6-Hour Florida Keys Fishing with DOA Charters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
6-hour offshore fishing adventure in Florida Keys watersCaptain Mick Ware guides beginners and experienced anglers alikeSmall group experience with maximum 6 guests aboard
There's something magical about heading offshore in the Florida Keys, where the Gulf meets the Atlantic and the fishing opportunities are second to none. Captain Mick Ware has been running these waters for years, and he knows exactly where to find the fish that'll make your day. This 6-hour charter is perfect whether you're a weekend warrior looking to upgrade your skills or a first-timer who just wants to feel that rod bend. We keep groups small at 6 anglers max, so you get plenty of personal attention and room to work without bumping elbows.
Captain Mick starts every trip with a solid game plan based on current conditions, tides, and what's been biting lately. The Florida Keys offer some of the most diverse offshore fishing in the country, with deep channels, patch reefs, and structure that holds everything from schooling cobia to trophy sailfish. You'll spend your day moving between productive spots, adjusting techniques as needed, and learning the subtle art of reading the water. The boat comes equipped with quality rods, reels, and tackle, plus Captain Mick brings decades of local knowledge that you simply can't get from a fishing app. Expect to cover some serious water during these 6 hours, hitting different depths and structures to maximize your chances at multiple species.
Offshore fishing in the Keys requires a mix of approaches, and Captain Mick switches up tactics based on what the fish are telling him. You might start the day trolling ballyhoo and artificials along the reef edge for sailfish, then shift to live bait fishing over structure for cobia and redfish. The captain provides all the gear, but feel free to bring your own favorites if you've got them. We typically run a combination of spinning and conventional setups, with lighter tackle for the smaller fish and heavier gear ready when something serious shows up. Bait presentation is key out here - the fish see a lot of pressure, so proper technique makes all the difference between a slow day and a fish tale worth telling.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Keys fishing, and these copper-colored fighters are active year-round in our waters. They typically run 20-40 pounds in the offshore waters, though bigger bulls show up during their spawning runs. Spring and fall offer the most consistent action, when schools of reds cruise the deeper flats and channel edges. What makes them special is their raw power - a big redfish will test your drag and your patience with long, bulldogging runs that'll leave your arms burning. They're also excellent table fare when kept within regulations.
Atlantic Sailfish are the glamour species that bring anglers from around the world to these waters. Peak season runs from December through April, when these acrobatic billfish migrate through in impressive numbers. Sailfish average 6-8 feet and 40-60 pounds, but it's not their size that gets your heart pumping - it's the aerial show they put on. A hooked sail will often jump a dozen times, tail-walking and gill-rattling in displays that'll have everyone on the boat reaching for their cameras. Most captains practice catch and release with sails, making it a sustainable fishery for future generations.
Cobia are the opportunistic bruisers of the offshore scene, often showing up when you least expect them. These brown sharks (as some locals call them) can exceed 50 pounds and are notorious for their curious nature - they'll often swim right up to the boat to investigate. Peak season runs from March through June, when they're moving through on their annual migration. Cobia are sight-fishing at its finest, requiring quick reflexes and accurate casts when one surfaces near the boat. They're also fantastic eating, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
A day on the water with Captain Mick and DOA Charters delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for - expert guidance, quality equipment, and access to some of the best fishing grounds in the country. The Florida Keys offshore scene changes with the seasons, tides, and weather, but there's always something biting for those who know where to look. Whether you're after your first sailfish or trying to crack the code on big cobia, this 6-hour trip gives you the time and expertise needed to make it happen. Don't wait for the perfect conditions - book your charter today and let Captain Mick show you why the Florida Keys have earned their reputation as a world-class fishing destination.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - their single dorsal fin fools a lot of people. These powerful fish average 30-50 pounds and can hit 6 feet long. We target them around wrecks, reefs, and any structure in 30-70 feet of water. Spring migration brings the best fishing when they're moving through our waters to spawn. What guests love is their strength and how good they taste - firm white meat that's restaurant quality. They're usually loners, so when you hook one, that's likely the only shot at that spot. Here's my local trick: look for rays on the flats. Cobia often follow them around feeding on whatever the rays stir up. A bucktail jig dropped near a ray often gets hammered.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of our most reliable targets here in the Keys. These copper-colored fighters typically run 20-30 inches and love our shallow flats and grass beds in 1-4 feet of water. You'll spot them by their distinctive black eyespots near the tail. They're year-round fish, but spring and fall offer the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes them special? They fight hard in shallow water and taste great on the table with that mild, sweet flavor. The real trick is staying quiet - they spook easily in skinny water. I always tell guests to look for their backs or tails showing above the surface, especially around oyster bars and mangrove edges. These fish aren't picky eaters, so live shrimp or soft plastics work great.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the crown jewel of our offshore fishing here. These blue-gray speedsters average 6-8 feet and around 50 pounds, with that signature sail-like dorsal fin. We find them in 30-65 feet of water, cruising the surface looking for baitfish. Winter months are prime time - December through March brings the best numbers. What sets them apart is the show they put on - multiple jumps, long runs, and color changes during the fight. They're pure adrenaline on light tackle. Most guests go catch-and-release since they're not great table fare. My go-to tip: when you see one, don't rush the hookset. Let them eat the bait completely before setting the hook. They'll often come back for a second look if you miss the first shot.
Key West