Half Day Inshore Keys Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fishing targeting Wahoo, Jack Crevalle, and King MackerelMorning or afternoon departures with reef and wreck fishing locationsSmall group experience accommodating up to four guests maximum
Picture this: you're drifting over crystal-clear flats in the Florida Keys, rod in hand, while the morning sun paints the water gold. That's exactly what you get with Noreaster Sport Fishing's half-day inshore trip. Whether you roll out of bed early for the 8 AM departure or sleep in for the 1 PM afternoon slot, you're in for some serious action targeting the Keys' most prized gamefish. This isn't your typical backcountry trip – we're heading to the reef and wreck zones where the big boys hang out, and trust me, these fish don't mess around.
This top-rated half-day adventure keeps things intimate with just four anglers max, so you won't be fighting for rod time or elbow room. The beauty of fishing the Keys inshore waters is the incredible diversity – one minute you're working a wreck for king mackerel, the next you're trolling the reef edge hoping a wahoo decides to make your day. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, reading the conditions and adjusting the game plan based on what's biting. Morning trips often start cooler with calmer seas, perfect for covering ground and finding active fish. Afternoon departures can be money when the sun gets the baitfish moving and predators start feeding heavy. No meals are included, but honestly, when the fish are cooperating, the last thing you'll be thinking about is food.
We're talking serious inshore fishing here, not just casting around grass flats. The boat comes rigged with quality rods and reels matched to the target species – medium-heavy spinning gear for the jacks, heavier tackle for kings, and wire leaders because these fish have teeth that'll cut through mono like butter. The captain will set you up with the right bait and lures depending on what's working. Live bait is king in the Keys, so expect to see pilchards, ballyhoo, or maybe some fresh-caught goggle eyes if we're lucky. When working wrecks, we'll often anchor up and drop baits to the structure, while reef fishing might mean trolling along the edge or sight-fishing to schools. The technique changes with the conditions, but that's what makes each trip unique. These aren't deep-sea conditions, but don't let that fool you – inshore Keys fishing can be just as heart-pounding as any offshore adventure.
Let's talk about what's got anglers booking return trips. Wahoo are the speed demons of this fishery – these silver bullets can hit 40+ mph and strip line like you wouldn't believe. In the Keys, they typically run 15-30 pounds, though bigger fish show up regularly. Fall through spring is prime time, especially around the reef edges and drop-offs. When a wahoo hits your trolled bait, you'll know it instantly – that initial run will test your drag and your nerves. What makes them so special here is how they use the structure; they'll cruise the reef looking for easy meals, making them perfect targets for our half-day format.
Crevalle jacks are the bulldogs that'll humble even experienced anglers. These bruisers average 10-20 pounds but fight like fish twice their size. They school up around wrecks and structure, creating feeding frenzies that'll have you thinking you hooked a small tarpon. Year-round residents, jacks are reliable producers when other species get finicky. They're not the prettiest fish in the box, but they'll give you a workout that leaves your arms burning. Plus, they're fantastic for getting kids or new anglers hooked on the sport – pardon the pun.
King mackerel are the crowd-pleasers that combine size, fight, and table fare into one package. Keys kings typically range from 15-40 pounds, with larger fish showing up during their winter migration. They're structure-oriented fish, loving wrecks, reefs, and drop-offs where baitfish congregate. Live bait fishing or slow-trolling are the go-to methods, and when a king takes off on that first run, it's pure adrenaline. What sets Keys kings apart is their aggressive nature – they'll often hit baits hard and stay hooked, unlike their finicky offshore cousins.
Here's the bottom line: this half-day trip gives you a real taste of what makes Florida Keys fishing world-class without the commitment of a full day on the water. You're getting access to productive inshore waters, experienced guidance, and shots at fish that most anglers only dream about. The four-person limit means personalized attention and better fishing for everyone on board. Whether you're a local looking for a quick fix or a visitor wanting to experience authentic Keys fishing, this trip delivers. The reef and wreck fishing here is as good as it gets, and with flexible departure times, it fits into any schedule. Don't sleep on this one – these boats book up fast during peak season, and once you experience the rush of a wahoo screaming drag or a big jack testing your tackle, you'll understand why anglers keep coming back to Noreaster Sport Fishing.
Caranx HipposJack Crevalle are the bulldogs of our reef and wreck fishing – pure muscle in a brassy, golden package. These aggressive fighters typically run 12-24 inches and 3-5 pounds, though bigger ones push 30+ pounds. They love hanging around structure where they ambush baitfish, and you'll often spot them by watching for diving birds working the surface. What guests love about jacks is their never-quit attitude – they'll fight you all the way to the boat. The meat's decent eating when fresh, but most folks target them for the sport. These fish are curious too, often approaching the boat during fights. Best tip I can share: when you see birds working, cast silver spoons or swimbaits past the school and retrieve fast. Jacks can't resist chasing, and that aggressive nature makes them hit hard. Don't be surprised if you smell something like watermelon when you find a feeding school.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel, or "kings" as we call them, are speed demons that'll test your drag system. These olive-backed beauties typically run 10-30 pounds, with the big females pushing 40+ pounds around our deeper reefs and wrecks. They cruise in 40-150 feet of water, hunting everything from blue runners to sardines with those razor-sharp teeth. Kings are most active during cooler months here in the Keys, making fall through spring prime time. What anglers love is that blistering first run – they'll peel off 100 yards before you know it. The meat's rich and oily, great smoked or grilled fresh. My go-to setup uses a dual-hook rig on wire leader with live bait. Hook once through the nose, second hook free-swinging near the tail, since kings often hit from behind. When trolling, vary your speed between 6-12 knots to find what they want that day.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are built for speed – hitting up to 60 mph with their torpedo-shaped bodies. These beautiful fish show off shimmering blue backs with distinctive zebra stripes along their silver sides. Most run 3-5 feet and pack serious muscle. Here in the Keys, we find them around reefs and wrecks in 40-200 feet, especially July through November when they're most active. What makes wahoo special is that explosive first run when hooked – they'll strip line faster than almost any fish out there. The meat is fantastic too, white and flaky like premium tuna. When trolling for them, I always use wire leaders since their razor-sharp teeth will cut through anything else. High-speed trolling with diving plugs or rigged ballyhoo works best. Once you hook one, hold on tight – that first screaming run is something you'll never forget.
Marathon, FL