5.0(3 Reviews)Patch Reef & Wreck Light-Tackle Action
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Halfday morning fishing with Captain Andrew AtwillTarget snapper, grouper, tarpon in Everglades watersTopquality gear provided for all skill levels
Get ready to bend some rods in the crystal-clear waters around Key Largo with Captain Andrew Atwill's half-day fishing charter. This morning trip puts you right in the action whether we're working the patch reefs or hitting productive wreck sites where the fish stack up thick. You'll be targeting everything from hard-fighting snapper and grouper to explosive tarpon and sneaky snook. With top-shelf gear provided and a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand, you're set up for success from the moment we leave the dock. The boat holds up to four anglers, making it perfect for families or small groups who want personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to fight fish.
Captain Andrew runs a tight ship when it comes to keeping you hooked up. We'll start the morning by reading conditions and fish activity to decide whether the patch reefs or wreck sites are firing better. The patch reefs offer structure that holds resident species year-round, while the wrecks create vertical relief that attracts pelagic species moving through the area. You'll be fishing light tackle, which means every fish feels like a monster and gives you that heart-pumping fight that keeps anglers coming back. The scenic backdrop of Key Largo's turquoise waters doesn't hurt either, but once the rods start bending, you'll forget all about the view. Andrew keeps fresh bait coming and rotates spots based on what's biting, so you're always in prime position to hook up with something special.
We're talking about finesse fishing here - light spinning gear that lets you feel every headshake and run. Captain Andrew provides all the tackle, from medium-action rods paired with quality reels spooled with appropriate line weights for the conditions. Live bait is king on these trips, with pilchards, pinfish, and shrimp being go-to options depending on what we're targeting. You'll learn proper bottom fishing techniques for working structure, as well as drift fishing methods that let baits look natural in the current. The wrecks require different approaches than the patch reefs - sometimes we're dropping baits down 40-60 feet to where the big grouper and snapper hold, other times we're working the mid-column for cruising jacks and mackerel. Andrew will show you how to read your rod tip, set the hook properly, and fight fish without breaking them off on light gear.
"Andrew worked his tail off to keep bait on hooks and lines in the water. He offers a number of areas to fish and gives you options to maximize fishing for the day. I booked a 4 hour trip with my wife and 3 kids. Andrew was great with the kids and was always willing to answer questions." - Brian
"Captain Andrew and Rob did a fantastic job getting us on fish despite a windy day. We loved it so much we rebooked for tomorrow at the dock when we arrived back! Going to the Reef tomorrow and cant wait !" - Paula
"Captain Andrew is great. Lots of fish and lots of fun!" - Brian Gale
Redfish are absolute bulldogs that will test your drag and your arms. These copper-colored fighters average 20-30 inches in our waters and hit baits with authority. They're most active during moving tides when they cruise the flats and structure edges looking for crabs and baitfish. What makes reds so special is their never-give-up attitude - they'll make multiple powerful runs and use their broad sides to fight you in the current. Fall through spring offers the most consistent action, though we see them year-round around Key Largo's varied structure.
Crevalle Jacks are the muscle cars of the reef - all power and no quit. These silver bullets can reach 15-25 pounds and will absolutely smoke your drag on the initial run. They travel in schools and when you find them, the action gets fast and furious. Jacks are opportunistic feeders that crush live baits and artificials with equal enthusiasm. Summer months bring the biggest schools through our area, though smaller resident fish provide action throughout the year. Their fight-to-size ratio is off the charts.
Snook are the inshore glamour species that every angler wants to tangle with. These ambush predators lurk around structure and pounce on unsuspecting baits with explosive strikes. The slot-size fish we target range from 20-35 inches and are known for their aerial displays and powerful runs back toward cover. Live pilchards and pinfish are deadly, especially when presented near mangrove edges or around bridge pilings. Peak season runs from spring through early fall when water temperatures are optimal.
Grey Snapper, or mangrove snapper as locals call them, are crafty customers that require finesse and patience. These ruby-red fighters are excellent table fare and provide consistent action around the patch reefs and wrecks. They're structure-oriented fish that can be picky eaters, but once hooked, they make determined runs back toward cover. Smaller hooks and lighter leaders are often necessary to fool these smart fish. They bite year-round but are most aggressive during warmer months when baitfish populations peak.
Tarpon are the silver kings that turn routine fishing trips into legendary memories. Even the juvenile tarpon we encounter in these waters pack serious punch and provide heart-stopping jumps. These prehistoric fighters can range from 20-80 pounds depending on the season and location. Their gill-rattling jumps and long, powerful runs make every hookup an event. Late spring through summer offers the best tarpon action as fish migrate through our area following bait schools.
Sea Trout are speckled beauties that hit soft baits with subtle strikes requiring good rod sensitivity to detect. These spotted fighters prefer grass flats and deeper channels where they ambush sh
This 24-foot Pathfinder packs serious power with its 300hp Yamaha engine, perfect for running out to Key Largo's productive patch reefs and wrecks where the snapper and grouper hang out. The boat's built for light-tackle fishing with room for up to 4 anglers, plus all the electronics you need - GPS to mark your spots, radar for those early morning runs, and a quality fish finder to locate structure holding fish. At 52 knots max speed, you'll spend more time with lines in the water than burning fuel getting there. Captain Andrew knows these waters inside and out, from the shallow backcountry flats where tarpon roll to the deeper reef edges where the bigger fish cruise. The setup handles everything from casting poppers at breaking fish to dropping baits down on the wrecks for mutton snapper and cobia.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jacks are the bulldogs of Key Largo waters - pure muscle wrapped in silver and gold. These bruisers average 3-5 pounds but can push 20+ pounds, and they'll give you a workout you won't forget. Look for them around patch reefs, wrecks, and anywhere baitfish are schooling. The easiest way to find them is to watch for diving birds - jacks push bait to the surface and create a feeding frenzy. They hit hard and fight dirty with powerful runs that'll test your tackle. Year-round fishing is good here, but summer months are prime time. While they're not great eating, the fight alone makes them worth targeting. Pro tip: when you find a school, cast silver spoons or fast-moving lures right into the chaos and hang on tight.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the missiles of Key Largo waters - lightning-fast predators that'll give you an adrenaline rush. These silver torpedoes typically run 2-4 feet long with razor-sharp teeth and attitudes to match. You'll find them around patch reefs, wrecks, and drop-offs where they ambush baitfish. They're year-round residents but more active during warmer months. What makes them exciting is their explosive strike and initial blistering run, though they tire quickly. While their meat can carry ciguatoxin, the fight alone makes them worth targeting. They're curious fish that often follow lures right to the boat. Safety tip: always use a wire leader since those teeth will cut through mono instantly, and keep your hands clear when landing them. Try fast-moving spoons or tube lures worked erratically - barracuda can't resist the flash and action.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snapper, or mangrove snapper as we call them locally, are crafty fish that'll test your skills around Key Largo's patch reefs and structures. These guys typically run 12-16 inches inshore, but the deeper reef fish can hit 4-5 pounds. They love hanging around coral heads, wrecks, and mangrove roots where they can ambush prey. Night fishing often produces the best results since they're more aggressive feeders after dark. What makes them popular is their strong fight for their size and excellent eating quality - sweet, white, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. They're also year-round residents, so you can target them any trip. The trick with grey snapper is patience - they're notorious bait stealers. Use small hooks and let your shrimp or pinfish sit still on the bottom near structure.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of our most reliable targets in Key Largo's shallow waters. These copper-colored fighters typically run 20-30 inches and love hanging around grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove edges in just 1-4 feet of water. You'll spot them by their distinctive black eyespot near the tail and that reddish back that fades to white underneath. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially during moving tides. What makes redfish special is their aggressive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll make strong runs and really test your drag. Plus, they're excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat. My local tip: when you see them tailing in super shallow water, cast past them and work your bait back slowly - spook one and the whole school disappears.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are fantastic light-tackle fish that cruise Key Largo's grass flats and shallow bays. These spotted beauties typically run 14-20 inches and weigh 1-3 pounds, though bigger ones lurk in deeper water. They love seagrass beds, sandy potholes, and areas with good current flow in 2-8 feet of water. Cooler months bring the best action as they school up in deeper channels. What guests enjoy is their willingness to hit artificial lures and their excellent table fare - soft, white meat that's perfect fried or grilled. Just don't overcook them since the flesh is delicate. They're also great for beginners since they're not too picky about presentations. Best local trick: fish the grass flats early morning or late evening with topwater plugs or soft plastics, working the edges where grass meets sand.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the ultimate Key Largo game fish - smart, strong, and absolutely beautiful with that signature black lateral line. Most run 18-28 inches, but the big females can push 40+ inches and really light up your reel. They love structure like mangrove shorelines, docks, and bridge pilings in depths from 2-15 feet. Best fishing happens during warmer months when they're most active, especially around dawn and dusk. What guests love about snook is their explosive strike followed by acrobatic jumps and powerful runs toward cover. They're also premium table fare when in season. The challenge is their sharp gill plates and tendency to wrap you up in structure. Local secret: during spawning season (May-September), work live bait around inlet mouths during moving tides - that's when the big girls feed heavily.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that provide non-stop action around Key Largo's reefs and nearshore waters. These streamlined fish run 12-20 inches and are covered in beautiful golden spots along their silver sides. They school up around structure and baitfish, often creating surface feeding frenzies that are easy to spot. Fall and winter months bring the best fishing as they migrate through our area. What guests love is their aggressive nature - they'll hit almost anything that moves and fight hard for their size. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in these waters with firm, flavorful meat that's perfect grilled or smoked. They're also great for kids since the action stays fast. Local tip: when you find a school, work small silver spoons or jigs quickly through the area - their speed and competitive nature means multiple hookups are common.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the kings of Key Largo fishing - nothing beats watching a 6-foot silver giant explode out of the water. These prehistoric fish average 80-150 pounds but can push 200+ pounds, living up to 50 years. They cruise shallow flats, deeper channels, and bridge areas from spring through fall, with May-July being peak season. What draws anglers from worldwide is their spectacular aerial show and bulldogging power - they'll jump repeatedly and make blistering runs that can last 30+ minutes. We practice catch-and-release since their meat isn't great and they're slow-growing fish. The real challenge is their bony mouth and habit of throwing hooks during jumps. Key tip: when a tarpon jumps, bow to the fish by pointing your rod tip toward them - this gives slack and prevents the line from breaking on their re-entry.
5.0 out of 5.0Andrew worked his tail off to keep bait on hooks and lines in the water. He offers a number of areas to fish and gives you options...
Captain Andrew and Rob did a fantastic job getting us on fish despite a windy day. We loved it so much we rebooked for tomorrow a...
Captain Andrew is great. Lots of fish and lots of fun!
Key Largo, FL