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Key Largo Wreck Fishing: 4-Hour Pro-Guided Trip
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Key Largo, FL
- $400 - $1,150 price range
- Updated Date: November 19, 2025
Summary
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Reels and Rods
Half Day Fishing Frenzy in Key Largo's Hotspots
Ready to chase some of the hottest fish in the Florida Keys? Join Captain Andrew Atwill of Local Grown Charters for a morning of non-stop action in Key Largo's prime fishing grounds. Whether you're itching to tangle with a monster barracuda or looking to fill the cooler with tasty snapper, this half-day trip delivers the goods. We'll hit either the rich waters of Everglades National Park or cruise out to the patch reef, depending on where the bite is hottest. With top-notch gear in your hands and an expert captain at the helm, you're in for some serious rod-bending fun.
What to Expect on the Water
We kick off early to beat the heat and catch the fish when they're hungriest. As soon as we clear the marina, it's game on. Captain Andrew's got his finger on the pulse of these waters, so we'll head straight for the honey holes. Might be working a mangrove shoreline for snook and redfish, or drifting the patch reefs for grouper and mackerel. The beauty of fishing Key Largo is the variety – one minute you're sight-casting to a cruising tarpon, the next you're battling a bull jack that's trying to smoke your reel. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, Captain Andrew's got you covered with tips and tricks to put fish in the boat.
Techniques & Tackle Talk
We keep it versatile out here, so be ready to switch it up. Might start off with some light tackle flats fishing, tossing soft plastics or live bait for trout and redfish. If the pelagics are running, we'll break out the heavier gear and troll for kings and 'cudas. When we hit the patch reefs, it's all about working those rocky bottoms with live bait or jigs for grouper and snapper. Captain Andrew's always got a few secret weapons in his tackle box, like his killer flutter jig that the grouper can't resist. And don't worry if you're new to this – he'll walk you through every technique, from how to work a topwater for explosive strikes to the finesse of bottom fishing.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
"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
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are a favorite for their hard pulls and delicious fillets. Look for them tailing in the shallows or cruising the mangrove edges. They'll crush a well-placed jig or live bait, and put up a fight that'll have your drag singing. Best time to target them is during the cooler months when they school up in the backcountry.
Crevalle Jack: If you want a fish that fights like it's got somewhere to be, the jack crevalle is your huckleberry. These bulldogs of the flats will test your arms and your gear. They hunt in wolf packs, so when you find one, get ready for non-stop action. They're not great eating, but pound-for-pound, they're some of the hardest fighting fish in these waters.
Snook: The wily snook is a prized catch for good reason. They're smart, strong, and love to hang out in structure that'll test your skills. We target them around mangroves, docks, and bridge pilings. There's nothing quite like the explosion of a big snook crushing a topwater lure at dawn. They're catch-and-release most of the year, but when they're in season, they make for some fine eating.
Grey Snapper: Don't let their size fool you – these tasty little brawlers punch above their weight class. We call 'em mangrove snapper around here, and they're a staple for any fish fry. They love to hang around structure and will test your finesse fishing skills. Drop a live shrimp or small jig near any rocky bottom or mangrove edge, and get ready for some fast action.
Tarpon: The silver king is the crown jewel of Key Largo fishing. These prehistoric beasts can top 150 pounds and put on an acrobatic show like no other. We target them during their migration in late spring and early summer, but you can find resident fish year-round. Hooking one is a thrill, but landing a tarpon is an accomplishment you'll never forget.
Sea Trout: The spotted seatrout is a Key Largo staple. These guys are perfect for light tackle enthusiasts and great for beginners. We find them over grass flats and around deeper holes. They're suckers for a well-worked soft plastic or live shrimp under a popping cork. And when you get into a school, it's non-stop action that can fill the cooler quick.
Great Barracuda: With a mouth full of razor-sharp teeth and a bad attitude to match, the 'cuda is always a crowd-pleaser. These toothy missiles love to hang around the patch reefs and will absolutely destroy a fast-moving lure. The bigger ones can top 50 pounds and will give you a run for your money. They're not for eating, but for pure excitement, it's hard to beat a big barracuda blasting a topwater plug.
Spanish Mackerel: These speedsters are the perfect mix of sport and table fare. We often find them in big schools, slashing through bait balls near the surface. Light tackle and fast retrieves are the ticket here. A small spoon or Gotcha plug ripped through the water will often trigger a feeding frenzy. They're a blast to catch and make for some excellent fish tacos back at the dock.
Time to Book Your Spot
So there you have it, folks – a morning in Key Largo that'll have you hooked for life. From the backcountry canals to the patch reefs, we've got a smorgasbord of fish just waiting to bend your rod. Captain Andrew knows these waters like the back of his hand and he's ready to put you on the fish of a lifetime. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just want to experience the thrill of Key Largo fishing, this trip's got something for everyone. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give Local Grown Charters a call and let's get you out on the water for some real Florida Keys action. Trust me, once you feel that first big hit, you'll be planning your next trip before we even get back to the dock.
Customer Reviews
Fish On Wind Off
Paula Harris
March 6, 2025
Andrews Epic Angling
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 Grote
January 3, 2025
Learn more about the animals
Crevalle Jack
Crevalle Jacks are hard-fighting bruisers that'll test your gear and your arms. These silver-sided powerhouses average 2-3 feet long but can top 50 pounds. You'll spot them busting bait on the surface near reefs, inlets, and along beaches. Jacks hunt in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more nearby. They're most active in warmer months but can be caught year-round in Key Largo. Anglers love jack crevalle for their aggressive strikes and bulldog fighting style. These fish will hit just about any lure or bait that moves. Try fast-retrieving topwater plugs or metal jigs. For a real thrill, sight-cast to feeding schools – it's like watching an explosion when they hit. One tip: when a jack takes your bait, don't hesitate. Set the hook hard and hang on tight, because these guys don't give up easily.
Great Barracuda
Great barracuda are the toothy terrors of Key Largo reefs. These sleek predators can stretch over 5 feet long and hit 50+ pounds, though most run 2-3 feet. You'll spot them lurking around reefs, wrecks, and channel edges, often hanging motionless near the surface. Cudas are year-round residents but seem most active in warmer months. Anglers target them for their lightning-fast strikes and powerful runs. Watching a big 'cuda rocket out of the water with your lure is a rush. They'll hit just about anything shiny or flashy. Try trolling tube lures or spoons, or cast topwater plugs around structure. Wire leaders are a must – those razor teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. Here's a tip: when you see a barracuda following your lure, speed up your retrieve. The faster action often triggers their predatory instinct, leading to explosive strikes.
Grey Snapper
Grey Snapper, also called mangrove snapper, are a staple of Key Largo fishing. These tasty fish typically run 1-5 pounds, though bigger ones lurk around deeper structures. You'll find them hanging around mangroves, reefs, and any kind of underwater structure. Grey snappers are year-round targets but really turn on during summer months. Anglers love them for their delicious white meat and the fun of outsmarting these notoriously wary fish. They have excellent eyesight and can be line-shy, so light leaders and stealthy presentations are key. Live shrimp or small baitfish work great, but they'll hit artificial lures too. Try a small jig tipped with shrimp around mangrove roots or bridge pilings. Here's a pro tip: chum with cut bait to get them fired up, then float a live bait back into the chum slick. The snappers often can't resist.
Redfish
Redfish are a prized catch in Key Largo's waters, known for their copper-red color and distinctive black spot near the tail. These fish typically range from 20-30 inches and 6-15 pounds, though they can grow much larger. You'll find them in shallow flats, oyster beds, and mangrove shorelines, often in water just 1-4 feet deep. Redfish are most active in fall and spring, but can be caught year-round. Anglers love targeting them for their strong fights and delicious, light-flavored meat. When fishing for reds, look for "tailing" fish in shallow grass flats – their tails breaking the surface as they feed. Try using live shrimp or small crabs on a circle hook, or artificial lures like gold spoons or soft plastics. One local trick: on windy days, focus on lee shorelines where baitfish get pushed up against the bank. Redfish will be there waiting to ambush them.
Sea Trout
Sea trout, or speckled trout, are a Key Largo favorite for their abundance and great taste. These spotted fish usually run 15-20 inches and 1-3 pounds, though gator trout over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. You'll find them in grassy flats, channels, and around oyster bars, often in 2-6 feet of water. Trout fishing is good year-round but peaks in spring and fall. Anglers love targeting them for their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare. They'll hit a variety of lures and baits, making them fun for all skill levels. Try a popping cork rig with live shrimp, or work a soft plastic jerk bait across the grass flats. One local trick: fish the edges of grass flats on moving tides. Trout often set up ambush points where the current sweeps bait off the flat. Cast up-current and let your lure drift naturally along these edges for best results.
Snook
Snook are one of Key Largo's most sought-after gamefish, known for their clever tactics and acrobatic fights. These ambush predators lurk around mangroves, docks, and inlets, waiting to pounce on passing bait. Most snook run 24-34 inches, but they can reach over 40 inches and 30 pounds. Spring and fall are prime seasons, with fish gathering near passes to spawn. Anglers prize snook for their challenging nature and tasty white meat. They're wary and can be tricky to fool, which makes landing one even sweeter. Live bait like pilchards or pinfish works well, but artificial lures can be deadly too. Try walk-the-dog topwaters at dawn or swim baits along mangrove edges. One local secret: fish the shadow lines of bridges or docks on outgoing tides – snook often stake out these spots to ambush disoriented baitfish.
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish mackerel are speedy swimmers that provide fast-paced action in Key Largo waters. These sleek fish usually run 2-4 pounds but can reach up to 12 pounds. You'll find them in open water near reefs and around bait schools, often feeding on the surface. Spring and fall migrations offer the best shot at numbers, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers love Spanish macks for their quick strikes and tasty flesh. They're great eating when fresh but don't freeze well. These fish will hit just about any small, shiny lure. Try trolling small spoons or jigs, or cast metal lures into feeding frenzies. Light tackle adds to the fun – their runs can really make your reel sing. One local trick: when you see birds diving, motor upwind of the action and drift through. Spanish mackerel often drive bait to the surface, creating these feeding blitzes. Cast into the melee and hang on!
Tarpon
Tarpon are the silver kings of Key Largo waters, famous for their size and spectacular aerial displays. These prehistoric-looking fish can reach over 6 feet long and 150 pounds. You'll find them rolling in deeper channels, around bridges, and in backcountry lagoons. Spring and early summer are prime tarpon time, as big schools migrate through the Keys. Anglers chase tarpon for the thrill of the hunt and the heart-pounding fights. Watching a 100-pound fish launch itself 10 feet in the air is something you never forget. Live bait like mullet or crabs works well, but many anglers prefer the challenge of fly fishing for tarpon. When you hook up, be ready for multiple jumps and long, dogged fights. One key tip: when a tarpon jumps, drop your rod tip to the water. This "bows to the king" technique helps keep the hook set and prevents break-offs during those acrobatic leaps.
About the Pathfinder
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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 !