Full Day Fishing & Snorkeling in Little Torch Key
Here's what happens when you combine world-class inshore fishing with crystal-clear snorkeling in one of Florida's most productive fishing zones. This top-rated 8-hour adventure takes you into the heart of Little Torch Key's legendary waters, where snappers stack up on the reefs and king mackerel patrol the deeper channels. Captain Allen and the Lower Keys Offshore Adventures crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish while keeping things fun and relaxed. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this combo trip delivers the best of both worlds – trophy fish and underwater exploration that'll have you planning your next visit before you even get back to the dock.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts early with a focus on the fishing bite, when snappers and groupers are most active around the structure. The boat heads out to proven honey holes where the crew drops you on productive bottom, and you'll be working jigs and live bait to pull fish up from 40-80 feet of water. After you've loaded the cooler with keeper snappers and hopefully tangled with some bigger grouper, the pace shifts to snorkeling mode. The same reefs that hold fish also create amazing underwater landscapes, and you'll slip into the gin-clear water to explore coral heads teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, and marine life that most people only see in documentaries. All your fishing tackle and snorkel gear comes included, so you just need to bring sunscreen, snacks, and your sense of adventure. The flexible pacing means nobody feels rushed – if the fish are biting, you fish longer. If the snorkeling conditions are perfect, you stay in the water.
Techniques & Gear Setup
This is classic Lower Keys bottom fishing mixed with drift fishing for pelagics when conditions line up right. You'll be working conventional tackle with circle hooks and knocker rigs for the bottom dwellers, dropping baits like pilchards, pinfish, and cut bait down to where the snappers and groupers live. When targeting king mackerel and mahi, the crew switches to trolling spreads with wire leaders and diving plugs, covering water until you mark fish or find floating debris that holds mahi. The snorkeling portion uses quality masks, fins, and snorkels that actually fit properly – none of that rental shop junk that leaks and fogs up. Water depths for snorkeling range from 15-30 feet over coral heads and patch reefs, giving you plenty of bottom time to explore without feeling rushed. The boat stays anchored nearby, so you're always swimming back to a secure platform with a ladder that makes getting in and out easy.
Customer Stories
"We went out deep with not much success in the morning due to currents, wind and uncooperative fish, but Captain Allen turned things around quickly. We had a great time with plan B catching good sized snappers with some outsized bonitos to keep the lines tight. Amazing day on the water!" - Shawn
Target Species Breakdown
Grey snapper are the bread and butter of Lower Keys fishing, and Little Torch Key sits right in prime snapper habitat. These fish stack up on rocky bottom and coral heads in 30-60 feet of water, and they're aggressive biters when you present the right bait. Look for fish in the 12-18 inch range, with some pushing 20+ inches during summer months. They're smart fish that require finesse – light leaders, sharp hooks, and natural baits work best. Snappers bite year-round but peak from April through October when water temperatures climb and baitfish are abundant.
Red grouper are the heavyweight champions of these reefs, and pulling one up from 60 feet of water will test your tackle and technique. These fish ambush prey from rocky ledges and holes, hitting baits hard before trying to dive back into structure. Most fish run 15-25 pounds, but 30+ pounders show up regularly enough to keep things interesting. They're available year-round but fish best from October through April when cooler water temperatures make them more active. The fight is all about stopping that first dive – once you turn their head, it's game over.
King mackerel are speed demons that hit trolled baits like freight trains, often jumping clear of the water before making blistering runs that strip line off your reel. These fish follow baitfish migrations and show up in good numbers from late fall through early spring. Most kings in these waters run 15-30 pounds, with occasional fish pushing 40+ pounds. They're one of the best eating fish in the ocean when handled properly, and the fight combines speed, jumps, and endurance that tests both angler and tackle.
Mahi mahi are the most colorful and acrobatic fish you'll encounter, lighting up in brilliant yellows and greens when hooked. These fish relate to floating debris, weed lines, and current edges, making them a target of opportunity when conditions align. Most mahi in local waters run 10-25 pounds, though larger bulls show up during peak migration periods. They're aggressive biters that hit both trolled and pitched baits, and their aerial displays make every hookup a photo opportunity. Prime time runs from March through July when Gulf Stream conditions push them closer to shore.
Time to Book Your Adventure
This customer favorite combines two of the Lower Keys' best activities into one action-packed day that delivers memories and fresh fish fillets. Captain Allen's local knowledge and flexible approach means you're always fishing the most productive spots and snorkeling the clearest water available. With all gear included and a maximum of six guests, you get the personalized attention that makes the difference between a good day and a great day on the water. The Lower Keys fishing scene is trending upward, and trips like this are booking solid through peak season. Don't wait – secure your spot for this renowned combo adventure and experience why ang
5.0(1 Reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Florida Keys
Eight
