Reef Fishing in Florida Keys
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Target Mahi Mahi, Grouper, and Snapper on reef wrecksSmall group fishing with maximum 4 guests per charterProfessional 46 hour guided wreck fishing experience
Nothing beats the rush of dropping lines over productive wreck sites in the Florida Keys, where the crystal-clear waters hold some of the most sought-after fish in the Atlantic. Morris Crew Charters LLC knows exactly where these underwater hotspots are hiding, and this 4 to 6-hour reef fishing adventure puts you right in the action. You'll be targeting structure that's been building fish populations for decades – old wrecks, ledges, and coral heads that concentrate everything from hefty grouper to lightning-fast mahi. With space for just 4 anglers, this isn't a cattle boat operation. You get personal attention, prime fishing spots, and the kind of local knowledge that turns good days into great ones.
Your day starts with a ride out to proven wreck sites where the fish stack up like they're waiting in line. The captain uses GPS coordinates and fish finders to position you over structure that holds fish year-round. These aren't random drops – we're talking about specific wrecks and ledges that have been producing for years. The fishing style is straightforward but effective: heavy tackle, cut bait or live offerings, and dropping down to where the big ones live. You'll be working depths that range from 60 to 120 feet, depending on conditions and what's biting. The smaller group size means everyone gets plenty of rod time, and the crew can focus on putting each angler on fish rather than managing a crowded deck.
Wreck fishing in the Keys is all about getting your bait down fast and keeping it in the strike zone. The crew sets you up with conventional reels spooled with heavy line – usually 50 to 80-pound test – because you never know when a monster grouper might grab hold. The rigs are simple but deadly: circle hooks with enough weight to punch through the current and get down to the fish. Live pinfish, grunts, and cut ballyhoo are the go-to baits, though sometimes fresh squid or bonito strips work magic. The key is reading the electronics and adjusting your presentation as conditions change. When the current's screaming, you might need 12 ounces of lead. On calm days, 6 ounces gets you there. The crew handles all the rigging and re-baiting, so you can focus on feeling for that telltale thump that means fish on.
Red Grouper are the bread and butter of wreck fishing here, and for good reason. These chunky bottom dwellers average 5 to 15 pounds but can push 20-plus when you hit the right spot. They're year-round residents that love structure, and once hooked, they'll try every trick to wrap you around the wreck. Red grouper have this habit of opening their gill plates and shaking their heads when they feel the hook, which creates that classic grouper thump that gets your heart racing. Best action typically happens during moving water, and they're not picky eaters – live bait, dead bait, even jigs work when they're feeding.
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish bring a completely different energy to the trip. While you're primarily targeting bottom structure, mahi often show up around floating debris or weed lines near the wrecks. These fish are pure speed and acrobatics, jumping clear of the water multiple times during the fight. School-size mahi run 5 to 15 pounds, but when you hook into a bull mahi pushing 30 or 40 pounds, you'll understand why charter captains get excited. They're most active during warmer months, roughly April through October, and their brilliant colors – electric blues, greens, and yellows – make every one a trophy worth photographing.
Mutton Snapper are the smart guys of the bunch, and landing one feels like you've outsmarted a veteran angler. These fish have incredible eyesight and can be extremely line-shy, especially the larger specimens that can reach 15 to 20 pounds. They school around wrecks and ledges, often suspending 10 to 20 feet off the bottom. Mutton snapper have distinct seasonal patterns – they're most cooperative during their spawning runs in summer months, when they gather in large numbers. Their white, flaky meat is considered some of the best eating in the ocean, and their fighting style combines the power of a grouper with the cunning of a wise old fish that's seen plenty of hooks.
Black Grouper represent the heavyweight division of wreck fishing, with mature fish reaching 50 pounds or more. These are the fish that make grown anglers weak in the knees – they have the power to straighten hooks, break lines, and turn expensive reels into scrap metal if you're not prepared. Black grouper prefer deeper structure, usually 80 feet or more, and they're notorious for their initial run back to the wreck when hooked. The first 30 seconds of the fight often determine the outcome. They're most active during cooler months, roughly November through March, when they move into shallower waters. Landing a true trophy black grouper is a badge of honor that earns respect from every angler who's tried it.
This top-rated reef fishing experience delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for – productive fishing spots, professional crew, and the chance to tangle with world-class fish in one of Florida's most renowned fishing destinations. The 4-person capacity keeps things personal while the 4 to 6-hour timeframe gives you plenty of opportunities to hit multiple spots and find the bite. Whether you're after table fare for tonight's dinner or looking to battle a personal best grouper, Morris Crew Charters LLC has the local knowledge and wreck fishing expertise to make it happen. The Florida Keys wrecks are waiting, and the fish are there year-round – all you need to do is grab a rod and get
Your fishing platform for this Keys adventure is a well-equipped Scout center console powered by twin 150hp Yamaha outboards that'll get you to those productive wreck sites quickly and efficiently. This setup handles the sometimes choppy waters between the reefs with confidence, giving you a stable fishing platform once you're positioned over structure. The boat comes loaded with the electronics that matter most out here - GPS to mark those honey holes, radar for when afternoon storms roll in, and most importantly, a quality fish finder to locate baitfish and gamefish around the wrecks. The multimedia system keeps things entertaining during the longer runs to offshore spots. With space for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of room to work different corners of the boat without tangling lines. The center console design gives you 360-degree fishing access, perfect for when schools of mahi are busting bait or when you're working grouper and snapper around the wreck structure. The onboard head means you can stay out longer chasing that bite without having to cut the day short.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the heavyweights of the reef, averaging 20+ pounds with potential for 100+ pound fish. They're ambush predators with dark rectangular blotches covering their olive-gray bodies. You'll find them around wrecks, ledges, and deep reefs from 30 feet in winter up to 300 feet in summer. They're loners except during spawning season from November to May. What makes them special is the pure power - they'll test every piece of gear you own in that initial run to the rocks. The meat is mild and firm, perfect for steaks or fillets. I always tell guests to bring 80lb braid minimum and be ready to muscle them up fast. Once you hook one, crank hard immediately - don't give them time to think or they'll wrap you around the structure and break you off every time.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fish you'll see out here, flashing gold and electric blue when they're fired up. They average 15-29 pounds but can hit 80+. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, or anywhere birds are working in 100-1000 feet of water. They're surface feeders that love chasing flying fish, so we'll troll baits that skip and splash. Spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps are up. What guests love most is watching that color show when they come to the boat - they literally light up like neon signs. The fight is fast and acrobatic with lots of jumps. Plus, they're fantastic eating with mild, firm white meat. Pro tip: when you see one, there's usually more underneath, so get a second line in the water fast.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are the prize of the snapper family, averaging 15-20 inches but growing up to 30+ pounds. They've got that olive-pink color with blue streaks around the face that really stand out. You'll find adults around coral heads and rocky structure in 80-230 feet, while juveniles hang in shallower grass beds. They're typically solitary or in small groups, making them trickier to target than other snappers. The fight is solid and they're smart fish that'll test your drag system. What makes them special is the quality - they're considered the best eating snapper with sweet, firm meat. Spring spawning season brings them shallower and more active. My trick: use the lightest sinker possible and let that fresh bait drift naturally in the current. Heavy weights spook them fast.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are one of our most reliable reef fish, averaging 5-10 pounds but capable of reaching 50. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, ledges, and wrecks from 30-200 feet deep. They're built like tanks with that distinctive rusty red color and white spots. These fish are aggressive feeders that'll hit shrimp, crab, or cut bait hard. What makes them special is the fight - they're tough as nails and will try to drag you straight into the rocks. The meat is outstanding too, firm and sweet with that shellfish-like flavor from their crab diet. My tip: once you hook one, crank hard immediately. Don't give them time to think or they'll wrap you around the nearest structure and cut you off.
Key Largo