Key Largo Offshore Fishing with Captain Pete
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
6-8 hour offshore trips targeting Mahi, Wahoo, Sailfish, TunaCaptain Pete Jacobsen guides fishing in Key Largo watersWell-equipped charter accommodates up to 6 guests per trip
Looking for a real offshore fishing adventure in Key Largo? Captain Pete Jacobsen runs some of the most productive charter trips in the upper Keys, targeting the big pelagic species that make this area famous. His 6 and 8-hour offshore trips put you right in the action, working the blue water where mahi mahi, wahoo, sailfish, and blackfin tuna cruise the current lines. With room for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work your lines without feeling crowded. Pete knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the patience to work with everyone from weekend warriors to first-timers who've never felt a billfish on the end of their line.
Captain Pete's offshore trips start early, usually around sunrise when the bite is hot and the seas are calm. You'll head out past the reef line into the deep blue water of the Gulf Stream, where the real action happens. The ride out gives you time to get your sea legs and watch Pete set up the spread – he runs a mix of ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and diving lures that have proven themselves over years of fishing these waters. The boat's equipped with everything you need: quality rods and reels, a full tackle selection, and all the terminal gear. Pete brings the ice and fish bags, so your catch stays fresh for the trip home. The 6-hour trips focus on the closer offshore grounds, while the 8-hour adventures push further out where the biggest fish roam. Both options give you solid fishing time once you reach the grounds.
Offshore fishing in Key Largo is all about covering water and reading the signs. Pete runs a four or five-rod spread, trolling at different speeds and depths to target whatever's moving through the area. You'll work the current breaks, weed lines, and color changes where baitfish stack up and predators follow. When a fish hits, Pete will coach you through the fight – whether it's keeping steady pressure on a screaming wahoo or working the angles on a jumping sailfish. The tackle is sized right for the species: lighter spinning gear for mahi and blackfins, heavier conventional setups for the wahoo and sails. Pete switches up the lure colors and presentations based on conditions, and he's always watching the fish finder for bait schools and temperature breaks. This isn't chuck-and-chance fishing – it's strategic angling that puts the odds in your favor.
Mahi mahi are the bread and butter of Key Largo offshore fishing, and for good reason. These gorgeous fish are aggressive feeders that hit hard and fight even harder, with their brilliant gold and green colors flashing as they jump and run. School mahi typically run 5 to 15 pounds and travel in groups, so when you find one, you'll usually find more. The bigger bulls can push 30 pounds or better and provide serious battles on medium tackle. Peak season runs from April through August, but you can find mahi year-round in the right conditions. They're drawn to floating debris, sargassum weed, and current edges, making them perfect targets for trolling operations.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of runs that will smoke your reel in seconds. These torpedo-shaped predators can reach 40 mph and grow to impressive sizes – a 20 to 40-pound wahoo is a serious fish that demands respect. They're notorious for their initial blazing run, often taking 200 yards of line before you can even react. Wahoo have razor-sharp teeth that can slice through leaders, so Pete uses wire or heavy fluorocarbon to prevent cutoffs. Fall and winter months typically produce the best wahoo action, though they're present year-round. The meat is prized for its clean, white flesh that's perfect for grilling or searing.
Atlantic sailfish are the crown jewel of Key Largo offshore fishing, combining size, speed, and spectacular aerial displays that make every hookup memorable. These billfish average 30 to 50 pounds but can reach much larger sizes, and they're famous for their lightning-fast runs and repeated jumps. Sailfish season peaks from December through April when cooler water temperatures bring them closer to shore. They're often caught while trolling for other species, providing bonus excitement when that distinctive sail breaks the surface. Many anglers choose to release sailfish after a quick photo, helping maintain the fishery for future generations.
Blackfin tuna might be the smallest of the bunch, but they pack serious fight into their compact frames. These 10 to 25-pound speedsters are built for endurance, making long, powerful runs that test your tackle and technique. They school up in good numbers, especially during spring and fall migrations, creating fast-paced action when you locate a feeding frenzy. Blackfins are excellent table fare with their deep red meat that's perfect for sashimi or blackened preparations. They're often found around the same structures and current lines that hold mahi, making them frequent bonus catches during mixed-bag fishing days.
Captain Pete Jacobsen's offshore fishing trips offer everything serious anglers want: productive waters, quality equipment, and the expertise to put you on fish. Whether you choose the 6-hour trip for a taste of offshore action or go all-in with the 8-hour adventure, you'll experience Key Largo fishing at its finest. The upper Keys location puts you close to some of Florida's most consistent offshore fishing grounds, and Pete's local knowledge gives you the edge you need to make the most of your time on the water. Don't wait – the best fishing dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Book your offshore fishing adventure today and get ready to experience why Key Largo has earned its reputation as one of the top offshore fishing destinations in the world.
Meet your fishing platform for Key Largo's offshore waters – a solid 34-foot Downeast cabin cruiser that's been working these fishing grounds since 1987. Built by Crusader with a reliable Caterpillar 375HP engine, she cruises at 18 knots to get you out to where the Mahi, Wahoo, and Sailfish are biting. The flybridge gives you elevated views to spot diving birds and color changes in the water, while the fish finder below helps locate structure and baitfish. With room for up to 6 anglers, there's space to spread out whether you're trolling for Tuna or working live bait for Sailfish. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long 6-8 hour runs, and the onboard head means more time fishing, less time heading back to port. GPS navigation gets you to the productive spots Captain Pete knows, while the multimedia system keeps things entertaining between strikes. This boat's designed for serious offshore fishing – comfortable enough for all-day trips but rugged enough to handle Key Largo's deeper waters where the big fish roam.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the showstoppers of offshore fishing - nothing beats watching that massive dorsal fin light up as they charge your bait. These billfish average 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds, with that iconic sail and speed that'll make your reel sing. They hunt in 30-200 feet, usually near current edges and temperature breaks where baitfish stack up. Winter months here in Key Largo are prime time, with "Sailfish Alley" lighting up from December through March. Why everyone wants one? They jump, dive, and put on an aerial show like no other fish. Plus, they change colors during the fight - blues, blacks, and stripes flashing as they battle. When you get a bite, resist the urge to set hard immediately. Let them eat the bait for a few seconds before coming tight - patience pays off with these bill fish.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are scrappy little fighters that punch way above their weight class. These dark-backed speedsters typically run 10-20 pounds and rarely exceed 39 inches, but they'll give you a workout on lighter tackle. They school up near the continental shelf in 60-300 feet of water, especially around structure and current breaks. Best action happens fall through spring when water temps hit that sweet spot above 68°F. What's great about blackfins? They fight like much bigger tuna, travel in schools so you can get multiple hookups, and make excellent sashimi with that deep red meat. They've got sharp eyes, so scale down your tackle - try #30 fluorocarbon leaders with 5/0 circle hooks. Chunk with pilchards to bring the school up, then pick them off one by one.
Coryphaena HippurusThese colorful fighters are pure gold when they hit your line. Mahi run 15-29 pounds on average, with that stunning golden body and electric blue-green back that puts on a light show when they come out of the water. They love hanging around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in 100-500 feet of water. Peak season here in Key Largo runs April through September when the water's warm. What makes them special? They fight hard, jump like crazy, and taste amazing on the dinner table - mild, sweet, and perfect for grilling. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your eyes peeled for the school. Where there's one mahi, there's usually more, so get another line in the water fast.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep, hitting 60 mph and making screaming runs that'll test your drag. These sleek predators average 3-5 feet but can push 8 feet, with that distinctive blue-striped silver body and razor teeth. They cruise open water from 20-200 feet, often near drop-offs and current breaks. Best fishing here is July through November when they're most active. Guests love them for the blistering initial run and the premium white meat that's perfect for searing. The fight is explosive but short - they either break you off quick or tire out fast. Local secret: troll fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders. Those teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat, so don't cheap out on your terminal tackle.
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