Miami & Key Largo Fishing Charters:
Bottom Fishing on the Reef
Bottom fishing the reef line from Miami to the Upper Keys
Dominate South Florida mangrove snapper fishing on local patch reefs and wrecks. While available year-round, the summer spawning season (June to August) offers the hottest action for big snapper.
To fool these line-shy fish, anchor upcurrent and establish a heavy chum slick to draw them off the bottom. Use a stealthy technique by pairing a light 12- to 20-pound fluorocarbon leader with a light jig head. Freelining live shrimp, small pilchards, or fresh-cut ballyhoo naturally down the chum line is the ultimate way to trigger aggressive strikes and fill the cooler.
Target prize South Florida mutton snapper along deep reef edges, gravel plains, and wrecks. While available year-round, the spring and summer full moons (May through July) deliver peak spawning action for these hard-fighting trophies.
Because muttons are notoriously sharp-eyed, a stealthy technique using a long fluorocarbon leader (15 to 30 feet) on a knocker or fish-finder rig is essential. Anchor or drift over structure and present live ballyhoo, pinfish, or fresh grunt plugs directly on the bottom to trigger their aggressive, drag-screaming strikes.
Experience non-stop action targeting South Florida yellowtail snapper along the outer reef edges and patch reefs. While they bite year-round, the spring and summer (April to August) spawning months offer the most aggressive action for flag-sized fish.
Success relies on anchoring upcurrent and creating a heavy, continuous chum slick to raise the school from the reef toward the surface. Match this with ultra-light spinning tackle and a stealthy 10- to 15-pound fluorocarbon leader. Freelining small strips of fresh ballyhoo, silversides, or shrimp naturally down the chum line is the ultimate technique to trigger instant, line-peeling strikes.