5.0(4 Reviews)Half Day Mahi, Grouper & Snapper Fishing
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday fishing targeting mahi mahi, grouper, and snapper speciesFlexible departure times with up to four hours on waterSixperson capacity aboard Sportsman Center console boat
Picture this: you're standing on the deck of a top-rated Sportsman Center console, rod in hand, watching the sun dance across the crystal-clear waters surrounding Cudjoe Key. Captain Alison knows these fishing grounds like the back of her hand, and she's about to put you on some of the best inshore action the Florida Keys has to offer. This half-day charter targets the holy trinity of Keys fishing – mahi mahi, grouper, and snapper – and with flexible departure times, you can fish when the bite is hottest.
Your four-hour adventure starts when you meet Captain Alison at the dock, where her pristine Sportsman Center console awaits. This isn't your typical cattle-boat charter – with just six anglers max, everyone gets personalized attention and plenty of elbow room. The flexible start time means you can hit the water when conditions are prime, whether that's an early morning bite or an afternoon feeding frenzy. Captain Alison reads the water like a book, adjusting the game plan based on current conditions, bait activity, and where the fish are holding. The boat's equipped with quality tackle, but feel free to bring your lucky rod if you've got one. Between the comfortable ride, knowledgeable captain, and productive fishing grounds, you're set up for success from the moment you cast off.
The beauty of this mixed-bag charter lies in the variety of techniques you'll use. For mahi, we're talking trolling with colorful lures and live bait around weed lines and debris fields where these gorgeous fish love to hang out. When it comes to grouper and snapper, you'll be bottom fishing with heavy tackle over structure – think ledges, rocks, and artificial reefs where these species ambush prey. Captain Alison provides all the gear you need, from spinning reels loaded with braided line for the deep drops to lighter tackle for when the mahi are being finicky. The key is being ready to switch techniques on the fly. One minute you might be fighting a mahi on the surface, the next you're cranking up a hefty grouper from 80 feet down. That's what makes this trip so exciting – you never know what's going to hit next.
"Capt Alison really took care of us. We initially wanted a chill sand bar day and she fully exceeded!! She brought snorkel gear for us to explore underwater and even her paddle board (just for me to realize I need work on that "hidden" talent). We were even lucky enough that she brought her PRECIOUS pup, Mayday!! We were so pleased with Alison's charisma and nautical knowledge, we booked with her for a fishing trip. Again, another wonderful experience. I highly recommend Capt. Alison to tourist wanting to see the Keys as well as locals just wanting a good time!" - Samantha. "Alison is your go to girl when you need a charter. She is an excellent captain, has an immense amount of knowledge of the waters, fishing areas of the species you're looking to catch, and an all around great person. Thank you for a great day Alison!! Keep being you!!! ⚓️" - Melinda. "Alison is very good we caught lots of fish! Very nice clean boat! We really enjoyed ourselves! I highly recommend fishing with Alison!!!!!" - Deon.
Red Grouper are the workhorses of the reef, and these chunky bottom-dwellers are a blast to catch. They typically run 5-15 pounds in these waters, with the occasional bruiser pushing 20-plus. Red grouper are most active during cooler months from October through April, though you can find them year-round if you know where to look. They're ambush predators that hide in rocky crevices and ledges, so when you hook one, expect a bulldogging fight straight down to the bottom. What makes them so popular with anglers is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare – sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying.
Mahi Mahi, or common dolphinfish as they're technically known, are the showstoppers of this trip. These electric-colored fish are pure excitement from the moment they hit your line until they're in the boat. Mahi typically range from 10-30 pounds in these waters, with their brilliant blues, greens, and golds lighting up when they're hooked. They're most abundant during the warmer months from April through October, following the Gulf Stream and hanging around floating debris and weed lines. What anglers love most about mahi is their acrobatic fight – they'll jump, run, and put on a show that'll get your heart pumping. Plus, they're fantastic eating, with firm white meat that's perfect for blackening or making fish tacos.
Black Grouper are the bruisers of the bunch, often reaching 30-50 pounds or more in these deeper waters. They're structure-oriented fish that love ledges, wrecks, and rocky bottoms where they can ambush unsuspecting prey. Black grouper are typically more active during the cooler months but can be caught year-round by anglers who know their habits. When you hook into a big black grouper, you're in for a serious tug-of-war – they'll use every trick in the book to get back to their rocky hideout. Their size and fight make them a true trophy fish, and their meat quality is top-notch for the dinner table.
Mutton Snapper are the most challenging of the target species, known for their wariness and excellent eyesight. These pinkish-red fish typically run 5-15 pounds and are most active during the warmer months from May through September. They're structure-oriented like grouper but tend to be more
Your fishing adventure runs on a dependable 21-foot Sportsman center console that's built for the waters around Cudjoe Key. This 2014 boat packs a solid 150HP Yamaha engine that'll cruise at 30 knots, getting you to the mahi mahi, grouper, and snapper spots without burning half your day in transit. The center console design gives everyone room to move around when the fish are biting, and with space for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of room to work the lines. Modern GPS keeps you on course to the productive fishing grounds, while the fish finder helps locate schools and structure where the big ones like to hang out. Whether you're targeting offshore species or working the inshore waters, this boat handles the Florida Keys conditions with ease and gets you back to the dock with coolers full of fresh catch.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the heavyweights of our reef fishing, and they'll give you a workout you won't forget. These bruisers average 10-20 pounds but can reach 50+ pounds or more. We target them around deep reefs, wrecks, and ledges in 80-250 feet of water. Winter months are prime time when they move shallow to spawn. What guests love is the raw power - it's like hooking into a submarine with an attitude. The meat quality is outstanding, mild and firm with great texture. They're ambush predators that'll inhale anything that looks like a meal, from live bait to big chunks of cut fish. Here's the key: once you feel that solid bite, put the heat on immediately and don't let up. They'll head straight for the nearest hole or ledge to break you off, so heavy tackle and quick action are essential.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the aerial acrobats of the offshore world, and they put on quite a show when hooked. These golden beauties average 15-25 pounds but can reach 40+ pounds on a good day. We find them around floating debris, weedlines, and current edges, usually in 100+ feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time when they're pushing through our waters. What guests love most is the fight - they'll jump, run, and change colors right before your eyes. The meat is fantastic too, mild and firm, perfect for fish tacos. They're aggressive feeders that'll smash trolled ballyhoo or hit live bait with authority. Pro tip: when you see one mahi, there's usually more around. Keep a second rod ready because they often travel in schools, and you might double up.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are some of the smartest fish we target, which makes landing one even more rewarding. These pinkish snappers typically run 3-8 pounds, though trophy fish can hit 15+ pounds. We find them around reefs, ledges, and sandy areas adjacent to structure in 60-200 feet of water. They're year-round residents but feed more actively during warmer months. What makes them special is the combination of their wariness and strong fight - they'll test your skills and your drag. The table fare is excellent, with sweet, white meat that's highly prized. They can be finicky, so fresh bait and light weights are key. Here's the trick: let your bait drift naturally in the current with minimal weight. Once you hook up, keep steady pressure because they'll head straight for the rocks to cut you off.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are one of our most popular targets around Cudjoe Key, and for good reason. These rusty-red beauties typically run 5-10 pounds, though we've seen some push 20+ pounds. You'll find them hanging around rocky bottom, ledges, and wrecks in 30-100 feet of water. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit live shrimp, crabs, or cut bait without much hesitation. What makes them special is that tough fight - they'll use every ounce of strength to get back to the rocks once hooked. The meat is top-notch too, with a sweet, flaky texture that's perfect for the grill. Here's a local tip: when you feel that first solid thump, start cranking immediately. Don't give them time to think about it or they'll wrap you around the nearest structure and break you off.
5.0 out of 5.0Capt Alison really took care of us. We initially wanted a chill sand bar day and she fully exceeded!! She brought snorkel gear for...
Awesome personalized charter. Ask for Mayday to “go with” if you’re doing sandbar and snorkeling trip. Best dog in the world and m...
Alison is your go to girl when you need a charter. She is an excellent captain, has an immense amount of knowledge of the waters, ...
Alison is very good we caught lots of fish! Very nice clean boat! We really enjoyed ourselves! I highly recommend fishing with Ali...
Cudjoe Key