Hey there, fellow anglers! Ready for some epic Florida Keys fishing action? Our 40' Hatteras is primed and ready to get you on the hottest bite in Marathon. We're talking reef and wreck fishing that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. Whether you're chasing tasty snappers or battling hard-pulling groupers, we've got the spots and the know-how to make it happen. Grab your sunscreen and let's hit the water!
Listen up, because here's the lowdown on our trips. We're running 4 to 10-hour charters, giving you plenty of time to work those productive reefs and wrecks. The Florida Keys are a fish magnet, and we know just where they're hiding. Yellowtail and mutton snapper? Check. Black and red grouper? You bet. And that's just the start. We're also on the lookout for kingfish, cobia, and even the occasional sailfish or wahoo when conditions are right. Our crew keeps a close eye on fish patterns and weather, so we're always on top of where the action is hottest.
Alright, let's talk tactics. When we hit the reefs, we're usually dropping lines with live bait or cut chunks. It's all about getting that bait down to where the fish are hanging out. For wrecks, we might switch it up and do some jigging or use heavier tackle for those bigger bottom-dwellers. We've got all the gear you need, from light spinning rods for the snappers to beefier setups for grouper and amberjack. Don't worry if you're new to this kind of fishing – our crew will show you the ropes and have you fishing like a pro in no time.
Our customers come back with some killer stories, but unfortunately, we don't have any specific reviews to share at the moment. Trust me, though – the smiles and high-fives at the end of the day tell the whole story. Once you've felt the pull of a big grouper or watched a school of yellowtails light up the water, you'll be hooked for life.
Let's break down some of the stars of the show you'll be targeting on our trips:
Red Grouper: These guys are the bulldogs of the reef. They love to hang around structure and put up one heck of a fight. Red grouper can grow up to 50 pounds, but even the smaller ones will give your arms a workout. They're most active in the cooler months, so fall through spring is prime time. Anglers love 'em not just for the fight, but because they make for some mighty fine eating.
Cero Mackerel: Don't let their size fool you – ceros are speed demons. These sleek predators cruise the reefs looking for baitfish, and when they hit, it's like lightning. They're around most of the year, but summer and fall see them really fired up. Light tackle anglers go nuts for these fish because of their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics.
Cobia: Now we're talking about a fish with an attitude. Cobia are curious creatures that often swim right up to the boat. They can top 100 pounds and when they decide to eat, hold on tight! These bruisers are most common in the spring and fall as they migrate. Sight-casting to a big cobia is an adrenaline rush like no other.
Mutton Snapper: If you're after a real trophy, mutton snapper are hard to beat. These wary fish can grow to over 20 pounds and are known for their powerful first run. They hang around the reefs year-round but really turn on during their spawn in late spring and early summer. Landing a big mutton is a badge of honor for any angler.
Black Grouper: The king of the reef, black grouper are the stuff of legends. These monster fish can top 100 pounds and are masters at using the reef to their advantage. They're a year-round target, but winter and spring often see the bigger ones come out to play. Hooking into a big black grouper is like trying to stop a freight train – it's you or the fish, and often, it's the fish!
Look, I could go on all day about the fishing here in Marathon, but nothing beats experiencing it firsthand. Our 40' Hatteras is ready to take you and up to 5 of your buddies out for the fishing trip of a lifetime. We've got the local knowledge, the right gear, and the passion to put you on fish. So what are you waiting for? The grouper aren't going to catch themselves! Give us a call, book your trip, and get ready for some serious rod-bending action in the beautiful Florida Keys. Trust me, once you fish these waters, you'll be counting the days until you can come back. Let's make it happen!
Cobia are sleek, powerful fish that can reach 6 feet and 100 pounds. Look for them around reefs, wrecks, and buoys in waters 30 feet deep or less, though they sometimes hang out as deep as 300 feet. They spawn from June to August in our area, so that's prime time to target them. Cobia are prized for their firm, flavorful meat and the fight they put up. These solitary swimmers are aggressive and will chase down just about any bait or lure. My go-to is a bucktail jig in the 4 to 8 ounce range. Sight fishing for cobia is a blast - keep your eyes peeled for them just below the surface, especially during their spring migration. When you spot one, cast ahead of it and let your lure sink. The cobia's curiosity often gets the better of it, and boom - you're in for some real action on the line.
Mutton snappers are beautiful fish, olive-colored with blue lines near their eyes and a distinctive black spot on each side. Most top out around 20 inches, but they can grow to over 3 feet and 30 pounds. You'll find them on reefs and along mangroves, often in 80 to 300 feet of water. These guys are loners, so you won't see big schools. Muttons are prized for their tasty white meat and the challenge they present. They're wary fish, so presentation is key. Use only the freshest bait and keep it moving naturally. Here's a local trick: let your bait drift in the chum slick on a light sinker or knocker rig. When you see that flash of pink coming up from the depths, you know you've got a mutton on the line. Smooth and steady does it when you're reeling them in.
Cero mackerel are swift, streamlined fish, typically 5 to 10 pounds but can reach up to 17 pounds. You'll spot them in clear coastal waters, often near coral reefs and shipwrecks. They're usually in the top 60 feet of water, making them perfect for light tackle fishing. Ceros are around year-round, but they're most active in warmer months. Anglers love targeting them for their speed and the tasty sushi-grade meat they provide. These fish have razor-sharp teeth, so watch your fingers and use a wire leader. Here's a tip: try chumming with ballyhoo or pilchards over patch reefs to get them fired up. Once they're in a feeding frenzy, they'll hit just about any lure or bait. For a real thrill, try topwater lures - ceros love to explode on the surface.
Black groupers are tough customers, averaging over 2 feet long but sometimes pushing 5 feet and 125 pounds. You'll find them lurking around reefs, wrecks, and ledges in coastal waters. They like it deep - 30 to 300 feet depending on the season. These guys are ambush predators, so they're not built for speed, but man are they strong. When you hook one, get ready for a battle. Use heavy gear - at least 20 pounds of drag, 80-pound braid, and a 100-pound leader. They're not picky eaters, so live or dead bait works if you get it to the bottom. Here's a pro tip: as soon as you feel a nibble, start reeling. These fish will try to dive back into the rocks and snap your line if you give them half a chance. The meat is mild and firm - real tasty stuff. Just watch out for sharks trying to steal your catch on the way up.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Cummins
Maximum Cruising Speed: 25
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 660