Expert Guided Reef Fishing Adventures in South Florida
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday reef fishing targeting grouper, snapper, and hogfishSpacious 34ft Sea Vee accommodates up to 5 anglers comfortablyAll bait, tackle, and fishing gear provided by Captain Josh
Captain Josh knows these South Florida waters like the back of his hand, and his 3/4 day reef and offshore trips put you right where the fish are biting. You'll spend your morning or afternoon working productive reefs and wrecks that hold some of the best eating fish in these waters. The 34-foot Sea Vee gives you plenty of room to move around and fight fish without bumping elbows – perfect for up to 5 anglers who want to fish comfortably. Whether you're just getting started or you've been fishing these waters for years, this trip delivers consistent action in manageable conditions.
Your day starts with Captain Josh loading up all the bait, tackle, and gear you'll need – no need to bring anything except your cooler with snacks and drinks. The Sea Vee is built for these waters, stable enough to keep you comfortable while you're fighting fish but fast enough to get you to the hot spots quickly. You'll be targeting structure – reefs, wrecks, and ledges where the fish stack up to feed. These aren't the deep blue water runs that beat you up in big seas. Instead, you're fishing productive bottom in 60 to 150 feet of water where the action stays steady and the ride stays smooth. The captain reads the conditions and adjusts the game plan, so you're always fishing where the bite is best that day.
Most of your fishing happens with medium-heavy spinning gear and conventional reels loaded with enough line to handle reef fish that want to head straight back to the rocks. You'll drop live and cut bait down to the structure, keeping just enough tension to feel the bite but not so much that you spook the fish. Captain Josh rigs everything from knocker rigs for grouper to lighter tackle for yellowtail snapper when they're schooled up thick. The key is matching your presentation to what's feeding – sometimes that means dropping a whole sardine on a circle hook, other times it's a small piece of ballyhoo on light leader. When the wahoo and mahi are around, you might switch it up with some light trolling between spots, pulling small lures or rigged baits along the reef edges where these speedsters cruise.
Mahi mahi are the crowd favorites out here, and for good reason. These fish hit hard, jump like crazy, and put some serious bend in your rod. They show up around floating debris, weed lines, and structure edges, especially during the warmer months from spring through fall. What makes them so fun is how they school up – catch one, and there's usually more underneath. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean, with firm white meat that tastes even better when you caught it yourself. Wahoo are the speed demons of the reef. These torpedo-shaped fish can hit 50 mph and make screaming runs that'll test your drag system. They're around year-round but peak in fall and winter when the water cools down a bit. Their razor-sharp teeth mean you need wire leader, and their speed means you better hold on tight when they hit.
Swordfish might seem like an odd target for a day trip, but South Florida's daytime sword bite has become legendary among serious anglers. These prehistoric-looking fighters live deep during the day, but electric reels and heavy tackle can put you on fish that'll give you stories to tell for years. Black grouper are the reef kings, hanging around structure in 80 to 200 feet of water. They're smart, strong, and absolutely delicious. The trick is getting them away from the rocks before they cut you off – once hooked, they head straight down and try to wrap you up. Blackfin tuna round out the mixed bag, schooling up around structure and providing fast action on lighter tackle. They're smaller than their offshore cousins but fight just as hard pound for pound.
The beauty of reef fishing is the variety – you never know what's going to grab your bait next. One minute you're fighting a stubborn grouper trying to get back to his hole, the next you've got a mahi jumping all over the surface. The fish are high-quality table fare, the conditions are manageable for anglers of all experience levels, and Captain Josh puts you on fish consistently. The 3/4 day format gives you enough time to work different spots without wearing yourself out, and the Sea Vee's comfortable setup means you can focus on fishing instead of just hanging on. Plus, these trips run year-round with good fishing – South Florida's reef systems stay productive when the offshore bite slows down or the weather gets too rough for the deep water runs.
Grand Slam Charters has built a reputation on putting anglers on quality fish, and Captain Josh's reef and offshore trips deliver exactly that. The 34-foot Sea Vee handles these waters perfectly, the captain knows where the fish live, and you'll come back with a cooler full of fresh fillets and some great fishing stories. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly, but also know that you're booking with a top-rated operation that's been putting smiles on anglers' faces for years. Whether you're looking to introduce someone new to saltwater fishing or you want consistent action on quality fish, this trip hits the sweet spot. The reef systems off South Florida are world-class fisheries, and there's no better way to experience them than with a captain who lives and breathes these waters.
Hit the productive reefs and wrecks off South Florida aboard Captain Josh's 34ft Sea Vee center-console. This tournament-ready fishing machine runs twin 300hp Suzuki engines that'll get you to the hotspots fast, cruising over 50 knots when needed. The spacious deck comfortably handles up to 5 anglers targeting Hogfish, Yellowtail Snapper, Black Grouper, Mahi, and Tuna. Fish finder and GPS keep you on the fish while the flybridge gives great visibility for spotting action. An icebox keeps your drinks cold during these productive half-day reef runs. Perfect for beginners and experienced anglers alike - Captain Josh provides all bait, tackle, and gear. Just bring snacks and get ready for steady action in South Florida's fish-rich waters.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the bulldogs of the reef, averaging 2-3 feet but capable of reaching 5 feet and over 100 pounds. These ambush predators hang around wrecks, ledges, and hard bottom in 30-300 feet, moving shallow in winter and deeper in summer. They're available year-round but winter months can be especially productive. What anglers love is the tough fight - once hooked, they'll try to dive straight back to the rocks and break you off. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in the ocean with sweet, firm white meat. Here's the trick: once you feel that thump, don't give them an inch. Crank down your drag and horse them up immediately before they can get back to structure.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna may be the smallest tuna species, but they pack a serious punch for their size. These beautiful fish average 15-25 pounds with distinctive black fins and a golden stripe that lights up when fighting. You'll find them in 100-600 feet of water around current edges and drop-offs. Fall, winter, and spring are peak seasons here in the Keys when they school up in good numbers. What makes them popular is their fierce fight and outstanding sushi-quality meat that's dark red and rich in flavor. They're sharp-eyed and leader-shy, so you need to scale down your tackle. My tip: use light fluorocarbon leaders and small circle hooks, and try chunking with pilchards to bring them up to the boat.
Coryphaena HippurusThese stunning golden fish with their vibrant blues and greens are a real treat to target. Mahi average 15-29 pounds but can hit 50+ pounds, and they put up an amazing fight with lots of jumps and runs. You'll find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in 100-1000 feet of water. Best fishing is summer through fall when they're most abundant off South Florida. What makes them special is their beautiful color changes when hooked - like a light show - plus they're fantastic eating with firm, mild white meat. Here's a tip: when you hook one, keep your eyes open for others nearby since they often travel in small schools, so have another rod ready to go.
Xiphias GladiusSwordfish are the ultimate deep-water challenge, averaging 9 feet and 400 pounds with some pushing over 1000. These powerful fish live in 300-1500 feet of water and are mostly nocturnal feeders. Best fishing is April through September when they're spawning and more active. What makes them special is the sheer size and fight - it's a true test of angler and gear. The meat is firm and meaty, similar to shark but much better tasting. They're tough to hook since they live so deep and move constantly. Here's the key: use bright lights to attract squid and baitfish, then drop your bait down 200-400 feet at night when they come up to feed in the water column.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep, hitting 60 mph and averaging 3-5 feet long. These sleek predators with their distinctive blue stripes cruise open water and around structures in 60+ feet. July through November is prime time here in South Florida when they move closer to shore. What draws anglers is their blistering runs and the premium table fare - the meat is white, flaky, and mild like a cross between tuna and mahi. They're not easy to land since those razor teeth will cut through regular leader in a heartbeat. Pro tip: always use wire leader when targeting wahoo, and troll fast at 12-15 knots - they won't chase slow baits but love a high-speed presentation.
Key Largo