Full Day Key West Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full day offshore fishing charter targeting multiple speciesDeparts 7:30 AM, returns 3:30 PM with flexible timingPrivate charter accommodating single guest with Down Low Sportfishing
When you're serious about putting fish in the boat, nothing beats a full day on the waters around Key West. Captain and crew at Down Low Sportfishing know these waters like the back of their hand, and with eight solid hours on the water, you're going to hit spots that half-day trips can only dream about. We're talking about running 20-30 miles offshore where the real action happens – blue water, strong currents, and fish that'll test every ounce of your tackle and technique.
Your day kicks off early – we're talking 7:30 AM departure when the water's still calm and the fish are waking up hungry. Don't worry if you're not a morning person; once you see that first line screaming off the reel, you'll be wide awake. We'll be out there until around 3:30 PM, but times can shift depending on what Mother Nature throws at us and what you're hoping to accomplish. The beauty of a full day charter is flexibility – if the sailfish are lit up on the edge, we can stay and work them. If the mahi are scattered and we need to cover water, we've got the fuel and time to make it happen. This is a single angler trip, so you get the boat, captain, and crew's undivided attention for the entire day.
Out here in the deep blue around Key West, we're running a mix of techniques that keep multiple species interested. We'll have a spread of ballyhoo on the outriggers, maybe some bonito strips on the flat lines, and always a few live baits ready when the bite gets picky. Trolling is our bread and butter – covering water while dragging baits through the strike zone where pelagic species cruise. When we mark fish on the sounder or see birds working, we'll switch gears to live baiting or vertical jigging. The tackle is all top-shelf stuff: Penn and Shimano reels spooled with fresh line, rods that can handle everything from 10-pound mahi to 100-pound tarpon. Circle hooks are the standard – they hook fish clean and give you the best shot at a healthy release.
Blackfin tuna are the workhorses of Key West fishing – these 15-30 pound footballs show up year-round but really stack up in spring and fall. They're perfect for cutting your teeth on offshore fishing because they fight hard, taste great, and usually travel in schools. When you find one, you'll likely find more. They love structure and temperature breaks, so we'll work the wrecks and current edges where they ambush baitfish.
Atlantic sailfish are the glamour species that put Key West on the offshore fishing map. Peak season runs November through April when they migrate through in serious numbers. These 6-7 foot billfish are pure adrenaline – watching one greyhound across the surface with its sail up is something you'll never forget. Most run 40-60 pounds, and on the right tackle, they'll give you a 20-minute fight that'll leave your arms burning. We practice catch and release with these magnificent fish.
Tarpon fishing around Key West is legendary, and for good reason. These silver kings can push 150 pounds and jump like they're trying to fly. May through September is prime time when they stack up around the island's bridges and channels. There's nothing quite like watching a 6-foot tarpon explode out of the water right next to the boat. They're tough to hook and even tougher to land – probably the most challenging species we target.
Mahi mahi bring the color and the action that offshore dreams are made of. These brilliant green-and-gold speedsters usually show up under floating debris or around the edge in 400+ feet of water. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish ranging from 10-pound schoolies to 40-pound bulls. They're incredible table fare and put on an aerial show that rivals any gamefish in the ocean.
Permit are the thinking angler's target – spooky, smart, and absolutely gorgeous. These deep-bodied fish cruise the wrecks and reefs in 60-200 feet of water, and getting one to eat requires patience and skill. They're year-round residents but seem most aggressive in the warmer months. A 20-pound permit will test your drag and your nerves with long, powerful runs toward structure.
Look, half-day trips have their place, but when you want to experience what Key West offshore fishing is really about, you need time on the water. Eight hours gives us the chance to chase whatever's biting, try different techniques, and put you on fish that casual weekend warriors never see. The single angler setup means this is your show – we'll fish at your pace, target your bucket list species, and make sure you get the most out of every hour. Key West's fishing reputation didn't happen by accident, and Down Low Sportfishing has built theirs by putting customers on fish day after day. Don't settle for crowded party boats or rushed half-day trips when you can have the whole operation focused on making your day memorable.
This 28-foot Latitude center console is built for serious Key West fishing action. Powered by a single Mercury 350hp engine, she'll get you to the productive offshore waters where the big fish live. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 4 anglers, giving everyone room to fight fish without getting tangled up. You'll appreciate the GPS navigation system that gets you to the hot spots quickly, while the fish finder helps locate schools and structure below. The VHF radio keeps you connected to other boats sharing intel on where they're biting. An icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh during those long full-day trips from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over nervous fish without spooking them with engine noise. Whether you're targeting mahi, grouper, or whatever's running, this boat has the power and equipment to put you on fish in Key West's legendary waters.
Istiophorus AlbicansThese are the fish that put on a real show. Sailfish average 6-7 feet and around 50 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in pure athleticism. When hooked, they'll jump repeatedly and strip line like nothing else out there. We find them in 30-200 feet of water, usually following the current breaks and temperature changes offshore. Winter months are prime time here in Key West when they migrate through our waters. The massive dorsal fin and that signature bill make them unmistakable, plus they can change colors when excited - blues, purples, and silver bars flashing as they hunt. Most anglers release them since the meat isn't great, but the fight is what you're after anyway. Here's the key: when they jump, bow to them by dropping your rod tip - it keeps tension without breaking them off.
Thunnus AtlanticusThe smallest tuna around, but don't let size fool you - blackfins are scrappy fighters that'll keep your rod bent. These sleek fish usually run 15-25 pounds and love warm water over 68°F. You'll find them in schools near the surface around weed lines and drop-offs, especially during fall through spring here in the Keys. They're gorgeous fish with that distinctive yellow stripe that fades fast once landed. What makes them special is the combination of speed and stamina - they'll make long runs and fight hard right to the boat. Plus, they're fantastic eating with clean, red meat perfect for sashimi or searing. Pro tip: scale down your tackle and use light fluorocarbon leaders - these fish have sharp eyes and will spook easily if they see heavy gear.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the perfect offshore target - beautiful, great fighters, and some of the best eating you'll find. These colorful fish average 15-30 pounds and put on an amazing light show when landed, flashing gold, green, and blue before fading. They're surface dwellers that love floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in blue water. Spring through fall is prime time, though we catch them year-round when conditions are right. What guests love most is the combination package - they fight hard with multiple jumps, they're gorgeous to look at, and the fillets are fantastic on the dinner table. Young fish school up, so where you find one, there's usually more. Look for frigate birds working over floating stuff - that's often where the mahi are feeding. Once you hook up, get another bait out fast.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of flats fishing - arguably the toughest fish to fool in shallow water. These silver, disk-shaped fish average 10-20 pounds with some reaching 40+, and they're incredibly spooky with near 360-degree vision. You'll find them on shallow flats, around wrecks, and near structures in 2-15 feet of water. They love crabs more than anything, so live blue crabs or good crab imitations are your best bet. April through October is peak season during their spawn, but we target them year-round. What makes them special is the challenge - they're way harder to catch than bonefish or even tarpon on the flats. The fight is solid but it's really about the accomplishment. Here's the secret: patience and perfect presentation. Make one bad cast and they're gone for good.
Megalops AtlanticusThe "silver king" is what most anglers dream about when they think Key West. These giants can reach 6-8 feet and over 200 pounds, living in everything from deep channels to 2-foot flats. Peak season runs April through July when they migrate through, but we see them year-round in the harbor and backcountry. What makes tarpon special isn't just their size - it's those explosive jumps that can launch them 10 feet out of the water. They're ancient fish, slow-growing, and we practice strict catch-and-release since the meat is poor quality anyway. The real thrill is the battle - they'll test every piece of your tackle and your endurance. Best advice: keep steady pressure and try to turn their head toward the boat. When they jump, don't panic - just keep that rod tip up and let the fish do its thing.
Stock Island, FL, United States