Full Day Florida Keys Inshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday inshore fishing trip accommodates up to 4 guestsMultiple fishing locations targeted based on seasonal conditionsCaptain recommends optimal species for maximum fishing success
When you're serious about fishing the Florida Keys, nothing beats a full day on the water with Noreaster Sport Fishing. This isn't your typical half-day charter where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. We're talking about a solid day of fishing that gives you real shots at multiple species while covering different water based on what's biting and where the action is hottest.
Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's not locked into fishing one spot all day. That's the beauty of booking a full day trip – we've got the flexibility to move around and chase the bite. Maybe we start the morning working some structure for grouper, then shift to amberjack territory when the tide changes, or hunt down some cruising cobia if conditions are right. The Florida Keys inshore waters are loaded with variety, and a full day lets us tap into that diversity. You'll be fishing with a small group – just four anglers max – so everyone gets plenty of rod time and personal attention from the captain. Bring your own snacks and drinks since meals aren't provided, but trust me, you'll be too busy fighting fish to think much about food.
We'll be running multiple techniques depending on what we're targeting. Live bait fishing is king out here – nothing beats a fresh pilchard or blue runner when you're after big amberjack or looking to coax a goliath grouper out of its hole. We'll also work some artificial lures, especially when we're covering water looking for cobia or barracuda. The captain provides all the gear, but if you've got a favorite rod setup, feel free to bring it along. We're talking medium to heavy tackle since some of these fish can really pull – goliath grouper especially will test your drag system and your arms. Bottom fishing, drift fishing, sight casting – we'll mix it up based on conditions and what the fish are telling us. The beauty of inshore fishing in the Keys is the variety of structure we can work, from patch reefs to channels to flats edges.
Goliath Grouper are the giants of the reef and the fish that'll give you stories to tell for years. These bruisers can push 200-400 pounds and they don't give up easy. They hang around structure like wrecks and ledges, and when one grabs your bait, you'll know it immediately. The fight is more of a tug-of-war than a speed battle – they try to get back to their hole while you try to keep them out in open water. Since they're protected, we practice catch and release, but getting one to the boat is a real accomplishment. Best action is typically from summer through fall when they're more active.
Greater Amberjack are pound-for-pound some of the strongest fish in these waters. They school up around wrecks and reefs, and when you find them, you can usually catch several. They'll make long, powerful runs that'll have your reel screaming, then turn and bulldoze back toward the bottom. Amberjack in the 30-60 pound range are common, and they fight like fish twice their size. Spring and fall tend to be peak times when they're feeding heavy and the action can be non-stop.
Great Barracuda are the speed demons of the flats and reef edges. These fish are pure muscle and attitude, with razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast strikes. They're excellent on light tackle and will jump, tail-walk, and make blistering runs. Barracuda are visual predators, so sight fishing for them can be incredibly exciting – watching one track down your lure before exploding on it never gets old. They're around year-round but seem most aggressive during the warmer months.
Crevalle Jack might not win any beauty contests, but they're absolute bulldogs that'll test your tackle and your endurance. These fish travel in schools and when you find them feeding, the action can be fast and furious. They're incredibly strong for their size and will use every bit of current and structure to try to break you off. Jack fishing is often a numbers game – once you dial in the school, you can catch fish after fish until your arms give out.
Cobia are the wild cards that can make any trip memorable. These curious fish often cruise alone or in small groups, and they're known for checking out the boat. When conditions are right, you might spot them swimming near the surface and get shots at sight casting to them. Cobia are strong fighters that'll make long runs and can be tricky to boat with their broad shoulders and stubborn nature. They're more common in warmer months and are considered some of the best eating fish in these waters.
A full day charter with Noreaster Sport Fishing gives you the best shot at variety and numbers. You're not rushing through spots or cutting the day short right when the bite picks up. The captain's local knowledge combined with a full day on the water means you'll experience the Florida Keys fishery the way it's meant to be fished. With only four anglers per trip, you'll get the attention and coaching that makes the difference between a good day and a great day. These trips fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait around – book your spot and get ready for some serious fishing action in world-class waters.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - solitary hunters averaging 50-100 pounds with incredible table fare. These dark, torpedo-shaped fish cruise reefs, wrecks, and structure from the surface down to 300 feet. Spring migration brings the best fishing when they move through in big numbers, though we catch them year-round. What sets them apart is they're sight fishing targets - you actually see them cruising and cast to individual fish. The fight is strong and stubborn, and the eating quality is restaurant-grade. They're curious and will often approach the boat. Bucktail jigs work great, but live bait is hard to beat. My advice: when you spot one, don't get excited and overthrow - place your bait well ahead of where they're heading and let them find it.
Caranx HipposJack Crevalle are the bulldogs of the shallow water - built for power and always ready to scrap. These brass-colored bruisers average 3-5 pounds but can hit 60. You'll find schools over grass flats, around structure, and in sandy bays. They hunt year-round, but summer brings the best action when they push baitfish to the surface. Watch for diving birds - that's your cue. What makes them fun is pure aggression - they'll chase anything that moves fast. The fight is all muscle with bulldogging runs that'll burn your arms. They're not great eating, but the sport is addictive. Use silver spoons, swimbaits, or topwater plugs and retrieve them fast. Here's the secret: cast past the school and rip it back through - jacks love the chase.
Epinephelus ItajaraThese massive grouper can reach 800 pounds and 8 feet long - true giants of the reef. You'll find them around coral reefs, wrecks, and structure in shallow water, usually under 150 feet. They're loners by nature and surprisingly curious, sometimes following divers around. Important to know: all Goliath Grouper must be released - they're protected due to overfishing. The fight is short but brutal - that first run can literally pull you off the boat if you're not ready. Spring through fall gives you the best shots when they're most active. Use heavy tackle with 50-80 class reels and strong circle hooks. My tip: bounce your bait off the bottom to create noise - these fish aren't shy and the commotion gets their attention.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the speedsters of the flats - silver bullets that can hit 35 mph in short bursts. Most run 2-4 feet, but the big ones push 6 feet and pack some serious teeth. You'll spot them cruising shallow reefs, grass flats, and around structure, often near the surface. They're year-round residents here, but spring and fall are best when they're most aggressive. What guests love is the explosive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump and tailwalk like crazy. They're curious fish too, often following the boat. Sight fishing with topwater plugs or fast-moving spoons works great. Pro tip: use a wire leader - those razor teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. Keep your hands clear when landing them; even tired cuda can still bite.
Seriola dumeriliAmberjack are serious fighters that'll test your arms and your drag. These blue-grey bruisers average around 40 pounds but can push past 100. You'll find them around wrecks, reefs, and structure from 60 to 200 feet deep. Spring is prime time when they move in to spawn, though we catch them year-round in the Keys. What makes them special is that relentless pull - they just don't quit. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm white meat. We typically use live bait or heavy jigs, and 50-pound tackle is minimum. Here's the trick: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to structure. They'll try to cut you off on the reef every time, so you've got to muscle them up and away from cover fast.
Marathon, FL