5.0(1 Reviews)Full Day Mahi Mahi and Grouper Charter
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day offshore charter targeting Mahi Mahi and Grouper speciesProfessional crew provides tackle, bait, licenses, and refreshments included29-foot WorldCat boat accommodates up to six anglers comfortably
Step aboard Let it Ride Charters' 29' WorldCat center console and get ready for a proper offshore fishing adventure in the Florida Keys. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a full day heading past the reef line into the Gulf Stream where the real action happens. Captain Steve and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish whether you've been doing this for decades or you're just learning how to hold a rod. With room for up to six anglers, outriggers rigged for serious trolling, and enough tackle to handle whatever we hook into, this charter delivers the kind of day that has folks planning their next trip before they even get back to the dock.
Your day starts early at the marina, but trust me, once you see the sunrise over the Atlantic while we're heading out, you'll understand why we leave when we do. The ride out to the fishing grounds takes about 30 minutes, giving you time to get your sea legs and watch the water change from that shallow Keys green to the deep blue of the Gulf Stream. That's where we'll spend most of our time, working the current breaks and weed lines where mahi mahi love to hang out, and dropping down to the structure where grouper and snapper call home. The crew handles all the rigging, bait prep, and boat positioning – your job is to fish. We've got light tackle for the fun fights and heavy gear for when something serious shows up. Don't worry about licenses, ice, or even lunch – sandwiches, snacks, and cold water are all part of the deal so you can focus on what you came here to do.
This trip is all about versatility, and that means switching between techniques based on what's biting and where we find the fish. We'll start the day trolling with those outriggers spread wide, pulling ballyhoo and lures through the current lines where mahi mahi cruise. The WorldCat's setup lets us cover serious water while keeping multiple lines in the zone. When we mark structure on the bottom machine or find a productive piece of reef, we'll anchor up and drop down with live and cut bait for grouper, snapper, and whatever else is down there. The beauty of a full day trip is having time to work both the surface and the bottom – if the trolling bite is hot, we can stay with it. If the bottom fish are cooperative, we can spend more time there. Captain Steve reads the conditions and adjusts the game plan accordingly, which is why his repeat customers keep coming back season after season.
"We had an amazing fishing excursion with Let It Ride Charters! From start to finish, the experience was incredibly comfortable and well run. Zoe & Steve guided us through every aspect of the trip, making it fun and easy whether you're experienced or new to fishing. We caught some great fish, and the absolute highlight was landing a 30-pound wahoo — unforgettable! Highly recommend Let It Ride Charters if you're looking for a top-notch, memorable day on the water." - Shana
Mahi mahi are hands down one of the most exciting fish to catch in these waters, and for good reason. These guys are built for speed and acrobatics – when a bull mahi hits your trolled ballyhoo, you'll know it instantly. They jump, they run, and they put on a show that gets everyone on the boat pumped up. The best part about mahi fishing here is that they often travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Spring through fall is prime time, with the bigger bulls showing up when the water warms up. Plus, mahi mahi are fantastic on the table, which makes the fight even more rewarding.
Red grouper are the bread and butter of bottom fishing in the Keys, and these guys are tough customers that'll test your drag system. They live around structure – wrecks, reefs, and ledges – and when you hook one, their first move is always straight down into the rocks. That's why we use heavy tackle and keep the pressure on from the start. Grouper fishing is productive year-round here, but they really turn on during the cooler months when they're more aggressive. A good-sized red grouper will go 15-20 pounds, and the bigger ones can push 30 or more. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean, which is why they're always a target on these trips.
King mackerel are speed demons that'll smoke your reel when they decide to run. We typically pick them up while trolling for mahi, and when a king hits, you'll hear that drag screaming before you even realize what happened. These fish are built for the open water – long, lean, and fast as lightning. The kings we catch out here range from schoolies around 10-15 pounds up to the real smokers that can hit 40 pounds or better. They're most active during the warmer months, and the bigger fish tend to show up when the water temperature is just right. Kings are also great on the grill, especially when you bleed them properly right after the catch.
Hogfish might not be the biggest fish we'll catch, but they're definitely one of the most prized for the dinner table. These guys are reef dwellers that we typically pick up when we're bottom fishing for grouper and snapper. Hogfish have a unique look with that pig-like snout they use to root around in the sand for crabs and shrimp. They're not huge fighters, but they're smart and can be finicky about bait presentation. The reward is worth it though – hogfish are considered by many to be the best eating fish in the Keys. They're most active during the day, which makes them perfect targets for these full-day trips when we have time to work the reefs thoroughly
The 29' WorldCat center console cuts through Florida Keys waters with the stability you need for serious offshore fishing. This twin-hull design handles Gulf Stream swells like a champ while you're chasing mahi and grouper beyond the reefs. With room for six anglers, there's plenty of space to work the outriggers when trolling or set up for bottom fishing without bumping elbows. The fish finder keeps you on the productive spots, while GPS and radar ensure safe navigation in changing conditions. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long offshore runs. The center console layout gives everyone access to the action, whether you're fighting a bull mahi or working heavy tackle on deep reef grouper. Built for performance and comfort on extended trips into blue water.
Lachnolaimus MaximusHogfish are one of the tastiest fish in these waters, but they're tricky to catch with that pig-like snout of theirs. Most run 2-8 pounds and hang around coral heads, ledges, and hard bottom areas from 15-80 feet deep. They're curious fish that'll swim right up to check you out, but getting them to eat can be frustrating. The meat is absolutely incredible - sweet and mild, better than grouper in my opinion. They school up with one dominant male and several females, so finding structure is key. Live shrimp and small crabs work best, but here's the secret: make some noise. Tap your rod holder or bang on the hull - the vibration draws them in thinking there's food around. Use a small hook and light leader since they're spooky, and be ready for a quick strike. Year-round fishing, but summer months are most consistent.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are speed demons that'll test your drag system and your nerves. These silver bullets typically run 15-40 pounds around here, though we see some real giants pushing 60+ during peak season. They cruise the blue water from 40-150 feet, often following temperature breaks and current lines where baitfish stack up. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're moving through our waters. What guests love is the raw speed - when a king hits your bait, it's like hooking a freight train. The meat's great too, though oily, so it grills up perfect. Pro tip: always use wire leader and rig with two hooks - one in the nose, one trailing behind. Kings love to bite baits in half, and that second hook saves a lot of heartbreak when you see a big one swimming away.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fish we target, flashing brilliant gold and green when they hit the surface. These acrobatic fighters average 15-30 pounds, though we occasionally see bulls pushing 50+. They're surface dwellers that love floating debris, weed lines, and current edges where flying fish hang out. Best fishing runs April through September when they're thick in the Gulf Stream. What makes mahi special is the show - they jump, tail-walk, and put on a real spectacle. Plus the meat is top-shelf, mild and sweet. School fish travel together, so when you find one, work the area hard for multiple hookups. Here's the key: once you hook up, leave some baits out because the school will often stick around to see what's happening. Keep that first fish in the water if possible - it acts like a decoy.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are one of our most reliable bottom dwellers, typically running 5-15 pounds with the occasional 20+ pounder mixed in. These rusty-red fighters hang around rocky ledges, wrecks, and hard bottom areas from 20-200 feet deep. They're aggressive feeders that'll hammer shrimp, crab, or cut bait without much coaxing. What makes them special is the fight - they'll try to get back to their hole the second they're hooked, so you need to muscle them up quick. The meat is outstanding too, firm and sweet with that classic grouper taste. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let up - if they make it back to structure, you're probably done. Best fishing is year-round except during spawning season closures.
5.0 out of 5.0We had an amazing fishing excursion with Let It Ride Charters! From start to finish, the experience was incredibly comfortable and...
Key Largo, FL