Key West Bottom Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Bottom fishing for Snapper, Grouper, and Amberjack around reefsLicensed crew handles baiting, storage, cleaning, and filleting serviceSmall group capacity with kids 8+ welcome under supervision
Get ready for some serious bottom fishing action in the crystal-clear waters surrounding Key West. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about targeting prime wreck sites where monster fish hang out year-round. You'll be fishing some of the most productive bottom structures in the Florida Keys, where Snapper, Grouper, and Amberjack call home. Our crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish that'll have your drag screaming. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this bottom fishing adventure delivers the kind of action that keeps folks coming back season after season.
Your day starts bright and early with an 8:30 a.m. check-in at the dock. Don't worry about bringing tackle or bait – we've got you covered with top-shelf gear that can handle whatever's lurking down there. The boat heads out to some of Key West's most productive wreck sites and reef structures, where the fish stack up like cordwood. These spots are typically 60-120 feet down, which means you're fishing in that sweet zone where the big boys like to hang out. The crew will rig your lines, drop you down to the zone, and coach you through every hookup. When you boat a keeper, they'll handle the fish, get it on ice, and at the end of the day, you'll walk away with cleaned, filleted, and bagged fillets ready for the dinner table or your favorite local restaurant.
We're talking classic bottom fishing here – heavy sinkers, circle hooks, and fresh bait that gets those fish fired up. The technique is straightforward but effective: drop your rig down to the bottom, reel up a few cranks, and hold on tight. The crew uses quality conventional reels spooled with heavy braid that can handle the structure and the fish. You'll be fishing with cut bait, live bait when available, and sometimes jigs depending on what the fish are wanting that day. The key is staying in contact with the bottom while keeping your bait just off the structure. These wrecks and reefs are fish magnets, but they'll also eat your tackle if you're not careful. That's why having an experienced crew makes all the difference – they know how to work these spots without losing half your terminal tackle.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the deep, and Key West waters hold some real bruisers. These fish average 15-40 pounds but can push well over 50. They're most active during the cooler months from November through March, though you can find them year-round on the deeper wrecks. When an AJ hits your bait, you'll know it – they make long, powerful runs that'll test your drag and your arms. What makes them so exciting is their sheer power and determination to get back to that wreck structure.
Mutton Snapper are the prize fish of the reef, with their distinctive black spot and incredible table fare. These fish are smart and spooky, which makes landing one even more satisfying. They typically run 3-8 pounds, with the occasional double-digit fish that'll make your day. Peak season runs from April through September when they're spawning around the full moons. Muttons are notorious for their light bite – you need to stay sharp and set the hook at the first sign of weight.
Lane Snapper might be smaller than their Mutton cousins, but they make up for it in numbers and flavor. These pink and yellow beauties are perfect for anglers who want steady action. They school up heavy on the reefs and are usually eager to bite. Most run 8-14 inches, and they're fantastic eating. Kids especially love catching Lanes because they're colorful, feisty, and almost always cooperative.
Black Grouper are the ghosts of the reef – they sit in holes and crevices waiting to ambush anything that swims by. These fish can grow massive, with 20-50 pounders being caught regularly in Key West waters. The trick with Blacks is getting them away from the structure before they cut you off. They're most active during the warmer months and are considered some of the best eating fish in the ocean. Their white, flaky meat is restaurant quality.
Gag Grouper are the most common grouper species you'll encounter, and they're absolutely delicious. They typically run 3-15 pounds and have a habit of hitting your bait just as you're bringing it up off the bottom. Gags are curious fish that often swim up to check out the boat, giving you a chance to see what you're dealing with before the fight begins. They're available year-round but are most active during the spring and fall months when water temperatures are moderate.
This bottom fishing trip delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for – quality fish, experienced crew, and waters that produce day after day. With only 2 spots available, you're getting personalized attention that you won't find on the bigger head boats. The crew handles everything from start to finish, so all you need to do is show up ready to fish. Kids 8 and older can join the action under supervision, making this a perfect family fishing adventure. These Key West wrecks and reefs are world-class fishing grounds, and there's no better way to experience them than with a crew that lives and breathes these waters. Don't let another season slip by – book your bottom fishing charter today and get ready for some of the best fishing the Florida Keys has to offer.
The 50-foot Markley headboat is your ticket to Key West's best wreck fishing spots. This restored 1994 vessel runs on a powerful 400HP Cummins engine that cruises at 17 knots, getting you to those productive wrecks where Snapper, Grouper, and Amberjack call home. Built to handle up to 26 anglers, she's loaded with everything serious bottom fishermen need - GPS to mark those honey holes, radar for safe navigation, and fish finders to locate the schools holding tight to the structure below. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh while the toilet keeps everyone comfortable during those longer runs to the deep water wrecks. Our experienced crew handles the dirty work from baiting hooks to cleaning your fish, so you can focus on fighting those reef dwellers. Check in at 8:30 a.m. and get ready for some serious bottom fishing action around Key West's most productive underwater structure.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack Grouper are the heavyweights of our reef structure - thick, powerful fish with dark blotchy patterns that can reach 50+ pounds, though most are 10-25 pounds. They love hanging around ledges, wrecks, and coral heads in 80-200 feet, ambushing prey from their rocky hideouts. Winter months are best when they move shallower, but we catch them year-round in deeper water. What gets anglers fired up is the brute strength - once you hook one, it's a straight power struggle as they try to drag you back into the rocks. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in the ocean, with thick, flaky white fillets that grill beautifully. Key tip: the second you feel that bite, lock down your drag and start cranking hard. Give them an inch and they'll bust you off in the rocks every single time. Heavy tackle is a must.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are the bread and butter of our bottom fishing - gray, marbled fish that average 15-25 inches with some real trophies pushing 40+ inches. They love rocky bottom, ledges, and structure in 60-180 feet where they can ambush baitfish. Cooler months from November through March are prime time when they're more aggressive and move into shallower water. What makes them popular is the reliable action and excellent table quality - firm, white meat that's perfect for any recipe. They're also smart fighters that'll head straight for the rocks once hooked. The trick is finding stone crab traps or good bottom structure - that's where they hang out waiting for an easy meal. Use circle hooks with live pinfish or cut bait, and be ready to muscle them up quickly before they dive back into their rocky hideouts.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are some of the strongest fighters you'll encounter on our reefs. These silver-blue bruisers average 20-40 pounds but can hit 80+ pounds, reaching up to 6 feet long. They hang around wrecks, reefs, and drop-offs in 60-200 feet of water, ambushing smaller fish with incredible speed. Peak season runs April through September when they're most active and feeding heavily. What makes them special is the raw power - once hooked, they'll make long, determined runs that'll test your arms and your drag. The meat is excellent eating too, with firm white fillets perfect for grilling. Here's the key: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to the structure. They'll try to cut you off on the reef every time.
Lutjanus SynagrisLane Snappers are the perfect reef fish for action-packed days - these pink and yellow striped beauties are aggressive biters that'll keep your rod bent. They typically run 10-14 inches, though we catch some pushing 20 inches on good days. You'll find them around coral reefs and grassy areas in 30-100 feet, and they're not shy about taking bait. March through September is prime time when they're spawning and feeding heavily, especially at night. What makes them fun is their scrappy attitude - they fight hard for their size and hit baits with authority. Plus, they make excellent table fare with sweet, firm meat that's great fried or grilled. Here's what works: small hooks with fresh shrimp or cut bait work best. They often show up as bonus fish when we're targeting bigger snappers, but they're worth targeting on their own.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton Snapper are the prize catch of our reef trips - beautiful pinkish fish with distinctive blue lines around their face and that telltale black spot on their sides. Most run 15-20 inches, but the bigger ones can push 30+ inches and really put up a scrap. You'll find them around coral heads and sandy areas in 60-150 feet, often cruising solo or in small groups. Spring through fall gives you the best shot, especially when the water's clear and current's moving. What guests love is the combination - they fight harder than other snappers and the eating quality is absolutely top-notch. The meat is sweet, flaky, and perfect for any preparation. Pro tip: use the lightest weight you can get away with and let your bait drift naturally in the current. They're smart fish and spook easily from heavy presentations.
Key West