Ready for a full day of non-stop fishing action in Key Largo? Lock It Up Charters has you covered with our 8-hour wrecks fishing trip. We'll hit all the prime spots where the fish are biting, from shallow reefs to deeper wrecks. This is your chance to land some of the Florida Keys' most prized catches while soaking up the sun and salt air.
Our full day trip gives you the best shot at hooking into some serious fish. We'll start early, loading up the boat with everything we need for a productive day on the water. As we cruise out of the marina, I'll fill you in on the game plan. We might start at a shallow reef, dropping lines for some quick action, then move out to deeper wrecks where the bigger fish hang out. The beauty of having 8 hours is we can follow the bite - if one spot slows down, we'll pick up and move to where the action is. You'll get to try different techniques throughout the day, from bottom fishing to trolling, depending on what's working best.
Key Largo's waters are dotted with sunken ships and artificial reefs that attract all kinds of fish. We'll be using heavy-duty gear to pull big fish up from these structures. Expect to drop baits near the wrecks and feel that heart-pounding thump when a grouper or snapper takes the hook. For the shallower spots, we might switch to lighter tackle for a more sporty fight with barracuda or jacks. I'll show you how to work the rods, set the hook, and play the fish - whether you're a first-timer or an old salt, you'll pick up some new tricks.
Anglers have been hauling in some impressive fish lately. The mutton snapper bite has been on fire around the deeper wrecks, with some real slobs in the 15-20 pound range coming over the rails. Black grouper are always a prize catch, and we've been finding some good ones in the 20-30 pound class. The cuda are thick on the reefs, providing non-stop action and some real acrobatics when hooked. Yellow jacks have been schooling up too, offering a chance at some hard-pulling fish that'll test your arms.
Barracuda: These toothy predators are the speed demons of the reef. They'll rocket out from structure to slam a lure, often going airborne in the process. Cudas in the 3-5 foot range are common, and they put on a show with their blistering runs and aerial leaps. They're most active in the warmer months but can be caught year-round in Key Largo.
Yellow Jack: These feisty fish travel in schools and are known for their strong, bulldog-like fights. They typically range from 5-15 pounds but can get much larger. Yellow jacks love structure and current, so we often find them around the wrecks. They're suckers for live bait and will also hit jigs and plugs with gusto. The best time to target them is usually from late spring through fall.
Mutton Snapper: Prized for both their fight and their flavor, mutton snapper are a favorite target for Key Largo anglers. These crafty fish can grow to over 20 pounds and are known for their powerful initial run when hooked. They hang around reefs and wrecks year-round but tend to be most active during their spawning period in the summer months. Landing a big mutton is always a highlight of any trip.
Black Grouper: These bruisers are the heavyweight champs of the reef. Black grouper can top 100 pounds, though most we catch are in the 15-40 pound range. They're ambush predators that love to hole up in the nooks and crannies of wrecks and reefs. When you hook one, be ready for a battle - they'll try to bull their way back into the structure. Black grouper are available year-round but tend to move to slightly deeper water in the winter months.
There's something special about fishing the wrecks off Key Largo. Maybe it's the thrill of battling a big fish as it tries to dive back into the twisted metal of a sunken ship. Or perhaps it's the variety - one drop might produce a tasty snapper, the next a bruising grouper. The ever-changing conditions keep you on your toes, and there's always the chance of hooking into something truly massive. Plus, the views can't be beat. Crystal clear water, vibrant reefs, and the occasional curious dolphin or sea turtle make for an unforgettable day on the water.
If you're itching to get out on the water and tangle with some of Key Largo's hardest-fighting fish, our full day wrecks trip is the way to go. With 8 hours to work with, we've got time to really dial in the bite and put you on the fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to cross some species off your list or a newcomer wanting to experience the thrill of big game fishing, this trip delivers. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give us a call or book online, and get ready for a day of rod-bending, drag-screaming action on the wrecks of Key Largo. Trust me, once you feel that first big hit, you'll be hooked!
Barracudas are some of the fastest fish in the sea, hitting speeds up to 35 mph. You'll find these torpedo-shaped predators around reefs and wrecks, usually in 20-100 foot depths. They grow up to 6 feet long but most are 2-3 feet. Spring through fall is prime barracuda season here in the Keys. Anglers love 'cudas for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. They'll hit just about any shiny lure, especially if you rip it fast. My go-to setup is a light spinning rod with 10-15 lb test line and a silver spoon or tube lure. Cast beyond the fish, retrieve quickly, and hang on tight when they hit! Just watch out for those razor-sharp teeth when you're unhooking them. Oh, and take off any jewelry before you jump in - barracuda are attracted to shiny objects and might get a little too curious.
Black Groupers are the heavyweights of the reef, growing up to 5 feet and over 100 pounds. Most you'll catch are 2-3 feet though. Look for them around ledges, wrecks, and reefs in 30-300 foot depths. They move shallower in winter and deeper in summer. November to May is spawning season, when they're most active. Anglers prize Black Grouper for their powerful fights and excellent eating. They're ambush predators, so drop your bait right into their lair. Live bait works great, but they'll hit just about anything. Use heavy tackle - I go with at least 80 lb braid and a 100 lb leader. When you feel that first tug, crank hard and fast. These bruisers will try to dive back into the rocks if you give them an inch. Be ready for a long, arm-burning battle. Oh, and keep an eye out for sharks trying to steal your catch on the way up!
Mutton Snappers are prized catches here in the Keys. These olive-colored beauties with blue facial streaks can reach up to 3 feet long, though most are in the 20-inch range. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and sandy areas, usually in 80-300 foot depths. Spring and early summer are prime seasons as they gather to spawn. Anglers love Muttons for their hard fighting ability and excellent table fare. They're crafty fish, so presentation is key. I always use the freshest bait possible on a light setup. Try letting your bait drift in the current on a knocker rig, or use a jig to mimic natural movement. Chumming can bring them to the surface where you can target them with flies or lures. Once hooked, they'll make a beeline for structure, so be ready for a battle. When you see that flash of pink coming up, you know you've got a nice Mutton on the line.
Yellow Jacks are the overlooked cousins of bigger jacks, but they put up a great fight for their size. These golden-streaked fish usually max out around 3 feet and 30 pounds. You'll spot them around offshore reefs and wrecks, often hanging with schools of bigger fish. They're opportunistic feeders, so look for commotion on the water's surface. Spring and summer are ideal for targeting them. Anglers enjoy Yellow Jacks for their fast runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. The meat can be good eating if you remove the bloodline. For the best shot at hooking one, try trolling with pilchards or small lures. Use light tackle - a 10-15 pound line lets you feel those lightning-fast strikes. When you see one coming, give a slight pull on your lure, then reel like crazy when they hit. These speedy fish won't hang around long if they miss, so be ready!
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