Marquesas Keys Full-Day Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday charter targets Tarpon, Permit, Barracuda, and CobiaRemote Marquesas Keys location 25 miles west of Key WestPrivate 26ft Barker boat accommodates up to 4 guests
Ready to fish some of the most pristine waters in the Florida Keys? This private 8-hour adventure takes you 25 miles west of Key West to the legendary Marquesas Keys aboard a top-rated 26' Barker center console. Captain and crew from Reel Easy Charters know these remote waters like the back of their hand, and they're stoked to put you on some world-class gamefish. We're talking Tarpon, Permit, Barracuda, and Cobia in waters that see a fraction of the pressure compared to the usual Key West spots. Pack your sunscreen and cooler – we've got all the rods, reels, and tackle covered.
The Marquesas Keys sit in a league of their own – picture crystal-clear flats, scattered mangrove islands, and deeper channels that hold serious fish. This isn't your typical crowded fishing grounds experience. You'll have up to 4 anglers max on this private charter, so there's plenty of elbow room and personalized attention from your captain. The 26' Barker is built for these conditions – shallow draft lets us get into skinny water where the big fish hunt, but she's also got the range and stability for the longer run out there. Expect to cover a lot of water throughout the day, from sandy flats where Permit cruise to deeper wrecks that hold hungry Cobia. The fishing here changes with the tides, wind, and season, so your captain will read the conditions and adjust the game plan accordingly. Most days we'll mix up techniques – sight fishing on the flats, working structure, and maybe some live bait fishing if the bite calls for it.
Your captain comes loaded with everything you need – spinning gear, conventional tackle, and a solid selection of lures and baits that produce in these waters. On the flats, we're often sight casting with light tackle, which means 15-20 lb spinning gear with crystal clear leaders. You'll be throwing live shrimp, crabs, or small jigs at cruising fish – it's visual, technical fishing that gets your heart pumping. When we hit the wrecks and deeper structure, we'll bump up to heavier conventional gear, perfect for working live pinfish or pilchards around the bottom. The key to success out here is being ready to switch tactics fast. One minute you're stalking Permit on a shallow flat, the next you're free-lining a live bait to a school of Tarpon. Live wells stay stocked with quality bait, and your captain knows exactly where to find the fresh stuff. Circle hooks are the standard for live bait work – better for the fish and better hookup rates. If you've got your own lucky rod or favorite reel, feel free to bring it, but most anglers are more than happy with the provided gear.
Tarpon are the crown jewel of Marquesas Keys fishing, and these waters hold some true giants. We're talking fish from 80 to 150+ pounds that'll test every ounce of your skill and stamina. Peak Tarpon season runs May through August, but you'll find fish here nearly year-round. They love the deeper channels and often stage around the wrecks before moving onto the flats to feed. When you hook one, get ready for the show – these silver kings jump, run, and fight like nothing else in the ocean. The key is keeping steady pressure without overdoing it; Tarpon have soft mouths and they'll throw the hook if you horse them.
Permit are the holy grail for many flats anglers, and the Marquesas holds some of the best Permit fishing in the Keys. These spooky fish cruise the sandy flats and turtle grass beds, usually in small groups or singles. They're notorious for being picky eaters – one wrong move and they'll disappear like ghosts. Peak times are spring through fall, with calmer conditions being essential for sight fishing success. A good Permit will run 15-25 pounds and fight with incredible strength for their size. They make long, powerful runs and have a knack for finding every piece of structure to wrap you around.
Barracuda bring the speed and aggression that gets everyone fired up. The Marquesas holds plenty of quality 'cuda, often in the 10-20 pound range with occasional bruisers pushing 30+. These guys are opportunistic predators that love structure, drop-offs, and areas with good current flow. They'll hit live bait, lures, and even flies with explosive strikes that'll catch you off guard. Barracuda season is pretty much year-round here, with summer months often producing the biggest fish. They're incredible fighters – fast runs, aerial displays, and they don't quit until they're at the boat.
Cobia are the wild cards that can make your day extra special. These brown sharks (as some folks call them) are curious, powerful fish that often show up when you least expect them. Spring migration brings good numbers through the area, but resident fish are around most of the year. A decent Cobia runs 20-40 pounds, with fish over 50 always possible. They love structure, especially wrecks and debris, and they'll eat just about anything you put in front of them. Cobia are known for following sharks and rays, so keep your eyes peeled when you see other marine life moving around.
The Marquesas Keys offer some of the finest backcountry fishing in South Florida, and this private charter puts you right in the heart of it all. With experienced local captains, top-notch equipment, and access to waters that most anglers only dream about, this is the kind of fishing trip that creates lifelong memories. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for your next trophy or someone wanting to experience world-class fishing in pristine surroundings, this 8-hour adventure delivers the goods
Hit the productive waters around Marquesas Keys aboard this solid 26-foot Barker center console. This 2018 boat packs a 300HP Mercury that'll get your crew of 4 anglers out to the flats and wrecks at a steady 40 knots. The center console design gives everyone room to move around when that big tarpon or permit decides to make a run. Built-in icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long fights, while the GPS and fish finder help locate structure and baitfish in these backcountry waters. Perfect setup for targeting the variety of species that call these remote keys home - from cruising tarpon on the flats to cobia hanging around the wrecks. No crowds, just quality fishing in some of Florida's most productive waters.
SphyraenidaeBarracuda are the speed demons of the flats - these torpedo-shaped predators can hit 35 mph and love ambushing baitfish in shallow water. You'll find them stalking the grass flats and around structure, usually in 2-10 feet of water. They're aggressive year-round but really light up during baitfish migrations in spring and fall. Most run 2-4 feet long with occasional giants pushing 5-6 feet. What guests love is the explosive strikes and wild fights on light tackle - they'll make blistering runs and jump clear out of the water. Their razor-sharp teeth and lightning speed make every hookup exciting. Here's a local trick: use wire leaders and keep your lures moving fast - barracuda hunt by sight and that flash of silver triggers their attack instinct.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are perfect for anglers wanting great fights and even better eating. These chocolate-colored fish average 30-60 pounds and love hanging around wrecks, buoys, and structure in 30-70 feet of water. Spring migration through summer is prime time when they move through our waters. What makes them special is they're both excellent sport fish and top-shelf table fare - firm white meat that rivals any offshore catch. They're usually loners, not schooling fish, so each one is a prize. Cobia are curious and will often approach the boat, making for exciting sight fishing opportunities. They'll crush bucktail jigs and live bait with aggressive strikes. Local tip: look for floating debris or rays on the surface - cobia often shadow them looking for an easy meal underneath.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are hands down the most challenging fish on the flats - they're smart, spooky, and have 360-degree vision that'll humble any angler. These disc-shaped beauties cruise the shallow sandy flats and turtle grass beds, often in just 2-3 feet of water despite their tall profile. Spring through fall is prime time, especially April to October when they're spawning. Most permit run 15-30 pounds, but trophy fish can hit 40-50 pounds. What makes them special is the difficulty - many consider them harder to catch than tarpon or bonefish. They're also fantastic table fare with firm, sweet meat. The key is presentation: use live crabs when possible and make long, accurate casts. Here's the secret - watch for that telltale black dorsal fin tip and present your bait well ahead of their path.
Megalops AtlanticusThese silver kings are the ultimate bucket list fish - watching a 6-foot tarpon launch out of the water is something you'll never forget. Around the Marquesas, we find them cruising the deeper channels and flats edges, typically ranging from 80-150 pounds. They're here year-round but peak season runs late spring through summer when the big schools move through. What makes tarpon special isn't just their acrobatics - it's the hour-long battles that'll test your endurance. These prehistoric fish have been around 125 million years and can live over 50, so we practice strict catch and release. Pro tip: keep your rod tip down when they jump to avoid getting thrown - they'll use that leverage to spit the hook every time.
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