Ready to bend some rods and fill the cooler? Captain Andrew Atwill's 4-hour wreck fishing trip out of Key Largo is your ticket to non-stop action. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this half-day adventure puts you on the hottest spots in Everglades National Park and the patch reefs. We're talking about hooking into monster snappers, grouper that'll make your arms burn, and acrobatic tarpon that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. So grab your hat and sunscreen â it's time to see why Key Largo is a fishing mecca!
Picture this: You're cruising out at dawn, the sun painting the sky as Captain Andrew points out manatees and dolphins along the way. Before you know it, you're dropping lines over sunken wrecks teeming with fish. The captain's got all the top-notch gear you need, from rods and reels to live bait that the fish can't resist. Whether you're a pro or it's your first time wetting a line, Captain Andrew's got you covered with expert tips to land the big ones. And let me tell you, when that reel starts screaming, you'll be hooked for life. We keep things moving, hitting multiple spots to maximize your chances of a cooler full of fish and a phone full of brag-worthy photos.
On this trip, we mix it up to keep the action hot. We'll start with some bottom fishing, dropping weighted lines baited with live shrimp or cut bait right into the strike zone. Watch that rod tip â when it starts bouncing, it's game on! For the surface feeders, we'll toss out some chum and get a nice slick going. Then it's time for some light tackle action, sight-casting to feeding frenzies that'll have your heart racing. Captain Andrew knows all the local honey holes, from deep water wrecks to shallow patch reefs. And if the bite is on fire, we might even break out the fly rods for some serious sportfishing. The name of the game is variety, and we've got all the bases covered.
"Captain Andrew and Rob did a fantastic job getting us on fish despite a windy day. We loved it so much we rebooked for tomorrow at the dock when we arrived back! Going to the Reef tomorrow and cant wait !" - Paula
"Andrew worked his tail off to keep bait on hooks and lines in the water. He offers a number of areas to fish and gives you options to maximize fishing for the day. I booked a 4 hour trip with my wife and 3 kids. Andrew was great with the kids and was always willing to answer questions." - Brian
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are a staple of Key Largo fishing. Known for their distinctive spot near the tail, redfish put up a tough fight and make for excellent table fare. They love hanging around structure, so we'll target them near mangroves and oyster beds. The fall months are prime time for big bull reds, but you can catch them year-round in the backcountry.
Crevalle Jack: Pound for pound, these guys are some of the hardest fighting fish in the Keys. Jacks travel in schools and when they're busting bait on the surface, it's a sight you won't forget. They'll test your stamina and your gear, often making blistering runs that'll have you hanging on for dear life. While they're not the best eating, the fight alone makes them worth targeting.
Snook: The wily snook is a bucket list fish for many anglers. These ambush predators love to hang out under mangroves and around dock pilings. They're known for their acrobatic jumps and line-stripping runs. Spring and summer are peak seasons when they move into the shallows to spawn. Landing a big snook is a true test of an angler's skill â are you up for the challenge?
Grey Snapper: Also known as mangrove snapper, these tasty fish are abundant in the Keys. They're crafty and quick, often stealing bait before you know what hit you. We'll use light tackle and small hooks to outsmart these guys. The best part? They make for some of the finest fish tacos you'll ever taste.
Tarpon: The silver king is the crown jewel of Key Largo fishing. These prehistoric beasts can grow over 150 pounds and are famous for their gill-rattling jumps and powerful runs. Tarpon season peaks from April to June, but you can find resident fish year-round. Hooking one is exciting, but landing a tarpon is an accomplishment you'll never forget.
Sea Trout: Speckled trout are a light tackle favorite in the grassy flats. They're beautiful fish with spotted patterns and delicate mouths that require finesse to hook. We'll use popping corks and soft plastics to entice these guys. The bigger ones, called gator trout, put up a great fight and are excellent on the grill.
Great Barracuda: With their menacing teeth and lightning-fast strikes, 'cudas are the wolves of the reef. We often spot them lurking around structure, ready to ambush anything that moves. Tossing a tube lure or topwater plug their way can result in explosive strikes that'll get your heart racing. They're not for eating, but the thrill of the catch is hard to beat.
Spanish Mackerel: These speedsters are the perfect target for light tackle enthusiasts. They travel in schools and when they're feeding, the action is non-stop. We'll troll small spoons or cast jigs into feeding frenzies. Mackerel make great smoked fish dip, so be sure to keep a few for the cooler.
Look, I could go on all day about the fish you might catch, but nothing beats experiencing it firsthand. Captain Andrew's 4-hour trip is the perfect taste of what Key Largo fishing is all about. With top-notch gear, expert guidance, and some of the most productive waters in Florida, you're in for a treat. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer or just want to feel the thrill of a bent rod, this trip delivers. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait. Give Local Grown Charters a call and let's get you out on the water. Trust me, once you feel that first hit, you'll be planning your next trip before we even hit the dock. See you on the boat!
March 6, 2025
Andrew worked his tail off to keep bait on hooks and lines in the water. He offers a number of areas to fish and gives you options to maximize fishing for the day. I booked a 4 hour trip with my wife and 3 kids. Andrew was great with the kids and was always willing to answer questions.
January 3, 2025
Great Barracuda are the bad boys of the Keys. These sleek predators can grow up to 6 feet long, though most we catch are in the 2-4 foot range. They're lightning fast, hitting 35 mph in short bursts. You'll find them lurking around reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves, often hanging out near the surface. Barracuda are curious by nature and love shiny objects, so flashy lures work well. Spring and summer are peak seasons when they're most active. Anglers love targeting them for the adrenaline rush - when hooked, they'll make blistering runs and even leap from the water. Just watch those teeth when you're landing one! Here's a pro tip: if a cuda follows your lure but won't bite, give it a quick jerk. That often triggers their predatory instinct. While not the best eating, the fight alone makes Great Barracuda an exciting catch on any Key Largo trip.
Redfish are a favorite inshore target in Key Largo. These copper-colored bruisers usually run 5-10 pounds but can get much bigger. You'll find them tailing on shallow flats or hanging around mangroves and oyster bars. Fall is prime time when they school up, but you can catch them year-round. Reds are known for their strong, steady fights and delicious white meat. They'll hit just about anything - live bait, cut bait, or artificial lures all work well. Sight-fishing for them is a blast, especially on fly. Keep an eye out for their characteristic tail sticking up as they root for crabs in shallow water. Here's a local tip: on calm days, try drifting the flats and looking for "pushes" - v-shaped wakes made by cruising redfish. Cast ahead of them and hang on!
Tarpon, the "Silver King," is the trophy catch of the Keys. These prehistoric beasts can top 6 feet and 150 pounds, with powerful runs and spectacular aerial displays. You'll find them in channels, around bridges, and on the flats. Spring and early summer are prime, when they migrate through our waters. Tarpon fishing is all about the challenge - they have bony mouths that make hook-sets tricky, and their stamina will test your arms and back. Most anglers practice catch-and-release to preserve the fishery. Live bait like mullet or crabs works well, but nothing beats the thrill of a tarpon crushing a fly on the surface. My top tip: when a tarpon jumps, lower your rod tip to give slack. It helps keep them hooked and reduces breakoffs. Landing a tarpon is a true accomplishment that'll have you grinning for days.
Spanish Mackerel are a blast to catch around Key Largo. These speedy swimmers usually run 1-2 feet long and put up an exciting fight on light tackle. Look for them in large schools near the surface, especially around structures in open water. They love warm weather, so summer's prime time to find them closer to shore. Trolling or drifting with shiny spoons or live bait like sardines works well. These fish are prized for their tasty, versatile meat - great grilled, smoked, or even as sushi. Just be careful of the tiny bones when cleaning them. My top tip: keep an eye out for birds diving - that's often a sign of Spanish Mackerel feeding below. Cast into the frenzy and hold on tight - these speedsters will test your gear and your skills. The combination of fast action and delicious fillets makes Spanish Mackerel a favorite target for many of my guests.
Crevalle Jack are the bulldogs of the flats. These bruisers usually run 3-5 pounds but can top 30. Look for them in shallow bays, around structure, or busting bait on the surface. They're here year-round but really active in warmer months. Jacks fight like crazy, making long runs and dogged circles under the boat. They're not known for eating quality, so most anglers release them. Fast-moving lures like spoons or topwater plugs work great. Live bait like pinfish or mullet is deadly too. My favorite way to target them is sight-fishing on the flats - watching a jack crush a fly in skinny water is hard to beat. Pro tip: when you see them feeding on the surface, cast beyond the school and retrieve through it. Jacks are competitive and will race to hit your lure first.
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite inshore target here in the Keys. Most run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though some monsters over 30 inches do show up. Look for them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love structure, so docks and oyster bars are prime spots. Winter's actually the best time, as they school up in deeper channels. Sea Trout put up a decent fight and are known for their delicate, mild flavor. Light tackle and artificial lures like jigs or topwater plugs work great. Live shrimp are always a good bet too. Here's a local trick: try a popping cork rig - the noise mimics feeding fish and can really get the trout fired up. Whether you're after a tasty dinner or just some rod-bending action, Sea Trout are a solid choice for anglers of all levels.
Grey Snapper, or Mangrove Snapper, are a staple of Key Largo fishing. These tasty fish usually run 1-2 feet long and 1-5 pounds. You'll find them around any structure - reefs, wrecks, mangroves, even bridge pilings. They're here year-round but really pick up in summer. Snappers are known for their light, flaky meat and put up a good scrap on light tackle. Live bait like shrimp or small fish is your best bet, but they'll hit jigs and soft plastics too. These fish are smart and can be leader-shy, so go with lighter fluorocarbon if they're being picky. Here's a local trick: chum heavily to get them fired up, then float a bait back in the slick. Grey Snapper make for great eating and steady action, perfect for filling the cooler or keeping kids entertained.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 52
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300
Captain Andrew and Rob did a fantastic job getting us on fish despite a windy day. We loved it so much we rebooked for tomorrow at the dock when we arrived back! Going to the Reef tomorrow and cant wait !