5.0(1 Reviews)Full Day Offshore Fishing - Tavernier, FL
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full day offshore fishing targeting pelagic species in Florida KeysAll equipment, licenses, and beverages included with professional serviceFresh catch filleted and bagged or shipped home
Picture this: you're 20 miles out in the cobalt blue waters off Tavernier, lines in the water, scanning the horizon for diving birds that signal feeding fish below. That's exactly what you'll get with Chris's Clear Water Charters on this world-class offshore fishing adventure. We're talking about a full day targeting some of the Florida Keys' most prized pelagic species – blackfin tuna, king mackerel, mahi mahi, and cobia. This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. With up to six anglers aboard, you'll have plenty of room to work without feeling crowded, and the best part? We handle everything from licenses to filleting your catch, so you can focus on what matters – putting fish in the box.
When you step aboard our charter boat in Tavernier, you're getting access to some of the most productive offshore waters in the Florida Keys. We'll head out to the deep blue where the continental shelf drops off and the real action happens. The day starts early – typically around sunrise – because that's when the fish are most active and the conditions are usually at their best. You'll spend the morning hours working the offshore structure, weed lines, and temperature breaks where pelagic species love to hunt. The atmosphere is relaxed but focused, with plenty of time to perfect your technique, swap stories between fish, and really get into the rhythm of offshore fishing. Captain Chris knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish while sharing decades of local knowledge about reading the water, understanding fish behavior, and maximizing your time on productive spots.
Offshore fishing in the Keys is all about covering water and presenting baits at the right depth and speed. We'll be running a spread of trolling lures – think ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and diving plugs – at various distances behind the boat to target different species in the water column. The boat is rigged with quality Penn and Shimano reels spooled with appropriate line weights, from lighter tackle for mahi and blackfins to heavier gear when we're targeting big kings or cobia. We'll also mix in some live bait fishing when conditions call for it, especially around structure where cobia like to hang. Don't worry if you're not familiar with offshore techniques – part of what makes this trip special is learning from an experienced captain who'll teach you how to read the rod tips, work a fish properly, and handle these powerful pelagic species. The boat is equipped with outriggers, downriggers, and all the terminal tackle you'll need, plus we keep the coolers stocked with ice and non-alcoholic beverages to keep you hydrated during the long day on the water.
Blackfin tuna are the bread and butter of Keys offshore fishing, and for good reason. These torpedo-shaped speedsters typically run 10-25 pounds and fight way above their weight class. They school up around structure and temperature breaks, often mixing with other species, which makes for exciting variety fishing. Blackfins are most active during the cooler months from November through April, but you can find them year-round if you know where to look. What makes them so special is their incredible speed and stamina – when you hook one, get ready for screaming runs and a fight that'll test your technique. Plus, they're absolutely delicious on the table, with dark red meat that's perfect for sashimi or searing.
King mackerel are the wolves of the offshore waters, and landing a smoker king is what fishing dreams are made of. These predators can stretch over four feet and weigh upwards of 40 pounds, with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. They're most active during the spring and fall migrations when they're moving through Keys waters in large schools. Kings love structure, temperature breaks, and areas with strong current flow. The fight is explosive – they'll make long runs, jump, and use every trick in the book to throw the hook. What anglers love most about kings is their unpredictability and the fact that you never know when that next fish could be a true giant that'll have you backing down on the engines.
Mahi mahi, or common dolphinfish as they're properly called, are hands-down the most beautiful fish you'll encounter offshore. These golden-green beauties with their distinctive dorsal fins are pure excitement on light tackle. They typically run 5-30 pounds in our waters and are most abundant during the warmer months from May through September. Mahi are structure-oriented fish that love floating debris, weed lines, and anything that provides cover in the open ocean. They're also notorious for traveling in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more around. The fight is acrobatic and fast-paced, with lots of jumps and direction changes. Anglers love them because they're aggressive feeders, beautiful to look at, and exceptional table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening.
Cobia are the wild cards of offshore fishing – they show up when you least expect them and disappear just as quickly. These brown, shark-like fish can grow massive in Keys waters, with specimens over 50 pounds not uncommon. They're curious fish that will often approach the boat, giving you a chance to sight-cast to them with live bait or jigs. Cobia are most active during the spring and early summer months when they're moving through the area during their migration. What makes them special is their intelligence and wariness – they'll inspect your bait carefully before deciding to eat, and once hooked, they're bulldogs that will test your drag and endurance. They're also one of the finest eating fish in the ocean, with firm, white meat that many compare to shark or grouper.
This full-day offshore adventure with Chris's Clear Water
Your fishing platform for the day is a well-equipped motorboat designed to handle the deeper waters off Tavernier. With comfortable seating both bow and stern, plus a generous canopy overhead, you'll stay cool while scanning the horizon for pelagic action. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while GPS keeps you on the productive spots. An icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh during the full day out there. The boat comfortably accommodates up to 6 anglers, giving everyone room to work their lines without getting tangled up. Whether you're targeting mahi, tuna, or whatever else is running in the Florida Keys waters, this setup gives you the range and comfort to make the most of your offshore fishing day.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest of the tuna family, usually running 15-30 pounds and up to 39 inches. These dark, streamlined fish cruise warm offshore waters around 68°F+, typically near continental shelves where they school up with other pelagic species. Peak season here in the Keys is fall through spring when they're most active. What makes them special is their fierce fight - they're absolute screamers on light tackle. The meat's top-notch too, with that rich tuna flavor that's perfect for sashimi or searing. Pro tip: scale down your leader to 30lb fluoro and smaller circle hooks since these fish have sharp eyes. Vertical jigging works best, and throw some pilchards as chum to draw them close to the boat.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are brown, shark-looking fish that cruise solo and can reach 6 feet and 100+ pounds. They're typically found around reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-70 feet, though they'll venture shallower or deeper. Spring migration and summer months are best here in the Keys when they move through for spawning. Guests love them for their powerful fights and outstanding table quality - firm, white meat that rivals grouper. Since they're solitary, sight fishing is key - you'll often spot them just under the surface. A 4-8 oz bucktail jig works great, but don't overthink the color. Drop it right in front of their nose and work it slowly. They're curious fish, so patience pays off when they come to investigate.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most colorful fish in the ocean - brilliant gold and green that puts on a light show when hooked. They average 15-30 pounds but can reach 80+. Look for them under floating debris, weed lines, or around any structure in blue water. They're year-round residents here, but spring through fall is prime time. What makes them favorites is their acrobatic fight and world-class table fare - firm, mild, white meat that grills perfectly. They travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. Best approach is trolling ballyhoo or rigged squid near the surface, making it skip like a flying fish. Once you hook one, keep working the school - they'll often stay around to investigate the commotion.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel, or "kings," are speed demons that average 20-40 pounds but can top 90. These olive-backed predators with razor-sharp teeth cruise depths from 40-150 feet, often around structure, edges, and temperature breaks. They're most active when water temps hit 68-84°F. What guests love is their blistering runs - kings are nearly as fast as wahoo and will test your drag system. The meat's excellent grilled or blackened, though it's higher in mercury. Best technique is slow-trolling live bait on wire leader with a two-hook rig - one through the nose, one free-swinging near the tail. Kings typically hit the back half of baitfish, so that trailing hook is crucial for solid hookups.
5.0 out of 5.0
Key Largo