5.0(1 Reviews)Full Day Deep Sea Fishing for Snapper and Grouper
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Eighthour offshore charter targets snapper, grouper, and mahi mahiTrolling and bottom fishing combined over 20 miles offshoreAll skill levels welcome with tackle and gear provided
If you're looking for a serious offshore fishing experience in the heart of the Florida Keys, this 8-hour charter with Just One More Charters delivers everything you want and more. We're talking about a proper full-day trip that takes you over 20 miles offshore into some of the most productive waters around Islamorada. This isn't your typical half-day harbor cruise – we're heading out to where the big fish live, with enough time to really work the water and fill the cooler. Captain Conan and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they've got the experience to put you on fish whether you're a weekend warrior or you've never held a rod before.
Your day starts early with a coordinated departure time that maximizes your fishing opportunities. The beauty of this charter is the combination approach – we're not putting all our eggs in one basket. On the run out to the fishing grounds, we'll have heavy tackle trolling lines in the water targeting pelagics like Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, King Mackerel, and Spanish Mackerel. There's nothing quite like the scream of a reel when a mahi hits your bait at 8 knots. Once we reach the reefs and deeper structures, it's time to switch gears completely. We'll anchor up or drift over productive bottom where Snapper, Triggerfish, Amberjack, and Grouper call home. The captain provides all the quality tackle, fresh bait, and gear you'll need, so you can focus on what matters – catching fish. Feel free to bring your own drinks in non-glass containers, and don't worry if you're new to this – the crew will have you fishing like a pro in no time.
The trolling portion uses heavy conventional reels spooled with 30-50 pound test, typically pulling ballyhoo, bonito strips, or artificial lures at varying speeds depending on conditions and target species. We'll run multiple lines at different depths using outriggers and downriggers to cover the water column effectively. When we transition to bottom fishing, it's all about reading the structure and presenting baits where the fish are holding. We're talking circle hooks with live or cut bait, fishing anywhere from 80 to 200 feet of water depending on the species we're targeting. The captain uses quality fish finders and GPS to locate the most productive spots, including natural reefs, artificial structures, and ledges that hold concentrations of bottom fish. During Red Snapper season, expect to spend extended time working these deeper areas where the bigger snappers tend to congregate.
"Great experience with Captain Conan. He knew what to do to keep the kids busy and put up the kite for the bigger mackerel. We did a half day trip for the kids sake and had a blast but will be back for longer offshore trip for either swordfish or tuna." - Coastal
Scamp Grouper are one of the most prized catches on this trip, and for good reason. These beautiful fish with their distinctive brown and white marbled pattern typically range from 3-10 pounds, though larger specimens over 20 pounds are possible in deeper water. Scamps are structure-oriented fish that love rocky bottoms and ledges in 100-300 feet of water. They're incredibly smart and can be finicky feeders, making them a challenging and rewarding target. The best action typically occurs from late fall through early spring when they move into shallower waters to spawn. When you hook into a scamp, expect a solid fight with powerful runs toward the bottom – they know how to use that structure to their advantage.
Grey Triggerfish might not win any beauty contests, but they're absolute warriors on the end of a line. These aggressive feeders are found year-round around Islamorada's reefs and wrecks, typically weighing 2-8 pounds with occasional fish pushing double digits. Triggers have incredibly strong jaws designed for crushing crustaceans and mollusks, so you'll need sharp hooks and strong line. They're notorious for their ability to steal bait and break off in structure, but when you do get one to the boat, you've earned it. Peak season runs from spring through fall, and they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef, and landing one is like arm wrestling with a linebacker. These powerful fish regularly exceed 30 pounds around Islamorada's deeper structures, with 50-70 pound fish not uncommon. AJs are aggressive predators that will absolutely punish your tackle with long, powerful runs that can strip hundreds of yards of line in seconds. They're most active from fall through early spring, when cooler water temperatures bring them up from the depths to feed more actively. The fight is what makes these fish special – they're pure muscle and determination, using every trick in the book to break you off in the nearest piece of structure.
Crevalle Jack might be the most underrated gamefish in these waters. These silver bullets are pure energy, capable of peeling line off your reel faster than almost any other fish their size. Most jacks range from 5-15 pounds, but when they're schooled up and feeding, the action can be absolutely electric. They're year-round residents that become especially active during spring and fall migrations. Jacks are opportunistic feeders that will hit everything from live bait to artificial lures, and their fight is legendary among light tackle enthusiasts. They're also excellent live bait for larger predators when cut into strips or fished whole.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing when they're in season. These iconic fish with their bright red coloration and impressive size make them a bucket-list species for many anglers. Mature reds around Islam
The Jus Cuz is your ticket to serious offshore fishing in the Florida Keys. This 36-foot diesel walk-around gives you plenty of room to work the lines while staying comfortable with full A/C between fishing spots. Captain runs top-shelf electronics including GPS, radar, and fish-finder to put you on the fish fast. You'll troll heavy tackle on the way out for mahi, wahoo, and kings, then drop down on the reefs for snapper, grouper, and whatever's biting. The shaded stern keeps you cool while you're working fish, and there's space for up to 6 anglers to spread out without getting tangled up. Quality rods, reels, bait and tackle are all provided - just bring your drinks in soft containers and get ready to fish. The boat's clean, family-friendly, and built for a full day of serious fishing 20+ miles offshore where the big ones live.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jack are the bulldogs of inshore and offshore waters - pure muscle wrapped in bronze and gold. These aggressive predators typically run 3-5 pounds but can hit 20+ pounds of non-stop fight. You'll find them everywhere from shallow flats to deep reefs, often in schools chasing baitfish. Look for diving birds - that's your sign they're feeding below. They're year-round targets but peak in warmer months. What makes them special? Pound-for-pound, few fish fight harder. They're not great table fare, but the sport is second to none. Here's the trick: when you see them busting bait on top, cast beyond the school and retrieve fast through it. They're competitive feeders, so the first one to your lure usually commits hard.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are the bruisers of the deep - powerful fish that'll test your tackle and endurance. These silver-sided fighters average 20-40 pounds but can push 60+, growing up to 6 feet long. They patrol deep wrecks, reefs, and ledges in 80-300 feet, especially around vertical structure. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're most active. What draws anglers? Pure raw power - they'll peel drag and fight you all the way to the boat. The meat's excellent when prepared right. Here's the key: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let up. They'll try to wrap you around structure, so fight them hard from the start. Live bait works best, but heavy jigs bounced near bottom will trigger strikes too.
Balistes CapriscusGrey Triggerfish are scrappy bottom fighters that'll test your patience and skills. These leather-skinned fish average 12-17 inches but pack a punch with their strong jaws and aggressive nature. You'll find them around reefs and hard bottom in 60-180 feet, often picking at crabs and sea urchins. They're year-round targets but fish best during warmer months. What makes them fun? They're notorious bait stealers with razor-sharp teeth, turning every drop into a chess match. The meat's excellent - firm and mild. Here's the secret: use small chunks of squid and fish near other species like snapper. Triggers get competitive when they see other fish going for food, and that greed often gets them hooked. Keep your drag tight and reel fast once you feel the bite.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the crown jewel of bottom fishing when they're in season - beautiful red fish with incredible table quality. These deep-water dwellers typically run 5-15 pounds around our reefs, living on structure in 60-200+ feet. Season runs a few weekends in summer, making every trip count. They're smart fish that spook easy, so finesse matters. What makes them special? That sweet, mild meat is restaurant-quality, and they fight surprisingly hard for their size. Here's the local secret: use circle hooks with fresh cut bait, drop to bottom, then reel up a few cranks. They often suspend just off the reef. When you feel the tap, don't jerk - let the circle hook do its work as you reel steadily. Keep the fish coming up without stopping.
Mycteroperca PhenaxScamp Grouper are some of the tastiest fish you'll find on our deep reefs - many call them "Captain's Meat" for good reason. These chocolate-brown beauties with their distinctive tail streamers typically run 4-6 pounds, though we see bigger ones up to 20+ pounds. They hang around structure in 75-300 feet of water, ambushing anything that swims by. Peak season runs February through May when they move shallower to spawn. What makes them special? They fight like bulldogs and put incredible fillets on the table. Here's a local trick: when you feel that first tap, don't set the hook right away. Let them take it and run a bit - they like to mouth the bait before committing, and patience pays off with better hookups.
5.0 out of 5.0Great experience with Captain Conan. He knew what to do to keep the kids busy and put up the kite for the bigger mackerel. We did ...
Key Largo