3/4 Day Trip Fishing in Florida Keys
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore fishing trips targeting seasonal species in Florida KeysSmall group experience accommodating up to four guests maximumProfessional charter service focusing on serious angling techniques
Some days you just need to get on the water without committing to a full sunrise-to-sunset grind. That's where our 6-hour inshore trips come in clutch. You'll fish the legendary flats and backcountry waters around the Keys, targeting some seriously impressive species that'll test your skills and leave you with stories worth telling. With Captain and crew from Noreaster Sport Fishing, you're looking at world-class fishing without the marathon timeline – perfect for families, first-timers, or anyone who wants to maximize their fishing time while keeping other plans on the books.
Six hours gives you serious fishing time in the Keys' most productive inshore waters. We'll hit the flats early when the fish are active, working structure and drop-offs where the big boys like to hunt. The beauty of a 3/4 day trip is the flexibility – we can adapt to conditions, chase the bite, and really focus on what's working that day. You'll fish different depths and techniques depending on what we're targeting, from sight-casting to cruising fish on the flats to working deeper channels where the grouper and amberjack hang out. The boat handles up to 4 anglers, so there's plenty of room to work without getting tangled up. No meals included means you can grab something quick beforehand and focus on what you came here for – putting fish in the boat.
Inshore fishing in the Keys means versatility is king. We'll be sight-fishing the flats with live bait when conditions are right, working the edges with jigs and soft plastics, and dropping baits around structure where the bigger predators lurk. The water clarity here is insane – you'll see fish before they see you if you know what to look for. We run quality tackle that can handle everything from finicky barracuda to bulldogging grouper. Spinning gear for the lighter stuff, conventional setups when we need the muscle. Live bait is often the ticket – pilchards, pinfish, and crabs work magic down here. When the fish are aggressive, artificials like bucktails and swimbaits can produce fast action. The key is reading the water and adjusting your approach. Shallow flats mean stealth and precision; deeper channels call for heavier tackle and patience.
Goliath Grouper are the absolute monsters of these waters – we're talking fish that can push 300+ pounds and will test every inch of your tackle. These giants hang around structure and ledges, and when you hook one, it's like being connected to a small submarine. They're protected, so it's strictly catch and release, but the photo ops and adrenaline rush are customer favorites. Summer through fall gives you the best shot at these prehistoric beasts, and they're surprisingly common in the right spots around the Keys.
Greater Amberjack are the perfect blend of size and fight – most fish run 20-50 pounds and they'll take you to school on technique. These fish are smart, strong, and absolutely relentless once hooked. They love structure, wrecks, and deep edges where they can ambush baitfish. Spring and early summer are prime time, though we see them year-round in the Keys. What makes them special is their endurance – they'll fight hard from the strike all the way to the boat, making multiple runs that'll have your arms burning.
Great Barracuda are pure aggression with fins – these silver bullets can hit 40+ inches and strike with lightning speed. They're visual predators that love the flats and edges, often cruising just under the surface. What's amazing about 'cuda fishing here is the sight-fishing opportunities. You'll see them coming from 50 feet away, make your cast, and watch the explosive strike. They're acrobatic fighters that'll jump, run, and generally cause chaos. Available year-round but most active during warmer months when they're up on the flats hunting.
Crevalle Jack might not win beauty contests, but they'll absolutely humble you with their fighting power. These bulldog-tough fish punch way above their weight class, with even 10-pounders feeling like much bigger fish. They travel in schools and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Jacks are opportunistic feeders that'll eat live bait, artificials, and just about anything that looks like food. They're most active during the warmer months and often show up in huge numbers around bait schools.
Cobia are the wild cards of inshore fishing – these chocolate-brown bruisers can show up anywhere and reach impressive sizes. They're curious fish that'll often approach the boat, giving you sight-fishing opportunities you won't forget. Spring migration brings the biggest fish through the Keys, with 30-50 pounders not uncommon. They're strong, smart fighters that use their broad bodies to leverage against you. What makes cobia special is their unpredictability – you never know when one might cruise by, turning a routine day into something memorable.
A 3/4 day trip hits that sweet spot between a quick morning jaunt and an all-day commitment. Six hours gives you time to really fish, work different areas, and target multiple species without feeling rushed. The Keys inshore scene is world-class fishing at its finest, and Captain knows these waters like the back of his hand. Whether you're looking to introduce the family to serious fishing or you're a seasoned angler wanting to sample what the Keys have to offer, this trip delivers the goods. Top-rated for a reason – we put you on fish and make sure you have the skills and gear to capitalize when opportunity strikes. Don't wait around – the best fishing days book up fast, especially during peak season.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are loners that cruise our reefs and wrecks, usually in 30-70 feet of water. They average around 30 pounds but can hit 6 feet and 100+ pounds. Spring migration and summer months are best when they're moving through and feeding on structure. What guests love is the sight fishing - you'll often spot them cruising just under the surface, looking like a small shark. They fight strong and steady, plus they're some of the best eating fish in our waters. We target them with bucktail jigs around reefs or sight-cast when we spot them cruising. Here's what works: when you see one, get your jig in front of it and work it slow near the bottom. They're curious but spooky, so don't splash your lure right on top of them.
Caranx HipposJacks are the bullies of our waters - aggressive, hard-fighting fish that school up and terrorize baitfish. They average 3-5 pounds but can push 20+ pounds when you find the big ones. Look for them on flats, around structure, and wherever birds are working. Spring through fall is prime time when they're feeding heavy on the surface. What makes them fun is the nonstop action and brutal fight - pound for pound, they're some of the strongest fish out here. Watch for bird activity - that's your best sign of feeding jacks pushing bait to the surface. Silver spoons and topwater plugs work great. Pro tip: cast past the school and rip your lure back fast. They love the chase, and that aggressive retrieve triggers strikes.
Epinephelus ItajaraThese massive groupers can reach 8 feet and 800 pounds - true giants of our shallow reefs and wrecks around 30-150 feet deep. They're protected, so it's strictly catch-and-release, but the fight is legendary. That first pull will test your gear and your grip on the boat. We find them hanging around structure in the cooler months when they're more active. They're curious fish with no fear, so they'll come right up to check out your bait. Pro tip: use a 20/0 circle hook with heavy mono and bounce your bait off the bottom to get their attention. The key is positioning your boat close enough to the reef to draw them out, but far enough to pull them away before they break you off in the rocks.
Sphyraena BarracudaCuda are the speed demons of our flats and nearshore reefs, hitting 35 mph in short bursts. Most run 2-4 feet, but we see some 5-footers that'll give you a real show. They're around year-round but most active in warmer months when baitfish are thick. What guests love is the visual game - you can often see them stalking your lure, then that explosive strike. They fight hard but burn out quick, so be ready for some wild jumps and head shakes. We catch them trolling spoons or casting near grass beds and structure. One tip that works: keep your retrieve fast and erratic. These fish hunt by sight and can't resist something that looks like it's trying to escape. Use a wire leader - those teeth will cut mono instantly.
Seriola dumeriliAJs are built for speed and power, averaging around 40 pounds but capable of hitting 6 feet long. They cruise deep wrecks and offshore structure, usually 80-200 feet down. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're feeding heavy. What makes these fish special is the way they fight - long, hard runs that'll test your drag and your arms. The meat is top-notch too, firm white fillets that grill perfectly. We typically vertical jig with heavy spoons or fish live bait near structure. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse it. They'll make several runs, and if you try to stop them too quick, they'll either break off or throw the hook.
Marathon, FL