5.0(1 Reviews)Full Day Guided Fishing Trip In Big Pine Key, FL
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday guided fishing targeting barracuda and amberjack speciesCaptain Jordan provides local expertise for safe water navigationPrivate charter accommodates up to four guests with gear included
Big Pine Key sits right in the heart of the Florida Keys fishing paradise, and Captain Jordan knows every productive spot, current break, and structure that holds fish in these waters. This 8-hour private charter takes full advantage of the legendary fishing grounds surrounding Big Pine, where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Atlantic and creates some of the most diverse angling opportunities you'll find anywhere. Whether you're bringing your own boat and need local expertise or just want to kick back while an experienced captain puts you on fish, this trip delivers the goods. The waters here are famous for holding everything from aggressive barracuda to heavyweight amberjack, and Captain Jordan's got the experience to make sure you're fishing the right spots at the right times.
Your day starts early to make the most of prime fishing hours, when predators are actively feeding and the bite is hottest. Captain Jordan will meet you at the dock and brief you on the day's game plan based on current conditions, tides, and what species are showing up. The beauty of an 8-hour charter is having time to hit multiple spots and adjust tactics as the day unfolds. You might start working structure for amberjack in deeper water, then move to flats edges for barracuda, or troll the blue water for mahi and wahoo depending on what's biting. The captain provides all necessary gear, though it's worth discussing your preferences beforehand - some anglers love throwing topwater plugs while others prefer live bait fishing. The relaxed pace means there's time to enjoy the scenery between fishing spots, maybe grab a cold drink, and really soak in the Keys experience. This isn't a rushed half-day trip where you're constantly watching the clock.
Captain Jordan comes equipped with quality rods and reels suited for the target species, from medium-heavy spinning gear perfect for barracuda to heavier conventional setups that can handle big amberjack. The tackle selection gets matched to what you're targeting - wire leaders when cuda are around, heavy fluorocarbon for spooky mahi, and circle hooks when using live bait. Techniques vary throughout the day based on conditions and species. You might be sight-casting to tailing tarpon on shallow flats, trolling ballyhoo spreads for mahi and wahoo in blue water, or dropping jigs and live baits on offshore structure for amberjack. The captain will teach you local tricks like reading water color changes, spotting bird activity that signals feeding fish, and timing your presentation to tidal movements. Live bait often makes the difference here - pilchards, goggle-eyes, and ballyhoo all have their place depending on what you're after. The key is having an experienced local guide who knows when to switch tactics and move spots to stay on productive water.
Tarpon are the silver kings of the flats, and Big Pine Key offers world-class opportunities to tangle with these prehistoric fighters. These fish can reach 6 feet and 200 pounds, making every hookup a battle you'll remember forever. Peak season runs from March through July when massive schools move through the area during their annual migration. What makes tarpon special isn't just their size - it's their acrobatic jumps and bulldogging runs that test every aspect of your tackle and technique. Captain Jordan knows the channels, bridges, and flats where these giants cruise, and he'll position you for the best shots at clean hookups.
Mahi mahi bring explosive strikes and stunning colors to every offshore trip. These fish grow fast and fight hard, with bulls reaching 30-50 pounds by the time they're a few years old. They're most active from April through September when warm water pushes close to the Keys. Mahi love floating debris, weed lines, and current edges where baitfish concentrate. When you find a school, the action can be non-stop with multiple fish in the boat quickly. Their bright gold, green, and blue colors make them one of the most beautiful catches in these waters, and their aggressive nature means they'll hit everything from trolled baits to cast jigs.
Greater amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef, using their broad shoulders and powerful tails to test your drag system. These fish inhabit deeper structure and wrecks, often weighing 40-80 pounds with giants pushing over 100. They're year-round residents but bite best during cooler months when they're more aggressive. What makes AJ fishing exciting is the initial run - they'll head straight for the bottom and try to cut you off on structure. It's a tug-of-war that requires heavy tackle and persistence, but the reward is some of the best eating fish in the ocean.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the pelagic world, capable of hitting 60 mph and armed with razor-sharp teeth. These fish prefer blue water and structure edges, typically weighing 20-40 pounds with occasional monsters over 60. They're most common from November through March when cooler water temperatures suit their preferences. Wahoo strikes are violent and sudden - one moment you're trolling peacefully, the next your reel is screaming as line disappears. Their incredible speed and sharp teeth mean you need wire leaders and drag systems that can handle their blistering runs.
Great barracuda are the apex predators of the flats and nearshore waters, with their torpedo-shaped bodies and fearsome teeth making them exciting targets on light tackle. These fish can reach 4-5 feet and 20+ pounds, though most catches run 5-15 pounds. They're year-round residents that become more aggressive during cooler months. Barracuda fishing is visual and exciting - you'll often see them stalking baits or lying motionless near structure before exploding into action. They're perfect for anglers who want fast action and aggressive strikes, plus they're great on the grill when prepared properly.
This full-day charter with Captain Jordan represents the best way
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the neighborhood watch around here - curious, aggressive, and built for speed. Most run 2-4 feet with those unmistakable teeth and silver sides. They patrol the shallow flats, reefs, and grass beds in 10-40 feet of water. Spring spawning brings the biggest fish, but they're here year-round. Guests love the visual fishing - you can often see them following the boat - and that explosive strike when they hit. The fight is short but intense, with jumps and runs. Not the best eating due to ciguatera risk in larger fish. They hunt by sight and love shiny lures. My local trick: when you see one following, stop the lure dead. That pause often triggers the strike. Use a wire leader - their teeth are like razors.
Seriola dumeriliAmberjack are the bullies of the deep, averaging 30-40 pounds with that distinctive amber stripe down their sides. They hang around structure - wrecks, reefs, and ledges in 80-200 feet. Best fishing happens in cooler months when they're most active and feeding heavy. Guests love the powerful fight these fish put up - they'll test your drag and your arms. The meat is excellent when prepared right, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. They're not picky eaters, so live bait or heavy jigs work well. The key is heavy tackle - 50-pound test minimum. My advice: when you hook one, fight it hard and fast. They'll try to cut you off in the structure, and once they get their head down, it's game over.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi run 15-30 pounds out here, with that famous golden color and crazy light show when you boat them. They're surface fish that love floating debris and weed lines in 100-400 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time, especially when water temps hit 78 degrees. What guests love is the fight - they're strong swimmers - plus they're some of the best eating you'll find. White, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. These fish grow fast and don't live long, so the population stays healthy. Look for birds working over floating objects - that's where the mahi will be. My local trick: once you hook one, keep the boat near the school. Mahi are curious and loyal to each other.
Megalops AtlanticusThe silver king of our waters, tarpon grow to 4-6 feet and 80-100 pounds around these keys. They're famous for those amazing jumps - watching a 100-pounder launch 10 feet in the air never gets old. You'll find them in the deeper channels and grass flats, especially during their spring migration from April to July. The fishing picks up with warmer water and full moons. What makes them special isn't the eating - we release these ancient fish - but the fight. They're 13-16 years old at 100 pounds, so respect the battle. My tip: keep your rod tip down when they jump. That first leap usually comes quick, and you want slack line to prevent the hook from popping out. Medium tackle works fine - no need to overpower them.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the rockets of the reef, hitting 48 mph with that torpedo shape and razor teeth. Most run 3-4 feet and 30-50 pounds around here. They cruise the edges in 60-200 feet, often alone or in small groups. July through November is peak season when they're moving through our waters. The thrill is the speed - they'll scream drag like nothing else, plus the meat is top-shelf. White, flaky, and mild - some of the best fish tacos you'll ever eat. High-speed trolling at 12-15 knots works best with wire leaders - their teeth will cut anything else. My tip: when you get a wahoo bite, don't slow down. Keep the boat moving and let the fish tire itself out on the run.
5.0 out of 5.0
Big Pine Key, FL