attract them and squid for bait. The key is patience - set up over deep water, get your baits down 300-600 feet, and wait for that freight train hit that means game on.
Key Largo