Patch Reef Fishing Trip
Experience a fun, action-packed day on the water with our Patch Reef Fishing Trip. All year round we fish the shallow patch reefs scattered throughout the Florida Keys, where nonstop bites are common. These lively spots offer incredible variety – snapper, grouper, grunts, and cero mackerel are all frequent catches, and make excellent table fare when they’re in season. All tackle, bait, and fishing licenses are included, and I’m always happy to clean and bag your catch so you can enjoy it fresh for dinner or take it home.
If the weather isn’t ideal for the patch reefs, we have the flexibility to fish the Gulf waters or local bridges to keep the rods bending. This trip is all about steady action and making memories so it is perfect for families, younger children, or first-time anglers who want a fun and relaxed introduction to fishing. Whenever possible, I can even pick you up by boat directly from where you’re staying, or arrange the closest convenient pickup location. Join me on the water for a great day of catching and exploring the best of the Keys.
Where We Go
The patch reefs we fish are small, isolated coral formations that sit in shallow water just a few miles off the Florida Keys, typically in the 8–25 ft range. These spots are close to land, often only a 5-10 minute ride, which makes them easy to reach while still offering vibrant, productive fishing. On our charters, we hop between a variety of these patches depending on the conditions, targeting whichever areas are holding the most life and activity that day. Their proximity and diverse habitat make them perfect for steady action and a wide mix of species.
What's Included
Hop on the Lil Buzzy, where we’ve got everything covered! Just bring your snacks, lunch, water, and beverages (alcohol ok). We have a large cooler packed with ice.
All rods, reels, and tackle are included in the price so you can focus on what really matters, reeling in the fish. Your trip will include all the necessary fishing licenses for the day. The crew will clean and fillet your catch for you to take home at the end of the trip.
Meeting Location
I will pick you up where you are staying if possible. If not, please contact me to arrange a pick up based on your location.
What To Bring
Come prepared for the weather. We recommend long-sleeved SPF apparel and pants. In the Keys, rain can pop up at almost any time, so a rain jacket is great to have handy, but sometimes the rain is a great cool down during a hot day on the water. Be sure to bring all the food and beverages you’ll need for a day on the water.
If you want to bring your own fishing tackle, you’re welcome to bring it, but we use only the best rods, reels, and tackle.
- Non-Spray Sunscreen
- SPF Apparel & Hat
- Lunch, Snacks, and Beverages
- Non-Marking Shoes
- Polarized Sunglasses
- Rain Jacket (If Forecasted)
- Seasickness Meds (If Required)
- Spray On Sunscreen
- Tanning Oil
- Marking Shoes
- Bluetooth Speakers
Patch Reef Fishing Trip FAQs
Have a question? We've got answers. If you do not see your question answered below, please do not hesitate to contact us.
From $600
Trip Rate
The Perfect Boat
24' Bay Boat
The Lil Buzzy is a 24’ Blazer Bay 2420 GTS. This is the perfect boat for our Islamorada charters thanks to its ideal blend of shallow-water performance, speed, comfort, and safety. Powered by a 300 Mercury, this bay boat delivers quick, efficient runs between spots while maintaining a smooth, stable ride through the changing conditions and busy waterways around Islamorada. Its wide beam and solid hull design provide excellent stability, making it a super safe platform for traveling the bays, channels, and nearshore waters. This boat is purpose-built for a safe, productive, and enjoyable day on the water in the Florida Keys.
Over Two Decades Of Guiding
Capt. Aaron Brower
Born and raised in South Florida, I have been fishing the Florida waters since 1976. I moved to the Florida Keys in 2000 and started fishing professionally in 2004. I am a father of four children (two daughters and two sons) who all love being on the water and fishing. I started my fishing career on a party boat and continued to run charters and private fishing boats over the last 20 years.