3 HR Reef Fishing Adventure with Southern Sons
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
3hour reef and wreck fishing adventure with Captain BryanTarget grouper, snapper, cobia, and offshore species like mahi mahiMultiple fishing techniques including trolling, jigging, and bottom fishing
Captain Bryan and the crew at Southern Sons Charters know how to put you on fish. This 3-hour reef fishing trip is all about getting your rods bent and your cooler full. We're talking serious action on some of the most productive wrecks and reefs in the area, where the fish stack up thick and the bite stays hot. With room for up to 6 anglers, this is the perfect trip for families, buddies, or anyone looking to get away from the dock and into some world-class fishing without burning a whole day.
This isn't your typical half-day grind. Captain Bryan runs a tight ship and knows exactly where the fish are holding. We'll hit multiple spots depending on conditions and what's biting best that day. The beauty of reef fishing is the variety – one minute you're pulling up a nice gag grouper from 60 feet, the next you've got a cobia cruising the surface or a school of mahi pushing bait around the structure. The boat's rigged with top-notch electronics, so we're not just fishing blind out there. Bryan's been working these waters for years and has the local knowledge that separates the pros from the weekend warriors. Expect to move around, try different techniques, and adapt to what the fish are telling us.
We come prepared with everything you need, but feel free to bring your own gear if you've got favorites. We'll be running a mix of bottom fishing for the grouper and snapper, plus some light tackle work when the pelagics show up. Spinning gear, conventional reels, and plenty of terminal tackle to keep the lines wet. When we're working the wrecks, it's all about getting your bait down fast and keeping it in the strike zone. Live bait, cut bait, and artificials all have their place depending on what we're targeting. Bryan's not afraid to switch things up – if the bottom bite slows down, we might throw some trolling lines out or work some jigs through the water column. The key is staying flexible and reading the water.
Mahi mahi are the crown jewel of this fishery, and when they're here, they're here in numbers. These fish are pure excitement – they hit hard, jump high, and taste even better. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, or just cruising the blue water near the reefs. Spring through fall is prime time, with the best action typically from May through September. What makes mahi so special is their aggressive nature and the way they travel in schools. Hook one, and there's usually more underneath. They'll slam a trolled bait, crush a pitched live sardine, or absolutely destroy a well-placed jig. Plus, they're one of the best eating fish in the ocean.
Cobia are another customer favorite and for good reason. These brown sharks of the reef world can push 40-50 pounds and fight like they're twice that size. They're curious fish, often coming up to check out the boat, which makes for some exciting sight fishing opportunities. Peak season runs from April through June when they're moving through on their spawning migration. Cobia are smart, so presentation matters. A perfectly pitched crab or eel near a floating object or cruising fish can trigger some spectacular strikes. They're also fantastic table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Black grouper are the heavyweight champions of the reef. These bruisers can exceed 50 pounds and will test every piece of tackle you've got. They're structure-oriented fish, so we're fishing tight to the bottom around wrecks and rocky areas. The trick is getting them up and away from their holes before they can cut you off. Circle hooks, heavy leaders, and strong drag settings are essential. Black grouper are year-round residents, but the larger fish seem to bite best during the cooler months. They're phenomenal eating and a real trophy when you land a big one.
Wahoo bring the speed and the teeth to this mix. These ocean rockets can hit 60+ mph and will smoke your drag in seconds. They're typically caught while trolling, but they'll also hit a well-presented live bait. The bite can be seasonal and somewhat unpredictable, but when they're around, it's game on. Wire leaders are mandatory – their razor-sharp teeth will slice through anything else. Wahoo make excellent sashimi and are considered one of the premier eating fish in these waters.
Atlantic sailfish round out the big-game opportunities on this trip. While they're catch-and-release only, hooking into a sail is something every angler should experience. These fish are pure acrobatics – jumping, tail-walking, and putting on a show that'll have everyone on the boat reaching for their phones. They're most common during the winter months when the water cools down and bait moves closer to shore. Light tackle makes the fight even more spectacular, and the photo opportunities are endless.
This 3-hour reef adventure with Southern Sons Charters delivers everything you want in a fishing trip – variety, action, and the chance at some real quality fish. Captain Bryan's local knowledge and willingness to adapt to conditions means you're always fishing where the bite is best. Whether you're looking to put some fillets in the cooler, chase a personal best, or just get away from the daily grind for a few hours, this trip has you covered. The reef fishing here is truly world-class, and with Southern Sons, you're fishing with guides who live and breathe it every day. Don't wait – the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak season.
Get ready to hit the water aboard this brand-new 38-foot Fountain center console that'll have you racing to the fishing grounds in style. With triple 300HP Mercury engines pushing you along at speeds up to 44 knots, you'll spend more time with lines in the water and less time getting there. This 2022 beauty handles like a dream whether you're drifting over wrecks for grouper or trolling the blue water for mahi and wahoo. The spacious deck gives all six anglers plenty of room to work, while the captain uses top-notch electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finder to put you right on the fish. From jigging bottom structure for snapper to spinning tackle for cobia, this boat's got the stability and speed to make the most of your 3-hour reef adventure. Captain Bryan knows these waters and will have you targeting everything from blackfin tuna to gag grouper using techniques that match the conditions and your skill level.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the showstoppers - that massive dorsal fin and sword-like bill make them pure eye candy. Most run about 7.5 feet and 50 pounds, with giants pushing 10 feet. Find them in 30-65 feet of warm water, though they'll hunt deeper when needed. Winter in South Florida is prime time, especially in "Sailfish Alley" between Miami and Fort Pierce. The thrill is watching them hunt in packs, changing colors as they work baitballs. When hooked, they go airborne repeatedly - it's like hooking a rocket. They're tough fighters with serious endurance. Key tip: when teasing them up, let the fish take the bait and run before setting the hook. Use 50-pound tackle and be patient - rushing the fight just burns you out.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the tanks of the reef - thick-bodied ambush predators with olive-gray bodies covered in dark blotches. Most average over 2 feet, but the giants can hit 5 feet and 125 pounds. They hang around offshore wrecks, ledges, and reefs from 30 feet in winter down to 300 feet in summer. Cold weather brings them shallow for better fishing. What guests love is the pure power - once hooked, it's a straight-up arm wrestling match as they try to drag you back to the rocks. The meat's fantastic too - mild and firm. Here's the deal: use heavy tackle with at least 20 pounds of drag and 80lb braid. When you feel that thump, reel hard and fast - they don't nibble, they inhale the bait whole.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - that single dorsal fin fools everyone at first glance. These bruisers average 6 feet and 100 pounds, with some pushing 135. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and structures in 30-70 feet, though they roam up to 300 feet deep. Spring migration and spawning season offer the best action. What makes them special is the fight - they're strong, stubborn, and don't give up easy. The meat's firm and tasty too, making them restaurant favorites. They're usually solo fish, so sight fishing works great. My go-to trick: use a 4-8 oz bucktail jig in any color and work it near structure. When you hook one, be ready for a serious tug-of-war.
Coryphaena HippurusThese golden beauties average 15-29 pounds but can hit 87 pounds on rare occasions. You'll spot them around floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in warm offshore waters. The colors are stunning - bright blues and greens that put on a light show when you boat them. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at hooking up. Guests love mahi because they fight hard, jump like crazy, and taste amazing - firm white meat that's perfect grilled. Here's the key: when you see one, there's usually more around. Keep some live ballyhoo ready and make your bait skip on the surface like a flying fish. Once you hook up, get another line out fast before the school moves on.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are built for speed - hitting 60 mph with razor-sharp teeth and a torpedo body. Most run 3-5 feet long, but the big ones can push 8 feet. Look for them in open water around 66 feet deep, often near floating objects or current breaks. Best fishing happens during cooler months when they move closer to shore. The fight is pure adrenaline - long screaming runs that'll test your drag. Plus, the meat is top-shelf - white, flaky, and mild like premium tuna. Pro tip: use wire leaders because those teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. High-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with diving lures or fresh ballyhoo works best. When one hits, hang on tight.
Marathon