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Premier 8-Hour Fishing Charter in Key Largo
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- Key Largo, FL
- $350 - $1,200 price range
Summary
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On the Hook
Limit out with Key Largo fishing charters
Experienced Anglers limiting out on Key Largo
Had this on my boat for awhile. Limit it out!
Nature surely is consistent with beauty
Reeling in a huge catch while deep sea fishing in the beautiful waters off Key Largo!
Reeling in a Mutton Snapper on a partly cloudy day in Key Largo!
Reeling in paradise: Mutton Snapper action in Key Largo!
Reeling in the best Mutton Snapper in Key Largo's cloudy skies!
Key Largo best fishing charters
Bro bonding in Key Largo FL
Limit out with Key Largo fishing charters
Experienced Anglers limiting out on Key Largo
Had this on my boat for awhile. Limit it out!
Nature surely is consistent with beauty
Reeling in a huge catch while deep sea fishing in the beautiful waters off Key Largo!
Reeling in a Mutton Snapper on a partly cloudy day in Key Largo!
Reeling in paradise: Mutton Snapper action in Key Largo!
Reeling in the best Mutton Snapper in Key Largo's cloudy skies!
Key Largo best fishing charters
Bro bonding in Key Largo FL
Limit out with Key Largo fishing charters
Experienced Anglers limiting out on Key Largo
Had this on my boat for awhile. Limit it out!
Nature surely is consistent with beauty
8-Hour Key Largo Fishing: Snappers to Tuna
Get ready for a full day of rod-bending action in the crystal-clear waters of Key Largo! This 8-hour charter with Captain Jason is your ticket to hauling in some of Florida's most prized catches. Whether you're after the hard-fighting blackfin tuna or the tasty mutton snapper, this trip's got you covered. Pack your cooler, grab your shades, and let's hit the water for a day you won't forget.
What to Expect on the Water
From the moment you step aboard, Captain Jason's got your back. He'll set you up with all the gear you need – rods, reels, bait, the works. No need to stress if you're new to fishing; the captain's got years of experience and knows how to put even first-timers on fish. As you cruise out of the marina, you'll get to soak in the stunning Key Largo scenery. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, sea turtles, and maybe even a manatee or two.
This isn't some cookie-cutter trip. Captain Jason tailors the day to what's biting and what you're after. Want to target those big grouper? He knows just the spots. Hoping to fill the cooler with tasty snapper? He's got you covered. And if you're lucky enough to hook into a blackfin tuna, hold on tight – these guys put up one heck of a fight!
Techniques & Spots
Get ready to try out a bunch of different fishing techniques. You might start the day bottom fishing for grouper and snapper, dropping baits down to the rocky reefs and wrecks where the big boys hang out. As the sun climbs higher, Captain Jason might switch things up and have you trolling for tuna and barracuda. Keep an eye out for birds diving – that's often a dead giveaway that there's a school of fish below.
Depending on the season and what's running, you might hit up some of Key Largo's top fishing spots. The humps offshore are killer for tuna, while the patch reefs closer to shore are snapper central. And if the conditions are right, you might even venture out to the edge of the Gulf Stream for a shot at some real trophy fish.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Folks who fish with Lock It Up Charters rave about the experience. Here's what a few happy anglers had to say:
"Captain Jason put us on fish all day long. My kids are still talking about the huge grouper they caught!" - Mike S.
"Best fishing trip I've ever been on. The captain knew exactly where to go and what to use. We limited out on snapper and even caught a couple of nice tuna!" - Sarah T.
"As a beginner, I was nervous about a full day trip, but Captain Jason made it so fun and easy. Can't wait to come back next year!" - Tom R.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Blackfin Tuna: These speedsters are like the sports cars of the ocean. They're not the biggest tuna out there, but what they lack in size they make up for in fight. Blackfin typically range from 15 to 30 pounds, but they pull like they're twice that size. They tend to hunt in schools, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Late spring through fall is prime time for blackfin in Key Largo waters. Pro tip: if you hook one, get ready for some of the best sashimi you've ever tasted!
Red Grouper: These bottom-dwelling brutes are the heavyweight champs of the reef. Red grouper can grow up to 50 pounds, though most you'll catch will be in the 5-15 pound range. They love to hang around rocky bottoms and wrecks, using their massive mouths to inhale anything that looks tasty. Grouper fishing is all about patience and technique – when you feel that thump, reel fast and pull hard to get them out of their hidey-holes. The meat is white, flaky, and absolutely delicious.
Great Barracuda: With their menacing teeth and lightning-fast strikes, barracuda are the adrenaline junkies' dream catch. These toothy predators can grow up to 6 feet long and are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. You'll find them patrolling the reefs and wrecks, always on the lookout for an easy meal. Barracuda are a blast to catch on light tackle, and while they're not known for their table fare, they make for some awesome photos.
Mutton Snapper: If you're looking to fill the cooler with some of the tastiest fish in the sea, mutton snapper should be high on your list. These beautiful pink and yellow fish can grow up to 30 pounds, though most you'll catch will be in the 5-15 pound range. Muttons are known for their intelligence and can be a bit tricky to hook, but Captain Jason knows all their tricks. They hang around reefs and wrecks and are suckers for a well-presented bait. The meat is firm, white, and perfect for pretty much any recipe you can think of.
Time to Book Your Spot
Listen, if you're itching for a day of non-stop fishing action in one of Florida's most beautiful spots, this is the trip for you. Captain Jason's 8-hour charter gives you the time to really explore what Key Largo's waters have to offer. From the shallow patches to the deep blue, you'll get a chance to tangle with some real fighters and fill the cooler with tasty fillets.
Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to test your skills or a newbie hoping to catch your first big one, this trip's got something for everyone. Captain Jason's knowledge, top-notch gear, and passion for putting clients on fish make this a can't-miss experience.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your hat, slap on some sunscreen, and get ready for a day of fishing you'll be talking about for years to come. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait – book your Key Largo fishing adventure today!
Learn more about the species
Blackfin Tuna
Blackfin tuna are the smallest in the Thunnus family, usually weighing 15-30 pounds. They're fast swimmers and tough fighters, making them a blast to catch. We find them in the warmer waters around Key Largo, often near the surface or around structures like reefs. They're most active in fall, winter, and spring. Blackfin love to chase bait fish, so we use live pilchards or small lures that mimic their prey. Vertical jigging and chunking work great too. These fish have amazing eyesight, so we use light leaders and small hooks to fool them. Anglers love blackfin for the exciting fight and their excellent taste. The meat is dark red and has a rich, almost beef-like flavor that's fantastic grilled or as sashimi. One tip: When you see birds diving, there's a good chance blackfin are feeding below. That's when you want to get your bait in the water fast!
Great Barracuda
Great barracuda are the speed demons of the Keys. These long, torpedo-shaped fish can hit 35 mph in short bursts and grow up to 6 feet long. You'll spot them near the surface around reefs, mangroves, and in open water. Cuda are aggressive and curious, often following boats or divers. They're most active in warmer months but can be caught year-round. Anglers love 'cuda for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps when hooked. While their meat isn't prized, the fight makes them a popular catch-and-release target. They'll hit just about any fast-moving lure, especially shiny ones that mimic baitfish. Pro tip: When a barracuda follows your lure, speed up your retrieve. That sudden burst often triggers a strike. Just watch those teeth when you're unhooking them!
Mutton Snapper
Mutton snapper are prized catches in the Keys, known for their fight and flavor. These olive-colored fish with distinctive blue lines near their eyes typically weigh 5-15 pounds, but can reach up to 30. You'll find muttons around reefs, rock piles, and sandy areas near structure, usually in 80-150 feet of water. They're most active during summer spawning season, but we catch them year-round. Muttons are smart and can be picky eaters. Fresh bait and a stealthy presentation are key. Try drifting a live pilchard or ballyhoo in your chum slick – they can't resist it. Anglers love muttons for their hard-pulling fight and excellent taste. The meat is white, flaky, and sweet – perfect for grilling or ceviche. Here's a local secret: Look for muttons hanging just outside the main reef in sandy areas. They often lurk there, waiting to ambush prey moving between structures.
Red Grouper
Red grouper are hefty, slow-moving fish that pack a punch when hooked. They typically weigh 5-15 pounds but can get up to 50 pounds. You'll find them hanging around rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks in 60-300 feet of water. These fish are most active in warmer months, but we can catch them year-round in the Keys. They're ambush predators, so they won't chase your bait far. Drop your line right into their hideouts for the best results. Anglers love targeting red grouper for their tenacious fight and excellent table fare. The meat is white, flaky, and mild – perfect for a fish fry back at the dock. Here's a local trick: Use a live pinfish or grunt for bait. Red grouper can't resist them. Just be ready when you feel that thump – they'll try to drag you back into their hole if you give them a chance!
About the McKee Craft
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150
