Experts Available 24/7
Licensed & Insured Guides
100% Weather Guarantee
Recently Booked Gag Grouper Fishing Charters Near Key Largo, Fl
Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key Largo
Keys All-Day Adventure!
Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key Largo
Key Largo Reefs And Wrecks!
Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key Largo
Keys Fishing Extravaganza
Most Popular Types of Gag Grouper Trips in Key Largo
“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond to provide you an incredible trip, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and about empowering people to find the perfect-match guide for the trip of a lifetime, every time.”
Jonathan and Attison | Co-founders | Austin, Texas
More Gag Grouper Fishing Charters Near Key Largo, Fl
Custom charter that can include family fishing, snorkeling, sandbar. Trip includes non alcoholic beverages (iced tea, waters, ginger ale), cooler with ice to BYOB, snorkel gear, sandbar toys (football , skip ball ,paddle ball), floats, and paddle boards . Bring your own cold lunch or select our "bring the grill," add on and bring a cooler of your own grill ready items. Read More
Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Key Largo
Family Fun Mix-It-Up Trip
Islamorada, located in the heart of the Florida Keys, is a year-round fishing hotspot that offers exceptional fishing experiences no matter the time of year. On this trip, you'll head out with Captain Tony to catch all kinds of nearshore reef species. This trip welcomes anglers of all ages and skill levels, with a family-friendly atmosphere that's great for first-timers! Once you go aboard Captain Tony's 36' catamaran, you'll head to the reefs and wrecks to chase down some fish! You'll have the opportunity to catch a pile of Yellowtail Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Gag Grouper, and other delicious species that a blast to catch and taste great on the grill! If you're up for more of a challenge, there are also plenty of nearshore wrecks where you can catch Mangrove Snapper, larger Yellowtail, and other fun species. Don't worry about a thing when you're out on the water—Captain Tony has got you covered. All you need to bring are your favorite snacks and drinks, and maybe a sandwich from the Trading Post! Captain Tony will take care of the rest. Read More
The only operator in the Florida Keys to specialize in both Freedive and Scuba spearfishing charters. Spearfishing, when done correctly, is the most sustainable way to harvest fish. We offer spearfishing charters to all experience levels for both freedivers and scuba divers. Leave all the logistics to us! We take care of your fishing licenses, dive/spearfishing equipment, and assist you in the water to ensure you hunt the correct size of the fish in season. After your spearfishing charter, we will fillet your catch and package it for your convenience! Diver safety and the safety of the marine life we visit are our number one priorities on all charters. For this reason, you will always be accompanied by one of our professional spearfishing guides, included in your charter price. Our private spearfishing charters offer you the very best spearfishing in the upper Florida Keys! Islamorada is blessed with multiple species to hunt year-round, anytime is a good time to spearfish in the Florida Keys! Everything is included for these adventures including all the necessary equipment, tanks, weights, in-water guide, and of course your captain. Aluminum or steel tanks are available, and enriched air is included if certified. (4 hours, 2 tanks) (6 hours, 3 tanks) (8 hours, 4 tanks) Read More
Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Key Largo
Deep Dive Bounty: Reef & Wreck
Head out with Captain Ben for an action-packed day of fishing in the Tavernier backcountry! Tavernier provides quick access to the productive Florida Key waters home to reefs and shipwrecks covered in brilliant bright colors of the spectrum, backcountry shallow water flats with fish made for sight fishing, gorgeous deep water Pelagics that love to feed on the surface, and much more! On this 4 to 8-hour trip, Captain Ben will take you into the beautiful Tavernier backcountry flats where you'll be fly fishing for sought-after fish including Barracuda, Snapper, Florida Pompano, Grouper, Jack Crevalle, Redfish, Snook, Speckled Trout, Tarpon, Tripletail, and even some elusive Bonefish and Permit. With Captain Ben, you can either use classic light tackle, or if you're looking for a challenge you can try your hand at sight-casting with a fly rod. Whatever your ideal trip is, Captain Ben will do what he can to make it happen! You'll be fishing aboard an 18' Action Craft skiff boat with capacity for 3 guests. Powered by a 115 HP Suzuki engine, this boat will have no problem taking you from one hotspot to another in the backcountry waters! She comes equipped with GPS, Fishfinder, Snorkeling Equipment, a Live Bait Well, Tuna Tubes, and an Ice Box to store your catches. Captain Ben will provide all rods, reels, tackle and fishing licenses. All you need to bring is a Florida saltwater fishing license, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, and any food or drinks you might need. Come aboard with Captain Ben and experience the awesome fishing the Keys have to offer! Read More
Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter near Key Largo
Tavernier Backcountry Fishing
Experience the Ultimate Florida Fishin' Frenzy with Captain Scott in Tavernier! Prepare for an angler's paradise as you join Captain Scott for a fishing adventure like no other. With a wide array of fishing techniques and an impressive list of target species, this trip offers the thrill of a lifetime. Diverse Fishing Techniques Captain Scott's expertise spans a wide range of fishing techniques, ensuring that your adventure is tailored to your preferences. Whether you prefer artificial lure fishing, bottom fishing, cut bait fishing, deep dropping, drift fishing, heavy tackle fishing, jigging, kite fishing, light tackle fishing, live bait fishing, sight casting, topwater fishing, or trolling, he's got you covered. Impressive Species Awaits Tavernier's waters are teeming with impressive fish species, including African Pompano, Amberjack, Barracuda, Bigeye Tuna, Black Grouper, Blackfin Tuna, Cero Mackerel, Cobia, Cubera Snapper, Gag Grouper, Kingfish, and even Lobster. Your options are vast, and Captain Scott will guide you to the best spots for a memorable catch. Tailored to Your Desires Whether you're drawn to offshore, inshore, or patch reef fishing, Captain Scott can make it happen. Bottom fish for grouper and snapper, or troll for mahi, sailfish, wahoo, and tuna. Whatever your heart desires, your fishing expedition is customized to your preferences. Captain Scott's Expertise With Captain Scott's intimate knowledge of the local waters and years of experience, you can rest assured that you'll be in the best possible hands for a successful and exciting fishing adventure. Book Your Fishin' Frenzy Today! Whether you're an experienced angler seeking a thrilling challenge or a newcomer looking to explore the beauty of Tavernier's waters, Captain Scott's fishing trip promises an extraordinary day filled with excitement and the chance to reel in impressive catches. Reserve your spot now and get ready for an incredible Florida Fishin' Frenzy with Captain Scott! Read More
Deep Sea, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Key Largo
Florida Fishin' Frenzy
The reef and wreck spearfishing in Islamorada is some of the best in the Florida Keys! Our locations are endless, with spearfishing sites from Key Largo to Marathon, offering you an abundance of fish and countless new locations to explore. With changing seasons and fisheries, Islamorada provides a unique spearfishing experience any time of year! Shipwrecks and artificial structure creates the perfect habit for fish to live. Large groupers, jacks, snappers, mackerel, and a variety of other species can be found here at certain times of the year. These wrecks are found in a variety of depths, allowing access to all levels of freedivers. The Florida Keys reef tract consists of shallow patch reefs and ledges that hold an abundance of marine life. Depths range from 15 feet to over 90 feet, offering quality spearfishing for all ages and experience levels. Got Lionfish? The Keys do... Lionfish are invasive in the Florida Keys and we need your help as a diver to eliminate them! Not only are Lionfish invasive, they also make a great dinner. If you're interested in protecting our reefs by hunting Lionfish, just mention it when you book. We have all the equipment, permits, and knowledge to safely remove them from our coral reefs. Read More
Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Key Largo
Spear The Depths: Reef & Wreck
Need a Place to Stay?
Everything to Know About Booking a Key Largo gag grouper fishing charter
What are the best gag grouper fishing charters in Key Largo?
The best gag grouper fishing charters in Key Largo are:
Why should I book a gag grouper fishing charter in Key Largo with Captain Experiences?
Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 17 gag grouper trips in Key Largo, and the most popular trips in the area are Key Largo Offshore Mixed Bag guided by Eric, Keys All-Day Adventure! guided by Dave, and Key Largo Reefs and Wrecks! guided by Charles.
Our guides in Key Largo are rated a 4.98 out of 5 based on 3300 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.
All guides on Captain Experiences are licensed, insured, and vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.
Looking for kid friendly gag grouper guides / fishing lessons in Key Largo? Check out our beginner and family friendly gag grouper guides in Key Largo.
What types of gag grouper fishing charters are common in Key Largo?
Deep Sea fishing is the most popular type of fishing for gag grouper in Key Largo as well as nearshore fishing, inshore fishing, and flats fishing.
The most common fishing techniques in Key Largo are bottom fishing, trolling, and heavy tackle fishing but artificial lure fishing and live bait fishing are popular as well.
How much do Key Largo gag grouper fishing charters cost?
Prices for gag grouper in Key Largo can range anywhere from about $700 to $1,700, but the average price for a half day trip for gag grouper in Key Largo is $882. The average price for a full day trip for gag grouper in Key Largo is $1,347.
Is booking a fishing guide worth the money?
Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a fishing guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.
Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.
Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear and tackle, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.
Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your home waters, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.
What month is best for gag grouper fishing in Key Largo?
The most popular season for gag grouper fishing in Key Largo is spring, and most anglers book their trips 39 days in advance.
Do I need a Key Largo fishing license for gag grouper and what are the bag limits for gag grouper in Key Largo?
See here for more information on fishing licenses in Key Largo, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in Key Largo. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in Key Largo.
What is gag grouper fishing in Key Largo all about?
Key Largo, situated amidst the vibrant waters of the Florida Keys, offers anglers a diverse array of species to target, with the gag grouper standing out as one of the most sought-after catches. These formidable predators inhabit the rocky ledges, reefs, and wrecks that dot the underwater landscape around Key Largo. Renowned for their size, strength, and delectable taste, gag grouper present an enticing challenge for anglers of all skill levels. Whether fishing from a boat or casting from shore, pursuing gag grouper promises an exhilarating experience amid the stunning backdrop of Key Largo's marine environment.
Gag grouper fishing in Key Largo is characterized by its seasonal patterns and the use of specialized techniques to maximize success. These fish are most active during the cooler months, typically from late fall through early spring, when they migrate closer to shore in search of prey. Anglers often target gag grouper by dropping live or dead bait, such as pinfish, mullet, or squid, onto the rocky structures and ledges where they congregate. Patience and precision are essential when presenting bait to these wary predators, as they can be selective in their feeding habits.
Moreover, conservation efforts play a crucial role in sustaining healthy populations of gag grouper in Key Largo's waters. Regulations regarding catch limits, size restrictions, and closed seasons are in place to ensure the long-term sustainability of this prized species. By adhering to these guidelines and practicing responsible fishing practices, anglers can help preserve the abundance and diversity of marine life in Key Largo for future generations to enjoy. Whether for the thrill of the catch or the satisfaction of a fresh seafood dinner, targeting gag grouper adds another dimension of excitement to the fishing experience in this tropical paradise.
What are the most popular months to fish for gag grouper in Key Largo?
In Key Largo, understanding the seasonal patterns of gag grouper can significantly enhance an angler's chances of success. These prized fish are more commonly targeted during certain times of the year when they are most active and abundant in the local waters. Typically, the best seasons for gag grouper fishing in Key Largo coincide with the cooler months, particularly from late fall through early spring. During this time, gag grouper migrate closer to shore, seeking out rocky ledges, reefs, and wrecks where they find ample prey and suitable habitat.
Spring and fall are particularly fruitful seasons for targeting gag grouper in Key Largo. As water temperatures begin to moderate after the colder winter months, these fish become more active and aggressive in their feeding behavior. Anglers can often find them congregating around underwater structures and rocky outcroppings, making them easier to locate and target. Additionally, the calmer seas and clearer waters during these transitional seasons make for ideal fishing conditions, allowing anglers to venture out with greater ease and comfort.
While gag grouper can still be caught during the summer months in Key Largo, their activity levels may decrease as water temperatures rise. During the summer, these fish may retreat to deeper waters or seek out cooler, shaded areas to escape the heat. Anglers may need to adjust their techniques and fishing locations accordingly to continue pursuing gag grouper successfully. Overall, understanding the seasonal nuances of gag grouper behavior in Key Largo is essential for maximizing the fishing experience and reeling in these prized catches.
What techniques are popular for catching gag grouper in Key Largo?
In Key Largo, mastering the right fishing techniques is essential for a successful gag grouper excursion. These formidable predators often inhabit rocky structures, reefs, and wrecks, requiring anglers to employ specialized methods to entice them into biting. One effective technique is bottom fishing using live or dead bait, such as pinfish, mullet, or squid, rigged on a weighted rig. Anglers carefully lower their bait rigs to the seabed near known gag grouper habitats, allowing the bait to drift or settle close to the structure where the fish are likely to be lurking.
Another popular method for targeting gag grouper in Key Largo is vertical jigging. Anglers use heavy jigging lures, typically made of metal and adorned with colorful patterns, to mimic the movement of injured baitfish. By rapidly jigging the lure up and down near the bottom structure, anglers can attract the attention of gag grouper and provoke strikes. Vertical jigging requires precision and finesse, as anglers must carefully control the movement of the lure to entice the fish without snagging on the underwater obstacles.
Additionally, trolling can be an effective technique for locating and catching gag grouper in Key Largo, especially when targeting them in deeper waters or along reef edges. Anglers troll with diving plugs or weighted lures at various depths, covering a wide area of water as they search for active fish. Trolling allows anglers to explore different areas and depths until they locate concentrations of gag grouper. By varying trolling speeds and lure depths, anglers can increase their chances of enticing strikes from these elusive and prized game fish in the waters surrounding Key Largo.
What other species are popular in Key Largo?
While gag grouper undoubtedly garners attention from anglers in Key Largo, the diverse marine ecosystem offers a plethora of other species to target. Among the notable catches are the spirited yellowtail snapper, prized for its delectable taste and challenging fight. Found near reefs and rocky outcrops, yellowtail snapper can be enticed with a variety of baits and techniques, including live bait fishing or jigging with small lures. Their acrobatic leaps and strong runs make them a thrilling catch for anglers of all skill levels.
Another popular species to target in Key Largo is the elusive permit, known for its elusive nature and remarkable speed. Found in shallow flats and around wrecks, permit present a challenging pursuit for anglers due to their selective feeding habits and keen senses. Fly fishing with delicate presentations or using live crabs as bait are common techniques employed to entice these prized fish. Landing a permit in Key Largo's crystal-clear waters is a testament to an angler's skill and patience, making it a highly rewarding experience.
Additionally, Key Largo offers opportunities to target a variety of reef fish such as mangrove snapper, mutton snapper, and grouper species like red grouper and black grouper. These species can be found inhabiting the intricate reef structures and rocky formations that characterize the underwater landscape of Key Largo. Whether fishing from a boat or shore, anglers can employ a range of techniques including bottom fishing with live or cut bait, jigging, or casting with artificial lures to target these diverse reef inhabitants. Each species presents its own unique challenge and rewards, adding to the excitement and allure of fishing in Key Largo's bountiful waters.
Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences
Other Fishing Species in Key Largo
- African Pompano
- Amberjack
- Atlantic Mackerel
- Barracuda
- Black Drum
- Black Grouper
- Blackfin Tuna
- Blacktip Shark
- Blue Marlin
- Bluefin Tuna
- Bluefish
- Bonefish
- Bonito
- Bonnethead Shark
- Bull Shark
- Cero Mackerel
- Cobia
- Flounder
- Goliath Grouper
- Grunt
- Hogfish
- Jack Crevalle
- Kingfish
- Lemon Shark
- Mahi Mahi
- Mangrove Snapper
- Mutton Snapper
- Nurse Shark
- Permit
- Red Grouper
- Red Snapper
- Redfish
- Sailfish
- Sheepshead
- Snook
- Spanish Mackerel
- Speckled Trout
- Swordfish
- Tarpon
- Triggerfish
- Tripletail
- Wahoo
- White Marlin
- Yellowfin Tuna
- Yellowtail Amberjack
- Yellowtail Snapper
Other Featured Cities
- Fishing Charters Near Me
- Austin Fishing Guides
- Biloxi Fishing Charters
- Bradenton Fishing Charters
- Cabo San Lucas Fishing Charters
- Cancun Fishing Charters
- Cape Coral Fishing Charters
- Charleston Fishing Charters
- Clearwater Fishing Charters
- Corpus Christi Fishing Charters
- Dauphin Island Fishing Charters
- Daytona Beach Fishing Charters
- Destin Fishing Charters
- Fort Lauderdale Fishing Charters
- Fort Myers Fishing Charters
- Fort Walton Beach Fishing Charters
- Galveston Fishing Charters
- Gulf Shores Fishing Charters
- Hatteras Fishing Charters
- Hilton Head Fishing Charters
- Islamorada Fishing Charters
- Jacksonville Fishing Charters
- Jupiter Fishing Charters
- Key Largo Fishing Charters
- Key West Fishing Charters
- Kona Fishing Charters
- Madeira Beach Fishing Charters
- Marathon Fishing Charters
- Marco Island Fishing Charters
- Miami Fishing Charters
- Montauk Fishing Charters
- Morehead City Fishing Charters
- Naples Fishing Charters
- New Orleans Fishing Charters
- New Smyrna Beach Fishing Charters
- Orange Beach Fishing Charters
- Panama City Beach Fishing Charters
- Pensacola Fishing Charters
- Pompano Beach Fishing Charters
- Port Aransas Fishing Charters
- Rockport Fishing Charters
- San Diego Fishing Charters
- San Juan Fishing Charters
- Sarasota Fishing Charters
- South Padre Island Fishing Charters
- St. Petersburg Fishing Charters
- Tampa Fishing Charters
- Tarpon Springs Fishing Charters
- Venice Fishing Charters
- Virginia Beach Fishing Charters
What's biting in Key Largo?
View Gag Grouper Fishing Reports from our damn good guides.
Didn't Find What You Were Looking For?
Our guides are Damn Good Guides, which means they’re licensed, insured and vetted by our team of outdoor experts who know them on a first-name basis. We hand pick our Damn Good Guides, and our network spans all across the country and beyond.
The proof is in the pudding, and we’re incredibly proud of our 4.9 / 5 average review score. Hit the button below to see more trip options: