Half Day Island Hoping And Fishing In Cudjoe Key
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Fivehour combo trip features fishing, snorkeling, and island hoppingMultiple fishing options include Gulf, reef, and trolling adventuresSmall group experience accommodates maximum six guests aboard
Picture this: You're casting lines in crystal-clear waters where the Gulf meets the Atlantic, with pristine islands scattered around you like jewels. That's exactly what you get with Salty Paradise Charters' top-rated half-day combo trip out of Cudjoe Key. This 5-hour adventure packs serious fishing action with some of the best island hopping the Lower Keys has to offer. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just love being on the water, this customer favorite delivers variety that keeps everyone happy. We're talking catch-and-release action on the Gulf side, reef fishing where the big grouper hang out, and trolling runs for those lightning-fast mahi. Between fishing spots, you'll hit sandbars and explore islands that most people only dream about visiting.
Your day starts in the heart of Cudjoe Key, perfectly positioned to access both Gulf and Atlantic fishing grounds within minutes. Captain and crew know these waters like their backyard, and they'll read the conditions to put you on fish while mixing in some serious eye candy. The boat comfortably handles up to 6 guests, so you're not fighting for elbow room when that big grouper decides to cooperate. Expect to bounce between fishing spots and stunning locations like Sawyer Key, Content Keys, and the famous Tarpon Belly - each offering different opportunities depending on what's biting and what the group wants to experience. The beauty of this trip is the flexibility. If the mahi are running hot on the trolling grounds, you might spend extra time chasing them. If the snorkeling at Looe Key is calling your name between fishing sessions, that's where you'll head. This isn't a rigid schedule - it's a custom day built around what's working and what gets everyone excited.
The fishing arsenal for this trip covers all the bases that make Cudjoe Key world-class. On the Gulf side, you'll work structure and wrecks where catch-and-release fishing keeps the action steady and the fish populations healthy. The Atlantic side opens up the reef fishing game, where you'll drop baits in 40-80 feet of water targeting the coral heads and ledges that hold big snapper and grouper. Trolling runs happen in the deeper blue water, where the crew will have multiple lines out pulling lures and ballyhoo to intercept schools of mahi and whatever else is moving through. Gear is provided and maintained by the crew, but if you've got lucky rods or preferred tackle, bring them along. The boat carries everything from light spinning gear for smaller reef fish to heavy conventional setups for the big guys. Bottom fishing involves circle hooks and natural baits - pinfish, sardines, and squid work magic on the grouper and snapper. For trolling, it's all about covering water with a spread of lures at different depths until you find what the mahi want that day.
Red Grouper are the bread and butter of the reef fishing program here, and for good reason. These chunky fighters live in 30-60 feet of water around coral heads and rocky bottom, and they're active year-round in these waters. What makes them special is their willingness to bite and their impressive fight for their size. A 15-20 pound red grouper will test your drag and your technique, especially when they try to cut you off in the coral. They're most active during cooler months from October through March, but you'll find them biting throughout the year if you know where to look. Anglers love red grouper because they're reliable - when other species are finicky, these guys usually cooperate.
Mahi Mahi, or Common Dolphinfish, are the speed demons that get everyone's adrenaline pumping. These electric green and gold torpedoes show up in the offshore waters from April through September, with peak action during summer months. What's amazing about mahi is how they hunt in schools, so when you hook one, there are usually more around. They'll absolutely destroy surface lures and put on an aerial show that rivals any gamefish in these waters. Size ranges from schoolie dolphin at 5-10 pounds up to bull mahi pushing 30+ pounds. The bigger fish tend to be loners or pairs, while the smaller ones travel in packs. Trolling is the name of the game, and when you find floating debris or weed lines, that's where the magic happens.
Mutton Snapper are the reef fishing prize that keeps anglers coming back. These beautiful fish with their distinctive black spot and red fins are found around the deeper reefs and wrecks year-round, but they're most cooperative from May through August. What makes mutton snapper special is their size potential - while most reef fish top out around 5-10 pounds, a good mutton can push 15-20 pounds and fight like they're twice that size. They're also incredibly smart, which makes landing one feel like a real accomplishment. Live bait works best, and you need to be ready because their bite can be subtle before they make that blistering run toward the reef.
Black Grouper represent the heavyweight championship of the reef fishing world. These bruisers can exceed 50 pounds and will absolutely test every piece of tackle you've got. They're most active from June through October, when they move into shallower water for spawning activities. What gets anglers excited about black grouper is the sheer power - they'll grab your bait and head straight for the nearest cave or coral head, and if you don't stop them quickly, the fight's over. The technique requires heavy tackle, strong drag pressure, and quick reflexes. When you do manage to land a big black grouper, it's a fish-of-a-lifetime moment that'll have you planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock.
This half-day combo trip delivers more variety and action than
This 21-foot Sportsman center console is your ticket to the best fishing spots around Cudjoe Key. Built in 2014 with a reliable 150HP Yamaha outboard, she'll cruise at 30 knots to get you on the fish fast. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, with plenty of room to move around when fighting that trophy catch. GPS keeps you on track to productive waters, while the fish finder helps locate schools and structure where the fish are holding. Whether you're targeting reef species on the Atlantic side, casting for catch-and-release action in the Gulf, or trolling for dolphin in blue water, this boat delivers the performance and features serious anglers need. The center console design gives everyone clear access to the action, making it perfect for both experienced fishermen and families looking to hook into some Florida Keys fishing magic.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the heavyweight champions of our reef system - dark, marbled fish that can top 50 pounds and will test every ounce of your tackle. Most average 10-25 pounds around our ledges and wrecks in 60-200 feet of water. They move shallower in winter, deeper during summer heat. What draws anglers is that epic battle once hooked - these fish use their bulk and the structure to their advantage, trying to cut you off on the rocks. The payoff is some of the finest eating fish in the ocean with mild, firm meat. They're ambush predators that inhale their prey whole, so when you feel that thump, set the hook and start cranking immediately. My key tip: heavy tackle is non-negotiable, and once hooked, don't give them an inch of line or they'll dive straight back into the structure and break you off.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are the rainbow rockets of the open water - brilliant gold and green fish that put on quite a show when hooked. Most run 15-30 pounds, though we see some real bulls pushing 40+. They hang around floating debris, weedlines, and current edges, usually in water deeper than 100 feet. Spring through fall is prime time when they move through our offshore waters following baitfish. What gets anglers hooked is their acrobatic fight - jumping, tail-walking, and changing colors as they battle. Plus, they're hands-down some of the best eating fish in the ocean. Here's the trick: when you hook one, there's likely more around. Get a second line out quick because mahi travel in schools and the commotion often fires up the whole group.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are one of our prized reef catches - pinkish fish with blue streaks around their face that can reach 20 inches and fight harder than most snappers their size. You'll find them around coral heads, ledges, and sandy areas near structure in 20-80 feet of water. They're year-round residents, but spring and summer offer the most consistent action. What makes them special is they're pickier than other snappers, so landing one feels like an accomplishment. The meat is excellent - firm, white, and sweet. Adults tend to be loners, so finding one often means working different spots. My advice: use the freshest bait you can get and keep your sinker light. When you see that pink flash coming up through clear water, that's your mutton snapper - keep steady pressure and lead it away from the reef.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are solid reef fighters that'll give you a real workout on the line. These rusty-red fish with white spots typically run 5-10 pounds around our reefs, though some reach 20+ pounds. You'll find them hanging around rocky ledges, wrecks, and coral heads in 40-120 feet of water. They're year-round residents here, but winter months often produce the best action when they move shallower. What makes them special is that stubborn fight - they'll try to dive straight back into the rocks once hooked. The meat is top-notch too, firm and flaky with a mild flavor. My tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't give them any slack to get back to structure. Use heavy tackle and fresh shrimp or cut bait right on the bottom.
Cudjoe Key