5.0(4 Reviews)Half Day Fishing Charters in Little Torch Key
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Flexible 48 hour charter targeting multiple species offshoreCaptain provides all equipment for anglers of every skill levelInshore, reef, and offshore options available in Florida Keys
When you're looking for serious fishing action in the Lower Keys, Little Torch Key delivers the goods. Captain Allen Prince runs some of the most productive charters in these waters, and for good reason – he knows exactly where the fish are holding and how to put you on them fast. Whether you've got four hours or want to make it a full eight-hour day, this charter adapts to what you want to catch and how the conditions are playing out.
Your day starts with a game plan that's built around current conditions and what's biting. Captain Allen doesn't mess around with one-size-fits-all trips. If the offshore bite is hot and seas are manageable, you might find yourself trolling for mahi and blackfin tuna in blue water. When conditions call for it, you'll work the reef structure for snapper and grouper, or tuck into protected waters where the mangroves hold steady action. The boat comes rigged and ready with quality gear, so you can focus on fishing instead of fumbling with tackle. This isn't about luck – it's about reading water, understanding fish behavior, and putting in time where it counts. You'll cover different depths and structure types depending on what's producing, and the captain adjusts tactics throughout the day to keep rods bent.
The beauty of fishing these Keys waters is the variety of presentations that work. When you're working offshore structure for tuna and mahi, you'll be trolling with ballyhoo and lures, covering water until you find the schools. Reef fishing means dropping baits to specific depths where grouper and snapper patrol the ledges and cuts. Live bait fishing with pilchards or ballyhoo gets the attention of bigger predators, while cut bait and squid produce steady action on bottom species. Captain Allen switches up techniques based on what the fish want that day – sometimes they're aggressive and hit anything moving, other times you need to finesse them with lighter tackle and natural presentations. The boat carries a full spread of rods and reels matched to different fishing styles, from heavy spinning gear for bottom fishing to lighter tackle for working bait schools. You'll learn to read the electronics, understand how structure holds fish, and pick up tricks that'll make you a better angler long after the trip ends.
"Despite booking last second and every other captain around cancelling due to conditions. Captain Allen Prince has zero issues taking us out for a successful trip. He was extremely good at finding the right spots and adpating to the environment we were dealt with. Despite all that we had a amazing day and brought back may yellow snapper,yellow jacks,cero mackerel and tautog all made for great eating fish. Overall captain Allen Prince is super competent and friendly would definitely recommend!" - Sam
"Fishing was wide slam open! We can't say enough about Captain Allen. His experience, passion, and knowledge of both fishing and where to catch fish is second to none. Whereever he brought us, other boats followed. He knew exactly where to go. The Equipment was superior and ready to go at all times. Captain Allen was not only on top of things but very friendly, made us feel like we've known each other for a long time. We are looking forward to going out again." - Cathyann
"We had a great, but little windy time fishing with Allen. We went out past the reef and went trolling for Mari and hooked up with a nice one. We then went to the reef and caught a bunch of yellowtail snapper and blue runners. Even had to share a few of the catches with some sharks that liked what we were catching. We had a great time and enjoyed our catch later that evening." - James
Mutton snapper are the heavyweight champions of the snapper world down here, and when you hook into a good one, you'll know it. These fish average 5-15 pounds but can push 20-plus when you find the right schools. They're structure-oriented fish that love rocky bottom, coral heads, and deeper reef edges. Peak season runs from April through August when they're most aggressive and feeding heavily. What makes muttons special is their fight – they'll make strong runs toward structure and test your drag system. Plus, they're outstanding table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or making fish tacos.
Grey snapper, better known as mangrove snapper, are year-round residents that provide consistent action when other species are finicky. These smart fish require some finesse – they're notorious bait stealers that'll test your patience and skill. They range from schoolie-sized fish around a pound up to hefty 8-10 pounders that patrol deeper structure. Summer months see the best action, but you can catch them any time of year. They're excellent eating and fight harder than their size suggests, making multiple runs and using their broad sides to pull drag.
Blackfin tuna are pure adrenaline on the end of your line. These pelagic speedsters travel in schools and when you find them, the action gets fast and furious. They average 10-25 pounds but their speed and stamina make them fight like much bigger fish. Peak season runs from late fall through spring when bait schools concentrate offshore. They're incredible table fare – the deep red meat is perfect for searing or making poke. When blackfins are biting, you'll often find mahi and other pelagics mixed in, making for diverse action.
Red grouper are the bread and butter of reef fishing in these waters. These bottom-dwellers inhabit rocky ledges and hard bottom in 30-100 feet of water. They're ambush predators that inhale baits and immediately head for cover, so you need to muscle them up quick. Most fish run 3-8 pounds, but big ones can push 15-20 pounds. They're open year-round with steady action, though summer
The 26' BullsBay center console is your ticket to prime fishing waters around Little Torch Key. Built in 2017, this reliable offshore rig runs on twin 140HP Suzuki outboards that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast and smooth. The spacious center console design gives you plenty of room to work your rods whether you're battling a feisty mahi or wrestling in a nice grouper. GPS keeps you on target while the fish finder helps locate schools and structure below. This boat handles everything from nearshore reefs to blue water runs, making it perfect for chasing snapper one day and tuna the next. Built tough for Florida Keys conditions, she'll keep you comfortable and confident as you work the flats, reefs, and offshore waters where the big ones bite.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smaller cousins of the tuna family, but don't let that fool you - they pack a serious punch. Most run 15-25 pounds, though we've seen some push 40+ pounds out in deeper water. These fast swimmers love warm water over 68°F and hang around the continental shelf edge in 100-500 feet. Fall through spring is prime time here in the Keys when they move through in schools. What makes blackfins special is their incredible fight - they'll make blazing runs and test your drag. Plus, their dark red meat is perfect for sushi or searing. They school up with skipjacks, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Here's the secret: scale down your tackle with 30lb fluoro leaders and 5/0 circle hooks. Use live pilchards for chum and vertical jig when you mark them on the finder.
Lutjanus GriseusAlso called mangrove snappers, these crafty fish are perfect for anglers who like a challenge. Most greys run 12-16 inches and 1-3 pounds, though bigger ones lurk around deeper structure. They're notorious for being picky - these nocturnal feeders have sharp eyes and will inspect your bait carefully. You'll find them around docks, mangroves, reefs, and any structure that offers cover in 10-100 feet of water. They bite year-round but are most active at dawn, dusk, and night. What guests love is the combination of their wariness making them tough to fool, plus their excellent white, flaky meat that's perfect for the dinner table. My go-to tip: use a light knocker rig with fresh shrimp hooked through the tail, and fish it right at the bottom near structure. Patience is key - let them take the bait before setting the hook.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are pure eye candy and incredible fighters that'll make your trip memorable. These golden beauties average 15-30 pounds but can hit 50+ pounds when conditions are right. They're surface dwellers that love floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in 100+ feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time when they migrate through our waters following the warm currents. What guests love most is watching these fish light up in brilliant colors as they fight, plus their acrobatic jumps. The white, firm meat is restaurant-quality and mild-tasting. They travel in schools, so once you hook one, keep other lines ready. Here's what works: troll ballyhoo or small lures around floating grass or debris, and make your baits skip on the surface - they can't resist a good flying fish imitation.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snappers are one of the most rewarding fish you'll target out here. These beauties typically run 15-20 inches, though we've pulled in some monsters pushing 30+ inches and 20+ pounds. You'll spot them by their olive color and distinctive blue lines around the eyes. They hang around reefs, ledges, and sandy areas in 80-200 feet of water, often solo or in small groups. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at them when they're more active. What makes muttons special is their strong fight - they'll make long runs and try to get back into structure. Plus, they're outstanding table fare with firm, sweet meat. Here's a local trick: use the freshest bait you can get and let it drift naturally in the current with minimal weight. Once hooked, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to the reef.
Epinephelus MorioRed groupers are the bread and butter of bottom fishing out here, and for good reason. These rust-colored bruisers typically run 5-15 pounds, though 25+ pounders aren't uncommon on the deeper reefs. You'll find them on rocky bottom, ledges, and around structure in 30-200 feet of water year-round. What makes reds so popular is they're aggressive feeders that'll hit live or dead bait, plus they're absolute bulldogs once hooked - they'll try to get back into their holes and test your tackle. The meat is firm, white, and considered some of the best eating around. We target them most during the open season outside their January-April spawn closure. Pro tip: use heavy tackle and get them up quick once hooked. Fresh cut bait like pinfish or grunt works great, but don't let them get back to the bottom once you hook up.
5.0 out of 5.0Despite booking last second and every other captain around cancelling due to conditions. Captain Allen Prince has zero issues taki...
Fishing was wide slam open! We can't say enough about Captain Allen. His experience, passion, and knowledge of both fishing and wh...
We had a great, but little windy time fishing with Allen. We went out past the reef and went trolling for Mari and hooked up with...
The wind was blowing hard for days leading up to our trip. Captain Allen took us to an area protected from the wind that was not ...
Florida Keys