Damn Good Red Grouper Fishing Charters In Key Largo

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Recently Booked Red Grouper Fishing Charters In Key Largo, Fl

Veteran Operated
This trip is managed by a veteran of the US armed forces.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key Largo

Patch Reef Fishing (Show Me Snapper!)

100% (2)
24 ft 1 - 3 People From $700
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter near Key Largo

Islamorada Reefs And Wrecks

100% (4)
1 - 6 People From $1,150
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Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter near Key Largo

Islamorada Reef Fishing

94% (16)
37 ft 1 - 6 People From $850
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter near Key Largo

Islamorada Reef And Wrecks

67% (3)
48 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,200
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter near Key Largo

Islamorada Spearfish Safari

100% (5)
27 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,100
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Key Largo

Morning Half

100% (5)
44 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,000

Top Types of Red Grouper Trips in Key Largo

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Target Species in Key Largo

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More Red Grouper Fishing Charters In Key Largo, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Key Largo

Deep Dive Bounty: Reef & Wreck

100% (5)
32 ft 1 - 4 People From $1,100
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Key Largo

Afternoon Half

100% (5)
44 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,000
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Deep Sea Fishing Charter near Key Largo

Islamorada Fishing With Capt Pete

94% (16)
37 ft 1 - 6 People From $850
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Key Largo

Islamorada Offshore Experience

100% (3)
32 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,000
Veteran Operated
This trip is managed by a veteran of the US armed forces.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Key Largo

Best Islamorada Sportfishing

NEW
43 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,100
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Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter near Key Largo

Tavernier Backcountry Fishing

100% (8)
18 ft 1 - 3 People From $450
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Everything to Know About Booking a Key Largo red grouper fishing charter

What are the best red grouper fishing charters in Key Largo?

Why should I book a red grouper fishing charter in Key Largo with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 16 red grouper trip in Key Largo: Patch Reef Fishing (Show me snapper!) guided by Patrick.

Our guides in Key Largo are rated a 4.95 out of 5 based on 3716 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are 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 red grouper guides / fishing lessons in Key Largo? Check out our beginner and family friendly red grouper guides in Key Largo.

What types of red grouper fishing charters are common in Key Largo?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular type of fishing for red 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, live bait fishing, and cut bait fishing but drift fishing and artificial lure fishing are popular as well.

How much do Key Largo red grouper fishing charters cost?

Prices for red grouper in Key Largo can range anywhere from about $695 to $1,700, but the average price for a half day trip for red grouper in Key Largo is $905. The average price for a full day trip for red grouper in Key Largo is $1,349.

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 red grouper fishing in Key Largo?

The most popular season for red grouper fishing in Key Largo is summer, and most anglers book their trips 31 days in advance.

Do I need a Key Largo fishing license for red grouper and what are the bag limits for red 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 red grouper fishing in Key Largo all about?

Red grouper, with their striking coloration and delicious fillets, are a prized catch among anglers exploring the waters of Key Largo. These robust fish inhabit the rocky ledges, reefs, and wrecks that dot the underwater landscape around Key Largo, making them a popular target for both recreational and commercial fishermen. Renowned for their firm texture and mild, sweet flavor, red grouper provide anglers with a rewarding fishing experience and a tasty meal to enjoy after a successful day on the water.

Fishing for red grouper in Key Largo often involves bottom fishing with heavy tackle and live or cut bait such as squid, mullet, or pinfish. Anglers typically target areas with structure such as reefs, rock piles, or wrecks, where red grouper are known to congregate in search of food and shelter. Patience and persistence are key when targeting these elusive fish, as they can be wary and selective in their feeding habits. Anglers may need to experiment with different baits, presentations, and depths to entice red grouper to strike.

Moreover, understanding the seasonal patterns and behavior of red grouper in Key Largo can greatly enhance an angler's chances of success. While red grouper can be caught year-round in the waters around Key Largo, their abundance and preferred habitats may shift with the changing seasons. Typically, red grouper are more active and abundant during the cooler months, particularly from late fall through early spring, when they migrate closer to shore in search of warmer waters and ample prey. By timing their trips to coincide with peak seasons and adapting their techniques to suit the conditions, anglers can increase their chances of hooking into a prized red grouper in the rich and diverse waters of Key Largo.

What are the most popular months to fish for red grouper in Key Largo?

In Key Largo, the seasons play a crucial role in determining the availability and behavior of red grouper, a prized catch among anglers. While red grouper can be found in the waters around Key Largo year-round, their abundance and preferred habitats often fluctuate with the changing seasons. Generally, the most productive seasons for targeting red grouper in Key Largo coincide with the cooler months of fall, winter, and early spring. During these times, the waters are less crowded, and the fish tend to move into shallower areas near reefs, ledges, and other structures where they can be more easily targeted.

Fall typically marks the beginning of prime red grouper season in Key Largo, as cooling temperatures prompt these fish to become more active and feed more aggressively. Anglers can often find red grouper congregating near reef structures and rocky outcrops, where they seek out prey and suitable habitat. As winter approaches, red grouper fishing in Key Largo remains productive, with the fish continuing to inhabit the same areas and feed voraciously. Additionally, early spring offers excellent opportunities for targeting red grouper, as the fish prepare for spawning and move into shallower waters to breed. Understanding the seasonal nuances of red grouper behavior in Key Largo is essential for anglers looking to maximize their chances of success and reel in these prized catches throughout the year.

What techniques are popular for catching red grouper in Key Largo?

Red grouper fishing in Key Largo demands a blend of patience, skill, and adaptability to effectively target these prized fish. One commonly employed technique is bottom fishing using live or cut bait, such as squid, mullet, or pinfish, rigged on heavy tackle and dropped near reef structures or rocky outcroppings where red grouper tend to congregate. Anglers often anchor their boats strategically to drift their baits along the bottom, enticing red grouper to strike. Patience is key in this approach, as it may take some time for the grouper to locate and seize the bait.

Another effective technique for red grouper fishing in Key Largo is jigging with artificial lures, such as bucktail jigs or soft plastics, tipped with scent attractants. Anglers can cast their jigs towards reef edges or drop-offs and then work them back to the boat using a series of short, sharp jerks to mimic the movement of injured prey. This method can be particularly effective when targeting actively feeding red grouper or in situations where live bait may be scarce. Additionally, using brightly colored or flashy lures can help attract the attention of red grouper in the sometimes murky waters of Key Largo.

Moreover, trolling can also be a productive technique for targeting red grouper in Key Largo, especially when covering large areas of water or searching for fish in deeper offshore locations. Anglers can troll with deep-diving plugs or spoons along reef edges or contours, varying the trolling speed and depth until they locate feeding red grouper. Once a strike occurs, anglers can then switch to bottom fishing or jigging to target additional fish in the area. Adapting to the conditions and employing a combination of these techniques can increase an angler's chances of success when targeting red grouper in Key Largo's diverse and dynamic marine environment.

What other species are popular in Key Largo?

While red grouper certainly offer an exciting angling opportunity in Key Largo, the surrounding waters boast a plethora of other species for fishermen to pursue. One such species is the flavorful mangrove snapper, known for its feisty fight and delectable fillets. Found around reefs, wrecks, and mangrove-lined channels, mangrove snapper can be targeted using a variety of techniques including bottom fishing with live bait or artificial lures. Anglers often seek out these prized fish for their challenging battle and excellent table fare, making them a popular catch in Key Largo.

Another sought-after species in Key Largo is the spirited king mackerel, prized for its blistering runs and aerial acrobatics. King mackerel can be found patrolling the nearshore and offshore waters, particularly around reefs, channels, and bait schools. Trolling with live bait or artificial lures at varying depths is a popular technique for targeting these fast-swimming predators. Anglers relish the adrenaline rush that comes with hooking into a powerful king mackerel, making them a prized catch for those seeking an exhilarating fishing experience in Key Largo.

Furthermore, Key Largo offers opportunities to target a variety of reef fish species, including yellowtail snapper, black grouper, and hogfish. These fish can be found inhabiting the intricate reef structures and rocky outcroppings that characterize the underwater landscape, providing anglers with ample opportunities for exciting and productive fishing outings. Whether fishing from a boat or shore, anglers can employ a range of techniques including bottom fishing, trolling, and 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

  • ★★★★★
    What a Great Trip, Ben was a Great Guide, We laughed and caught fish and had fun.

    Richard H. | August 3, 2024

    Trip: Tavernier Backcountry Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Pete and Kristy were absolutely awesome! We had an excellent time with the Louisiana/Texas combo ;) Captain Pete was patient about explaining the estuary of the Keys and species. We caught 6 different species and 3 sharks! Great time- see ya’ll next year🦈🎣😃

    Andrew W. | June 5, 2024

    Trip: Islamorada Fishing with Capt Pete

  • ★★★★★
    Absolutely fantastic experience. Fun guys to be on a boat with and top-notch professionals. They were absolutely fantastic with my kids as well.

    Zac R. | June 3, 2024

    Trip: Spear the Depths: Reef & Wreck

  • ★★★★★
    Chris was a great captain. Found water out of the wind. Found plenty of fish. Chis was cheerful and very helpful with baiting hooks and boating fish. Very hardworking captain. His boat was immaculate and he gave us a quick safety course before we launched.

    Mike P. | May 13, 2024

    Trip: Reef, Wreck, and Patch Reef Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Had an absolute blast with Captain Chris! He was so nice and his passion and love for fishing made my bachelorette trip worthwhile! Our crew got to catch some great mackerel, yellowtail snapper and mutton snapper, plus more! Being able to celebrate my love for fishing and send off in the Keys with my gfs and Chris was the best! He got me on a huge tarpon hook up that I’ll absolutely never forget. Highly highly recommend this trip and we’ll certainly be back!!!

    Elizabeth G. | May 3, 2024

    Trip: Reef, Wreck, and Patch Reef Trip

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great full day trip with Captain Chris. Chris really helped my wife with his patience and encouragement fight big fish in deep water and use lighter tackle at the shallower wreck. She landed nice yellowtail, yellow jack, mackerel and amberjack. Chris worked hard all day keeping us in fish and rigged as the shark tax was high though the morning. At the end of the day we got great local restaurant recommendations and tips on cooking our catch. Loved the boat playlist! Highly recommend and hope to come back to fish with Chris again.

    John K. | April 8, 2024

    Trip: Reef, Wreck, and Patch Reef Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Damn great time on the water with Ben. He was willing to quickly adjust to last minute changes (remember, when you are replying to messages from Captain Experiences they might not get to the guide you are using through them). Ben got us into multiple species of fish using various methods of angling. When our time was up, we had a few "keepers" that Ben filleted up for us. It was a perfect day on the water. Thanks for the great time Ben and, more importantly, thank you for your service to our country! DO NOT HESITATE to book a trip with Ben.

    Lapene M. | March 28, 2024

    Trip: Tavernier Backcountry Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    I have been fishing the keys for 10 years but learned a ton fishing with Captain Troy and first mate James. We caught a 2 man limit of nice sized yellow tail in 1.5 h. Very friendly folks made for a great day ! Highly recommend!

    Thomas J. | March 20, 2024

    Trip: Morning Half

  • ★★★★★
    We had a blast fishing with Captain Troy and his crew! They did everything possible to provide us an exciting adventure during our vacation. We caught a variety of fish and enjoyed grilling them up that evening. We highly recommend Captain Troy for your Florida Keys fishing adventure.

    Patrick G. | March 13, 2024

    Trip: Afternoon Half

  • ★★★★★
    We had a wonderful day fishing with Chris. He is incredibly knowledgeable and his passion for fishing really shows. We had three younger kids with and he definitely knows how to make it a great experience for even the novice fishermen. We would definitely take another trip with captain Chris!

    Donald S. | February 17, 2024

    Trip: Reef, Wreck, and Patch Reef Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Chris was amazing! He taught everyone how to properly fish and catch fish. We caught plenty of fish even though he said it was a light day. We were pretty excited to get a wide variety of fish including a couple different groupers and some nurse sharks. Hopefully his new term for the nurse shark will follow him on many voyages to come! We all had a great time would totally recommend and would love to come back!

    Kevin Z. | February 9, 2024

    Trip: Reef, Wreck, and Patch Reef Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Outstanding!!!! Chris is the best fish guide I’ve ever been out with out of Islamorada.

    Juan A. | January 5, 2024

    Trip: Reef, Wreck, and Patch Reef Trip

  • ★★★★★
    An excellent day on the beautiful keys water. Started with overcast but the sun did come out as well as the fish. All three of us had a wonderful time thanks to Captain Pete and Christy. They were kind, helpful and great fun to be around. We would definitely come back and go with Captain Pete again! Thank you for a wonderful day!

    Kelly P. | November 6, 2023

    Trip: Islamorada Fishing with Capt Pete

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great time. I will definatly go again with capt. Pete next time I'm here

    Jason J. | October 11, 2023

    Trip: Islamorada Trolling / Wreck Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Captain and crew were great. All around amazing experience. 10/10 would recommend.

    Ian M. | September 26, 2023

    Trip: Islamorada Reef Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Chris rocks!!! Personable and knowledgeable. Great day fishing. Will recommend

    Sharon | September 21, 2023

    Trip: Reef, Wreck, and Patch Reef Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Pete and his wife could not have been any nicer and their boat was perfect. Pete kept us on the water longer than our trip was scheduled for trying to put some fish in the boat (we caught 1 tile fish and 3 vermillion that were just over 12 inches) I know the captain cannot control the bite as I have been on 100’s of charters however we fished with one rod the entire day! It was an electric reel since we were fishing in 600 plus feet of water. I spent almost the entire day watching my girlfriend dropping her line down and flipping the switch to bring it back up. That certainly is not what we had in mind when we booked the trip. We should have had two rods to fish with and moved into the reefs for some snapper, yellow tail or something but to deep drop the entire with one rig and zero activity was really disappointing.

    Jason C. | August 25, 2023

    Trip: Islamorada Trolling / Wreck Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Pete and Chisty were great. Although we did not catch any keepers, we had a great time trying

    William I. | August 17, 2023

    Trip: Islamorada Fishing with Capt Pete

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Pete and his deck mate Christie had a beautiful boat and despite the hot weather kept us in shade and cool! Fishing was admittedly slow today, but that didn’t keep Captain Pete from putting onto Mahi! Thanks for a great day with my boys that I will always treasure Greg

    Greg B. | August 9, 2023

    Trip: Islamorada Reef Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great day fishing with Capt. Pete and Christy! Our teenager got his first deep sea fishing experience and reeled in a couple huge tilefish, which made for a great dinner that evening and we had plenty more to take home. We would definitely take another trip with Capt. Pete and Christy on our next trip to the area and I'll recommend them to others.

    Charity P. | August 2, 2023

    Trip: Islamorada Fishing with Capt Pete

Other Hunting Species in Key Largo

What's biting in Key Largo?

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