Florida Keys Fishing Charters

Reef Fishing

Reef Fishing

Florida Keys

Venture about 5 miles off the coast of the Marathon, FL. and you can find a reef line that starts off of Miami and stretches all the way past Key West to the Dry Tortugas. On this beautiful reef you can find crystal clear water full of life living on this coral reef. It’s home to more than 500 species of fish.

Three fishermen posing with a variety of freshly caught fish, including Yellowtail Snapper, in front of a sign for Capt. Rich Smith's Angling Adventures, promoting fishing charters in the Florida Keys.

Young man holding two Yellowtail Snapper, showcasing a successful reef fishing catch in the Florida Keys, with palm trees and a house in the background.

Yellowtail Snapper

Here in the Florida Keys the Yellowtail Snapper is our “bread and butter.” It’s a fast growing fish that really packs a punch on light tackle spinning gear. Here in Marathon you can find some of the largest Yellowtails in all of the keys.

Man holding a Mutton Snapper, showcasing vibrant colors against a blue sky, highlighting successful reef fishing in the Florida Keys.

Wide Range of Species

Reef fishing in the Florida Keys can produce a lot of different catches. From Mutton Snapper to Mangrove Snapper they all taste great and fight hard. Most of our reef fishing trip customers catch 4-10 different species of fish.

Family fishing trip in the Florida Keys with a man and two children proudly displaying a catch of Yellowtail Snapper on a charter boat, featuring fishing rods and a scenic waterfront backdrop.

Making Family Memories

We love our family fun fishing customers. Over the last 20+ years we’ve fished with thousands of families. Some of which come back year after year to re-live the experiences we have together on the water.

Florida Keys Patch Reef Fishing (Marathon)

Shallow, crystal-clear water (10–30 ft), lots of bites, and tons of variety—patch reefs are perfect for families, first-timers, and anyone who loves steady action.

Why Patch Reefs

  • Scattered mini-reefs with great visibility—you often see the strike.
  • Action and diversity: it’s common to catch 8–12 species in a single trip.

What We Catch

  • Snapper: Mangrove, Yellowtail, Mutton
  • Grouper: Gag, Red, Black, and Goliath (catch & release)
  • Other Favorites: Hogfish, Barracuda, Jacks, Sharks

How We Fish

  • Anchor & chum to fire up a feeding line behind the boat.
  • Present live bait, cut bait, or lures right in the action for fast bites.

Tackle & Techniques

  • Light spinning gear with 10–20 lb line for fun, sporty fights.
  • Fly fishing available for an added challenge.

Trip Lengths

  • 4 Hours or 6 Hours — customized for all ages and skill levels.
  • 8 Hour are available but usually a combination of Reef and Wreck Fishing.

Dock, Clean & “Cook Your Catch”

Trips depart from Island Fish Company in Marathon. We’ll clean and bag your catch at no charge, and the restaurant can cook it dockside—or choose another local “cook your catch” spot.

Ready for fast reef action in clear Keys water? Let’s lock in your date and game plan. Visit the Contact Us page to get things started.