Half Day Wreck Fishing Adventure with Keys Disease
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Fourhour fishing adventure targeting multiple reef and wreck locationsLight tackle techniques include jigging, drift fishing, and live baitSpecies include snapper, grouper, mackerel, shark, and barracuda
Looking for a solid half-day on the water that won't eat up your whole vacation? This 4-hour wreck fishing trip with Keys Disease Charters hits the sweet spot between action and time management. We're talking about hitting productive wrecks, reefs, and inshore spots where the fish actually live – not just burning fuel to say you went deep. With a max of 4 anglers, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to work your lines without bumping into strangers.
Your morning starts with a quick rundown of the game plan – we'll check conditions and head to wherever the bite's been best. Could be a wreck holding grouper, patch reefs loaded with snappers, or inshore structure where the mackerel have been blitzing bait. We keep it flexible because fish don't read schedules. You'll be working with light tackle that's perfectly matched to the targets, making every hookup feel like a real fight. The boat comes equipped with everything you need: rods, reels, terminal tackle, and most importantly, fresh live bait when it's available. We're not just throwing out dead shrimp and hoping – we'll run multiple techniques throughout the day. Bottom rigs for the reef dwellers, jigs for the aggressive biters, and flat lines when the pelagics show up. Chum goes in the water early and often because nothing beats drawing fish right to your hooks.
This isn't a one-trick operation – we switch techniques based on what's working and what we're targeting. Bottom fishing with circle hooks keeps the snappers and groupers coming, while vertical jigging can trigger strikes from fish that won't touch bait. When current's moving right, we'll drift fish the edges where predators ambush prey. Flat lining covers water and picks up the speedsters like kings and barracuda that patrol the blue water. Light tackle means you'll feel every head shake and run, whether it's a 5-pound mutton snapper or a 20-pound king mackerel. The chumming operation runs constantly – ground bait goes over to create a slick that carries scent downcurrent and brings fish up from the depths. Live pilchards, pinfish, and threadfins get the nod when they're around, but don't overlook cut bait and squid strips. Sometimes the biggest fish want the easy meal. We'll adjust leader length and hook size based on what's biting, and I'll show you how to read the signs when fish are around but not committing.
Goliath Grouper are the monsters everyone talks about, and for good reason. These giants can push 200-300 pounds and live around wrecks, bridges, and deep reefs. They're curious fish that respond well to large baits and aren't particularly line-shy – but don't mistake that for easy. When a goliath grabs your bait, it's like being tied to a freight train. The fight happens in short, powerful runs to structure, and you've got maybe 30 seconds to turn their head before they wrap you up. Best action runs from June through September when they're spawning and feeding heavily. Catching one is a bucket-list experience that most anglers never forget.
Atlantic Sailfish bring serious excitement with their aerial displays and blistering runs. These pelagic speedsters show up year-round but peak from December through April when cooler water pushes them closer to shore. They'll take live bait fished on the surface or slow-trolled, and once hooked, they put on a show that'll have everyone on the boat reaching for cameras. Sailfish typically run 6-8 feet long and fight with incredible stamina, mixing jumps with long runs that test your drag settings and patience. The key is keeping steady pressure without pulling too hard – they can throw the hook with one wild shake of their bill.
King Mackerel are the bread and butter of many offshore trips, and there's good reason they're so popular. These toothy predators hit hard, run fast, and taste incredible on the dinner table. Kings patrol reefs, wrecks, and temperature breaks looking for schools of bait, and they're not subtle about feeding. When they're around, you'll see birds diving and bait spraying out of the water. They prefer live bait but will slam spoons, jigs, and trolled dead baits. Wire leaders are mandatory – their teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. Peak season runs from fall through spring, but resident fish are around year-round.
Wahoo Fish are built for speed and designed to cut bait in half. These torpedo-shaped predators can hit 60 mph and fight with a combination of speed and power that few fish can match. They're often caught while targeting other species, ambushing baits intended for kings or sailfish. Wahoo have incredible teeth and require heavy wire leaders, but the fight is worth the extra rigging. They typically show up around wrecks and drop-offs where they can use structure to corner baitfish. Fall and winter offer the best chances, especially when water temperatures start dropping and bait moves offshore.
Great Barracuda are the opportunists of the reef, always looking for an easy meal and quick to investigate anything that moves. These aggressive predators can reach 4-5 feet and fight with surprising strength, especially around structure where they can use their speed and agility. They're notorious bait stealers but also willing biters when you target them specifically. Barracuda respond to shiny lures, live bait, and cut fish, though they can be line-shy in clear water. They're around year-round and provide consistent action when other species are being finicky. Their teeth demand wire leaders, but their aggressive nature makes them a favorite for anglers who like visual strikes and hard-fighting fish.
Half
Get ready to fish the wrecks and reefs aboard this freshly restored 27' Century center console! This beauty runs on a powerful 300HP Mercury Verado that'll cruise at 28 knots, getting you to the hotspots fast. Perfect for up to 4 anglers, she's loaded with everything you need – fish finder to locate those underwater structures, GPS to mark your productive spots, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh. The onboard toilet and multimedia system add comfort between fishing sessions. Whether you're dropping lines on patch reefs, working the bridge pilings, or drifting over wrecks for grouper and snapper, this rig handles it all. The combination of speed, space, and fishing-focused features makes her ideal for targeting everything from mackerel and barracuda to sharks using live bait, jigs, or bottom rigs.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are built for speed - these beautiful fish can hit 30+ mph and average around 50 pounds, though some reach over 100. You'll find them in warm surface waters from 30-65 feet, cruising near temperature breaks and current lines. Winter through early spring is prime time here, when they move through following baitfish schools. What guests love most is watching them light up with color changes and leap repeatedly when hooked. They're incredible fighters with serious endurance, diving deep then rocketing to the surface. The meat is decent, but most folks release them for the experience. Pro tip: when trolling, keep your spread tight and don't set the hook too hard on the initial strike. Let them run with it first, then come tight when they turn.
Epinephelus ItajaraThese giants are the largest grouper in the Atlantic, growing up to 8 feet and 800 pounds. They hang around reefs, wrecks, and structures in shallow waters up to 150 feet. Important note - these fish are protected, so it's strictly catch and release only. What makes them special is that first incredible pull when they hit your bait. They'll try to drag you right back to their structure, so you need heavy tackle and quick reflexes. We typically find them year-round in our waters, but they're more active during warmer months. The fight is intense but short-lived - they'll test every piece of your gear. My advice: anchor far enough from the reef so you can pull them away from cover, but close enough they'll come out to investigate your bait.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are aggressive predators that average 2-4 feet but can reach 6 feet and over 100 pounds. They hang around reefs, wrecks, and shallow flats where they ambush baitfish. You'll find them year-round, but spring spawning season brings the biggest fish together. These fish are pure attitude - they'll hit hard and make blazing runs up to 35 mph, often jumping and thrashing. While the meat can be good, most folks enjoy them for the fight. They hunt by sight and are naturally curious, often following boats. Best approach: use shiny spoons or tube lures, and don't be surprised if they follow your bait right to the boat before striking. Keep a landing net handy - those razor teeth demand respect when bringing them aboard.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are fast, aggressive fish that typically run 20-40 pounds, with some reaching 90+. They cruise depths from 40-150 feet around structure, drop-offs, and temperature breaks. We see good action spring through fall when water temps hit 70-85°F. These fish are pure adrenaline - they'll scream drag and make blistering runs that'll test your gear. The meat is excellent when fresh, with a rich flavor that's perfect for the grill. Kings hunt by slashing at baitfish, so they often hit the back half of your bait. Here's what works: rig two hooks on a wire leader - one in the nose, one free-swinging in the back. When slow-trolling live bait, kings can't resist that natural presentation swimming through their territory.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are rockets of the reef - these torpedo-shaped speedsters can hit 60 mph and typically weigh 30-80 pounds. They patrol open waters and structure edges, usually in the top 60 feet. Peak season varies, but we see good numbers during cooler months when they're chasing baitfish. The initial run is wild - they'll strip line like nothing else out there. The meat is premium quality, white and flaky with a mild taste that's perfect for fish tacos. Most wahoo are loners or travel in small groups of 2-3 fish. Key technique: high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders is essential - their razor teeth will slice through mono instantly. Bullethead lures and diving plugs work great when you're covering water looking for these wanderers.
Marathon, FL