5.0(3 Reviews)Key West Fishing Charters | Half Day Adventure
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private 4hour offshore charter targets multiple fish speciesCaptain tailors trolling and bottom fishing techniques accordinglyExclusive boat accommodates up to 6 passengers maximum
Looking for some serious fishing action without burning your whole day? This 4-hour offshore charter aboard the Double Wrap is exactly what you're after. Captain Craig and his crew know these Key West waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish whether you're slinging lines for the first time or you've been working these waters for years. With room for up to 6 anglers, you get the whole boat to yourselves - no crowded party boats or strangers hogging the best spots.
You'll head out into the blue water where the real action happens. The Double Wrap is set up right for offshore work - clean, comfortable, and built to handle whatever the Gulf Stream throws at you. Captain Craig sizes up your crew and tailors the trip to what you want. Some groups are all about the adrenaline rush of hooking into a screaming wahoo, while others prefer the steady bite of snapper and grouper. The boat's got air conditioning in the cabin too, so when the Florida sun gets cranking, you can cool off between fish. First mate Brett keeps the lines ready, hooks sharp, and the fish box iced down. These guys work as a team to make sure you're always fishing, not fumbling around with tangled tackle.
Depending on what's biting and what you're after, the crew switches between trolling and bottom fishing. When they're pulling baits, you're covering water fast and targeting the speed demons - mahi, wahoo, kings, and sailfish. The spread usually runs four to six lines at different depths and distances, giving you multiple shots when a school moves through. Bottom fishing means anchoring up or drifting over structure where the grouper and snapper live. You'll drop heavy tackle with circle hooks and fresh bait down to 80-150 feet where the big boys hide. The crew reads the electronics, watches the water, and adjusts tactics based on current, weather, and what they've been seeing lately. They've got all the gear you need, from light spinning tackle for smaller fish to heavy conventional setups for anything that might smoke a reel.
"Capt. Craig was fantastic from the moment we reserved our booking. Craig worked with us to understand what we we're hoping to do and came up with a plan that put us on the fish. First Mate Brett was a pro, and incredibly gracious and engaged with our group the entire day. Next time I'm down in the area, will definitely be trying to get out with Capt. Craig again." - John
"Any day spent on a boat, in the sun, and have the ocean breeze is a good day. Mix in catching a bunch of fish to eat for dinner, and it's a great day. Craig and crew were awesome in making our first deep sea fishing experience a memorable one!" - Joyce
"We had a fun time on our fishing charter with Captain Craig and his 1st Mate, Bret. They worked so hard for us to have the amazing experience that we had! They were so knowledgeable about how to fish the Keys, and we owe our fishing success to them! The boat was very nice and clean and has a cabin that has a/c." - Banner
Mahi mahi are the crowd favorites out here - beautiful fish that fight hard and taste even better. These common dolphinfish show up in schools around floating debris, weed lines, and color changes where the blue water meets the green. Spring through fall is prime time, but you can find them year-round in Key West waters. When you hook one, expect aerial shows and screaming runs. The crew knows to look for birds working the surface, which usually means mahi are pushing baitfish up from below.
Wahoo are the speed freaks of the offshore world. These torpedo-shaped fish hit trolled baits like freight trains and can strip 200 yards of line in seconds. They've got razor-sharp teeth and incredible speed - some of the fastest fish in the ocean. Winter months tend to be best for wahoo around Key West, when the water cools down and they move in closer to shore. Landing one is a real accomplishment because they're notorious for cutting lines and throwing hooks.
Black grouper are the bottom dwellers that every angler wants to tangle with. These bruisers live around rocky ledges, wrecks, and hard bottom in 60-200 feet of water. They're ambush predators that inhale baits and immediately try to get back to their holes. The fight is all about stopping that first run - if a big grouper gets back to structure, you're usually done. They're excellent eating and a real trophy when you boat a 20-pounder or better.
Blackfin tuna are smaller cousins of the giant bluefins, but they make up for size with sheer numbers and fight. These fish travel in schools and when you find them, you can catch them one after another. They hit small baits trolled fast and put up a great scrap on lighter tackle. Blackfins are around Key West most of the year, but fall and winter usually produce the best action when they school up to feed on glass minnows and sardines.
Atlantic sailfish are the poster fish for offshore fishing in South Florida. These acrobatic billfish are famous for their spectacular jumps and long runs. Sailfishing is best from December through April when they migrate past the Keys in good numbers. The crew uses live bait and kites to keep baits active on the surface, which drives sailfish crazy. Even though most are released, hooking a sail and watching it dance across the surface is something you'll never forget.
This is the kind of charter that books up fast, especially during peak season. You get a private boat, experienced crew, and
Step aboard The Double Wrap, a well-equipped 42' Post sportfisher 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 staying comfortable between bites. When the Florida sun gets intense, duck into the air-conditioned cabin to cool off, grab a cold drink from the fridge, or use the onboard restroom. The flybridge offers an elevated view for spotting fish and gives your captain command of the action. With GPS and fish finder technology guiding the way to productive waters, you'll be targeting everything from snapper and grouper on the bottom to fast-moving pelagics like mahi, wahoo, and sailfish cruising the blue water. The boat's kitchen and icebox keep your catch fresh and your beverages cold throughout the trip. Whether you prefer trolling the drop-offs or anchoring up on structure, this veteran fishing platform has the space and amenities to make your half-day offshore adventure productive and comfortable.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the crown jewel of our offshore fishery, averaging 50 pounds and stretching 6-8 feet with that massive dorsal sail. These blue-gray rockets cruise warm surface waters from 30-200 feet, hunting baitfish along current edges and drop-offs. Winter months are magic here in Key West when they're most abundant. What makes sailfish legendary is their aerial show - they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a display you'll never forget. It's pure sport fishing at its finest since most get released. They hunt in small packs and can change colors when excited, flashing blues and blacks while herding bait. Pro tip: when slow-trolling with live bait, let the fish eat for a few seconds before setting the hook. They often grab the bait by the head first, then turn it to swallow. Patience during that initial bite makes all the difference between a hookup and a miss.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the bruisers of the reef, averaging 20+ pounds with some giants pushing 50-plus. These olive-colored bulldogs with dark blotches hang around wrecks, ledges, and coral heads in 30-300 feet, depending on season. Winter through spring is prime time when they move shallow. What makes grouper fishing special is that initial thumping bite followed by a bulldogging fight straight down to the rocks. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean - firm, white, mild meat that's perfect for any preparation. The key trick: once you feel that bite, start cranking immediately. Don't give them time to think or they'll dive straight back into the structure and break you off. Heavy tackle is a must - at least 30-pound gear with 80-pound braid. They fight dirty but the reward is worth it.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are scrappy little fighters that pack a punch way above their size. These dark-backed speedsters average 10-20 pounds and school up in open water near continental shelves. Peak season runs autumn through spring when they're thick in our area. What makes blackfin special is their incredible stamina - they'll make multiple runs and fight to the bitter end. Plus, they're premium table fare with that deep red meat perfect for searing or sashimi. You'll find them hunting baitfish in 100-400 feet of water. The secret to consistent blackfin action is scaling down your tackle - they've got sharp eyes and spook easily. We use 30-pound fluorocarbon leaders with 5/0 circle hooks, and chunk with live pilchards. When you see birds working or find a bait school, get ready because blackfin often aren't far behind.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are one of the most beautiful fish you'll hook in these waters. They average 15-29 pounds and put on a real color show - brilliant golds and blues that shift like crazy once they come out of the water. We find them around floating debris, weedlines, and current edges, usually in that 30-65 foot range offshore. Best action happens from spring through fall when water temps are warm. What makes mahi special is their aggressive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump and make long runs that test your drag. Plus, they're fantastic eating with that firm, sweet white meat. Here's a local tip: when you hook one, keep your lines in the water. Mahi travel in schools, and where there's one, there's usually more. We call it "staying on the fish" and it often leads to multiple hookups.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of our offshore waters, hitting 50+ mph and averaging 3-5 feet long. These silver rockets with blue stripes cruise the deep blue, usually 30-200 feet down near structure or current breaks. July through November is prime time here in Key West when they're most active. What gets anglers fired up about wahoo is that screaming initial run - they'll strip line like nothing else and make multiple blistering runs. The meat is top-shelf too, white and flaky with a mild, sweet taste that's perfect for the grill. Here's the trick we use: high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders is key since their razor teeth will cut through mono instantly. We run bright lures like pink and white combinations, and when one hits, hold on tight because the fight is about to get real.
5.0 out of 5.0Capt. Craig was fantastic from the moment we reserved our booking. Craig worked with us to understand what we we’re hoping to do a...
Any day spent on a boat, in the sun, and have the ocean breeze is a good day. Mix in catching a bunch of fish to eat for dinner, a...
We had a fun time on our fishing charter with Captain Craig and his 1st Mate, Bret. They worked so hard for us to have the amazing...
Key West