Florida Keys
Reef FIshing Charters
Perfectly positioned in the heart of the Florida Keys, our charters depart from Key Colony Beach Marina, located just off US-1 in the well-known city of Marathon. These reef trips take you just three to five miles offshore to the lively Atlantic coral reefs, where you can target snapper, grouper, and shark.
We offer four, six, and eight-hour options that can also be combined with offshore or wreck fishing, and during the winter months, we offer kite-fishing when conditions allow for mackerel or sailfish.
Affordable Family Fun: Catch Your Own Dinner on the Reef
Reef fishing in the Keys varies depending on the time of year, but in all scenarios it means fishing on the anchor with the motors off. It can include chumming, drifting lines back, bottom fishing, or even kite fishing.
Why Choose a Reef Fishing Trip?
Reef fishing is widely considered the most versatile experience we offer. Because the reefs are located just a few miles offshore, we spend less time traveling and more time with lines in the water. This makes it the ideal choice for families and novices; the shorter commute minimizes the risk of seasickness, and the constant action keeps children and beginners engaged without the long wait times often associated with big game fishing.
However, don’t let the “family-friendly” label fool you—this is also the smartest option for filling the cooler on a budget.
- Maximize Your Time: A 4-hour half-day trip is plenty of time to catch a limit of delicious table fare.
- The “Grocery Run”: If your main goal is taking home bags of fillets, the reef is where you want to be. We target high-quality eating fish like Yellowtail, Mangrove Snapper, and Mackerel.
Looking for the best of both worlds? Reef trips are highly customizable. We frequently combine reef fishing with offshore or wreck excursions. This strategy allows us to “save the day” by securing dinner first on the reef, taking the pressure off. Once the cooler is full, we can head further out to hunt trophy sport fish like Sailfish or large wreck dwellers, giving you a mix of action and excitement.
Factors that will dictate the type of reef fishing during your trip are the season, weather, and direction of current. Reef trips usually include fishing for snapper such as yellowtail, mangrove, and mutton. In the winter, reef trips also include catching various mackerel such as spanish, cero, and king. Barracuda and shark are usually around and we can catch those as well.
What’s Included
- Private Captain: A knowledgeable US Coast guard licensed Captain for your trip.
- Mate: A friendly experienced Mate that is patient with children.
- Fuel: Fuel is included in the price, we do not add surcharges for distance either.
- Fishing Licenses: No need to get fishing licenses we have that covered.
- Group Size: Group sizes up to 6 persons are allowed.
- Ice Coolers: We have coolers to keep your food, beverage, and catch on ice.
- Fish Cleaning: Your catch will be filleted and bagged for transport.
What To Bring
- Sun Protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are highly recommended.
- Backpack: A small backpack to carry your personal items, water, and snacks.
- Food & Beverage: Participants under 18 must provide a signed consent form from a parent or legal guardian.
- Seasick Medicine: You might want to take the night before and the day of your trip to reduce drowsiness side effects. Always, follow package instructions and consult your physician.
- Weather: Trips run rain or shine unless conditions are unsafe. We’ll notify you of any cancellations or reschedules.
Ready to start your adventure on the reef?
Fill your cooler and your day with action-packed reef fishing in Marathon with Best Bet Sportfishing, the Florida Keys’ experts in yellowtail, snapper, and grouper. Book your reef adventure online to secure your spot on the water, or contact us to plan the perfect family-friendly fishing trip.
Questions? Call Us!