6 Hour Offshore Fishing Trip - Tavernier, FL
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Six-hour offshore fishing adventure targeting pelagic species in Florida KeysAll licenses, beverages, and fish processing services included onboardProfessional charter accommodates up to six guests with experienced crew
Picture yourself hauling in a screaming mahi mahi while the deep blue waters of the Atlantic stretch endlessly around you. That's exactly what you'll get with Chris's Clear Water Charters' top-rated 6-hour offshore fishing adventure out of Tavernier. We're talking serious deep sea fishing here – the kind where you're targeting pelagic species that fight hard and taste even better. With everything included from licenses to bait, plus professional filet service and even shipping options, this is hands-down one of the best offshore trips you'll find in the Florida Keys.
This isn't your typical backcountry fishing trip – we're heading out to where the real action happens. Six hours gives us plenty of time to hit multiple spots and really dial in on what's biting. The waters off Tavernier are world-class for a reason, with the Gulf Stream bringing in nutrient-rich currents that attract everything from blackfin tuna to cobia. Captain Chris knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the spots marked where the fish stack up. The boat's equipped with top-notch electronics, so we're not just blindly trolling around – we're fishing smart. Up to 6 anglers can join this customer favorite trip, making it perfect for families or groups of friends looking to get into some serious fish. The vibe is relaxed but focused, and whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, you'll be in good hands.
Offshore fishing is all about covering water and presenting the right baits at the right depth. We'll be running a spread of both live and artificial baits, typically trolling between 6-12 knots depending on conditions and what we're targeting. The captain's got quality rods and reels spooled with the right line for battling these pelagic species – we're talking 30-50 pound test depending on what's running. Ballyhoo rigged on circle hooks, diving plugs, and feathers are staples in the spread, but don't be surprised if we switch things up based on what the fish are telling us. The key to success out here is reading the water – looking for color changes, bird activity, floating debris, and temperature breaks where baitfish concentrate. When we mark fish on the sounder or see birds working, that's when things get exciting fast. The boat's fighting chair and outriggers make it possible to handle multiple hookups, and trust me, double and triple headers happen more often than you'd think when you find the right school.
Mahi mahi are the crown jewel of offshore fishing in these waters, and for good reason. These beauties average 10-25 pounds but can push 40+ when you find a real bull. They're most active during warmer months, roughly April through October, and they absolutely love floating debris and weed lines. What makes mahi so special isn't just their incredible colors – that electric blue and gold that lights up when they're fighting – it's their acrobatic nature. These fish will jump, dive, and put on a show that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. Plus, they're hands-down one of the best eating fish in the ocean.
Blackfin tuna might be smaller than their yellowfin cousins, but don't let that fool you – these speedsters pack serious punch. Averaging 5-15 pounds, they're built like torpedoes and fight way above their weight class. Blackfins are year-round residents here, making them a reliable target when other species are being finicky. They school up tight and once you find them, fast action is almost guaranteed. The meat is dark and rich, perfect for sushi or searing, and many anglers consider them the ultimate light tackle challenge.
Cobia are the wild cards that can make your entire trip. These chocolate-colored bruisers can show up anywhere from 20-60 pounds, and they're curious as cats. Often called "brown sharks" by novice anglers, cobia will actually follow the boat and investigate lures, giving you multiple chances to hook up. Spring and fall migrations bring the biggest numbers, but resident fish hang around year-round. Their firm, white meat rivals any restaurant fish, and their powerful runs will test both angler and equipment.
Hogfish might seem out of place on an offshore trip, but these colorful characters often hang around deeper structures and wrecks we'll be fishing. They're prized for their sweet, mild meat – often called the "filet mignon of the sea." These guys are smart and can be tricky to hook, making them a favorite challenge for experienced anglers. The males sport impressive snouts and vibrant colors during spawning season.
Florida pompano are the bonus fish that'll have you talking for years. These silver bullets are relatively rare in offshore waters, making them a true trophy when caught. They're strong fighters for their size, typically running 2-8 pounds, and their meat is considered among the finest table fare in Florida waters. Finding pompano offshore usually means you've discovered something special – a piece of structure or current break that's holding multiple species.
This renowned 6-hour offshore adventure gives you the perfect taste of what makes Florida Keys fishing legendary. With all licenses, quality gear, drinks, and professional fish cleaning included, Chris's Clear Water Charters takes the hassle out of offshore fishing and lets you focus on what matters – putting fish in the box. The shipping service means you can take your catch home no matter where you're traveling from. Whether you're looking to check mahi mahi off your bucket list, introduce the family to deep sea fishing, or just get away from the crowds for some quality time on the water, this trip delivers every time. The calendar fills up fast during peak season, so don't wait – book your offshore
Step aboard this well-equipped motorboat designed for serious offshore fishing in the beautiful Florida Keys waters. With comfortable seating at both bow and stern, plus a large canopy for those blazing sunny days, you'll stay cool while chasing pelagic species in the deep blue. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools of fish lurking below, while GPS navigation keeps you on course to the hottest fishing spots. An icebox keeps your drinks cold and any fresh catch properly chilled. Perfect for up to 6 anglers looking to target mahi, tuna, and other offshore game fish that roam these productive waters around Tavernier.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest of the tuna family but don't let that fool you - these 10-30 pound speedsters are pure muscle and will give you a fight you won't forget. They've got that classic tuna look with dark backs, silver sides, and distinctive black fins. We find them in blue water along current breaks and temperature changes, usually in schools with skipjacks. Fall through spring is prime time here in the Keys when they're moving through following baitfish. What makes blackfins special is that classic tuna fight - screaming runs that will test your drag and your arms. The meat is excellent too, perfect for sashimi or searing. The secret with blackfins is scaling down your tackle - they've got sharp eyes, so use lighter fluorocarbon leaders and smaller circle hooks. When you find them, vertical jigging works great, but have some live pilchards ready for chum.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are impressive fish that often get mistaken for sharks when you first spot them cruising near the surface - they've got that dark brown color and single dorsal fin that fools a lot of people. These bruisers average around 30-50 pounds but can push 100+, and they're built like torpedoes. We find them around wrecks, buoys, and reef edges in 30-100 feet, especially during their spring and fall migrations. What makes cobia special is they're usually loners, so when you see one, that's your shot. They're aggressive predators and put up an amazing fight with long runs and powerful head shakes. The meat is fantastic too - firm and white, almost like a cross between shark and grouper. Here's the trick: cobia are curious fish, so when you spot one, throw a bucktail jig right in front of it and work it with sharp jerks. They'll often follow it right to the boat.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll see out here, with brilliant gold sides and electric blue-green backs that put on a real color show when they come to the boat. These fast-growing fish average 15-29 pounds and about 3 feet, but we've seen them much bigger. They love hanging around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in blue water. Spring through fall is prime time when they're moving through our area following the warm currents. What makes them so popular with guests is that incredible fight - they jump, run, and never give up easy. Plus, the meat is outstanding - firm, white, and sweet. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your eyes peeled because they usually travel in small groups. Get another bait in the water fast and you might double up.
Trachinotus CarolinusFlorida pompano might be smaller fish - usually running 1-3 pounds and around a foot long - but they're absolute gold when it comes to table fare. These silvery, flat-bodied fish with yellow fins are part of the jack family, so don't let their size fool you about the fight they'll put up. We target them around sandy bottoms near the reefs and in the backcountry where they're feeding on mollusks and small crabs. Summer and fall are your best bet when they're moving through in schools. What guests love is that they're scrappy little fighters that will test your drag, plus the meat has this incredible buttery flavor that makes them one of the most expensive fish in restaurants. The key to pompano is downsizing everything - small hooks, light leader, and keep your bait moving. They've got tiny mouths, so a big hook will spook them every time.
Lachnolaimus MaximusHogfish are one of the most unique catches you'll find on our reefs, easily recognized by that pig-like snout they use to root around coral and rock bottom looking for crabs and shellfish. These wrasse can reach up to 3 feet and 20+ pounds, with males sporting a distinctive black spot behind their pectoral fins. We find them year-round in 15-80 feet of water around hard bottom, ledges, and coral heads where they school up. What guests love about hogfish is the challenge - they're notorious bait stealers with lightning-fast reflexes, and once hooked, they put up a solid scrap. The payoff is worth it though - hogfish are considered some of the best eating fish in these waters, with sweet, flaky white meat that's restaurant quality. My tip: use live shrimp and make some noise by tapping the boat - they're curious fish and the vibrations often bring them in closer.
Key Largo