6 Hour Offshore Fishing Trip - Tavernier, FL
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour offshore fishing adventure targeting pelagic species in Florida KeysAll licenses, beverages, and fish cleaning services included onboardSmall group experience accommodating up to six guests maximum
Ready to get out there and see what the deep blue has to offer? Chris's Clear Water Charters runs one of the top-rated offshore fishing operations in Tavernier, putting you right in the middle of some of Florida Keys' best pelagic action. This 6-hour trip takes you beyond the reef line where the big fish cruise, and trust me, you're going to love what we find out there. We handle all the details - licenses, gear, drinks, even cleaning and bagging your catch - so you can focus on what matters: getting tight to some serious fish.
We launch early and head straight for the blue water where the magic happens. The ride out takes about 30-45 minutes depending on conditions, but once we clear the reef and hit that deep cobalt blue, you know you're in fish territory. The boat's rigged and ready with quality tackle, fresh bait, and everything you need for a productive day. We'll be targeting structure, current breaks, and weed lines where pelagic species love to hang out. Captain Chris knows these waters like the back of his hand - he's been running charters here for years and has dialed in the spots that consistently produce fish. The boat holds up to 6 anglers comfortably, so there's plenty of room to spread out and work different techniques without getting tangled up.
Most of our offshore action comes from trolling, and we run a spread that covers water efficiently while giving each species what they want to see. We'll have ballyhoo rigged on circle hooks, some artificials in the mix, and maybe live bait when conditions call for it. The outriggers keep lines separated, and we adjust our speed based on what we're targeting - slower for mahi when they're finicky, a bit faster when we're looking for wahoo or tuna. When we mark fish on the electronics or spot birds working, we'll often switch to live bait or jigs to get them fired up. The tackle is matched to what we're after - light enough to have fun but heavy enough to handle anything that shows up. We use circle hooks exclusively to promote good releases, and the captain will coach you through the fight whether it's your first rodeo or you've been at this for years.
Mahi mahi are hands down the crowd favorite out here, and for good reason. These fish are absolute acrobats - when you hook one, get ready for jumps, long runs, and some serious head shaking. They travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. Peak season runs spring through fall, but we see them year-round in South Florida. Bulls can push 40+ pounds, and even the smaller fish put on a show. They're gorgeous too - that electric green and gold coloration is something else when they're lit up and angry.
Hogfish might surprise you with how hard they fight for their size. These guys live around structure and are notoriously picky eaters, but when you connect, they'll make strong runs toward the bottom. They're excellent table fare - some say the best eating fish in the ocean - with sweet, flaky white meat. We typically find them in 80-120 feet of water around ledges and wrecks. Spring and summer are prime time, and anything over 15 inches makes for a great dinner.
Cobia are the bulldogs of the offshore world. These brown-backed bruisers can show up anywhere from 50 feet to 200+ feet, often following rays or sharks. When you see that distinctive dark shape cruising near the surface, get a live bait or jig down to them fast. They're curious fish and will often come right up to the boat for a look. Cobia over 30 inches are keepers in Florida, and a good fish will go 20-40 pounds. They make long, powerful runs and don't give up easy.
Florida pompano are the speed demons of the bunch. These silver bullets are built for speed and will test your drag system when they take off. We usually encounter them while trolling smaller baits or when they push bait balls to the surface. They're fantastic eating and highly prized by local anglers. Most of our pompano action happens in spring and early summer when they're moving through in good numbers.
Blackfin tuna bring the heat when they show up. These smaller cousins of the yellowfin are pure muscle and will burn drag like you wouldn't believe. They school up tight and can provide non-stop action when you find them. Look for birds diving and bait spraying on the surface - that's usually where the blackfins are. They're excellent sashimi fish and fight way above their weight class. Peak action is typically late spring through early fall.
This world-class offshore fishing experience fills up fast, especially during prime season when the bite is hot. Chris's Clear Water Charters has built a reputation for putting clients on fish while providing a safe, professional charter experience. With everything included - tackle, bait, licenses, drinks, and fish cleaning - you just need to show up ready to fish. The 6-hour format gives us time to run multiple spots and adapt to what the fish are doing that day. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to offshore fishing, this trip delivers the kind of action that keeps people coming back year after year. Don't wait - the best fishing days book up quickly, and you don't want to miss out on what could be the fishing trip of a lifetime.
Our comfortable motorboat is perfectly rigged for chasing pelagic species in the deep waters off Tavernier. With seating at both bow and stern plus a large canopy for shade during those hot Florida Keys days, you'll stay comfortable while working the lines. The onboard fish finder helps us locate schools of mahi, tuna, and other offshore targets, while GPS keeps us on the productive spots. An icebox keeps your drinks cold and any keeper fish fresh until we head back to the dock. Whether you're battling a bull dolphin or hauling in yellowtail, this boat handles the offshore conditions with ease and gives all six anglers plenty of room to fish without getting tangled up.
Thunnus AtlanticusThe smallest of the tuna family, but don't let size fool you - blackfin are fierce fighters that'll test your tackle. These beautiful fish average 10-20 pounds with dark backs and distinctive bronze finlets. We find them in deep blue water along drop-offs and current edges, usually in schools with other tunas. Fall through spring gives us peak action here in the Keys when water temps hit that sweet spot around 70 degrees. What makes them special? Lightning-fast runs and excellent sashimi-grade meat. They school up, so once you find them, it's game on. My secret: scale down your tackle with light fluorocarbon leaders and small circle hooks. They're spooky with sharp eyesight, so finesse beats power every time.
Rachycentron CanadumBig, brown, and built like a torpedo, cobia are one of our most exciting targets. These solitary hunters average 20-40 pounds but can push 60-plus. You'll spot them cruising near the surface around buoys, wrecks, and channel markers, often mistaken for sharks with that single dorsal fin. Spring migration brings the best action, though we catch them year-round in 30-100 feet. What makes them special? Pure brute strength and incredible table fare - firm, white meat that's restaurant quality. They're curious fish that'll come right up to the boat. My go-to technique: sight fishing with bucktail jigs or live bait. When you see one, cast ahead of where it's swimming and work that lure naturally.
Coryphaena HippurusThese gorgeous fish are what deep sea fishing dreams are made of. Running 15-30 pounds on average, mahi light up like a neon rainbow when hooked - brilliant blues, greens, and golds that'll have you reaching for your camera. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks, usually in the top 100 feet of water. Spring through fall gives us our best action here in the Keys. What makes them special? They fight hard, jump like crazy, and taste amazing - firm, sweet meat that's perfect grilled. Pro tip: when you see one, stick around. They travel in schools, so where there's one mahi, there's usually more. Work the area thoroughly before moving on.
Trachinotus CarolinusThese silvery gems are Florida's most prized eating fish - buttery, sweet meat that commands top dollar in restaurants. Running 1-3 pounds typically, pompano have compressed bodies with distinctive yellow fins and forked tails. We target them along beaches, inlet mouths, and shallow flats in 10-40 feet of water. Summer and fall produce our best catches when they're feeding heavily on shrimp and crabs before winter migration. What guests love is the surprising fight - these jack family members punch well above their weight class. Key tip: use small hooks and light tackle since they have tiny mouths. Fresh sand fleas, shrimp, or small jigs work best. Fish the moving tide near structure for consistent action.
Lachnolaimus MaximusThe pig-snouted beauty of the reef, hogfish are prized for their incredible eating quality - sweet, flaky meat that rivals lobster. These curious fish run 3-10 pounds typically, hanging around hard bottom areas, coral heads, and ledges in 20-80 feet of water. They use that distinctive snout to root through the sand for crabs and shellfish. Best fishing happens year-round here, but cooler months often produce bigger fish. What guests love most is the challenge - they're notorious bait stealers with quick reflexes. My advice? Use small hooks with fresh shrimp or crabs, and keep your drag light. The second you feel that tick, set the hook immediately. They're smart fish that learn fast.
Key Largo