5.0(3 Reviews)Key West 6-Hour Deep Sea Fishing Charter
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private 6-hour offshore fishing charter in Key West watersTarget snapper, grouper, king mackerel, wahoo, and sailfishCaptain customizes trip based on angler preferences and techniques
When you're ready to get serious about offshore fishing in Key West, a 6-hour charter gives you the time you need to really work the water. Drop Off Sportfishing runs these extended trips for anglers who want to push past the near-shore spots and get into the deep blue where the big fish live. You're looking at a full day on the water with enough time to try different techniques, hit multiple spots, and give those trophy fish a real shot at finding your line. This isn't a quick tourist trip – it's designed for folks who want to fish hard and see what Key West's legendary waters can deliver.
Your day starts early, which is exactly how you want it when you're targeting pelagics in South Florida. The captain will have you running offshore while the water's still calm, getting you positioned before the fish start moving. With 6 hours of fishing time, you've got the luxury of covering serious ground – from the reef edges where snappers and groupers hang out to the blue water columns where kings, wahoo, and mahi patrol. The boat's rigged for versatility, so whether you're dropping baits to the bottom or pulling spreads through the current, you're set up right. Expect to move around based on what's biting and where the conditions look best. The captain knows these waters like his backyard and will adjust the game plan based on what's working that day.
Six hours gives you time to work different techniques and really dial in what's producing. You'll likely start with trolling spreads – ballyhoo, feathers, and diving plugs working at different depths to cover the water column. When you mark fish or hit structure, it's time to drop down with live bait or chunks for grouper and snapper. The crew will have you switching between spinning gear for the acrobatic fish and conventional tackle when you need the muscle for big kings or a surprise billfish. Circle hooks are the standard for live bait fishing, and you'll be working everything from pilchards to goggle-eyes depending on what's around. The boat carries a full spread of rods so you can have multiple lines working – maybe a flatline, a couple riggers, and something deep all fishing at once.
"What an awesome trip! We caught 7 unique species and well over 20+ fish during our trip. We even caught 2 groupers trolling, a feat I wouldn't believe if we hadn't done it ourselves. Very friendly crew and a great boat, I would highly recommend them for your next fishing adventure." - Jada
"They took the time to teach and explain the techniques they had us using so we knew what we were doing! Overall the trip was definitely one I'd recommend to anyone wanting to go out!" - Shardach
"Captain Craig and first mate Brent Were fantastic, we were fishing in less than favorable conditions due to strong wind but we had fish on non stop!! We will book and fish on Double Wrap again for sure!!" - Nathan
King Mackerel are the bread and butter of Key West offshore fishing, and for good reason. These silver torpedoes patrol the reef edges and weed lines, typically running 10-30 pounds with occasional giants pushing 50-plus. Kings are most active from spring through fall, though Key West's year-round warm water keeps some fish around constantly. They'll absolutely smoke a trolled bait – the initial run is pure adrenaline as line peels off at incredible speed. What makes kings special is their willingness to bite and their fighting ability once hooked. They'll jump, run, and test your drag system thoroughly.
Blue Marlin represent the holy grail of offshore fishing, and Key West sits right in their migration path. These billfish are true giants, with fish over 300 pounds caught regularly in local waters. Summer months bring the best marlin action as baitfish concentrate along the reef line and in the blue water beyond. When a blue marlin hits your spread, everything changes – the reel screams, the rod bends to the cork, and you're connected to one of the ocean's ultimate predators. Even a smaller blue will give you a fight you'll remember forever, mixing incredible jumps with powerful deep runs.
Wahoo are pure speed demons that patrol Key West's offshore waters year-round, with peak action during cooler months. These fish can reach 50+ mph and will absolutely destroy a trolled bait, often hooking themselves before you even know what happened. Most wahoo run 20-40 pounds locally, though fish over 60 pounds show up regularly. Their razor-sharp teeth and blistering runs make them a favorite among serious anglers. Plus, wahoo are excellent eating – firm, white meat that's perfect on the grill.
Great Barracuda are the wolves of the reef, and Key West's clear waters offer perfect habitat for these apex predators. Local cuda run 10-30 pounds typically, with occasional fish pushing 40-plus. They're year-round residents that will hit both trolled baits and live offerings. What makes barracuda special is their explosive strike and aerial display once hooked. They'll jump repeatedly, showing off their impressive size and those famous teeth. Cuda are also incredibly curious fish – you'll often see them following the boat or checking out your baits before deciding to strike.
Lemon Shark fishing around Key West offers something completely different from the typical offshore experience. These sharks prefer the cleaner water along the reef edges and in the deeper channels, running anywhere from 50 to well over 200 pounds. They're most active during spring and summer months when they move into local waters to feed and reproduce. When you hook into a lemon shark, you're in for a sustained battle – they don't give up easily and will use their weight and power to test every component of your tackle. The fight is more about endurance
Step aboard The Double Wrap, a classic 42-foot Post sportfisher that's been working Key West's offshore waters since 1978. This solid fishing platform gives you and your crew plenty of room to work the lines while chasing snapper, grouper, king mackerel, wahoo, and whatever else is biting out there. The boat's equipped with everything you need for a serious day on the water - GPS to get you to the hot spots, fish finder to locate the action, and a well-stocked galley with fridge and icebox to keep your drinks cold and catch fresh. When you need a break from the Florida sun, duck into the air-conditioned cabin or head up to the flybridge for a better view. There's even a private head and sleeping quarters if you want to grab some shut-eye between bites. With six hours out there, you'll have time to try different techniques and maybe even land something worth mounting on the wall.
Makaira NigricansBlue Marlin are the apex of offshore fishing - true ocean giants that can push over 1,000 pounds. The females dwarf the males, often hitting 16 feet while males rarely break 350 pounds. These billfish cruise the deep blue water beyond the continental shelf, usually in 1,000+ feet of water where the Gulf Stream runs strong. Peak season here runs May through October when water temps are warmest. What draws anglers is the raw power and acrobatic fight - they'll jump, dive, and strip hundreds of yards of line in seconds. It's pure adrenaline when one lights up your spread. The meat's good but has high mercury levels. My advice: troll at 7-9 knots with fresh ballyhoo or large lures, and make sure your drag system is bulletproof. When one hits, clear the spread fast and prepare for the fight of your life.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat Barracuda are Key West classics - mean-looking predators that average 3-4 feet but can stretch to 6 feet and 100+ pounds. They patrol shallow reefs, grass flats, and mangroves in 10-40 feet of water. You'll find them year-round here, but spring and fall offer the most consistent action. What makes cuda fishing fun is their aggressive nature and explosive strike - they'll slam a lure with zero hesitation. They're also lightning fast at 35 mph and put up a scrappy fight with their trademark head-shaking jumps. The meat's not great due to potential toxins, so most folks release them. My go-to method is sight fishing with shiny spoons or tube lures - their curiosity and territorial nature make them easy to trigger. Use a wire leader and keep your hands clear when landing - those teeth can do serious damage.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are speed demons that typically run 20-40 pounds, though we've seen monsters push 90+ pounds out here. They patrol our waters from 40-150 feet, especially around structure and current breaks. The bigger fish often cruise closer to shore near inlets and harbors. Peak season runs spring through fall when water temps hit that sweet spot of 70-84°F. What makes kings special is their blistering speed - only wahoo can match them. They'll scream line off your reel and put up a solid fight, though they tire quicker than other gamefish. The meat's decent eating when fresh. Pro tip: always use a wire leader and rig two hooks - one in the bait's nose, another trailing behind. Kings love to bite the tail end of live bait, so that second hook saves a lot of missed fish.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon Sharks are one of our most reliable catches - distinctive yellow-brown sharks that average 6-8 feet and 200 pounds around Key West. They love shallow water, hanging in 10-50 feet around mangroves, flats, and nearshore reefs. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're most active in warmer water. What guests love about lemon sharks is their powerful, steady fight - they don't jump but they'll take you on long, grinding runs that test your stamina. They're perfect for catch-and-release shark fishing. The key is using heavy tackle with circle hooks and fresh cut bait like bonito or barracuda. Fish them on the bottom near structure or drift baits in the current. Pro tip: let them run when they first take the bait - trying to set the hook too early usually ends in a pulled hook or broken line.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are rockets of the deep - sleek, silver torpedoes that hit 60 mph and average 20-40 pounds. They cruise open water from 50-200 feet, often near floating debris or current edges. Around Key West, we find them year-round but peak action runs July through November. What makes wahoo special is their savage strike and blistering runs. They'll cut through the water like a missile when hooked. Plus, they're phenomenal table fare - firm, white meat that's sweet and flaky. The trick with wahoo is speed - troll fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders because their razor teeth will slice through anything else. Bullet heads, diving plugs, and high-speed lures work best. Once hooked, keep steady pressure but don't horse them - they've got soft mouths and will throw the hook if you're too aggressive.
5.0 out of 5.0What an awesome trip! We caught 7 unique species and well over 20+ fish during our trip. We even caught 2 groupers trolling, a fea...
They took the time to teach and explain the techniques they had us using so we knew what we were doing! Overall the trip was defin...
Captain Craig and first mate Brent Were fantastic, we were fishing in less than favorable conditions due to strong wind but we had...
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