Far Gulf Relay Towers & Wreck Fishing
This isn't your typical inshore day trip. We're talking about a serious offshore adventure that takes you way out into the Gulf of Mexico where the water gets deep, the fish get bigger, and the action gets real. Captain and crew at Superfish Charters will run you out to some of the most productive fishing grounds in the Keys — the relay towers and surrounding wrecks that hold some of the best gamefish Florida waters have to offer. You'll be targeting species that most anglers only dream about, and with up to 6 anglers aboard, there's plenty of room for your crew to spread out and get serious about some world-class fishing.
What to Expect on the Water
Get ready for a long ride out because these towers and wrecks aren't close to shore. We're talking about a serious run into the Gulf where you'll lose sight of land and find yourself in the middle of some of the most pristine fishing waters you've ever seen. The relay towers act like massive fish magnets, creating current breaks and holding baitfish that attract everything from cobia cruising the surface to massive cubera snapper lurking in the depths. The surrounding wrecks add even more structure to this underwater paradise, giving fish plenty of places to hide and ambush prey. On full-day trips when conditions are right, you'll get to experience both the towers and multiple wreck sites, maximizing your chances at hooking into something special. The water out here is crystal clear, often that deep blue color that lets you know you're in serious fishing territory.
Techniques & Tackle Setup
Fishing these offshore structures requires a mix of techniques depending on what's biting and where they're holding. Live bait fishing around the towers is absolutely deadly — nothing beats a live pilchard or goggle-eye dropped down along the structure for drawing out big snapper and grouper. For the cobia that cruise these areas, sight fishing with live crabs or eels is pure adrenaline, especially when you spot that brown torpedo swimming right at the boat. Trolling between spots with diving plugs and ballyhoo spreads will pick up kingfish, African pompano, and other pelagics that patrol these waters. Bottom fishing the wrecks requires heavy tackle and strong drag systems because once you hook into a big cubera or goliath grouper, they're heading straight back to their hole. The crew will have you rigged with circle hooks, heavy sinkers, and the kind of tackle that can handle these bruiser fish. Permit fishing around these structures often calls for dropping live crabs or small jigs, and when one of these silver ghosts decides to eat, you better be ready for a fight.
Top Catches This Season
Permit are the holy grail for many anglers, and these offshore structures hold some real trophies. These silver disc-shaped fighters are notorious for being picky eaters and even trickier to land once hooked. They'll average 15-25 pounds out here, but the big ones can push 40 pounds or more. Spring through fall offers the best shot at these fish, with live crabs being the top bait choice. When a permit takes off on its initial run, that screaming reel and bent rod will remind you why these fish have such a legendary reputation among serious anglers.
Cobia are another customer favorite, and for good reason. These curious fish will often swim right up to the boat, giving you a shot at sight fishing that gets your heart pumping. They average 20-40 pounds, but the big bulls can exceed 50 pounds and provide some of the strongest fights you'll experience. Peak season runs from April through September, and they're suckers for live eels and large crabs. Watch for that distinctive brown coloration and white stripe as they cruise the towers — once you spot one, the game is on.
Cubera snapper are the giants of the snapper family, and these wrecks hold some monsters. We're talking about fish that can push 60-80 pounds, with thick shoulders and enough power to straighten hooks if you're not prepared. They're most active during the warmer months and prefer large live baits like blue runners or mutton snapper. The fight happens in two stages — first they try to crush your tackle with brute force, then they head straight for the wreck to cut you off. Land one of these and you've got bragging rights for life.
African pompano might be the most beautiful fish you'll catch out here, with their long flowing fins and silver sides that flash in the sunlight. These fish can reach impressive sizes, with 30-40 pounders not uncommon around these structures. They're strong fighters that use their broad sides to fight the current, making every inch a battle. Summer months are prime time, and they'll hit both live bait and jigs worked around the towers.
Goliath grouper are the true giants of these wrecks, and while they're catch-and-release only, hooking into one is an experience you'll never forget. These prehistoric-looking fish can exceed 300 pounds and have enough power to drag your boat around if you let them. They're curious and often approach divers and anglers, sometimes creating photo opportunities that are worth the trip alone. Large live baits work best, and the fight is more about staying connected than actually bringing them to the boat.
Time to Book Your Spot
This kind of offshore fishing adventure doesn't come around every day, and the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak season. The combination of pristine fishing grounds, diverse species, and the expertise of Superfish Charters makes this a top-rated fishing experience that serious anglers are talking about. Whether you're chasing your first permit, looking to tangle with a giant cubera, or just want to experience some of the best offshore fishing Florida has to offer, this trip delivers the goods. The towers and wrecks will be there tomorrow, but the perfect weather conditions and hot bite won't wait around. Get your crew together and book your date —