Stock Island Fishing Charters | 4 & 6 Hour Trips
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Captain Nate Martin guides inshore fishing adventures in Stock Island watersChoose between 4hour or 6hour fishing trip options availableSmall group experience accommodates up to 6 guests maximum
Looking for some serious fishing action in the Florida Keys? Captain Nate Martin's charters out of Stock Island are exactly what you need. This isn't your typical tourist trap – we're talking about real fishing with a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand. Whether you choose our 4-hour quick strike mission or the full 6-hour adventure, you'll be hitting productive spots where the fish actually live. Stock Island sits right in the sweet spot between Key West and the mainland, giving us access to both backcountry flats and deeper structure where the bigger fish hang out.
Captain Nate runs a tight ship that can handle up to 6 anglers comfortably. The boat's set up for serious fishing – not cocktail cruising. You'll launch from Stock Island and depending on conditions and what's biting, we might head to the patch reefs, work some structure, or cruise the flats for different species. The 4-hour trip is perfect if you want to get out there, catch some fish, and still have time for other plans. But honestly, the 6-hour option gives us room to really explore and move around if one spot isn't producing. Captain Nate's got the local knowledge to read the water, watch the birds, and put you on fish when others are struggling. The scenery's nice and all, but we're here to bend some rods.
We fish these waters the right way – matching the technique to the target. For the snappers, we'll be bottom fishing around structure with circle hooks and fresh bait. Captain Nate knows exactly where the good ledges and rocks are holding fish. When we're targeting grouper, it's all about getting down quick before they can duck into their holes. The jacks are a different game entirely – these bruisers will hit artificials and put up one hell of a fight on spinning gear. All tackle and bait are provided, but if you've got a favorite rod you want to bring, that's cool too. We keep a variety of weights and rigs onboard because conditions change, and what worked yesterday might not work today. The key is staying flexible and letting the fish tell us what they want.
Crevalle Jack are the bulldogs of the reef. These fish will test your drag system and your arms – they're built like tanks and fight twice as hard as their weight suggests. You'll find them year-round in these waters, but they really turn on during the warmer months. They'll hit live bait, jigs, and topwater plugs with serious aggression. What makes them special is that raw power – even a smaller jack will make you think you hooked something twice its size.
Mutton Snapper are the prize fish that keep serious anglers coming back. These beautiful fish with their distinctive blue stripes and red fins can grow to impressive sizes around Stock Island's structure. They're smart, finicky eaters that require patience and the right presentation. Spring and early summer are prime time when they're spawning and more aggressive. Landing a big mutton is something you'll remember – they're strong fighters and excellent table fare.
Lane Snapper might be smaller than their mutton cousins, but they're scrappy little fighters that are always willing to bite. These pink and yellow beauties are perfect for keeping the action going when bigger fish are being picky. They're around year-round and are especially good for families or newer anglers who want steady action. Don't let their size fool you – they're delicious and fight hard for their weight.
Black Grouper are the heavyweights of the reef system. These fish can reach substantial sizes and will head straight for the rocks when hooked. You've got to turn them quick or they'll cut you off on the structure. Winter and spring fishing tends to be best when they're more active in shallower water. There's nothing quite like the initial run of a big grouper – it's pure power and they'll test every knot and connection on your rig.
Grey Snapper, also known as mangrove snapper, are the most common but don't underestimate them. They're smart, cautious fish that require finesse and good bait presentation. These guys are around all year and are perfect for filling the cooler while you're targeting bigger species. They're excellent eating and their wariness makes them a real challenge on light tackle. When they're biting well, you can have non-stop action.
Captain Nate's Stock Island charters offer the real deal – local knowledge, quality equipment, and access to productive fishing grounds that consistently hold fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to target specific species or someone who just wants to catch fish and have a good time, these trips deliver. The 4-hour option gets you quality fishing time without eating your whole day, while the 6-hour adventure gives us flexibility to really hunt for the best bite. Stock Island's location gives us incredible variety – from shallow water species to deeper reef fish, all within a reasonable boat ride. Don't waste time with inexperienced captains who don't know the local waters. Book with someone who fishes these spots regularly and knows where the fish live.
Your fishing adventure awaits aboard our reliable 26-foot Intrepid center console, perfectly suited for Stock Island's productive inshore waters. This 2000 vessel runs smooth and steady with twin Yamaha 150HP engines, cruising comfortably at 28 knots to get you to the fish faster and back to dock with time to spare. The center console design gives everyone plenty of room to cast, fight fish, and move around safely while Captain Nate works his magic finding the best bite. Our fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while GPS keeps us on the most productive spots. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those hot Florida days on the water. With space for up to six anglers, this boat handles everything from snook in the mangroves to tarpon rolling in the channels. Whether you choose our 4-hour or 6-hour trip, you'll have a solid platform for landing your next trophy fish in some of the Keys' most productive fishing grounds.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack groupers are the heavyweights of our reefs, typically 10-30 pounds with monsters reaching 100+ pounds. These olive-gray bruisers with dark blotches are ambush predators that live around wrecks, ledges, and rocky bottom in 60-300 feet. Winter months are prime time when they move shallower and feed more aggressively. What makes them special is the incredible fight - they'll try to drag you straight back to the rocks using pure muscle. The meat is phenomenal - mild, firm, and perfect for grilling. Come prepared with heavy tackle: 80-pound braid minimum and a reel with serious drag. They don't nibble - when they eat, they inhale the whole bait. My tip: the second you feel that thump, start cranking hard and don't stop. Let them get back to structure and they'll break you off every time.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jacks are the bullies of our local waters, averaging 3-5 pounds but capable of reaching 60+ pounds. These brassy-green fighters with golden sides hunt in schools around seagrass flats, wrecks, and shallow reefs. You'll often spot birds diving where jacks are pushing baitfish to the surface - that's your cue. They hit hard and fight harder, making multiple runs that'll test your drag. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're most active in our warmer waters. What makes them special is their raw power and that distinctive watermelon scent you'll smell when approaching feeding schools. My tip: cast silver spoons or swimbaits past the school and retrieve fast - they love the chase. Once hooked, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to structure.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snappers, also called mangroves, are smart fish that keep you on your toes. Most run 1-4 pounds inshore, but offshore specimens can hit 10+ pounds. These greyish-red snappers with the dark eye stripe are night feeders that love structure - docks, mangroves, wrecks, and rock piles. They're opportunistic hunters with excellent eyesight, so stealth matters. The meat is top-shelf - white, flaky, and mild flavored. Best fishing happens during full moon periods and low-light conditions when they're most active. They can be finicky, often requiring light tackle and natural presentation. My go-to technique: live shrimp hooked through the tail on a 4/0 hook, minimal weight, and patience. Let it drift naturally near structure rather than moving it around too much. These fish reward the subtle approach.
Lutjanus SynagrisLane snappers are our reliable "bonus fish" that often show up when targeting other species. These pretty pink fish with yellow-striped sides typically run 1-3 pounds and rarely exceed 5 pounds. They're aggressive little fighters that aren't shy about taking hooks, making them perfect for beginners or when the bite gets tough. You'll find them around coral reefs and sandy bottoms in 50-150 feet, often mixed with other snapper species. March through September is prime time during their spawning season. They're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. What guests love is how cooperative they are - they'll hit live shrimp, cut bait, or small jigs readily. My tip: when bottom fishing for grouper or bigger snappers, rig a smaller hook above your main bait. Lanes will often grab it first, and they make great dinner fish.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snappers are one of our most prized catches, typically running 3-8 pounds with occasional 15+ pounders. These olive-pink beauties with blue facial streaks love deeper waters around 100-200 feet, especially near reefs and rocky structure. Adults tend to be loners or travel in small groups, making each catch feel special. The meat is outstanding - firm, white, and perfectly flaky for the dinner table. Best fishing happens during cooler months when they move up from the depths. They're finicky eaters, so fresh bait is crucial - pilchards, ballyhoo, or squid work great. My local trick: use a knocker rig with just enough weight to get down, and let your bait drift naturally in the current. When you see that pink flash coming up through clear water, you know you've got a good one.
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