Full Day Wreck Fishing Adventure in Long Key
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Fullday fishing charter targeting bay, reef, and wreck watersCaptain Angel provides 32' Contender with all equipment and licenses includedPrivate trips accommodate up to six guests with catch cleaning service
Captain Angel knows these Middle Keys waters like the back of his hand, and when you step aboard his 32-foot Contender at 7:00 AM, you're in for one hell of a fishing day. This isn't your typical bay trip – we're talking about hitting productive wrecks, reefs, and shallow flats where the big boys hang out. Long Key sits right in the sweet spot of the Florida Keys, surrounded by structure that holds fish year-round. Whether you're bringing the family for their first taste of Keys fishing or you're a seasoned angler looking to check some bucket-list species off your list, this charter delivers the goods every single time.
This top-rated charter kicks off early for good reason – dawn and dusk are when the action really heats up around these wrecks and reefs. Captain Angel runs a tight ship with everything you need already on board: quality rods and reels, fresh bait, tackle boxes loaded with the right gear, and even your fishing licenses sorted out. The 32-foot Contender is built for comfort and stability, which matters when you're fighting a big grouper or wahoo that doesn't want to come to the boat. You've got your choice between a 6-hour or 8-hour trip, and trust me, most folks wish they'd booked the longer option once they see how consistent the bite is out here. The boat handles six anglers comfortably, so there's plenty of room to move around and everyone gets their shot at the action. Plus, Captain Angel will clean your catch right at the dock – no worries about figuring out what to do with your fish.
Wreck fishing in the Keys is a whole different ball game from shallow water fishing. We're talking about dropping baits down to structures sitting in 60 to 120 feet of water, where the big predators patrol the edges looking for an easy meal. Captain Angel uses heavy tackle for the bigger stuff – you'll be fishing with 50 to 80-pound class rods when targeting grouper and snapper around the wrecks. The technique usually involves anchoring up-current from the structure and dropping down live bait or cut bait right to the bottom. For the speedsters like wahoo and yellowfin tuna, we'll troll around the outside edges of the wrecks with high-speed lures and ballyhoo. The reef fishing is more varied – sometimes we're drifting over the patch reefs with lighter tackle, other times we're anchoring up and chumming to bring the fish to us. Every wreck has its own personality, and Captain Angel knows which ones are producing and when to fish them for the best results.
The yellowfin tuna around Long Key are absolute rockets. These fish show up in decent numbers during the warmer months, typically from April through October, and they'll test your stamina every time. Yellowfins here run anywhere from 20 to 60 pounds, and when one hits your bait on the troll, you know it immediately. They make blistering runs that'll have your drag screaming, and the fight can last 20 minutes or more. What makes them special is how they taste – there's nothing like fresh yellowfin sashimi made from a fish you just caught yourself.
Wahoo fishing around the wrecks is world-class, especially during the fall and winter months when these toothy speedsters are on the prowl. Long Key's offshore waters see wahoo ranging from 15 to 50 pounds, and they're known for their incredible speed – we're talking fish that can hit 60 mph when they want to. The strike is violent and immediate, and if your drag isn't set right, they'll snap your line before you know what hit you. Captain Angel rigs up wire leaders and high-speed trolling lures to tempt these fish, and when everything comes together, it's pure magic.
Yellow jacks are one of those underrated species that surprise a lot of anglers with their fight. These fish hang around the wrecks in schools, and they're opportunistic feeders that'll hit both live and cut bait. They typically run 3 to 8 pounds around Long Key, but don't let their size fool you – pound for pound, they fight harder than most fish twice their size. They're also excellent table fare when prepared right, with firm white meat that's perfect for fish tacos or ceviche.
Cubera snapper are the holy grail of Keys reef fishing. These massive snappers can live for decades and grow to enormous sizes – we're talking fish that can push 50 pounds or more. They're smart, spooky, and incredibly strong, making them a real challenge even for experienced anglers. The best cubera action around Long Key happens during the summer months when these fish move into shallower water to spawn. When you hook a big cubera, the fight is all about endurance – yours and the fish's. They'll use every piece of structure they can find to try to break you off.
Mutton snapper are another customer favorite, and for good reason. These beautiful fish with their distinctive black spot and reddish coloration are both fun to catch and fantastic to eat. Around Long Key, muttons typically run 3 to 15 pounds, with the bigger fish usually found around the deeper wrecks. They're sight feeders during the day, so presentation matters, but when they're feeding, they can be pretty aggressive. The spring and early summer months tend to produce the best mutton snapper action as they prepare for their spawning season.
Black grouper are the kings of the wreck, and landing a big one is something every angler remembers. These fish are ambush predators that lurk in holes and under ledges, waiting for prey to swim within striking distance. Around Long Key's wrecks, black grouper can range from keeper-sized fish at 24 inches up to
Get ready to fish the productive waters around Long Key aboard this 32' Contender, a 2022 offshore machine built for serious angling in the Florida Keys. Twin 300HP Yamaha engines power you swiftly to the best reef structures and wreck sites up to 40 miles from the dock, while the stable platform keeps you comfortable whether you're battling fish on the bottom or working the water column. With room for six anglers, this boat handles everything from shallow bay fishing to deeper offshore adventures. The onboard GPS ensures you hit the hot spots every time, and creature comforts like the head and multimedia system keep everyone happy during the longer runs between fishing grounds. Captain Angel knows these Middle Keys waters inside and out, taking you to structure-rich areas where the action stays consistent throughout your trip.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the heavyweights of our reef fishing - powerful, stubborn fighters that can reach 50+ pounds and test every bit of your tackle. These olive and gray bruisers with dark blotches live around wrecks, ledges, and reef structure in 30-300 feet, moving shallower in winter. They're available year-round but cooler months bring the biggest fish shallow. What guests love is the epic battle - once hooked, they'll try to drag you straight back to the rocks using pure muscle. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in the ocean with mild, firm white meat. We use heavy tackle - 80lb braid minimum with 100lb leaders. The key is getting them up immediately after hookup. Dead or live bait works, but the moment you feel that thump, start cranking and don't stop until they're in the boat.
Lutjanus CyanopterusCubera snapper are the giants of the snapper family - true bruisers that can reach 60+ pounds and provide some of the toughest fights in these waters. We target them around rocky ledges and reef structure in 60-150 feet, where they ambush crabs, lobsters, and smaller fish. Summer months from May through August are prime time when they move shallow to spawn. What makes them special is that raw power - once hooked, they'll try to drag you straight back to the rocks. The meat is excellent too, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. We use heavy tackle with live skipjack or large chunks of bait on the bottom. Key tip: when you hook one, crank hard immediately and don't give them an inch - let them get back to structure and you'll lose them every time.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are some of the best-fighting members of the snapper family, known for their beautiful pink and olive colors with distinctive blue lines around the face. Most run 15-20 inches but can reach 30+ pounds. We find them along reef edges, sandy areas near structure, and around inlets in 80-230 feet, though they'll come shallower during cooler months. Spring and summer offer the most consistent action. Anglers love their strong runs and excellent table fare - firm, white meat that's hard to beat. Fresh bait is key with these fish, and we often chum to bring them up where you can sight-fish them. Here's the secret: use a knocker rig with minimal weight and let that bait drift naturally in the current - they're smart and will reject anything that looks suspicious.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of our waters, hitting up to 60 mph when they take off with your bait. These sleek fish typically run 3-5 feet but can get much larger - they're built like torpedoes with razor-sharp teeth. We find them in open water around wrecks and structure, usually in the upper 60 feet. July through November is prime time here in the Keys. Guests love the explosive strikes and blistering runs, plus the white meat is absolutely delicious - mild and flaky, perfect for the grill. We troll fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders since their teeth will slice through anything else. Pro tip: when one hits, don't let up on the drag - keep steady pressure or they'll throw the hook with those wild jumps.
Carangoides BartholomaeiYellow jacks are scrappy fighters that often surprise anglers with their speed and determination. These golden-colored fish typically reach 2-3 feet and can hit 30+ pounds, making them a solid catch around our reef and wreck structure. They hang around offshore reefs, wrecks, and even follow bigger fish looking for an easy meal - true opportunists. Peak action happens in warmer months when they're most active. Guests enjoy their strong runs and the fact that they're actually pretty good eating if you remove the bloodline properly. We catch them trolling with pilchards or casting jigs, but here's the key - when you see one coming for your bait, give it a little twitch then let them take it. Use 10-15lb tackle so you can feel every strike.
Ocyurus ChrysurusYellowfin snapper are some of the prettiest fish we target around Long Key's reefs and wrecks. Most run 8-14 inches with that distinctive bright yellow stripe and forked tail that gives them their name. You'll find them in 30-120 feet around structure, and they're active year-round though warmer months are best. What guests love is they're perfect for kids and light tackle fishing - plus the white, flaky meat rivals grouper on the dinner table. They can be line-shy in clear water, so we use lighter 15lb main line with fluorocarbon leaders. Here's the trick: when chumming, be patient and let them get comfortable before dropping your bait. Once they're feeding, small strips of ballyhoo or shrimp on a 1/0 hook will do the job.
Long Key, FL