Expert-Guided Mahi & Grouper Fishing in Cudjoe Key

Reel in Big Game on a Half-Day Cudjoe Key Adventure

Get ready to battle some serious fish on this high-octane 4-hour trip out of Cudjoe Key. Captain Alison knows these waters like the back of her hand, and she'll put you on the hottest bites for mahi mahi, grouper, and snapper. This isn't your average lazy day of fishing - we're talking fast-paced action for anglers who want to put their skills to the test. Hop aboard the Sportsman Center Console and we'll zip out to the prime fishing grounds where the big boys play. Whether you're dropping lines for grouper or chasing schools of mahi, you'll be in for a workout. With flexible departure times, we can hit the water when the bite is on fire. Bring your A-game and get ready to fill the cooler!

What to Expect on the Water

This trip is all about maximizing your time on the water and putting fish in the boat. We'll start by going over the game plan and rigging up the rods. Then it's time to punch it out to where the fish are biting. Depending on conditions, we might start by bottom fishing for grouper and snapper, or head offshore to troll for mahi mahi. Captain Alison will read the water and put us in prime position. Be ready to work - when we're on the fish, it's all hands on deck. You'll be dropping baits, setting hooks, and cranking in fish after fish. The Sportsman Center Console gives us the speed and maneuverability to chase the bite, so we can cover a lot of water. With a 6-person max, there's plenty of room to fight fish without tangling lines. By the end of our 4 hours, you'll have sore arms and a cooler full of fresh fillets.

Top Catches This Season

The fishing has been on fire lately in the Lower Keys. We've been absolutely crushing the mahi mahi, with many trips limiting out in short order. These acrobatic fighters will test your stamina as they leap and dive. The grouper bite has been steady too, with some real bruisers coming up from the depths. Black grouper in the 20-30 pound range have been common, with a few monsters pushing 40+. The mutton snapper action picks up as we get into summer, with plenty of tasty 5-10 pounders coming over the rails. When the conditions are right, we may even venture out to the humps for a shot at some yellowfin tuna or wahoo. No matter what's biting, you can bet we'll be in the thick of the action all trip long.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Cudjoe Key may not have the name recognition of Key West, but serious anglers know it's a hidden gem. We're perfectly positioned to access both the Atlantic and Gulf sides, giving us tons of options. The fishing pressure is way lower here, so the fish aren't as wary. Plus, our flexible scheduling means we can hit the water when conditions are prime. Captain Alison has been running charters here for over a decade, so she knows all the secret spots where the big boys hang out. Whether you're a seasoned pro or an eager novice, she'll tailor the trip to your skill level and put you on fish. And let's be real - there's nothing like battling a 30-pound grouper or a acrobatic mahi to get your blood pumping. Add in the stunning scenery and laid-back Keys vibe, and it's easy to see why our trips book up fast.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Mahi Mahi: Also known as dorado or dolphinfish, these are the acrobats of the ocean. Mahi are known for their stunning colors - electric blues, greens, and yellows that seem to shimmer and change. They're incredibly fast swimmers and fierce fighters, often leaping clear out of the water when hooked. We typically find them near floating debris or weedlines offshore. The meat is mild and delicious, perfect for grilling. Peak season is April through September, but we catch them year-round here.

Black Grouper: These bruisers are the kings of the reef. They love to hang around structure and use their massive power to dive back into holes when hooked. It takes skill and strength to turn their heads and work them up. Black grouper can grow over 100 pounds, though 20-40 pounders are more common. Their white, flaky meat is prized for its sweet flavor. We target them year-round, but winter tends to be best as they move to shallower water.

Red Grouper: Cousins to the black grouper, these fish are equally tasty but tend to run a bit smaller. They have a beautiful reddish-brown color and are known for their tenacious fights. Red grouper are ambush predators, so we often find them around ledges and rocky bottom. They're available year-round, but the bite is usually hottest in spring and fall. Expect to tangle with fish in the 5-15 pound range, with some bigger ones mixed in.

Mutton Snapper: These snapper are some of the wiliest fish in the sea. They're known for their sharp eyesight and tendency to inspect baits carefully. Muttons have a pinkish-red color with a distinctive black spot near the tail. They put up a great fight on light tackle and are absolutely delicious on the table. We catch them year-round, but summer is prime time when they gather to spawn. Most muttons run 5-15 pounds, but 20+ pounders aren't uncommon.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're looking for a fishing trip that will push your skills and fill the cooler, this is it. Captain Alison will put you on the fish and keep the action coming all day long. With our prime location and flexible scheduling, we can maximize your chances at hooking into some real trophies. Whether you're dreaming of battling a big grouper or filling the box with mahi, we've got you covered. But fair warning - once you experience the incredible fishing here in Cudjoe Key, you'll be hooked for life. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give us a call and let's start planning your ultimate Keys fishing adventure!