Private Key West Fishing on Reel Smoker 26ft
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private 48 hour fishing aboard 26ft Conch center consoleTarget Cobia, Mahi Mahi, Snapper across wrecks and reefsAll equipment provided for up to 4 anglers
If you're looking for a top-rated Key West fishing charter that puts you on the fish without the crowds, this private trip aboard the Reel Smoker is exactly what you need. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on everything from hard-fighting Cobia to table-fare Snappers depending on what's biting. With 4 to 8 hours to work with, you've got plenty of time to hit multiple spots and really dial in on what's working. The 26-foot Conch center console is built for these waters—stable, fast, and roomy enough for your group of up to 4 anglers to fish comfortably without getting tangled up.
Your day starts early when the fish are most active and the charter boats haven't stirred up the waters yet. The Reel Smoker's center console design gives you 360-degree fishing access, which is clutch when you're working schools of Mahi or chasing surface-feeding Jacks. Depending on conditions and what's been biting, you might head to nearshore reefs for Snappers and Grouper, hit the wrecks for Amberjack and Barracuda, or work the flats for that prized Permit. The beauty of a private charter is flexibility—if the bite dies at one spot, you're moving to the next without waiting for a committee decision. All your tackle, bait, and gear is provided, from light spinning setups for Snappers to heavy conventional gear for those bruiser Amberjacks that'll test your drag system. The crew handles rigging, netting, and cleaning so you can focus on fighting fish and having a good time.
Key West's diverse fishery means you'll be switching up techniques throughout the day to match what's feeding. Live bait fishing with pilchards and ballyhoo is the bread and butter here—nothing beats a frisky live bait when Cobia are cruising or Permit are being finicky around structure. You'll also do plenty of bottom fishing with cut bait and jigs when targeting Snappers around the reefs and wrecks. The captain carries an arsenal of artificials too—bucktail jigs for Amberjacks on the deep wrecks, surface plugs for when the Jacks are busting bait topside, and various soft plastics for working structure. Circle hooks are standard for most applications to improve release survival, and the crew knows exactly when to use J-hooks for species that require a more aggressive hookset. The boat's electronics package includes quality fishfinders and GPS to mark productive spots, plus VHF radio to stay connected with the fishing network when schools are moving or bite reports are coming in hot.
Greater Amberjack are the ultimate test of your tackle and technique around Key West's prolific wreck sites. These powerhouse fish average 30-60 pounds and will absolutely smoke your drag on the initial run, often diving straight back to the structure they call home. Peak season runs from fall through early spring when cooler water temperatures bring them up from the deeper haunts. What makes Amberjacks so exciting is their raw power and the chess match of keeping them away from the wreck—lose focus for a second and they'll cut you off on sharp metal or coral heads. They're also excellent table fare when handled properly, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Permit are the holy grail for many Key West anglers, and for good reason—they're notoriously spooky, incredibly smart, and fight way above their weight class. These silvery ghosts cruise the flats and nearshore structures, often in small schools, but getting one to eat requires patience and precision. They're most active during moving tides when they're feeding on crabs and small baitfish around structure. A hooked Permit makes blistering runs and has an uncanny ability to throw hooks with their hard mouths and acrobatic jumps. Landing your first Permit is a milestone that many anglers chase for years, making it one of the most rewarding catches in these waters.
Great Barracuda are Key West's ultimate opportunistic predator, and they'll absolutely destroy anything that looks injured or fleeing. These missile-shaped speedsters can reach 40+ mph and often exceed 4 feet in length around the offshore reefs and wrecks. They're visual feeders that love shiny lures and erratic retrieves, making them perfect targets when the action slows for other species. Barracuda hit like freight trains and make screaming runs that'll have your reel singing, plus they're surprisingly acrobatic for such a streamlined fish. While they're catch-and-release only in Florida waters, the fight alone makes them worth targeting, and they're active year-round in these tropical waters.
Crevalle Jack are the ultimate fun fish—they're aggressive, abundant, and will absolutely punish light tackle with their bulldogging fight style. These brassy brawlers travel in schools and create chaos when they're feeding on baitfish, often pushing prey to the surface where you can sight-cast to the mayhem. Spring through fall offers the best action when large schools move through the area, and they'll eat everything from live bait to artificials with equal enthusiasm. Jacks are built like underwater bulldozers with broad shoulders and powerful tails, making them pound-for-pound one of the strongest fish in these waters. They're also excellent bait for larger predators when cut fresh.
Cobia are the chameleons of Key West waters, often mistaken for sharks when they're cruising near the surface around structure or following rays on the flats. These brown bombers are curious fish that will often approach the boat for a closer look, giving skilled anglers a chance at sight-casting with live bait or artificials. Peak season runs from March through June when they're most active in nearshore waters
The Reel Smoker is a 2020 26-foot Conch center console that's built for serious Key West fishing. Powered by a reliable 300HP Mercury outboard, this boat cuts through the water at speeds up to 40 knots, getting you to the fishing grounds fast and back to dock with your catch. The spacious center console design gives you plenty of room to move around while fighting fish, whether you're wrestling with a stubborn Cobia or bringing in dinner-sized Mangrove Snapper. On board, you'll find an icebox to keep your drinks cold and your catch fresh, plus GPS navigation and a fish finder to locate the best spots around Key West's reefs and wrecks. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's enough space for everyone to fish comfortably without getting lines tangled. The boat handles both nearshore adventures and longer offshore runs with ease, making it perfect for targeting everything from Jack Crevalle in the shallows to Mahi Mahi in deeper waters.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of our most prized catches - they fight hard and taste even better. These brown, shark-looking fish average 20-50 pounds, with some reaching 80+ pounds and 6 feet long. You'll typically find them cruising near buoys, channel markers, wrecks, and crab trap floats in 20-60 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May is prime time, though we catch them year-round. What guests love about cobia is the combination - they're sight-fishing targets that give a strong, determined fight, plus they're excellent eating with firm, white meat. Since they're usually solo fish, each one is special. Here's my go-to technique: spot them near structure, then pitch a bucktail jig or live bait right in front of their nose. They're curious fish, so be patient and let them investigate.
Caranx HipposJack Crevalle are the bulldogs of Key West waters - pure muscle with an attitude. These brass-colored bruisers average 3-8 pounds but can reach 15+ pounds of non-stop fighting power. Look for them busting bait on shallow flats, around structure, or in channels from just a few feet deep to 100+ feet offshore. They're here year-round, but spring and summer offer the hottest action when they school up to feed. What makes jacks special is their relentless fight - they'll pull drag for what feels like forever without giving up. Plus, they're great for kids and beginners since they're eager to bite. Watch for diving birds - that's your cue that jacks are pushing bait to the surface. Cast silver spoons or topwater plugs right into the chaos and hold on tight.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the lightning bolts of the reef - built for speed with razor-sharp teeth and attitudes to match. Most run 2-4 feet long, but the big ones can hit 6 feet and 50+ pounds. You'll find them patrolling shallow reefs, grass flats, and drop-offs in 10-40 feet of water. They're here year-round, but cooler months often bring better numbers as baitfish concentrate. What makes them fun is that explosive strike and initial run - they'll hit hard and fast, then jump and thrash like crazy. Fair warning: they've got serious teeth, so use a wire leader and be careful at boatside. My advice: cast fast-moving lures like spoons or tubes, and retrieve them quickly. Barracuda love the chase, and that erratic movement triggers their predator instincts.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are some of the strongest fighters you'll encounter around Key West. These bluish-grey bruisers typically run 20-40 pounds but can hit 60+ and reach 6 feet long. You'll find them hanging around wrecks, reefs, and deep structure in 60-200 feet of water. They're year-round residents here, but spring through fall gives you the best action when they're most active. What makes them special is that bone-jarring initial run - they'll test your drag and your arms. The meat's excellent too, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. My tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but let them make that first screaming run. Try to turn their head before they reach the wreck or you'll be re-rigging.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail for many anglers - they're incredibly spooky and tough to fool. These silver, disc-shaped fish average 8-15 pounds but can push 30+. You'll spot them cruising shallow flats in 2-6 feet of water, tailing in the grass, or around deeper wrecks and structure. Peak season runs April through October when they spawn, though we see them year-round in these warm waters. What draws people to permit fishing is the challenge - they have amazing eyesight and spook easily, making every hookup feel like a victory. The fight is strong and stubborn too. Here's the key: when you see one, get that crab bait or fly well ahead of where they're going and let it sit still. Any sudden movement and they're gone.
Key West