Holiday Week Fishing Adventure in Key West
Shared Trip
Offshore Fishing
Exclusive holiday fishing trips during Thanksgiving and Christmas weeksLater departure times avoid midday heat for comfortable experienceExpert crew provides guidance for all skill levels
There's something special about fishing the waters off Key West during the holidays, and this shared 4-hour trip aboard the Gulfstream IV captures that magic perfectly. Available exclusively during Thanksgiving Week and Christmas Week, this afternoon departure gives you the best of both worlds – cooler temperatures and prime fishing conditions. Whether you're visiting family for the holidays or looking to create new traditions, this trip puts you right in the middle of some of Florida's most productive fishing grounds. The later start time means you'll beat the midday heat while still getting quality time on the water with our experienced crew guiding every cast.
This isn't your typical charter – it's designed specifically for the holiday weeks when Key West buzzes with energy and the fish are biting. The afternoon departure works perfectly for families with kids who might not be up for a dawn patrol, and it's ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy their morning coffee before heading out. You'll be fishing the offshore waters where the Gulf meets the Atlantic, giving you access to structure and current breaks that hold some serious fish. The Gulfstream IV is built for comfort and stability, so even if you're new to offshore fishing, you'll feel confident as we work the productive zones. Our crew knows these waters like the back of their hand and will put you on fish while teaching you the techniques that work best in these conditions.
We'll be running a mix of bottom fishing and drift techniques depending on what the fish are telling us. The crew provides all the tackle you'll need, from heavy conventional reels for the bigger grouper to lighter spinning gear when the mackerel are running hot. We typically start by working the deeper structure for grouper and snapper, using fresh bait and circle hooks to maximize your chances. When the current's right, we'll drift over the reef systems where the grunt and mackerel like to congregate. The beauty of this fishery is the variety – one minute you might be cranking up a solid red grouper from 80 feet, and the next you could be battling a cero mackerel that's putting on an aerial show. The crew will coach you through proper technique, from setting the hook to fighting fish efficiently, so even first-timers leave feeling like seasoned anglers.
Red Grouper are the crown jewel of this fishery and exactly what most anglers hope to box during their Key West adventure. These chunky bottom dwellers typically run 3-8 pounds in these waters, with the occasional bruiser pushing double digits. They're most active during the cooler months, making holiday week timing perfect for targeting them. Red grouper fight hard on the initial hook-up but tire quickly – the real challenge is keeping them out of the structure where they love to hole up. What makes them so appealing to visitors is their excellent table fare and the satisfaction of pulling them up from 60-100 feet of water.
White Grunt might not win any beauty contests, but they're absolute action-packed fish that keep rods bent and smiles wide. Running 1-3 pounds on average, they school heavily over the reefs and provide consistent action when other species are being finicky. These guys are aggressive feeders and will often double or triple up on the lines, creating chaos in the best possible way. They're particularly active during the holiday season when water temperatures are prime, and they make excellent eating with sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for a fish fry back at your holiday rental.
Cero Mackerel bring the speed and excitement that gets everyone's adrenaline pumping. These streamlined predators typically weigh 2-5 pounds and fight like fish twice their size, making blistering runs and aerial displays that'll have you questioning your drag settings. They're most active during the cooler months, often showing up in schools when we're working the reef edges. What makes ceros special is their unpredictability – they might show up early in the trip or surprise you in the final hour, but when they do, everyone on the boat gets involved in the action.
Scup are the dark horses of this fishery, often overlooked but providing solid action for anglers who appreciate technique fishing. These members of the porgy family typically run 1-2 pounds and require finesse to hook consistently. They're structure-oriented fish that respond well to smaller baits and patient presentations. While they might not be the glamour species, they're excellent table fare and provide great action when you dial in the right technique. Holiday week timing coincides with their peak activity in these waters.
Mutton Snapper are the fish that separate good trips from great ones. These beautiful fish with their distinctive red coloring and forked tails typically run 2-6 pounds, with larger specimens always a possibility. They're smart, structure-oriented fish that require patience and proper presentation to fool consistently. When you hook into a quality mutton, you'll know it – they make strong initial runs and use their broad sides to leverage against your drag. They're considered premium table fare and are highly prized by local anglers who know their value.
Holiday week fishing in Key West books up fast, and for good reason – the combination of cooler weather, active fish, and family-friendly timing creates the perfect storm for memorable trips. This shared charter gives you access to world-class fishing without the full-boat expense, making it perfect for couples or small groups looking to experience what makes Key West fishing so special. The afternoon departure means you can sleep in, grab lunch in town, and still get quality time on the water targeting species that'll give you stories to tell long after the holidays are over. Don't wait – these limited holiday slots fill up quickly, and you don't want to spend your vacation wishing you were out there instead of watching from the dock.
Jump aboard the Gulfstream IV, a classic 60-foot headboat that's been hauling in fish since 1986 and got a full makeover in 2018. This beast runs on twin Detroit engines pushing 1,500 horsepower, cruising at a solid 25 knots to get you out to the deep water where the big fish hang out. Perfect for holiday week fishing when you want to beat the crowds and midday heat with our later departure times. The boat's got everything you need for a successful day on the water - GPS and radar to find the best spots, fish finder to locate schools, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. There's a full kitchen onboard and a head, so you're covered for comfort during your 4-hour offshore adventure. With room for 35 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work your lines without bumping elbows. Our crew knows these Key West waters like the back of their hand and will put you on fish whether you're dropping lines for the first time or you've been chasing them for years. Available exclusively during Thanksgiving and Christmas weeks, this is your chance to add some serious fishing action to your holiday plans.
Scomberomorus RegalisCero mackerel are the speed demons of Key West waters and a blast to catch on light tackle. These torpedo-shaped fish typically weigh 5-10 pounds and are distinguished by their bronze streak and yellow spots along silver sides. You'll find them cruising patch reefs and clear coastal waters in 10-60 feet, often solo or in small groups. They're available year-round here in the Keys, making them perfect targets for our holiday trips. What makes ceros special is their blazing speed and aerial acrobatics when hooked. They're also excellent table fare - often called the best of the mackerels for both sport and eating. The key to catching them is using a wire leader since they have razor-sharp teeth, and try topwater lures when you see them feeding on the surface.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are among the most prized catches in Key West waters, known for their pink coloration and blue facial markings. These fish typically range from 2-8 pounds, though we see some real bruisers over 15 pounds around deeper reefs. You'll find them from shallow grass beds to 100+ feet, but the best action is usually on sand patches near reefs in 30-80 feet. Holiday weeks are prime time since they're active year-round in our warm waters. Muttons are fantastic fighters that'll make long runs toward structure, and the meat is top-shelf eating. They can be finicky though, so fresh bait presented naturally is key. My go-to trick is using a knocker rig with live shrimp and minimal weight, letting it drift in the current near sandy spots.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are one of the most sought-after fish around Key West, and for good reason. These rusty-red beauties typically run 5-10 pounds, though we see some pushing 20+ pounds on the reefs. You'll find them hanging around rocky bottoms, ledges, and wrecks in 20-100 feet of water. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit live shrimp, crabs, or cut bait without much hesitation. What makes them special is the fight - they're tough customers that'll try to dive straight back to structure once hooked. The meat is fantastic too, firm and flaky with a sweet taste that's hard to beat. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to the rocks, or you'll be retying your rig.
Stenotomus ChrysopsWhile scup aren't as common in Key West as up north, we occasionally encounter these silver, deep-bodied fish during cooler months when they migrate south. They typically run 1-2 pounds and have compressed bodies with sharp dorsal spines. You'll find them around rocky bottoms and structure in 20-80 feet, where they use their strong jaws to crush shells and crustaceans. When present, they're easy to catch and make great table fare with sweet, white meat. Scup are also excellent live bait for bigger fish like grouper and snapper. They're particularly active during our afternoon trips when they feed heavily on bottom invertebrates. Simple bottom rigs with small hooks and pieces of shrimp or squid work best - just let your bait sit on the bottom and wait for the tap.
Haemulon PlumieriiWhite grunts are perfect starter fish for families and kids on our holiday trips. These silvery fish with blue and yellow stripes typically run 6-12 inches and are found around reefs, docks, and mangroves in 10-50 feet of water. They're active year-round in Key West waters, but the cooler months often concentrate them on the reefs where we fish. What's fun about grunts is they're eager biters - they'll hit shrimp, squid, or small jigs readily. Plus, they actually make a grunting noise when you bring them up, which always gets a laugh from the kids. The white, flaky meat is excellent eating too. Here's the trick: use small hooks and light sinkers since they have small mouths, and don't be surprised when they grunt at you!
Key West, FL