5.0(3 Reviews)Key West 6-Hour Offshore Fishing Charter
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private 6hour offshore charter targeting premium speciesCaptain customizes techniques for snapper, grouper, and pelagicsExtended fishing time increases trophy catch potential
When you're serious about putting fish in the boat, this 6-hour private charter with Drop Off Sportfishing gives you the time and freedom to really work Key West's legendary offshore waters. Captain Craig and his crew know these Gulf Stream currents like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish that'll make your arms burn and your drag sing. Whether you're chasing your first sailfish or trying to boat a trophy king mackerel, six hours gives you plenty of shots at multiple species without feeling rushed back to the dock.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're watching the clock. Six hours means we can run out to the deep blue where the big fish live, work different structures, and adjust tactics based on what's biting. Your captain will read the conditions and customize the approach – maybe we start trolling for pelagics at first light, then switch to bottom fishing over wrecks when the bite slows. You'll get hands-on instruction with every technique, from setting the drag properly to reading your rod tip for subtle bites. The crew takes time to explain what's happening so you're not just along for the ride – you're learning to be a better angler. With extended time offshore, there's room to experiment with different baits and presentations until we crack the code on what the fish want that day.
Expect to deploy multiple fishing methods during your charter. We'll start with high-speed trolling using ballyhoo, bonito strips, and artificial lures to cover water and locate schools of king mackerel, wahoo, and mahi. When we mark fish on the bottom machine, we'll switch to live bait fishing or heavy jigs to target grouper and snapper around structure. The boat carries quality Penn and Shimano reels spooled with 30-80 pound test, matched to rods that can handle everything from finicky mahi to bulldogging grouper. Outriggers keep multiple baits in the water while trolling, and the crew will coach you through fighting techniques that'll save your back and land more fish. Circle hooks and proper release methods ensure healthy fish populations for future trips, while keeping your target species for the dinner table.
"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 these silver bullets will test your reflexes and stamina. Kings typically run 15-40 pounds in these waters, with trophy fish pushing 50-plus. They're most active during cooler months from November through March, when they school up and feed aggressively on the flats and along the reef line. What makes kings so exciting is their explosive strike – when one hits your trolled bait, there's no mistaking it. They'll rip line off your reel in long, smoking runs before jumping and tail-walking across the surface. The key is keeping steady pressure without horsing them, as their soft mouths tear easily.
Blue Marlin represent the ultimate offshore trophy, and Key West's position along the Gulf Stream migration route puts you in prime marlin territory. These apex predators can exceed 400 pounds and will push your tackle and technique to the limit. Peak season runs May through August when they follow baitfish migrations, but resident fish are caught year-round. Marlin fishing requires patience – you might troll for hours between bites – but when a blue marlin crashes your outrigger bait and goes airborne, it's a sight that'll be burned in your memory forever. Most captains recommend catch-and-release for these magnificent fish, with plenty of photos to document your achievement.
Wahoo are pure speed demons that'll smoke your reel faster than any fish in the ocean. These torpedo-shaped predators can hit 60 mph and strip 200 yards of line in seconds. Key West wahoo typically range 20-60 pounds, with fall and winter months producing the best action. They're notorious for their razor-sharp teeth that can slice through wire leaders, so proper rigging is crucial. Wahoo make fantastic table fare with firm, white meat that's excellent grilled or blackened. The challenge is their unpredictable nature – they might ignore your spread all morning, then double up on your baits without warning.
Great Barracuda are Key West's ultimate sight predator, using their incredible speed and surgical strikes to ambush prey. These toothy customers typically run 10-30 pounds in offshore waters, though giants over 40 pounds patrol the deeper reefs. Barracuda are year-round residents but peak activity occurs during spring and fall migrations. What makes them special is their aggressive nature – they'll often follow your bait right to the boat, giving you a clear view of their prehistoric appearance. Their sharp teeth require wire leaders, and their bulldogging fights combined with occasional jumps make them a favorite target species for action-oriented anglers.
Lemon Sharks bring a different kind of excitement to offshore fishing, as these powerful predators test both your tackle and nerves. Key West lemon sharks typically range 50-150 pounds, though true giants can exceed 200. They're year-round residents but
Step aboard The Double Wrap, a proven 42' Post sportfishing vessel that's been working Key West's offshore waters since 1978. This classic fishing machine gives you and up to 5 other anglers plenty of room to work the lines while chasing snapper, grouper, king mackerel, wahoo, mahi mahi, tuna, and sailfish in the deep blue. When the Florida sun gets intense, duck into the air-conditioned cabin to cool off, grab a cold drink from the fridge, or take a break in the comfortable lounge area. The boat's equipped with GPS and fish finder to put you on the fish, plus a full galley, private head, and even a bedroom if you need to recharge during your 6-hour adventure. The flybridge gives your captain a perfect vantage point to spot birds working bait schools, while the spacious cockpit provides room to battle trophy fish. With an icebox to keep your catch fresh and all the comforts you need for a full day on the water, The Double Wrap is built for serious fishing in the Gulf's productive offshore grounds.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the apex trophy fish in these waters - true giants that can top 1,000 pounds, though most we see run 200-400. Females grow much larger than males. These billfish cruise the deep blue water beyond the reef, usually 400+ feet where warm currents bring baitfish. Peak season runs March through July when they're most active. What draws anglers is the pure power and aerial display - nothing matches a marlin's fight. They'll jump, run, and test every piece of gear you have. We practice catch and release for these magnificent fish. The key is heavy tackle and fresh ballyhoo on the riggers. When one hits, clear the other lines fast and settle in for the battle of a lifetime.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat barracuda are our local wolves - aggressive predators that patrol shallow reefs, grass flats, and structure in 10-50 feet of water. These silvery torpedoes average 3-4 feet but can push 6 feet and 50+ pounds. You'll find them year-round in Key West, with peak action during cooler months when they're most active. What makes cuda fishing fun is their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll jump, thrash, and put on quite a show. While not typically kept for eating due to potential ciguatera, they're perfect for photos and release. Use shiny spoons or tube lures, and always bring wire leaders. They're curious fish, so don't be surprised if one follows the boat checking you out.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel, or "kingfish," are some of our most popular targets around Key West. These sleek fighters typically run 20-40 pounds, though we see some pushing 50+ in deeper water. You'll find them cruising 40-150 feet, often near wrecks, ledges, and drop-offs where baitfish gather. Best fishing happens spring through fall when water temps hit 70-80°F. What makes kings special is their blistering speed - they'll peel line like few other fish. The fight is intense but relatively short. Their white, flaky meat is excellent grilled or blackened. Pro tip: always use wire leaders since their razor teeth will cut through mono instantly. Position your stinger hook near the bait's tail - kings love to hit from behind.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon sharks are one of our most reliable shark species around Key West's shallow waters. These distinctive yellowish sharks typically run 4-8 feet and love cruising sand flats, mangrove creeks, and shallow reefs in 5-30 feet of water. You can target them year-round, but spring and summer offer the best action when they're most active in warmer water. What makes lemon sharks special is their strong, steady fight - no crazy jumps, just pure power and endurance that'll test your arms. We practice catch and release for all sharks. Fresh chunk baits like barracuda or jack work best on circle hooks with heavy tackle. Fish near structure during moving tides for best results.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are pure speed demons that'll hit 60 mph in short bursts. These torpedo-shaped fish usually run 20-60 pounds around Key West, with their distinctive zebra stripes and razor teeth. We find them in 100-400 feet of water near drop-offs and current edges, especially around structure. Best fishing is fall through spring when they're most active. Anglers love wahoo for two reasons: the screaming runs that'll empty your reel, and some of the best eating in the ocean - firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill. High-speed trolling with wire leaders is essential since their teeth slice through everything else. Run lures at 15+ knots and hang on tight when they hit.
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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