Key West Wreck Fishing with Salty Goat
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Bottom fishing adventure targeting Snapper, Grouper, and AmberjackProfessional fish cleaning and filleting service included after tripSmall group charter with maximum capacity of 2 guests
Looking for some serious bottom fishing action in Key West? You've found the right crew. At Salty Goat Fishing Charters, we'll get you positioned over some of the best wrecks and reefs where the big fish live. This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip – we're talking about real wreck fishing where snapper, grouper, and amberjack hang out in the structure. With just 2 anglers max, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to fight those fish properly. We handle everything from bait to cleaning your catch, so all you need to worry about is setting that hook.
Your day starts at 8:30 a.m. sharp at the dock – don't be late because the fish are waiting. We'll head out to some of Key West's top-rated wreck sites where the structure holds plenty of fish year-round. The beauty of wreck fishing is that these artificial and natural reefs create perfect habitat for bottom dwellers. You'll be dropping baits down into 60-120 feet of water, depending on which wrecks are producing. The current and wind conditions dictate which spots we hit, but rest assured, we know where the fish are holding. Once we're anchored up, it's game time. The action can be steady with multiple species coming over the rail, or it might require some patience – that's fishing. Either way, you're in for a world-class fishing experience in some of the clearest waters you'll ever see.
Wreck fishing is all about getting your bait to the bottom and keeping it in the strike zone. We'll rig you up with chicken rigs, knocker rigs, or whatever the fish are demanding that day. The key is getting your bait down through the water column without getting picked off by the smaller fish up top. We use circle hooks to help with catch and release, and our tackle is heavy enough to pull fish away from the structure before they break you off. Live bait works great when we can get it, but don't worry – we've got plenty of cut bait, squid, and other fish candy that these bottom dwellers can't resist. The technique is simple: drop it down, feel for the bottom, reel up a crank or two, and wait for that telltale thump. When you get bit, don't jerk – just start reeling steadily and let that circle hook do its job.
Black Grouper are the crown jewel of wreck fishing down here. These bruisers can push 20-30 pounds and they'll test your drag system for sure. They love hanging tight to the structure, so you've got to muscle them up and away from the wreck quickly. Black grouper are most active during the cooler months from October through March, and they're hands-down the most exciting fish to pull up from the depths. The meat is fantastic – white, flaky, and perfect for grilling.
Red Grouper might not fight as hard as their black cousins, but they're more plentiful and just as tasty. These fish are year-round residents on our wrecks, typically running 5-15 pounds. They've got this habit of turning sideways and shaking their heads when hooked, which feels like you're pulling up a washing machine. Red grouper are customer favorites because they're reliable biters and great table fare.
King Mackerel show up around the wrecks when they're chasing baitfish, usually spring through fall. These speedsters will rip line off your reel in a hurry, and a 20-30 pound king will give you a workout. They're built for speed with razor-sharp teeth, so we use wire leaders when they're around. Kings are fantastic on the grill or smoked, and the fight they put up makes them a real crowd-pleaser.
White Grunt might not win any beauty contests, but they're steady biters and excellent eating. These fish school up around the wrecks in good numbers, especially during summer months. They typically run 1-3 pounds, making them perfect for light tackle fun. White grunt have sweet, mild meat that's perfect for fish tacos or ceviche, and they're often the fish that keeps the action going when the bigger stuff isn't cooperating.
Cero Mackerel are the sleepers of the wreck fishing world. These beautiful fish show up sporadically but when they do, they're aggressive biters. Running 3-8 pounds typically, ceros have stunning colors and put up a scrappy fight. They're most common in warmer months and are excellent table fare when prepared fresh. Many anglers overlook ceros, but they're actually some of the best eating fish we catch.
Bottom line – this is authentic Key West wreck fishing at its finest. With only 2 spots available, you'll get the personalized attention you deserve and plenty of chances to get your line wet. We'll take care of icing your catch and cleaning your fish so you can head straight to a local restaurant or back to your place for a fresh fish dinner. The combination of productive fishing grounds, expert local knowledge, and top-notch service makes this a must-do experience for any serious angler visiting Key West. Don't wait around – the best fishing days book up fast, especially during peak season. Give us a call and let's get you set up for some real fishing action on the wrecks.
The 50-foot Markley headboat is your ticket to Key West's prime wreck fishing grounds. Built in 1994 and fully restored in 2017, this sturdy vessel runs on a powerful 400HP Cummins engine that cruises at 17 knots to get you to the fish fast. The boat handles up to 26 anglers comfortably, with plenty of deck space for fighting those big grouper and snapper lurking around the wrecks. Modern fish finder technology helps locate the hottest spots while GPS and radar keep you on course. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh, and the head means you can stay out longer chasing the bite. Perfect for bottom fishing adventures where the real monsters hide in the structure below.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack Grouper are the heavyweights of our reef trips, averaging 20-30 pounds but capable of hitting 50+ pounds. These olive-gray bruisers with dark rectangular blotches live around wrecks, ledges, and rocky bottom from 30 feet out to 200+ feet deep. They're ambush predators that inhale their prey whole, so when you feel that thump, start reeling immediately - they'll try to get back to structure and cut you off. Winter months are prime time when they move shallower. Guests love them for the serious fight and excellent table fare with firm, mild white meat. Pro tip: use heavy tackle with at least 80lb braid and keep steady pressure once hooked - these fish don't give up easy and will test your drag system to its limits.
Scomberomorus RegalisCero Mackerel are the sportiest of the smaller mackerels we target, typically weighing 5-10 pounds with those distinctive bronze streaks and orange spots. They patrol patch reefs and clear water from the surface down to about 60 feet, usually solo or in small groups. Year-round fishing here in the Keys, but they're most active during warmer months. What sets them apart is sushi-grade meat quality and that initial burst of speed when hooked - they're fast but don't have the stamina of their king mackerel cousins. Light spinning tackle works perfect for these fighters. The secret is chumming over reefs with cut ballyhoo or pilchards - once they're fired up, they'll hit topwater lures aggressively. Use wire leader for those razor teeth.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are pure speed demons that'll test your reflexes and gear. These silver missiles average 15-30 pounds around Key West and cruise open water from 40-150 feet deep, especially around temperature breaks and current lines. Spring through fall is prime season when baitfish are thick. What guests love most is that blazing run when they get hooked - they're built for speed and will peel line like few other fish. The meat's rich and flaky, though higher in oils. They hunt by sight, so early morning and late afternoon are money times. Here's the key: rig two hooks on a wire leader when using live bait - kings typically grab the tail end first, so that trailing hook is your insurance policy. Use stinger rigs and be ready for a scorching run.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are our bread-and-butter bottom dwellers, typically running 5-15 pounds with that distinctive rusty-red color and white spots. You'll find them around rocky ledges, reefs, and hard bottom anywhere from 20 to 150 feet deep. They're aggressive biters year-round but really turn on during cooler months. What makes them special is that sweet, shellfish-like flavor from their crab and shrimp diet - some say it's the best-tasting grouper around. They'll put up a solid scrap on medium tackle. My go-to trick is using fresh shrimp or cut crab on a knocker rig right on the bottom. These fish don't mess around - they either hit hard or they don't hit at all. Once hooked, keep them away from the rocks.
Haemulon PlumieriiWhite Grunt might be smaller fish, but they're perfect for families and consistent action. These silvery-blue beauties with yellow stripes typically run 8-12 inches and rarely top 2 pounds. You'll find them schooled up around patch reefs, docks, and shallow structure from 10-80 feet deep. They're year-round residents that bite readily on small baits. Kids love hearing them "grunt" when brought to the boat - they make that sound by grinding their throat teeth. The meat's sweet and flaky, perfect for a fish fry. Since they're opportunistic feeders, small pieces of shrimp, squid, or cut bait work great. Fish light tackle with small hooks - size 1 or 2 is plenty. When you find one, there's usually a whole school around.
Key West