Private 8 Hour Marquesas Keys Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full-day offshore fishing targeting Snapper, Grouper, and AmberjackPrivate charter accommodates up to 5 guests on 24ft YellowfinBottom fishing and trolling at pristine Marquesas Keys wrecks
The Marquesas Keys are where serious anglers come to get away from the crowds and into some of the most productive fishing waters in the Florida Keys. This full-day charter aboard Reel Easy Charters' 24ft Yellowfin puts you right in the heart of these remote fishing grounds, about 24 miles west of Key West. You'll spend eight solid hours working shallow water wrecks, coral heads, and structure that's been producing trophy fish for decades. With just five anglers max, there's plenty of room to move around and everyone gets their shot at the fish. Captain and crew handle all the heavy lifting – you just focus on putting fish in the boat.
The run out to the Marquesas takes about an hour, but it's worth every minute once you see the crystal-clear water and pristine structure that makes this area so special. These waters stay relatively shallow compared to other offshore spots, typically ranging from 15 to 60 feet, which means you're not dealing with heavy sinkers or long drops. The bottom is loaded with scattered coral heads, old wrecks, and natural structure that holds baitfish – and where there's bait, there's always something bigger looking for an easy meal. The area is protected from most of the boat traffic you'll find closer to shore, so the fish here tend to be less spooked and more willing to bite. You'll start the day covering water with trolling spreads, then switch to bottom fishing when the crew finds good marks on the fish finder.
This trip combines the best of both worlds – trolling and bottom fishing – to maximize your chances at different species throughout the day. The trolling spread typically includes a mix of diving plugs, spoons, and ballyhoo rigs pulled at varying depths to target pelagic species moving through the area. When it's time to drop baits, the crew switches to circle hooks and fresh cut bait or live pilchards to work the structure. The 24ft Yellowfin is rigged with quality Penn and Shimano reels spooled with 30-50lb test, perfect for the sized fish you'll encounter here. The boat's electronics include GPS, fish finder, and radar to locate the most productive spots quickly. All tackle, bait, and ice are included – you just need to bring your Florida saltwater fishing license, snacks, drinks, and plenty of sunscreen for the full day on the water.
The Marquesas Keys consistently produce some of the best mixed-bag fishing in South Florida, with Greater Amberjack and Gag Grouper leading the charge. Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef – these powerful fish typically run 20-50 pounds in these waters and will test your arms and tackle to the limit. They're most active during the cooler months from October through March, when they school up around wrecks and deep structure. What makes them so exciting is their initial run when hooked – they'll peel line off the reel like a freight train before settling into a deep, bulldogging fight that can last 15-20 minutes. The smaller jacks in the 15-25 pound range are perfect for light tackle and provide non-stop action when you find a school.
Gag Grouper are the prize catch for most bottom fishermen, and the Marquesas holds some real slobs. These fish are ambush predators that hide in caves and under ledges, waiting for an easy meal to swim by. The average gag here runs 5-15 pounds, but 20-30 pound fish are caught regularly, especially around the deeper wrecks. They're most cooperative from November through April when the water cools down and they move into shallower feeding areas. What makes gag grouper so challenging is their tendency to head straight back to their hole when hooked – you've got about three seconds to turn their head before they wrap you up in the structure. When you do land one, the meat is absolutely phenomenal – firm, white, and perfect for the grill or fryer.
The Marquesas Keys offer some of the most consistent offshore fishing in the Florida Keys, and this eight-hour charter gives you the time to really work the area properly. With Reel Easy Charters' local knowledge and top-rated reputation, you're setting yourself up for the kind of fishing day that keeps anglers coming back year after year. The 24ft Yellowfin provides a stable, comfortable platform for the full day, and the five-person limit ensures everyone gets plenty of fishing time. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with dinner or target that trophy fish for the wall, the Marquesas delivers the goods. Book your spot now – these full-day trips fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is at its absolute best.
Step aboard this 24' Yellowfin bay boat and you'll quickly see why serious anglers swear by it. The 300HP Mercury Verado pushes you fast to the fishing grounds, then throttles down smooth for precision positioning over structure. Built for the serious angler, this rig comes loaded with GPS navigation to mark your hotspots, VHF radio for safety, and a fish finder that'll show you exactly what's hanging around those Marquesas wrecks. The spacious deck gives all 5 anglers room to work without getting lines tangled, while the shallow draft lets you sneak into spots bigger boats can't reach. Whether you're dropping bottom rigs on grouper or trolling for amberjack, this Yellowfin handles it all. The ride stays dry and stable even when the seas pick up, keeping you fishing comfortably all day long. Perfect for targeting everything from snapper on the reefs to whatever decides to slam your trolling spread on the way out.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the heavyweights of our reef system here in the Marquesas, averaging 3-8 pounds but capable of hitting 20+ if you're lucky. You'll find them tucked into rocky ledges, wrecks, and coral heads in 40-120 feet. They're homebodies that rarely stray far from their holes. Fall and winter months are prime time when they're fattening up. What anglers love is the initial slam followed by that bulldogging fight straight for the rocks - plus they're table fare gold. Here's the key: once you feel that thump, crank hard immediately. Don't give them a second to think or they'll wrap you around structure. Heavy tackle with 40-50 pound line and circle hooks work best with live pinfish or cut bait.
Seriola dumeriliThese silver bullets with their signature amber stripe are what dreams are made of out here in the Marquesas. Most fish run 20-40 pounds, but we've seen monsters push 80+ around the deeper wrecks. They're ambush predators that cruise structure in 60-200 feet, especially around our productive reefs and shipwrecks. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're feeding heavy. What makes them special? Pure power - they'll test your drag and your back with blistering runs toward the bottom. The meat's excellent too, though watch the size for ciguatera. My go-to trick: when you hook up, lock that drag tight and keep steady pressure. Give them an inch and they'll find a hole to break you off every time.
Key West