5.0(1 Reviews)Offshore Fishing Full Day - Tavernier, FL
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full day offshore fishing for pelagic speciesAccommodates up to 6 guests with all equipment providedFish processing and shipping services available onboard
Captain Chris knows these waters like the back of his hand, and when you step aboard his charter in Tavernier, you're getting more than just a fishing trip – you're getting a front-row seat to some of the best pelagic action the Florida Keys has to offer. This full-day offshore adventure targets the big boys that cruise the deep blue: blackfin tuna, king mackerel, mahi mahi, and cobia. With everything included from your fishing license to cold drinks, plus professional fish cleaning and bagging services, all you need to bring is your appetite for world-class fishing and maybe some sunscreen.
Your day kicks off early – think 6:30 AM departure – because that's when the fish are most active and the Gulf Stream is calling your name. Chris's Clear Water Charters runs a tight ship with space for up to six anglers, so you're not fighting crowds for rod space or prime fishing spots. The boat heads out to the deep water where the continental shelf drops off, usually 8-15 miles offshore depending on conditions and where the fish are biting. You'll spend roughly 8 hours on the water, giving you plenty of time to work different depths and structures. The captain reads the water constantly – watching for birds, temperature breaks, and those telltale signs that pelagic species are feeding. Don't worry about tackle selection or rigging; Chris has you covered with quality gear matched to whatever species you're targeting that day.
This isn't your typical inshore bottom fishing – we're talking serious offshore trolling and live bait techniques that get results. The day typically starts with a spread of ballyhoo, feathers, and spoons pulled behind the boat at varying distances and depths. Chris knows exactly which lures work best in these waters and adjusts the spread based on sea conditions and target species. When the bite slows down, expect to switch gears – maybe dropping some live bait on the bottom for cobia around structure, or working the current edges where mahi mahi school up. The gear is all top-shelf stuff: Penn and Shimano reels, quality rods that can handle big fish, and circle hooks that improve your hookup ratio. You'll learn proper fighting techniques for pelagic species, which is crucial when you've got a 40-pound king mackerel making blistering runs or a bull mahi putting on an aerial show.
Blackfin tuna are the bread and butter of Tavernier offshore fishing, and these torpedo-shaped fighters pack serious punch for their size. Most blackfins here run 8-15 pounds, but don't let that fool you – they fight like fish twice their weight and make screaming runs that'll test your drag system. Best action typically happens from October through April when water temperatures drop slightly and bait schools are thick. What makes blackfin special is their table fare – the meat is darker and richer than yellowfin, perfect for searing or making into poke. King mackerel are the speed demons of the deep, capable of hitting 40+ mph and known for their aggressive strikes on fast-moving baits. These toothy predators average 15-25 pounds but can reach 40+ pounds during peak season from November through March. Kings are notorious for their initial run – they'll peel off 100+ yards of line before you know what hit you.
Mahi mahi bring the color and acrobatics that make offshore fishing legendary. These brilliant green-and-gold fighters love to jump, often clearing the water multiple times during a fight. They school up around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks, typically ranging from 10-30 pounds in these waters. Peak season runs May through September, when they're most abundant and aggressive. Mahi are also fantastic eating – firm, white meat with a mild flavor that's perfect for grilling or blackening. Cobia are the wildcards of the bunch, often called "brown sharks" by unknowing anglers due to their coloration and habit of cruising near the surface. These bruisers can exceed 50 pounds and are known for their bulldogging fights and stubborn nature. They're structure-oriented fish, often found around wrecks, buoys, and even following rays on the surface. Cobia season peaks from April through June, and they're prized for their excellent eating quality.
Chris's Clear Water Charters has built a reputation as one of Tavernier's top-rated offshore operations, and spots fill up fast during peak season. This full-day adventure gives you the best shot at multiple species and trophy-sized fish, plus you're getting professional fish cleaning services so your catch is ready for the dinner table or the freezer. The boat's equipped with everything you need for a successful day, the captain knows where to find the fish, and you'll come away with stories worth telling and hopefully a cooler full of premium table fare. Don't wait until the last minute – the best fishing days book weeks in advance, especially during the winter months when northern anglers head south for some serious offshore action.
Our spacious motorboat is built for serious offshore fishing in the deep waters around Tavernier. With comfortable seating areas both forward and aft, plus a large shade canopy, you'll stay cool while working the lines all day long. The boat comes equipped with everything anglers need - an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold, GPS navigation to hit those productive fishing grounds, and a quality fish finder to locate schools of pelagic species lurking below. Whether you're targeting mahi, tuna, or sailfish in the Gulf Stream, this vessel handles the open water with ease while accommodating up to 6 fishermen. The layout gives everyone plenty of room to fight fish and move around the deck safely. Perfect for full-day adventures chasing big game fish in the Florida Keys waters.
Thunnus AtlanticusThe smallest of the tuna family, blackfins average 15-20 pounds but can reach up to 46 pounds. These fast-growing fish live short lives but pack a serious punch when hooked. You'll find them in warm waters over 68°F, usually around the continental shelf edges where they school with skipjack tuna. Here in the Keys, fall through spring gives you the best shots at them. What makes blackfins special is their razor-sharp eyesight and aggressive fight - they'll test your drag for sure. The meat is top-notch too, perfect for sashimi or grilling. My advice: scale down your leader to 30lb fluorocarbon and use smaller circle hooks. They're spooky fish, so finesse beats brute force every time. Vertical jigging and chunking with pilchards works magic when you find a school.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the bruisers of the flats - dark brown torpedoes that can easily hit 50-100 pounds and fight like they're twice that size. These solitary fish cruise shallow reefs, wrecks, and structure in 30-70 feet, but don't be surprised to spot one tailing in just 10 feet of water. Spring migration through summer is prime time here in the Keys, when they move through following baitfish and looking for spawning grounds. What guests love is the sight-fishing aspect - watching that dark shadow cruise up to your bait gets the adrenaline pumping. Then comes the freight train run when they're hooked. The meat rivals grouper for table fare too. Here's my tip: when you see one, don't rush the cast. Cobia are curious but spooky. Lead them with a bucktail jig and let it sink naturally. Color doesn't matter much, but presentation is everything.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the rainbow warriors of offshore fishing - golden sides with electric blues and greens that light up like a disco when they jump. Most fish run 15-29 pounds, but 40+ pounders aren't rare out here. These surface dwellers love floating debris, weed lines, and current edges where baitfish gather. Spring through fall is your best bet in the Keys, especially when water temps climb above 75°F. What hooks people is the aerial show - mahi go completely airborne and change colors like a neon sign. Plus, the meat is as good as it gets - firm, mild, and perfect for the grill. My go-to trick: once you hook one, keep the others around by having someone toss small baits or chunks while you fight the fish. Mahi are curious and competitive, so that first fish often leads to a boat limit if you play it right.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are built for speed and they'll prove it when one hits your line. These torpedo-shaped fish average around 30 pounds, but we regularly see 40-60 pounders, with some giants pushing 90+ pounds. They cruise depths from 40-150 feet, hunting blue runners, mackerel, and anything else that moves. The bigger fish often come from deeper water near structure or current breaks. Spring through fall is prime time here in South Florida, especially when water temps hit that sweet 70-80°F range. Guests love the blistering runs and acrobatic jumps - these fish don't give up easy. The meat's excellent eating too. Here's a key tip: rig two hooks on a wire leader when using live bait. Put one through the nose, let the second dangle near the tail. Kings hit from behind, and you'll miss a lot of fish with single-hook rigs.
5.0 out of 5.0
Key Largo