Spearfishing Adventure in the Florida Keys with Tony Young: Yellowtail Snapper, Wahoo, and Lionfish Action
If you're passionate about spearfishing, saltwater fishing, or just love the crystal-clear waters of the Florida Keys, you're in for a treat. In a recent episode of Saltwater Experience, Captains Tom Rowland and Rich Tudor team up with expert guide Tony Young for an unforgettable day on—and under—the water. This adventure, now streaming on YouTube and Waypoint TV, showcases the unique fishery of the Keys and offers valuable insights into spearfishing, Yellowtail Snapper, Wahoo hunting, and invasive Lionfish control.
The Yellow Brick Road: Yellowtail Snapper Frenzy
The day kicks off with rod-and-reel fishing for Yellowtail Snapper. Anchored up in about 90 feet of water with chum lines drawing in fish, the crew quickly finds themselves surrounded by a massive school of Yellowtail Snapper—what Tony fondly calls the "Yellow Brick Road." These prized fish offer nonstop action on light tackle. Using specialized yellowtail jigs and fluorocarbon leaders (originally developed for these notoriously line-shy fish), Tom and Rich expertly bring in beautiful, full-sized Yellowtails destined for a fresh meal at Hawks Cay Resort's cook-your-catch program.
Transitioning to Spearfishing: Wahoo and Lionfish Underwater Adventure
What sets this episode apart is Tony Young's mastery of spearfishing. As the owner of Forever Young Charter Company, Tony specializes in both rod-and-reel charters and spearfishing expeditions for all skill levels. On this day, the water lays down perfectly, and the crew takes full advantage by diving some of the local wrecks and reefs.
Tony showcases his high-performance 65-inch Hatch Super Mero speargun, ideal for blue water hunting. The setup features a slip tip and float system that allows divers to safely target powerful pelagic species like Wahoo. Free diving for Wahoo, as Tony explains, is an adrenaline-pumping experience unlike any other. The crystal-clear Florida Keys waters make this both challenging and rewarding.
Coral Restoration: Mote Marine Laboratory's Crucial Work
In addition to the incredible fishing action, this episode highlights a visit to Mote Marine Laboratory's coral nursery at Bud N' Mary's Marina. Using cutting-edge microfragmentation techniques, Mote scientists are restoring Florida's coral reefs that have suffered severe degradation since the 1970s. This segment underscores the importance of sustainable fishing and marine conservation—values deeply ingrained in the Florida Keys fishing community.
How to Watch This Episode
You can watch the full adventure right now on:
Don't forget to subscribe to Saltwater Experience on both platforms to catch future episodes packed with fishing action, expert tips, and breathtaking scenery from the Florida Keys.
Book Your Own Spearfishing Adventure
If this episode inspires you to try spearfishing in the Florida Keys, consider booking a trip with Tony Young's Forever Young Charter Company. Whether you're targeting Yellowtail Snapper, hunting for Wahoo, or helping control Lionfish populations, Tony provides the expertise and equipment to make your trip safe, educational, and unforgettable.