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Premier Key West Reef Fishing | Afternoon Adventure
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Key West, FL
- $950 - $1,400 price range
Summary
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Reelin' in the Reef
Fresh king mackerel catch with happy anglers.
Fresh mahi-mahi and strong tuna catch on display.
Mahi-mahi and tuna catch.
Large mahi-mahi catch ready for cleaning.
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Bright mahi-mahi and shiny tuna catch.
Giant sailfish catch with proud anglers on deck.
Colorful mahi-mahi catch on a sunny day.
Fresh king mackerel catch with happy anglers.
Fresh mahi-mahi and strong tuna catch on display.
Mahi-mahi and tuna catch.
Large mahi-mahi catch ready for cleaning.
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Bright mahi-mahi and shiny tuna catch.
Giant sailfish catch with proud anglers on deck.
Colorful mahi-mahi catch on a sunny day.
Fresh king mackerel catch with happy anglers.
Fresh mahi-mahi and strong tuna catch on display.
Mahi-mahi and tuna catch.
Large mahi-mahi catch ready for cleaning.
Reef Fishing Afternoon: Key West's Hidden Gems
Ready for some seriously good fishing without the full-day commitment? Our 4-hour afternoon reef trip is just the ticket. We'll zip you out to Key West's prime fishing grounds where the action is hot and the fish are biting. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, our local crew knows exactly where to find the sweet spots. Get ready to reel in some of Florida's most prized catches while soaking up that laid-back Keys vibe.
What's the Deal?
Here's the lowdown: We'll head out around lunchtime for four solid hours of fishing the reef. You've got options - we can troll for the big boys like Barracuda and Mackerel, or we can drop anchor and bottom fish for tasty Snappers and Grouper. The crew will read the conditions and put you on the fish. Best part? We provide all the gear, bait, and know-how. Just bring your favorite snacks, some cold drinks, and a good attitude. Oh, and don't forget a cooler for your catch - you'll want to show off those fish tales later!
Fishing the Key West Way
When it comes to reef fishing, we've got a few tricks up our sleeves. If we're trolling, we'll set out a spread of lures and live baits, cruising at the perfect speed to entice those predators. Keep an eye out for birds diving - that's often a dead giveaway for some serious action below. When we're anchored up, we'll use light tackle and live bait to target the reef dwellers. Our crew will show you the ropes on how to detect those subtle bites and when to set the hook. Don't worry if you're new to this - we'll have you fishing like a local in no time.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Mutton Snapper: These beautiful pink fish are some of the tastiest in the Keys. They're cunning and put up a great fight, often making strong runs for the reef. Muttons love structure, so we'll target them around coral heads and ledges. Spring and early summer are prime time for big muttons, but we catch them year-round.
Gag Grouper: Tough as nails and delicious on the plate, gag grouper are a prized catch. These bruisers like to hang around rocky bottoms and wrecks. When you hook one, be ready for a battle - they'll try to dive back into their hidey-holes. We catch them best in the cooler months when they move closer to shore.
King Mackerel: Also known as Kingfish, these speedsters are a blast to catch. They're famous for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics. We often troll for Kings with live bait or flashy lures. Fall and winter are peak seasons, but you can find them year-round in the Keys.
Barracuda: With their toothy grins and lightning-fast attacks, 'cudas are always exciting. They're ambush predators, so we'll often find them lurking around structure or chasing bait schools. Barracuda are here all year, but they're especially active in the warmer months.
Mahi Mahi: Also called Dorado or Dolphinfish (not to be confused with Flipper), Mahi are the acrobats of the ocean. They're known for their vibrant colors and delicious meat. We typically find them around floating debris or weed lines. Summer is prime Mahi season, but we can catch them in the spring and fall too.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Sure, the fishing's great, but it's more than that. It's the way the sun hits the water as it starts to dip in the afternoon. It's the salty breeze and the way time seems to slow down out here. Our trips are perfect for families, groups of friends, or even solo anglers looking to join others. We keep things chill but productive - you'll be laughing and swapping stories while reeling in dinner. And speaking of dinner, nothing beats the taste of fish you caught yourself just hours ago.
Time to Book Your Spot
Look, the fish are out there waiting, and we've got the perfect afternoon trip to get you on them. Whether you're dreaming of that trophy catch or just want to experience some of the best fishing the Keys has to offer, we've got you covered. Our 4-hour trips are the sweet spot - enough time to get into some serious action without eating up your whole day. Plus, with our expert local knowledge and all gear provided, it couldn't be easier. So what are you waiting for? Grab your crew, pack a cooler, and let's hit the reef. The fish are biting, and your next great Key West memory is just a cast away. Book now and get ready for some real Florida fishing!
Learn more about the species
Barracuda
Barracuda are the toothy terrors of the reef. These lean, mean predators can reach 5-6 feet long, though most run 2-3 feet. You'll spot them lurking around structure in 20-100 feet of water, often near the surface. They're ambush hunters, using bursts of speed to catch prey. Cuda will hit just about anything shiny - spoons, tube lures, or live bait all work well. Light tackle makes for an exciting fight as they leap and tailwalk across the water. Watch those teeth when landing them - they can slice through leader like butter. A local tip: if you see a cuda following your bait, speed up your retrieve. That sudden burst often triggers a strike. While not the best eating, their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps make them a fun species to target.
Gag Grouper
Gag grouper are hefty reef dwellers that put up a serious fight. Most run 10-30 pounds, but 50-pounders aren't unheard of. Look for them around rocky bottoms, ledges, and wrecks in 60-200 feet of water. They love structure and use their powerful bodies to dive back into holes when hooked. Spring and fall are prime seasons as water temps change. Gags will hit live bait, but chunking with cut fish often works better. Use heavy tackle - 50-80 pound line at least. A local trick is to drop your bait right into a rocky crevice where they hide. Be ready to crank hard and turn their heads before they can get back in that hole. The reward is some of the best-tasting fish in the sea.
King Mackerel
King mackerel are speed demons that'll make your reel sing. These sleek predators average 10-20 pounds but can top 50. You'll find them patrolling the edges of reefs and wrecks in 30-150 feet of water. They're most active in summer and fall, chasing schools of bait fish. Trolling with live bait or spoons is the go-to method. Kings are famous for their blistering runs, often leaping clear of the water. Light tackle adds to the thrill, but be ready for some serious peeling of line. A wire leader is a must to prevent bite-offs from their razor sharp teeth. For an extra challenge, try slow-trolling live blue runners - it's like candy to a kingfish. Just be careful handling them at the boat - those teeth are no joke.
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish
Mahi mahi, also called dorado, are the golden acrobats of the open water. These colorful fish typically run 10-30 pounds but can reach over 60. You'll find them around floating debris and weed lines, usually within 30 miles of shore. Spring and summer are prime seasons as they follow warm currents. Mahi are famous for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. They hit just about any lure or bait skipped across the surface. Light tackle adds to the thrill as they make blistering runs and leaps. A local trick is to keep the first mahi you catch in the water - others will often stick around to investigate. These fish are excellent eating and make for great photos with their electric blue and gold colors. Just be quick - those vibrant hues fade fast once they're out of the water.
Mutton Snapper
Mutton snapper are a prized catch around Key West, known for their tasty white meat and strong fighting ability. These pink-hued fish typically run 15-20 pounds but can reach over 30. You'll find them hanging around reefs and wrecks in 30-100 feet of water. They're most active at dawn and dusk, feeding on crabs, shrimp, and small fish. Muttons put up a great fight on light tackle. To land one, use fresh cut bait like squid or pilchards on a circle hook. Let it sit on the bottom and be patient - muttons can be cautious biters. When you feel that telltale tap-tap, get ready for some rod-bending action. These snappers are excellent eating, so be sure to save room in the cooler.
About the Fishizzle Sportfishing
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Caterpillar
Maximum Cruising Speed: 13
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 350
