Full-Day Marquesas Keys Offshore Fishing
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore charter targeting Snapper, Grouper, and AmberjackEight hours fishing pristine Marquesas Keys waters near Key WestAccommodates up to five guests on 24ft Yellowfin boat
Picture yourself hauling in snapper and grouper from some of the most productive waters in the Florida Keys. The Marquesas Keys sit about 20 miles west of Key West, where crystal-clear water meets untouched reefs and wrecks that hold serious fish. Captain and crew at Reel Easy Charters know these waters like the back of their hand, and their 24-foot Yellowfin is built to get you there fast and fish all day long. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking eight solid hours of bottom fishing and trolling where the action rarely stops and the cooler fills up quick.
Your day starts early at the dock, where you'll meet your captain and get the rundown on tackle, safety, and the game plan. The ride out to the Marquesas takes about an hour, giving you time to rig up and watch the sunrise paint the water gold. Once we hit the fishing grounds, it's all business – dropping baits on structure, working the trolling spread, and moving from spot to spot based on what's biting. The remote location means fewer boats and more fish, plus the scenery is world-class with nothing but blue water and distant mangrove islands. Your captain will rotate between bottom fishing the reefs for snapper and grouper, then moving to deeper water to troll for pelagics. With up to five anglers on board, there's plenty of rod time for everyone, and the crew keeps things moving with fresh bait, cold drinks, and expert coaching when you hook into something big.
The beauty of Marquesas fishing lies in the variety – you'll use everything from heavy spinning gear to trolling rods depending on what we're targeting. For bottom fishing, we're talking 50-80 pound tackle with circle hooks and enough weight to get down fast in the current. Live pinfish, grunts, and cut bait work magic on the snappers, while bigger grouper fall for whole fish presentations. The trolling spread runs ballyhoo, bonito strips, and diving plugs at different depths to cover the water column. Your captain provides all the gear, but if you've got a lucky rod or favorite reel, bring it along. The wrecks and reefs here range from 30 to 100 feet deep, with plenty of structure to hold fish but also plenty of opportunities to get hung up if you're not careful. That's where experience matters – these captains know exactly where to drop the anchor and how to work each spot for maximum success.
Greater Amberjack are the bruisers of the Marquesas, and when you hook into one, you'll know it immediately. These powerful fish can push 40-60 pounds and will test your drag system and your back muscles in equal measure. They love hanging around wrecks and deep structure, ambushing smaller fish that venture too close. Spring and fall are prime time for big AJs, when they move shallow to feed and spawn. What makes them so exciting is the initial run – they'll strip line like a freight train, then turn into a stubborn adversary that fights all the way to the boat. The meat is excellent when prepared right, and the fight is something you'll remember long after you get back to shore.
Gag Grouper represent the gold standard for bottom fishing in these waters, with their aggressive strikes and incredible table fare making them a customer favorite. These fish range from keeper-sized 5-pounders up to true giants pushing 20-30 pounds, and they're smart enough to test your skills. Gags prefer rocky bottom and ledges where they can ambush prey, and they're notorious for heading straight back to their holes once hooked. The key is keeping steady pressure and not giving them an inch, because if they reach their rock pile, you're done. Winter months tend to produce the biggest gags as they move into deeper water, but you'll find good action year-round in the Marquesas. Their flaky white meat makes them one of the best eating fish in the Gulf, and landing a trophy gag is a rite of passage for serious offshore anglers.
Eight hours in the Marquesas Keys gives you the chance to experience some of the best offshore fishing the Florida Keys has to offer. The combination of productive fishing grounds, expert local knowledge, and a boat built for the job makes this trip a top choice for serious anglers. Whether you're after your personal best grouper, want to tangle with hard-fighting amberjack, or just need a full day away from the crowds, this charter delivers the goods. The remote location and long day mean you'll see parts of the Keys that most visitors never experience, all while filling the cooler with premium table fare. Don't wait too long to book – the best fishing days fill up fast, especially during peak season when the bite is hot and the weather is perfect.
This 24-foot Yellowfin bay boat is built for serious fishing in the productive waters around Marquesas Keys. With a powerful 300HP Mercury Verado pushing you along, you'll reach those prime fishing spots quickly, then throttle down for precise positioning over wrecks and reefs. The boat's shallow draft design lets you access skinny water flats and navigate the varied terrain around these remote keys with ease. Onboard fish finder technology helps locate schools of snapper, grouper, and amberjack lurking below, while GPS keeps you on the productive spots. VHF radio ensures safe communication throughout your day on the water. The stable platform accommodates up to 5 anglers comfortably, giving everyone room to work their lines whether you're bottom fishing structure or trolling the channels. Perfect for targeting multiple species in one of Florida's most productive fishing areas.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the sneaky ambush predators of our wrecks and ledges, typically running 15-25 pounds with some monsters pushing 50+ pounds. They love hanging around structure in 80-200 feet, especially the deeper drop-offs where they can dart out and grab an easy meal. Winter months bring the best fishing when they move offshore to spawn. What guests love about gags is the initial surprise - one second your bait's sitting there, next second your rod's bent double. They make fantastic table fare too, with sweet white meat that's hard to beat. Pro tip: once you hook a gag, don't give them an inch. They'll head straight for the nearest hole or ledge, so crank that drag down and horse them up fast before they can get wrapped up in the structure.
Seriola dumeriliThese powerful fish average 20-40 pounds but can hit 80+ pounds around the Marquesas wrecks and reefs. You'll spot them by that distinctive amber stripe and their habit of lurking near structure in 60-150 feet of water. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes amberjack special is their bulldogging fight - they'll try to drag you straight down to the bottom and wrap your line around anything they can find. The meat is excellent when prepared right, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, keep that drag locked tight and don't let them get their head down. The second you give them slack, they'll dive for cover and it's game over.
Key West