Key Largo Blue Water Trolling Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fivehour blue water trolling for Mahi, Tuna, and SailfishAll fishing equipment and licenses included with charterMaximum four guests aboard Eye Catcher Charters vessel
Picture yourself 5 miles offshore in some of Florida's most productive blue water, with four spinning reels screaming as a school of mahi comes up hot on your spread. That's exactly what you'll get with Eye Catcher Charters out of Key Largo – a no-nonsense 5-hour trolling trip that puts you right where the big fish live. Captain brings decades of local knowledge to get you on fish fast, and with all gear and licenses included, you just show up ready to fight some serious gamefish. The boat handles beautifully in the deeper water, and there's nothing quite like watching that flat line go off when a hungry tuna decides your ballyhoo looks like lunch.
This isn't your typical inshore grind – we're talking serious blue water action where the bottom drops to 200+ feet and the current brings in the kind of fish that make your drag sing. You'll launch from one of Key Largo's top-rated marinas and make the run out to the edge where the Gulf Stream pushes baitfish and pelagics together. The captain runs a tight spread with a mix of ballyhoo, diving plugs, and sometimes live bait when conditions are right. Four anglers max means everyone gets quality rod time, and the crew knows exactly how to rotate people through when multiple fish come up. Pack sunscreen, polarized glasses, and maybe some seasickness meds if you're not used to the deeper water – it can get a little sporty out there, but that's where the fish are.
Trolling the blue water is all about covering ground and presenting baits at different depths and speeds. The captain typically runs four to six lines – a couple flat lines, some outriggers, and maybe a deep line on the downrigger depending on what's showing on the fish finder. Ballyhoo rigged on circle hooks are the bread and butter, but don't be surprised if he switches to artificials when fish are finicky or the bait gets beat up. The boat cruises between 6-8 knots, following temperature breaks, current edges, and any debris lines that concentrate baitfish. When fish come up, everyone needs to clear lines fast so whoever's up can fight their fish clean. Circle hooks mean you don't set the hook hard – just come tight and let the fish hook itself. The crew handles all the technical stuff, so your job is simple: hold on tight and enjoy the ride.
The mahi mahi fishing has been absolutely lights-out consistent this year, with schools of 10-20 pound bulls showing up regularly along the weed lines and debris. These fish are pure gold for anglers – they hit hard, jump like crazy, and put up a fight that'll test your arms and your drag system. Peak season runs April through August, but don't sleep on the fall bite when bigger fish cruise through. Blackfin tuna have been thick on the deeper edges, especially early morning and late afternoon. These 15-25 pound speedsters are like hooking into a freight train, and they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean. The yellowfin action picks up more in winter and spring, with fish in the 30-60 pound range showing up on the 100+ foot drops. When conditions align and the current is strong, sailfish move through in good numbers – mostly catch and release, but landing one of these acrobatic billfish is a bucket list experience for any angler. Size limits and seasons vary by species, but the captain knows all the current regulations and handles everything properly.
Key Largo's blue water fishing scene is world-class, and trips like this book up fast during peak season. The captain asks that you call or email before booking online – that's always a good sign that he cares about matching the right trip to the right anglers. Weather plays a bigger factor in offshore fishing, so having that direct communication helps ensure your trip goes off without a hitch. Whether you're celebrating something special or just need to get bent on some serious gamefish, this 5-hour blue water adventure delivers the goods. The combination of experienced crew, quality gear, and Key Largo's legendary offshore fishing makes this a customer favorite for good reason. Don't wait too long to lock in your dates – the fish are biting, and spots are filling up quick.
Your offshore fishing adventure starts aboard this well-equipped 30' Sea Hunt center console, built in 2020 and powered by twin 300HP Yamaha engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast at 54 knots. Perfect for up to 4 anglers heading out for serious blue water trolling in Key Largo's deep waters. The boat comes loaded with everything you need - GPS to find the hot spots, fish finder to locate schools of Mahi, Tuna, and Sailfish, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 5-hour trip. There's even an onboard head for convenience during those long fights with big fish. This modern center console design gives everyone plenty of room to work the rods and move around when the action heats up. All your tackle, bait, and fishing licenses are included, so just bring sunscreen and get ready to battle some serious gamefish in Key Largo's legendary offshore waters.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin are the smallest tuna species, usually running 15-30 pounds around Key Largo, but they pack a serious punch for their size. These dark-bodied fighters love our warm blue water and typically hang out in schools near the continental shelf, anywhere from 100-400 feet deep. Fall through spring is prime time here in the Keys when water temps stay above 68°F. What makes them special is their incredible fight-to-size ratio and excellent table fare - firm, red meat that's perfect for searing. They're notorious for having sharp eyesight, so scale down your tackle. I always tell my guests to use 30-pound fluoro leaders with 5/0 circle hooks. Pro tip: when you mark a school, try vertical jigging with small metal lures or chunking with pilchards to get them fired up and feeding near the surface.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are pure eye candy - brilliant gold and blue colors that put on a light show when they come out of the water. Most run 15-30 pounds, but bulls can push 50+. These surface dwellers love floating debris, weed lines, and anything that creates structure in blue water. They're around year-round, but spring through fall is peak season when the Gulf Stream pushes closer to shore. What makes them so popular is their aggressive strikes, acrobatic jumps, and mild, sweet meat that's perfect on the grill. We troll ballyhoo or colorful lures, making them skip on the surface to mimic flying fish. Once you hook one, keep your bait in the water - mahi travel in schools and you'll often get multiple hookups. Look for frigate birds diving on bait balls - that's your money shot right there.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the real deal - powerful, fast fish that can hit 60+ pounds in our waters, though the monsters can reach 400. These torpedo-shaped beauties cruise the upper 100 feet of blue water with their signature bright yellow fins. They're year-round residents here, but spring and summer fishing really heats up. What guests love most is the raw power - these fish can hit 50 mph and will test your drag system. Plus, the meat is restaurant-quality, perfect for searing or sashimi. We typically troll rigged ballyhoo or skirted lures, but when they're finicky, nothing beats chunking with live pilchards or blue runners. Here's a local trick: when you see birds working over floating debris or weed lines, that's where the yellowfin are hunting. Get your spread out there fast.
Key Largo