Wreck Fishing Adventure in Islamorada
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Private 6hour wreck and reef fishing charter in IslamoradaTarget grouper, snapper species with experienced captain guidanceAll fishing gear, tackle, and bait provided for groups
When you're looking for serious bottom fishing action in the Florida Keys, this 6-hour private charter with Kekoa Charters hits all the marks. We're talking about targeting some of the most sought-after species in these waters - Red Snapper, Mutton Snapper, and Gag Grouper - around the best wrecks and reefs that Islamorada has to offer. This isn't your typical half-day trip where you barely get warmed up before heading back to the dock. Six hours gives us real time to work multiple spots, dial in the bite, and put you on fish that'll have you talking for years.
Your day starts early when you meet our experienced captains who know these waters like the back of their hand. We'll head out to carefully selected wreck sites and reef structures where these bottom dwellers love to hang out. The beauty of a private charter is we can adjust our game plan based on conditions, what's biting, and what you're most excited to catch. Our captains aren't just boat drivers - they're fishing guides who'll share techniques, help you feel the difference between a fish and the bottom, and make sure everyone on board gets shots at quality fish. All your gear is provided, from heavy-duty rods and reels built for pulling fish off structure to fresh bait and a tackle box full of proven rigs. Groups up to 6 anglers can join this adventure, making it perfect for families, friends, or anyone wanting to experience world-class sportfishing without the crowds.
Fishing wrecks and reefs requires a different approach than open water fishing, and that's where our captains really shine. We use heavy tackle specifically designed to muscle fish away from structure before they can cut you off. You'll learn how to drop baits right into the strike zone, feel for that telltale thump of a grouper inhaling your bait, and set the hook with authority. Most of our fishing involves bottom rigs loaded with fresh bait - think sardines, ballyhoo strips, and squid that these reef species can't resist. The key is getting your bait down quickly through the water column and keeping it in the zone where fish are feeding. Our captains will teach you to read your rod tip, distinguish between current and fish, and time your hook sets perfectly. When you hook into a big gag grouper trying to get back to its hole, you'll understand why we use such stout gear and why this style of fishing gets people hooked.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf reef fishing, and these Florida Keys populations are some of the healthiest you'll find. These gorgeous fish with their bright red coloration and prominent canine teeth typically run 5-15 pounds in our waters, though bigger specimens always lurk around deeper structures. Red snapper are incredibly structure-oriented, rarely straying far from their home reef or wreck. They're most active during dawn and dusk feeding periods, but we catch them throughout the day using fresh bait presented right on the bottom. What makes them so special isn't just their excellent table fare - it's the way they fight. A red snapper will make hard runs toward structure, shake its head violently, and test every knot in your rig. The season and regulations change yearly, so our captains stay current on all rules to ensure legal, sustainable fishing.
Mutton Snapper are the bulldogs of the snapper family, known for their incredible strength and stubborn fighting style. These fish can reach impressive sizes - 10 to 20-pound muttons are common around our best spots, with true giants pushing 30 pounds occasionally showing up. They have this beautiful pinkish coloration with a distinctive black spot near their tail, making them easy to identify when you boat one. Muttons are year-round residents but seem to feed most aggressively during warmer months when baitfish populations peak. They're opportunistic feeders that will hit live bait, fresh dead bait, and even jigs when they're in the mood. What separates mutton snapper from their cousins is pure power - they make long, powerful runs and have this ability to find every piece of structure around to try breaking you off.
Gag Grouper represent the ultimate wreck fishing challenge, combining impressive size with incredible fighting ability and phenomenal table quality. These fish can reach 20-40 pounds in our area, with true trophy specimens exceeding 50 pounds still swimming around the deeper wrecks. Gags are ambush predators that sit in holes and crevices, waiting for baitfish to swim within striking distance. When they decide to eat, it's explosive - you'll feel that unmistakable thump followed by dead weight as they try to get back home. The trick is stopping that initial run before they reach cover, which requires heavy tackle and quick reflexes. Gag grouper populations are carefully managed with specific seasons and size limits, making each legal fish a real prize. Their firm, white meat is considered among the finest eating fish in the ocean, and their fighting ability near structure creates some of the most challenging battles you'll experience bottom fishing.
This 6-hour wreck fishing charter offers serious anglers the chance to target premium species with expert guidance and top-notch equipment. Whether you're a seasoned bottom fisherman looking to explore new waters or a newcomer wanting to learn proper wreck fishing techniques, this trip delivers the goods. Our experienced captains, quality gear, and proven fishing spots combine to create fishing memories that last a lifetime. The extended timeframe means we can work multiple locations, adjust tactics as conditions change, and give everyone aboard plenty of opportunities for quality fish. Don't wait on this one - prime fishing dates fill up quickly, especially during peak season when these species are most active.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are the heavyweights of our wreck fishing, and they'll give you a workout you won't forget. Most run 20-30 inches and pack serious muscle, with the big males pushing 40+ pounds. They love deep structure - shipwrecks, rocky ledges, and hard bottom in 60-300 feet of water. Winter and spring are our best months when they're more active and aggressive. What makes them special is that raw power - once hooked, they dive straight for the structure trying to break you off in the rocks. They're also fantastic eating with thick, white fillets. The key with gags is speed and strength. The moment you feel that thump, lock your drag and horse them up fast before they reach cover. Don't give them an inch or they'll disappear into a hole and you'll lose them every time. Circle hooks and 40-pound line minimum - these fish don't mess around.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton Snapper are one of our favorite targets because they're fighters that'll test your skills. These olive-green fish with distinctive blue lines around their face typically run 15-20 inches, but the big ones can push 30+ inches and really bend your rod. You'll find them around reefs and wrecks in 80-300 feet, though they also cruise the sandy edges near structure. Spring and summer are prime time when they move up to feed. What sets them apart is their wariness - they're smart fish that require finesse and fresh bait. When you hook one, get ready for a battle as they'll make hard runs for the bottom trying to cut you off on the reef. Here's a local trick: use the lightest sinker possible and let your bait drift naturally in the current. They're much more likely to bite something that looks completely natural rather than anchored down.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the prize catch of our reef trips, and for good reason. These bright red beauties average 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, though we've pulled up some real monsters over 20 pounds. They hang around structure in 30-200 feet of water - wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottom are your best bets. Summer through fall gives us the most consistent action when they're spawning and feeding heavy. What makes them special? They fight like hell, diving straight for cover the second they feel that hook. Plus, they're hands-down some of the best eating fish in these waters - sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for the grill. Pro tip: once you hook one, lock that drag down tight and keep steady pressure. Give them an inch and they'll wrap your line around the nearest piece of structure.
Islamorada, FL