Yellowtail Snapper
The signature Key West reef fish. Aggressive, abundant, and outstanding eating. We chum them up behind the boat and the action is steady spring through fall.
Best months: April – September · Avg size: 1–3 lbs
Daily 10 AMFamily Friendly
KEY WEST REEF FISHING
Six hours on the Florida Keys reef aboard the 56-foot Gulfstream IV.
Reef fishing in Key West starts just a few miles south of our dock on Historic Charter Boat Row. Climb aboard the Gulfstream IV for a six-hour trip on the reef targeting yellowtail snapper, mutton, lane snapper, grouper and more. See what you'll catch.
Reef Trip Details
10 AM – 4 PM
6-hour trip, daily year-round
About 3–10 Miles Offshore
Reef & patch reef structure
Roughly 20 to 100+ Feet
Depth varies with conditions
All Tackle Included
Rod, bait & license
Up to 40 Anglers
All ages welcome
56-Foot Gulfstream IV
Licensed, inspected crew
What a Key West Reef Fishing Trip Is Like
You check in with the crew at the dock on Historic Charter Boat Row, pick your spot along the rail and we pull away at 10 AM. The ride out to the fishing grounds is part of the day — flats, channel markers and the color change as the water deepens.
Once the captain finds the structure he likes, we anchor up and the mates rig your bait. Squid is our primary bait, with ballyhoo as a secondary option. You drop to the bottom, feel for the bite and the crew is right there to help you land, unhook and re-bait. If the yellowtail stack up behind the boat, the mates start a chum slick and we fish lighter lines back in the current.
We usually make a few stops through the day rather than sitting on one spot. Heading back in, the mate cleans and fillets your keepers so you're walking off the boat with fish. Want the technique detail before you come out? Read our guide to bottom fishing.
Where We Fish the Florida Keys Reef
The Florida Keys reef is the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States, and it runs the length of the island chain south of Key West. Our trips fish that reef system and the patch reefs, ledges, hard bottom and rubble around it — approximately 3–10 miles offshore, depending on conditions and where the fish have been.
How Deep We Fish
We typically fish anywhere from about 20 feet to more than 100 feet of water, depending on conditions and where the fish are that day. Depth changes with the weather, the season, the species we're targeting and where the captain decides to fish — there's no single spot or fixed depth we run to every trip.
How We Fish It
We anchor over structure rather than drifting past it, then chum to bring fish up and hold them near the boat. Most of the day is straightforward bottom fishing with cut squid — simple, effective and a good fit for first-timers. Want to see what the reef has actually been doing? Our Key West fishing report logs recent trips month by month.
What You'll Catch on the Key West Reef
The reef line south of Key West is alive with structure-loving fish. Here's what regularly comes over the rail aboard the Gulfstream IV.
Mutton Snapper
The trophy of the snapper family. Muttons hold on the deeper patch reefs and put a serious bend in the rod. Late spring through summer is prime.
Best months: May – July · Avg size: 5–15 lbs
Red & Black Grouper
Grouper hunker down on hard bottom and structure. They hit hard and dive harder — the most exciting reef fight you'll have on a half-day trip.
Season opens: May 1 (state waters) · Avg size: 4–10 lbs
Lane Snapper & Porgies
The reliable supporting cast. Lanes, porgies and grunts keep the rods bent between bigger bites and are some of the best-eating fish in the Keys.
Best months: Year-round · Avg size: 1–4 lbs
Bonus catches include hogfish, grunts, cero mackerel and kingfish, with mangrove snapper through the summer months. Full species breakdown on The Catch.
What's Included — and What to Bring
Included
- • Rod, reel and tackle
- • Bait — squid primary, ballyhoo secondary
- • The boat's Florida saltwater fishing license
- • Experienced captain and mates who rig and help all day
- • Fish cleaning and filleting on the way back in
- • Free parking directly behind the boat
Bring With You
- • Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
- • Food and drinks — you're welcome to bring your own
- • A cooler if you're taking fish home
- • Motion-sickness medication if you're prone to it — bring your own
- • Cash for the crew if they take care of you
What It Costs
$69.95
Adult (13+)
$42.95
Child (12 & under)
$39.95
Infant (under 5)
$45.95
Rider (no fishing)
Every fishing ticket includes rod, reel, tackle, bait and the boat's license. Rod rental is $5 if you prefer a rental setup. Because the boat, captain and fuel are shared across up to 40 anglers, a seat on the reef costs a fraction of a private trip — see the party boat vs private charter comparison or book the whole boat with a private charter.
Departure, Check-In & Parking
We're docked at 1801 N Roosevelt Blvd on Historic Charter Boat Row in Key West. The reef trip runs daily, year-round, 10 AM to 4 PM. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early so the crew can check you in and get you a spot along the rail — the boat leaves on time.
Parking is free directly behind the boat, so you can pull in and walk right down to the dock. Questions about directions? Text us at (305) 296-8494 — texting is the fastest way to reach the office — or call (305) 296-8494.
When you get back, walk your fillets down the Row to a hook-and-cook restaurant and have your catch on a plate the same afternoon.
Reef Fishing FAQ
What fish can I catch reef fishing in Key West?
Yellowtail snapper, mutton snapper, lane snapper, red grouper, black grouper, porgies, grunts and hogfish — plus seasonal cero mackerel and kingfish. Mangrove snapper show up in the summer months. Yellowtail are the most consistent target.
How far offshore do you fish?
Approximately 3–10 miles offshore. The Florida Keys reef line runs south of Key West, and the captain picks the spots each day based on wind, seas and where the fish have been biting — there is no fixed distance every trip runs to.
How deep is the water where you fish?
We typically fish anywhere from about 20 feet to more than 100 feet of water, depending on conditions and where the fish are that day. Depth changes with the weather, the season, the species we're after and where the captain chooses to fish.
Do I need a fishing license?
No. Our charter license covers every angler on board, so no individual saltwater fishing license is required.
How much does a Key West reef fishing trip cost?
$69.95 per adult (13+), $42.95 per child age 12 and under, $39.95 for infants under 5, and $45.95 for a rider who comes along without fishing. Rod rental is $5 if you need one. Rod, reel, tackle, bait and the boat's saltwater fishing license are included in every fishing ticket.
What time does the reef trip leave, and when should I get there?
The trip runs daily, year-round, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early so the crew can check you in and get you a spot along the rail.
Is there parking at the dock?
Yes. We have free parking directly behind the boat on Historic Charter Boat Row at 1801 N Roosevelt Blvd.
Do I need to bring a rod, or is gear included?
Rod, reel, tackle and bait are included with every fishing ticket. If you'd rather use a rental rod instead of the boat's setup, rod rental is $5.
Will the crew clean my fish?
Yes. The mate cleans and fillets your keepers on the way back in, so you step off the boat with fish ready to cook or drop at a hook-and-cook restaurant.
Do I need experience to go reef fishing?
No. Reef fishing is straightforward bottom fishing and the crew rigs your bait, shows you how to drop and helps land fish. It's a comfortable way for families, kids and first-timers to experience fishing in Key West.
What's the best time of year for reef fishing?
Reef fishing produces year-round. Yellowtail bite well April–September, mutton snapper peak May–July, and grouper season opens May 1 in state waters.
Book Your Key West Reef Fishing Trip
Daily 10 AM departures from Historic Charter Boat Row. Rod, bait and license included.