5.0(3 Reviews)Key West Offshore Fishing | Half Day Charters
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private 4-hour offshore fishing charter for up to 6 guestsTarget Snapper, Grouper, King Mackerel, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, and SailfishProfessional captain tailors trolling and bottom fishing techniques
Looking for a solid fishing charter in Key West that won't eat up your whole day? Captain Craig and his crew run a top-rated half-day operation aboard the Double Wrap, offering both morning and afternoon trips that consistently put anglers on fish. These 4-hour offshore runs are perfect for families, groups of friends, or anyone wanting to experience world-class fishing in the legendary waters surrounding Key West without committing to a full-day adventure.
The Double Wrap handles up to 6 passengers comfortably, making this a true private charter experience where you won't be fighting for rod space or dealing with strangers. Captain Craig tailors each trip based on what's biting and what you're hoping to catch. The boat features a clean, air-conditioned cabin - a real lifesaver during those hot Key West afternoons. You'll head out into the deep blue waters off Key West, where the Gulf Stream creates perfect conditions for both pelagic species and bottom dwellers. The crew handles all the heavy lifting, from rigging lines to gaffing fish, so you can focus on the fun part - fighting fish.
Captain Craig and First Mate Brett run a versatile operation, switching between trolling spreads for pelagics and dropping to the bottom for grouper and snapper depending on conditions and guest preferences. When trolling, they'll pull a mix of ballyhoo, spoons, and diving plugs at varying depths to cover the water column. The boat's equipped with quality Penn and Shimano reels spooled with fresh line, plus all the terminal tackle you'll need. For bottom fishing, they'll anchor up on productive ledges and wrecks, using circle hooks and live or cut bait to target grouper, snapper, and other reef species. The crew knows these waters inside and out, positioning the boat where the fish are holding based on current, tide, and seasonal patterns.
"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 crown jewel of Key West offshore fishing, and for good reason. These electric-colored fighters put on an aerial show that'll have everyone on the boat cheering. In Key West waters, mahi typically range from 10 to 30 pounds, with occasional bulls pushing 40-plus. They're most active from spring through fall, often found around floating debris, sargassum lines, or current edges. What makes mahi so special is their willingness to eat almost anything and their habit of traveling in schools - hook one, and there's usually more nearby. Their firm, white meat is restaurant-quality, making them a favorite among anglers who like to eat their catch.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep, capable of hitting 60 mph and stripping line off your reel like it's on fire. These torpedo-shaped predators are most common during the cooler months from November through April, when they move closer to shore following baitfish. A typical Key West wahoo runs 20 to 50 pounds, with their razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast runs making them a real challenge to land. They're notorious for cutting through leaders, which is why the crew uses wire or heavy fluorocarbon. The meat is excellent - similar to mahi but with a slightly firmer texture.
Black Grouper are the heavyweights of the reef, and landing one is like arm-wrestling a truck. These bottom dwellers can exceed 50 pounds and have an annoying habit of diving straight for the nearest rock pile or wreck when hooked. Key West's grouper bite best during the warmer months, typically from May through September. They're ambush predators, sitting motionless near structure until an unsuspecting baitfish swims too close. The key to grouper fishing is getting them up and away from the bottom quickly - hesitate, and they'll wrap you around a rock in seconds.
Blackfin Tuna are the workhorses of Key West fishing, available year-round and always willing to bite. These smaller cousins of the yellowfin typically run 10 to 25 pounds but make up for their size with pure determination. They school heavily, often feeding in a frenzy that creates opportunities for multiple hookups. Blackfins are perfect for novice anglers since they fight hard but won't break your back, and they're fantastic table fare. Look for them around temperature breaks, current lines, or wherever baitfish are schooling.
Atlantic Sailfish are the ultimate light-tackle gamefish, known for their spectacular jumps and lightning-fast runs. Peak sailfish season in Key West runs from December through April, when these magnificent billfish follow baitfish migrations through the area. A typical sail runs 30 to 60 pounds and 6 to 8 feet long, with their distinctive dorsal
Step aboard The Double Wrap, a classic 42-foot Post sportfishing vessel that's been putting anglers on fish in Key West waters since 1978. This offshore fishing machine comfortably handles up to 6 anglers with plenty of room to move around when the action heats up. The boat features an air-conditioned cabin perfect for cooling off between bites, plus a private head, galley, and even a bunk for anyone needing a quick rest. The flybridge gives your captain excellent visibility for spotting birds and baitfish, while the GPS and fish finder help locate the productive waters where snapper, grouper, king mackerel, wahoo, mahi, tuna, and sailfish roam. Whether you prefer trolling the deep blue for pelagics or dropping baits on the reef for bottom species, this well-equipped vessel has the range and comfort for a solid half-day of fishing the legendary waters around America's southernmost city.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the showboats of offshore fishing - 7-8 feet of pure athleticism with that signature sail and lightning speed. They cruise the blue water from 30-200 feet deep, hunting baitfish along current edges and temperature breaks. Winter is magic time here in the Keys when they stack up in good numbers. What makes them special is the aerial show - these fish jump, dive, and fight with everything they've got. It's catch and release fishing at its finest. We troll slowly with live ballyhoo or use kites to keep baits active on the surface. Key tip: when a sail comes up on your bait, resist the urge to set the hook immediately. Let them eat and turn away first, then come tight. Rushing the hookset just pulls the bait away from them.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the bulldogs of the reef - chunky, powerful fish that average around 2 feet but can hit 30+ pounds in the right spots. They live around wrecks, ledges, and rocky bottom in 30-300 feet, depending on the season. Winter and spring are prime time when they move shallow to spawn. What people love about grouper fishing is the surprise factor and that tug-of-war fight once hooked. Plus, the meat is top-shelf - mild, flaky, and perfect for the table. These guys are ambush predators that inhale their prey whole, so when you feel that thump, reel hard and fast to keep them from diving back into the rocks. Use heavy tackle with at least 80-pound braid and be ready for a serious pull.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the scrappy little fighters of the tuna family, typically running 10-20 pounds with that classic torpedo shape and dark fins. They school up in blue water over the continental shelf, usually 100+ feet deep, and peak here during fall, winter, and spring. What makes them a favorite is that classic tuna fight - they pull hard, dive deep, and never give up. The meat is rich and red, perfect for sashimi or seared. These fish have sharp eyes, so we scale down to lighter leaders and smaller hooks. Best technique is vertical jigging or chunking with pilchards. Here's the key: when the bite gets tough, downsize everything - lighter line, smaller baits. They're picky feeders but once you dial it in, the action can be non-stop.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll see out here, with golden sides and electric blues that put on a real color show when they come to the boat. These guys average 15-29 pounds and grow fast in our warm offshore waters. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, or any structure in 100+ feet of water. They're abundant here from spring through fall, with peak action in summer. What makes them special is their aggressive strike, strong fight, and that sweet, mild meat that's perfect grilled. Here's a tip - when you hook one, keep your lines in the water. Mahi travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more waiting for an easy meal nearby.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of our waters, hitting 60 mph and averaging 3-5 feet long. These silver missiles with blue stripes hang around the deeper blue water, usually 60+ feet, and love oil rigs and current edges. July through November is prime time here in the Keys. What gets people hooked is that blistering initial run - they'll strip line like nothing else, plus the meat is as good as it gets. Sweet, white, and flaky like premium tuna. For wahoo, we troll fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders since their razor teeth cut everything else. Pro tip: when you get a bite, don't try to horse them in right away. Let them make their run first, then work them steady. Fighting them too hard early just tears the hook out.
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