Ready to reel in some of the Florida Keys' most prized catches? Lock It Up Charters has you covered with this 6-hour inshore fishing trip in Key Largo. We're talking prime fishing grounds, expert guidance, and the chance to hook into some serious bucket list fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, Captain Jason knows how to put you on the fish and make sure you have a blast doing it.
This isn't your average day of fishing – it's a full-on Key Largo experience. We'll cruise out to some of the area's best-kept secret spots, where the reefs and wrecks create the perfect habitat for a variety of game fish. You'll be using top-notch gear (all provided, so no need to lug your own), and Captain Jason will show you the ropes if you're new to inshore fishing. Expect to try different techniques as we target various species throughout the day. And don't worry about licenses or bait – we've got all that covered. Plus, we'll even clean your catch at the end of the trip. All you need to focus on is having a good time and maybe landing that fish of a lifetime.
Inshore fishing in Key Largo is all about versatility. We might start the day throwing lures around mangroves for snook, then switch gears and drop live bait near a wreck for grouper. The beauty of fishing these waters is that you never know what might bite next. We use a mix of light tackle and medium-heavy gear, depending on our target and conditions. You'll learn how to work a jig, present a live bait, and maybe even do some sight fishing if the conditions are right. The waters around Key Largo offer a mix of flats, channels, and nearshore reefs, giving us plenty of options to find where the fish are biting.
"Myself, my girlfriend, and her 12 yr old son just finished a great trip with Captain Jay! He immediately reached out to me after I booked the trip and I explained I just wanted the 12 yr old to have an awesome experience. Capt. Jay did not disappoint! He was great communicating with us in planning and scheduling our trip. We had some tough conditions, but Capt. Jay still was able to put us on some fish. He was great with my girlfriends son and we had a great time out on the water. Capt. Jay is an awesome guide/fisherman and person! Do not hesitate to book a trip with him - you will have a great day!" - Rob
Mutton Snapper: These hard-fighting fish are a favorite among local anglers for good reason. They're known for their strong initial run and tendency to dive for structure, making for an exciting fight. Muttons have a distinctive look with their pink-red coloration and blue lines on their face. They typically range from 5 to 15 pounds, but larger ones aren't uncommon. Spring and early summer are prime times to target muttons, especially around the full moon when they gather to spawn. Their firm, white flesh makes them excellent table fare, so be sure to keep a few for dinner if you're lucky enough to land them.
Snook: If you're after a true Florida gamefish, snook are hard to beat. These ambush predators love to hang around structure like mangroves, bridges, and docks. They're known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps once hooked. Snook can range from a few pounds up to the coveted 40+ inch "gator" snook that'll really test your skills. While they can be caught year-round, the bite really heats up in the warmer months. Snook are catch-and-release only in many areas due to conservation efforts, but the thrill of the fight is more than worth it.
Grey Snapper: Also known as mangrove snapper, these fish might not be the biggest, but they make up for it in numbers and taste. Grey snappers are often found in schools, so when you find them, the action can be fast and furious. They typically range from 1 to 5 pounds, with bigger ones lurking around deeper structure. These snappers are known for their intelligence and can be finicky biters, so outsmarting them is part of the fun. They're available year-round but seem to bite best in the summer months. If you're looking for a delicious fish fry, grey snappers are hard to beat.
Red Grouper: These bottom-dwelling bruisers are a staple of Florida Keys fishing. Red grouper are ambush predators that love to hang around rocky bottoms and reefs. When hooked, they immediately dive for their hole, so get ready for some serious pull. They typically range from 5 to 15 pounds, but bigger ones over 20 pounds aren't unheard of. The cooler months tend to be best for grouper fishing as they move into shallower waters. Red grouper are prized for their mild, sweet flavor, making them a favorite for the dinner table.
Fishing in Key Largo isn't just about what ends up in the cooler – it's about the whole experience. The crystal-clear waters, the variety of fish you can catch in a single day, and the laid-back Florida Keys vibe all combine to make this a fishing trip you'll be talking about for years. Captain Jason's local knowledge means you're not just fishing, you're getting an insider's tour of some of the best spots in the Keys. Plus, with all gear provided and the flexibility to target different species, it's perfect for both novices and experienced anglers looking to try something new.
Look, the fish are out there waiting, and Captain Jason's calendar fills up fast. Whether you're dreaming of battling a big snook, filling the cooler with tasty snapper, or just want to spend a day on the water with good company, this Key Largo fishing charter has you covered. With a max of 3 guests, you're guaranteed a personalized experience tailored to your skill level and interests. So why wait? Grab your spot on the boat, and let's make some fishing memories in the beautiful Florida Keys. Trust me, once you experience fishing Key Largo style, you'll be hooked for life.
August 23, 2023
Grey snapper, also called mangrove snapper, are abundant around Key Largo's inshore waters. These feisty little guys usually run 1-3 pounds but can reach up to 10. You'll find them around any structure - docks, bridges, reefs, you name it. They're opportunistic feeders, so live shrimp or small baitfish work great. Grey snappers are perfect for light tackle fishing, giving a good fight for their size. They're active year-round but really turn on during summer months. The meat is white, flaky, and delicious - perfect for a fresh fish fry. These snappers can be sneaky biters, so watch your line closely. Local tip: Try fishing at night around lighted docks - that's when they're most aggressive.
Mutton snapper are a prized catch in the Keys, known for their tasty white meat and strong fight. These guys typically run 5-15 pounds but can get up to 30. Look for them around reefs and wrecks in 30-150 feet of water. They love structure and use their reddish-pink coloring for camouflage. Spring and fall are peak seasons when water temps are just right. Muttons can be picky eaters, so fresh bait and a light touch on the presentation are key. Try a knocker rig with a live pinfish or chunk of ballyhoo. When you hook one, be ready - they'll make a hard run for cover. The meat is excellent for grilling or frying. Local tip: Chumming can really get them fired up and bring them to the surface where you can sight cast.
Red grouper are a staple of Key Largo's reef fishing scene. These rusty-colored bruisers typically run 5-15 pounds but can top 30. You'll find them hanging around rocky bottoms and reefs in 60-300 feet of water. They're not the fastest swimmers, but they make up for it with pure muscle. Red grouper put up a stubborn fight, trying to dive back into their hidey-holes. The meat is firm, white, and sweet - excellent for grilling or blackening. They'll hit just about any bait, but live pinfish or squid are top choices. Spring and fall are peak seasons when water temps are ideal. Local tip: When you feel that distinctive grouper thump, reel fast and pull hard to get them away from the bottom before they can hunker down.
Snook are one of the most sought-after gamefish in the Keys. These silver-sided bruisers average 5-15 pounds but can top 30. You'll find them prowling mangroves, bridges, and inlets, especially during their spring and fall spawning runs. Snook are ambush predators, so work your lures or live bait close to structure. They're famous for explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps when hooked. The fight is half the fun, but the other half is the excellent taste - snook are considered premier table fare. Just remember, they're catch-and-release only from December through February. For best results, fish on an outgoing tide with pilchards or large shrimp. Local tip: When you see snook rolling on the surface, switch to a topwater plug for some heart-stopping action.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150
Myself, my girlfriend, and her 12 yr old son just finished a great trip with Captain Jay! He immediately reached out to me after I booked the trip and I explained I just wanted the 12 yr old to have an awesome experience. Capt. Jay did not disappoint! He was great communicating with us in planning and scheduling our trip. We had some tough conditions, but Capt. Jay still was able to put us on some fish. He was great with my girlfriends son and we had a great time out on the water. Capt. Jay is an awesome guide/fisherman and person! Do not hesitate to book a trip with him - you will have a great day!