Full Day Big Game Fishing in Key West Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday offshore fishing targeting sailfish, marlin, and tunaAll gear and fishing licenses provided by experienced captainEighthour adventure accommodating up to six guests maximum
Key West's deep blue waters hold some of the most sought-after game fish in the Atlantic, and this 8-hour charter puts you right in the action. Captain and crew from Anytime Outlaw Fishing know these waters like the back of their hands, taking you to productive grounds where sailfish, marlin, tuna, and mahi mahi roam year-round. You'll head out into depths reaching 2,000 feet, where the real monsters live and feed. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a serious fishing adventure that gives you the time needed to connect with Key West's legendary offshore fishery.
Your day starts early, meeting the crew as they prep the boat with fresh bait and check all the tackle. The ride out to the fishing grounds gives you time to get your sea legs and watch the sun paint the horizon. Once we hit the productive water, it's game on. Depending on conditions and what's biting, you might find yourself trolling for mahi mahi around floating sargassum, working the edges of the Gulf Stream for sailfish, or setting up on a promising piece of structure where tuna like to hunt. The captain provides all your gear – heavy-duty rods, quality reels, and tackle that can handle whatever decides to eat your bait. With up to 6 anglers on board, everyone gets plenty of chances to get tight to a fish. The crew handles the technical stuff like rigging baits and managing the spread, so you can focus on what matters most – fighting fish.
This trip is all about covering water and presenting baits where big fish feed. We'll be trolling most of the day, pulling a spread of lures and rigged baits at different depths and distances behind the boat. The captain reads the water constantly – looking for temperature breaks, current edges, floating debris, and bird activity that signals feeding fish below. When we're targeting mahi mahi, expect to work around any floating structure or weed lines we find. For billfish like sailfish and marlin, we'll focus on areas where the blue water meets different current systems. The tackle is built for business – 30 to 50-pound class outfits that can handle long runs and powerful fish. Circle hooks are standard for billfish, and the crew knows how to properly rig everything from ballyhoo to artificial lures. When a fish hits, they'll coach you through the fight, helping with boat positioning and giving you tips on when to pump and when to let the fish run.
Atlantic sailfish are the bread and butter of Key West's offshore scene, and these acrobatic fighters never disappoint. They typically run 6 to 8 feet long and put on a spectacular aerial show when hooked. Spring and summer months see the most consistent sailfish action, though they're around year-round. What makes them special is their speed and jumping ability – watching a sailfish come completely out of the water, shaking its head and rattling its bill, is something you'll never forget. Blue marlin represent the ultimate prize in these waters. These bruisers can push 300 pounds or more and have the power to strip line off your reel like it's nothing. Summer months offer the best shot at hooking into one of these legends. The fight is all about endurance – yours and the fish's. White marlin are smaller than their blue cousins but equally exciting, known for their acrobatic displays and willingness to eat trolled baits. Mahi mahi bring consistent action and excellent table fare to the mix. These golden beauties love floating debris and weed lines, often traveling in schools that can provide multiple hookups. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and they're absolute bulldogs on the line despite their smaller size. Wahoo round out the target list with blistering speed and razor-sharp teeth. These torpedo-shaped predators can hit 60 mph and will test your reflexes when they strike. They're around year-round but seem most active during cooler months.
This full-day charter represents your best shot at connecting with Key West's world-class offshore fishery. Eight hours on the water gives you the time needed to work different areas, adjust tactics based on conditions, and maximize your chances of hooking into something special. The experienced crew handles all the details – from tackle and bait to fishing licenses – so you can focus purely on the fishing experience. Whether you're after your first sailfish, hoping to tangle with a marlin, or just want to enjoy a day of consistent action with mahi mahi and wahoo, this trip delivers the goods. Book your spot now and get ready to see why Key West has earned its reputation as one of the top big game fishing destinations in the world.
Step aboard our 32' Donzi center console and get ready to chase trophy fish in Key West's legendary waters. This 2021 beauty runs on twin 300HP Suzuki engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast and smooth. Built for serious anglers, she comfortably handles up to 6 guests while you target sailfish, marlin, tuna, and mahi mahi in depths reaching 2,000 feet. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating your next big catch, while GPS and radar keep you on course even when conditions get tricky. An icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh during those long battles with pelagic giants. Whether you're trolling for wahoo or working the edges for mahi, this Donzi gives you the platform and power to make the most of Key West's world-class offshore fishing opportunities.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are the speed demons of Key West waters, hitting 30+ mph with that iconic dorsal fin fully raised. These 7-foot beauties average 50 pounds but can push 140. You'll find them hunting in 30-65 feet near the surface, though they'll dive deeper when chasing baitfish. Winter months are prime time here in the Keys - that's when they migrate through in good numbers. What makes them special is the fight - they'll leap, dive, and put on an aerial show that'll have you questioning your tackle. The key trick? Don't rush the hookset. When they light up that sail and start slashing at your ballyhoo, let them eat before you come tight. Their color-changing ability during the fight is something you won't forget.
Makaira NigricansBlue Marlin are the heavyweight champions out here - females can reach 1,000+ pounds while males stay around 350. These deep blue giants cruise the warm Gulf Stream waters in depths from 100-2,000 feet, following temperature breaks and current edges. Spring through fall gives you the best shots, especially when water temps hit that 78-80 degree sweet spot. What draws anglers is the raw power and those legendary jumps - nothing matches a marlin coming completely out of the water. The meat's good eating too, though most folks release these beauties. Pro tip: when trolling, keep your ballyhoo swimming naturally and don't get heavy-handed on the drag. These fish are strong enough to snap your line if you lock down too hard during that first screaming run.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the colorful crowd-pleasers that light up like neon signs when hooked. Running 15-30 pounds on average, they're drawn to floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in 100-1,000 feet of water. Summer months are peak season here in Key West - that's when they school up and the action gets fast. What guests love is the vibrant color show and excellent table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit trolled ballyhoo, live bait, or even jigs. Here's the thing about mahi: when you hook one, don't boat it right away. Keep it in the water and work the school - where there's one, there's usually more. The splashing will often fire up the whole group and keep them around longer.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the missiles of the deep - sleek, fast fish that'll smoke a trolled lure at 50+ mph. These zebra-striped speedsters average 30-50 pounds but can hit 100+. You'll find them along drop-offs and current edges in 200-1,000 feet, especially around structure. Fall through spring is prime time here, when they move through following baitfish. What makes them special is that blistering speed and the challenge of hooking them clean. The meat's outstanding too - white, flaky, and perfect for the grill. Wire leaders are a must since their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. My tip: troll fast at 12-15 knots with diving plugs or skirted ballyhoo. When they hit, it's usually violent - no gentle taps from these fish.
Kajikia AlbidaWhite Marlin are the smaller cousins of the blue, but don't let size fool you - they're pure athletes. Running 50-80 pounds, they're built for speed and acrobatics in 100-2,000 feet of water along temperature breaks. Spring and summer bring the best action when they follow the warm water north. What sets them apart is their intelligence - they're thinkers that'll inspect your bait before committing. The fight is spectacular with jumps that'll have you scrambling for the camera. Most folks release them since they're not as common as they used to be. The secret is patience - when you see one checking out your ballyhoo, resist pulling it away. Let them circle and investigate. They'll often come back for a second or third look before finally eating. Dead bait trolled naturally works better than anything fancy.
Key West