Key Largo Deep Water Fishing with Captain Pete
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Captain Pete Jacobsen leads 68 hour offshore fishing adventuresTarget Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Sailfish, and Tuna in Key Largo watersWellequipped charter accommodates up to 6 guests per trip
When you're ready to leave the shallows behind and chase the big ones, Captain Pete Jacobsen's offshore fishing charters deliver exactly what serious anglers are looking for. These 6 to 8-hour trips take you into Key Largo's legendary blue water, where the Gulf Stream brings in the pelagics that make South Florida fishing world-class. You'll be targeting mahi mahi, wahoo, sailfish, and blackfin tuna in waters that consistently produce trophy-sized catches. Captain Pete runs a tight operation with top-rated equipment and knows these waters like the back of his hand, making this a customer favorite for both seasoned fishermen and folks just getting their feet wet in offshore angling.
Your day starts early, usually around sunrise, when the fishing is hottest and the seas are typically calmest. Captain Pete's boat accommodates up to 6 anglers, which means you'll have plenty of room to work without bumping elbows when the action heats up. The charter runs anywhere from 6 to 8 hours depending on what you book, giving you serious time to work the fishing grounds. You'll head out to the deep drop-offs and current edges where the baitfish stack up and the predators follow. The waters around Key Largo offer incredible visibility, so you'll often spot your target species before they hit the lines. Plan to bring your own food and drinks since meals aren't included, but Captain Pete focuses on what he does best - putting you on fish. The boat comes equipped with quality tackle, outriggers, and electronics, though many regulars prefer bringing their own favorite rods and reels.
Captain Pete runs a classic offshore trolling spread that's proven deadly on pelagic species. You'll typically have four to six lines out, using a mix of ballyhoo, diving plugs, and skirted lures depending on conditions and target species. The outriggers keep your lines spread wide to cover more water, while the flat lines run closer to the boat's wake. When you're targeting mahi, Pete often looks for floating debris, weed lines, or birds working the surface - these are magnets for dolphin fish. For wahoo, the focus shifts to deeper structure and current breaks where these speed demons patrol. Sailfish require a different approach entirely, often involving live bait presentations and precise boat positioning. The captain provides all the terminal tackle and knows exactly which presentations work best in these waters, but he's always happy to let experienced anglers run their own setups if they prefer.
Mahi mahi are the bread and butter of Key Largo offshore fishing, and for good reason. These beautiful fish are aggressive feeders that put up an amazing fight, jumping and tail-dancing when hooked. They typically run 10 to 30 pounds in these waters, though bigger bulls show up regularly. Mahi are most active during warmer months from spring through fall, and they're famous for traveling in schools - where you find one, you'll often find several. What makes them so exciting is their willingness to eat just about any well-presented bait or lure, plus they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of smoking line at 60+ mph when they hit your trolled bait. These torpedo-shaped fish typically weigh 20 to 40 pounds around Key Largo, with larger specimens showing up during winter months. They're notorious for their explosive strikes and blistering runs, often jumping clear of the water. Wahoo are somewhat more finicky than mahi, preferring high-speed trolled lures and specific depth ranges, which is why having an experienced captain like Pete makes all the difference.
Atlantic sailfish are the crown jewel of offshore fishing here, known for their spectacular aerial displays and stubborn fighting ability. These magnificent fish typically run 40 to 80 pounds and are most common during the cooler months from November through March. Sailfish are catch-and-release only in these waters, making them purely about the sport and the photos. When a sailfish grabs your bait, you're in for several minutes of pure adrenaline as they jump, dive, and strip line from your reel.
Blackfin tuna might be the smallest of your target species at 5 to 20 pounds, but don't let their size fool you. These fish are pure muscle and fight way above their weight class, making screaming runs and diving deep when hooked. They're excellent table fare and available year-round, though they're most abundant during summer months. Blackfins often travel in schools and can provide non-stop action when you locate them.
Captain Pete's offshore fishing trips offer the perfect combination of experienced guidance and productive fishing grounds that keep anglers coming back season after season. Whether you choose the 6-hour option for a solid half-day adventure or go all-in with the 8-hour trip for maximum fishing time, you'll be working waters that consistently produce quality catches. The boat handles beautifully in offshore conditions, the tackle is maintained to high standards, and Captain Pete's local knowledge gives you the edge you need to make the most of your time on the water. Key Largo's offshore fishing is renowned throughout South Florida, and this charter puts you right in the heart of the action. Book your trip now and get ready to experience some of the best blue water fishing the Atlantic has to offer.
Meet your offshore fishing platform for Key Largo waters - a classic 34-foot Downeast cabin cruiser that's been working these fishing grounds since 1987. This Crusader-built boat handles the open ocean with confidence, powered by a reliable 375HP Caterpillar engine that cruises smoothly at 18 knots to get you to the productive fishing spots where mahi mahi, wahoo, sailfish, and tuna roam. The spacious layout comfortably accommodates up to six anglers with plenty of room to fight fish from multiple positions. The flybridge gives you elevated views to spot diving birds and surface activity that signals feeding fish below. Down in the cabin, you'll find a head for convenience during those longer 6-8 hour trips, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold under the Florida sun. Modern electronics including GPS navigation and fish finder help locate structure and baitfish that attract the pelagic species you're targeting. The onboard multimedia system keeps things lively between bites. Whether you're an experienced angler or picking up a rod for the first time, this well-maintained charter boat provides a stable, comfortable platform for serious offshore fishing in the productive waters around Key Largo.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the crown jewel of our offshore fishery, averaging 50-80 pounds with that massive dorsal fin that makes them unmistakable. These bills cruise the 80-300 foot range along current breaks and temperature changes. Winter months bring the best action to Key Largo when they migrate through our waters. What hooks anglers is that aerial show - they'll jump, dive, and tailwalk like nothing else out there. Most are released for conservation. The trick is patience during the fight and proper teasing techniques. My advice: when we raise a sail, don't rush the hookset. Let them eat the bait completely before coming tight - they'll inspect your offering first, then commit to the bite.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin are the smallest tuna we target, typically running 10-20 pounds, but they fight way above their weight class. These dark-backed speedsters school up around structure in 100-300 feet of water, especially near the continental shelf. Winter through spring is prime time in the Keys when they move into our warmer waters. Guests love them for the nonstop action and excellent sashimi-grade meat. They're smart fish with great eyesight, so you need to downsize your tackle. Here's the key: use light fluorocarbon leaders and smaller hooks than you'd think. When you find a school, vertical jig or chunk with pilchards - they'll go crazy for live bait drifted down to them.
Coryphaena HippurusThese golden beauties are a Key Largo staple, averaging 15-29 pounds with that famous color-changing show when you bring them boatside. They're surface feeders that love hanging around floating debris and weed lines in 100-400 feet of water. Peak season runs spring through fall when water temps stay warm. Mahi are aggressive fighters with great table fare - mild, flaky white meat that's perfect grilled. They travel in schools, so when you hook one, get ready for multiple fish. My tip: when you see frigate birds working debris, get your ballyhoo ready and troll fast - mahi love that skipping action on the surface.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of our offshore waters, hitting up to 60 mph and averaging 3-5 feet long. These torpedo-shaped fish cruise the blue water from 50-200 feet deep, often around temperature breaks and current edges. July through November gives us our best shots here in the Keys. What makes wahoo special is that lightning-fast strike and screaming run - plus they're fantastic eating with delicate, flaky white meat. The challenge is their razor-sharp teeth that'll cut right through regular leaders. Pro tip: troll at 12-15 knots with wire leaders and cover water fast - wahoo won't chase a slow bait, but they'll absolutely crush something moving at speed.
Key Largo