Ready to reel in some of the best fishing the Sunshine State has to offer? Our Little Torch Key charters put you right in the action, whether you're after a quick half-day trip or a full 8-hour adventure. From the vibrant reefs teeming with snapper to the deep blue where the big game fish roam, we've got your perfect day on the water covered. Grab your hat and sunscreen – it's time to see why the Florida Keys are a angler's paradise.
Our trips out of Little Torch Key are all about variety. Fancy some light tackle action? We'll hit the reefs where snapper and grouper hang out. Looking to test your skills against some hard-fighting fish? Let's run offshore where mahi mahi, tuna, and even sailfish cruise the Gulf Stream. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, our experienced captains know exactly where to put you on the fish. And with trips ranging from 4 to 8 hours, we can tailor the day to fit your schedule and fishing goals.
Depending on what we're after, we might be bottom fishing with live bait for those tasty reef dwellers, or trolling with colorful lures to entice the pelagics. Our boats are rigged with top-notch gear, from light spinning rods for inshore species to heavy conventional setups for when we tangle with the big boys offshore. Don't sweat it if you're new to this – our guides are happy to show you the ropes, from baiting hooks to fighting techniques that'll help you land that fish of a lifetime. And trust me, there's nothing quite like the thrill of a screaming reel when a wahoo hits your bait at full speed!
Mutton Snapper: These guys are the prize of the reef. Known for their delicious white meat, muttons put up a great fight on light tackle. They love structure, so we'll be dropping baits near coral heads and ledges. Spring and early summer are prime time for big muttons, but you can catch them year-round. Watch out for their initial run – they'll try to break you off in the rocks if you're not quick on the drag!
Grey Snapper (Mangrove Snapper): Don't let their size fool you – these feisty fish are a blast to catch. They school up around reefs and wrecks, and they're known for their lightning-fast bites. We often target them with light tackle and small live baits. Grey snapper are available all year, but the summer months can see some epic feeding frenzies. Pro tip: when you see them start to swarm your chum slick, it's game on!
Blackfin Tuna: Speed demons of the open water, blackfins will test your stamina and your drag. We usually find them offshore, often mixed in with schools of bonito. Early morning and late afternoon are prime times as they come up to feed. These guys are perfect for sushi lovers – nothing beats fresh tuna sashimi right on the boat. Just be ready for some acrobatics when they hit the deck!
Red Grouper: The bulldogs of the reef, red grouper are all about power. They love to hole up in rocky areas and wrecks, so we'll be using heavy tackle to winch them out. Fall and winter are great for targeting big reds. When you hook one, hold on tight – their first instinct is to dive back into their hidey-hole, and you've got to turn them quick or risk getting broken off.
Mahi Mahi (Dolphinfish): These are the showstoppers of the offshore world. With their electric blue and green colors, high-flying acrobatics, and delicious meat, mahi are a favorite for good reason. We often find them near floating debris or weedlines. Spring through fall is prime mahi season in the Keys. When we spot a school, get ready for non-stop action – these fish are competitive feeders, and we can often keep a whole school around the boat for multiple hookups.
The Florida Keys aren't just a fishing destination – they're a fishing mecca. Where else can you be battling a bull dolphin one minute and sight-casting to a permit on the flats the next? Our location in Little Torch Key puts us right in the sweet spot. We're close enough to the reef for quick trips but also within easy reach of the offshore grounds where the big boys play. Plus, with our year-round good weather and variety of species, there's always something biting. Whether you're after a fishbox full of tasty fillets or the photo of a lifetime with a trophy catch, we've got you covered.
So, what are you waiting for? The fish are out there, and they're not going to catch themselves! Whether you're planning a quick half-day trip to squeeze in between other Keys activities or you want to dedicate a full day to chasing your dream catch, we've got the perfect charter for you. Remember, while the fish might be unpredictable, the memories are guaranteed. Just be warned – once you experience the thrill of Keys fishing, you might find yourself planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock. Give us a call, and let's get you hooked up with some of the best fishing Florida has to offer. The only thing we can't provide is the fish stories – you'll have to earn those yourself!
Blackfin tuna are speed demons of the offshore waters, known for blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. These smaller cousins of yellowfin average 15-25 pounds but can top 40. You'll find them in the deep blue from spring through fall, often around weedlines or floating debris. They hunt in schools, so once you find them, the action can be fast and furious. Blackfin are prized for both their fight and their sushi-grade meat. When targeting them, look for birds working bait schools. Trolling small lures or live bait is effective, but chunking is the local go-to method. Cut fresh bonito or pilchards into chunks and create a scent trail. Once the blackfin show up, it's game on. Be ready with light tackle - 20-30 pound gear is perfect for these speed demons. Just hang on tight when they make those signature runs!
Grey snappers, also called mangroves, are staples of the Keys fishery. These feisty fish usually run 1-3 pounds but can reach 10+ offshore. You'll find them around mangroves, bridges, and reefs in depths from a few feet to over 100. They're opportunistic feeders, so live shrimp or small baitfish work well. Greys are most active at night, making them perfect for evening trips. Anglers love targeting them for their aggressive strikes and excellent table fare. When fishing for greys, use light tackle and a stealthy approach. They're wary, so keep your movements quiet. A local trick is to chum with crushed shellfish to get them fired up. Once you find a school, the action can be non-stop. Just be ready for their initial burst when hooked - they'll make a beeline for structure if you let them.
Mahi mahi, also called dorado, are the acrobats of the offshore world. These colorful speedsters usually run 10-30 pounds but can top 70. You'll find them in blue water from spring through fall, often around floating debris or weedlines. Mahi are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. Anglers love targeting them for their hard fights and excellent eating. When searching for mahi, look for frigate birds working - they'll lead you to the fish. Trolling ballyhoo or small lures works well, but sight casting to fish under floating debris is a local favorite. Once you find a school, toss out live baits or chunk fresh fish. The action can be non-stop. A pro tip: leave a hooked fish in the water to keep the school around. Just be ready for those blistering runs and jumps - mahi never give up easily!
Mutton snappers are prized catches in the Keys, known for their rusty-red color and black spot near the tail. These big snappers often weigh 10-15 pounds but can reach over 30. You'll find them around reefs and wrecks, usually in 80-150 feet of water. They're most active at dawn and dusk, feeding on crabs, shrimp, and small fish. Muttons put up a great fight and taste excellent, making them popular with anglers. Spring is prime time as they gather to spawn. When targeting muttons, use fresh bait like pilchards or ballyhoo and let it drift naturally in the current. A light touch on the rod is key - these fish are wary, so set the hook only when you feel solid weight. Patience pays off with muttons, so take your time and savor the battle when you hook into one of these hard-fighting snappers.
Red grouper are hard-fighting bottom dwellers, prized for their excellent white meat. These rust-colored fish average 5-15 pounds but can reach 30+. You'll find them on reefs and rocky bottom from 60-300 feet deep. They're aggressive feeders, gulping down whole fish, crabs, and squid. Anglers love targeting reds for their powerful initial run and delicious fillets. Spring and fall are prime seasons as water temperatures change. When fishing for reds, use heavy tackle and large baits like live pinfish or cut squid. Drop your rig straight down and be ready - they hit hard and head straight for their hole. A local trick is to use a knocker rig, letting your weight slide right to the hook. This gives a more natural presentation in the current. Once hooked, pump and wind steadily to keep them from rocking you.
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