4 HR Offshore Key West Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
4hour offshore fishing adventure targeting multiple saltwater speciesAll gear and fishing licenses provided by experienced captainAccommodates up to 8 guests with customizable fishing locations
Picture this: you're casting lines in the deep blue waters off Key West, where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Atlantic, and the fish are as legendary as the sunsets. This 4-hour charter with Blind Squirrel Charters puts you right in the heart of some of Florida's best fishing grounds. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and lives by one simple rule: "It's your day, your way!" Whether you're dead set on heading offshore for those trophy bottom dwellers or prefer staying closer to the shallows, he'll work with you to make it happen. With all gear and licenses included, you just need to show up ready to fish.
This isn't your typical cookie-cutter fishing trip. From the moment you step aboard, your captain sizes up the group and tailors the experience to match what you're after. Morning trips often mean calmer seas and active feeding periods, while afternoon charters can offer different species patterns and wind conditions. The boat comfortably handles up to 8 anglers, so there's plenty of room to spread out without bumping elbows. Key West's unique position gives you access to both offshore structure and nearshore flats, meaning your captain can pivot based on conditions, season, and what's biting. Some days that means running out to the deep drops for Amberjack and Snapper, other days it's working the color changes for Mahi or trolling the edges for Wahoo.
Your captain comes equipped with quality rods, reels, and terminal tackle suited for Key West's diverse fishery. Bottom fishing setups typically involve heavier weights and circle hooks to get down to the Grouper and Snapper haunts, while trolling spreads feature a mix of lures and rigged baits to tempt pelagic species cruising the blue water. Live bait fishing is often in play too – nothing beats a frisky pilchard or goggle-eye when the bite gets tough. The captain reads the conditions and adjusts tactics accordingly, whether that's drifting over structure, slow-trolling around weed lines, or anchoring up on a productive spot. He'll walk you through the techniques as you go, so even first-timers can get in on the action while seasoned anglers can appreciate the local knowledge that puts fish in the boat.
Blue Marlin are the ultimate prize in these waters – these apex predators can exceed 400 pounds and provide heart-stopping runs that test both angler and equipment. While they're around year-round, summer months often see increased activity. The fight is legendary: powerful initial runs, multiple jumps, and stamina that can last hours. Landing one is a lifetime achievement that earns serious bragging rights back at the dock.
Mahi Mahi, or Common Dolphinfish, are crowd-pleasers that hit hard and fight dirty with their acrobatic displays. These colorful speedsters typically range from 10-30 pounds in local waters, with bulls occasionally pushing 40-plus. They're most active during warmer months and often travel in schools, meaning when you find one, there's usually more nearby. Their electric colors and aggressive strikes make them a favorite for anglers of all skill levels.
Greater Amberjack are the bruisers of the bottom fishing world, averaging 20-50 pounds with occasional giants topping the scales at 80-plus. These hard-pulling fish inhabit wrecks and deep structure year-round, though they're most active during cooler months. Their initial dive toward structure is legendary – they'll test your drag settings and your back muscles in equal measure.
Cobia are the curious wanderers that often show up when least expected, cruising near the surface and investigating the boat. These brown sharks (as locals call them) average 20-40 pounds and provide strong, sustained fights. Spring and fall migrations bring the best numbers, and sight-fishing opportunities make for exciting visual encounters.
Red Snapper are the bread-and-butter bottom fish that always make for a successful day and excellent table fare. These ruby-colored fighters typically run 3-15 pounds in local waters and are most active during their open season periods. They inhabit structure and hard bottom areas, and their aggressive feeding behavior makes them reliable targets for both novice and experienced anglers.
Key West fishing doesn't get much better than this – experienced local captain, quality gear, and access to some of the most productive waters in the Keys. Whether you're chasing that bucket-list Blue Marlin or just want to load the cooler with Snapper and Amberjack, this charter delivers the goods. The captain's flexible approach means you're not locked into one style of fishing, and his local knowledge puts you on fish while others are still searching. With everything provided except the fish stories, all that's left is booking your date and showing up ready to bend some rods. Don't sleep on this one – prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is on fire.
Get ready to chase some serious fish aboard this beast of a sportfishing boat! This 63-footer was custom-built for Key West waters and completely restored in 2018. Twin 980HP MTU engines push her at a solid 23+ knots, getting you to the fishing grounds fast and back home comfortable. She's loaded with everything you need for a productive day on the water - fish finder to locate the action, GPS and radar for navigation, plus an icebox and full galley to keep your catch fresh and crew fed. The flybridge gives your captain perfect visibility to spot birds and bait schools, while AC keeps everyone cool between hookups. Whether you're after bottom dwellers like Grouper and Snapper or looking to troll for Mahi, Wahoo, and maybe even Blue Marlin, this rig handles it all. Your captain knows these waters inside and out - from the deep drop-offs where the big Amberjack hang to the color changes where Mahi cruise. All gear and licenses included, so just bring your crew and get ready to bend some rods in paradise!
Makaira NigricansBlue Marlin are the kings of offshore fishing - these massive billfish can reach over 1,000 pounds, with females growing much larger than males. They cruise the deep blue waters off Key West year-round, but summer months bring the best action when water temps heat up. You'll find them in 400+ feet of water along current edges and temperature breaks. What makes them special? That legendary fight - they'll jump, dive, and run like nothing else in the ocean. Plus, landing a "grander" over 1,000 pounds is a lifetime achievement. The meat's decent eating, though many anglers prefer catch-and-release. Pro tip: when trolling, keep your baits skipping on the surface - Blue Marlin love chasing flying fish, and that splash will trigger strikes from curious fish cruising below.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like the sharks that aren't sharks - dark brown torpedo-shaped fish that cruise just under the surface around Key West. These loners typically run 20-50 pounds and can stretch 4-5 feet long. You'll spot them around buoys, channel markers, and wrecks in 20-100 feet of water. Spring migration brings the best action, especially March through May. What's cool about them? They're curious fish that'll follow the boat, giving you sight-fishing opportunities. Plus, they're some of the best eating in the Gulf - firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between grouper and mahi. The fight's strong and steady too. My favorite technique: when you see one following, pitch a bucktail jig or live bait right in front of them. They usually can't resist, but work it slow - they like to inspect their meals.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef - thick, powerful fish that'll test your tackle and your back. These bruisers average 20-40 pounds but can hit 60+ around Key West's deeper structures. You'll find them on wrecks, reefs, and ledges in 60-200 feet of water. Spring and summer are prime time when they move up from the depths to feed. What makes them fun? They fight dirty - diving straight down into structure, trying to break you off on every run. The amber stripe along their sides lights up when they're fired up. Great eating too, though watch for ciguatera in bigger fish. Here's the trick: when you hook one, don't give them an inch. Keep constant pressure and pump them up fast, or they'll wrap you around every piece of bottom structure they can find.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi Mahi are pure gold when they hit your line - literally. These beautiful fish show off bright golden sides with electric blue-green backs that change colors when excited. Most run 15-30 pounds, though bigger bulls can push 50+. They love floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in 100-400 feet of water. Spring through fall gives you the best shots around Key West. What guests love most? They fight hard with acrobatic jumps, they're stunning to look at, and the eating is top-notch - mild, sweet, firm white meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. They're also fast growers, so you're not hurting the fishery. My go-to trick: when you hook one, leave it in the water briefly - the splashing often brings the whole school to the boat for multiple hookups.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the bread and butter of offshore bottom fishing - bright red beauties that make every cooler look good. Most run 2-8 pounds in our waters, but 15-20 pounders show up on the deeper spots. You'll find them hugging hard bottom, ledges, and artificial reefs in 60-200+ feet around Key West. Summer's prime time when they're most active and regulations allow harvest. What guests love? They're scrappy fighters for their size, gorgeous fish, and absolutely fantastic eating - sweet, flaky white meat that's restaurant quality. They're also fairly easy to catch once you locate them. Key tip: use just enough weight to hold bottom in the current, and keep your bait tight to structure. When you feel that telltale thump-thump bite, set the hook hard and reel fast - they'll dive straight back into the rocks if you give them slack.
Key West