Key Largo Deep Water Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
5-hour blue water trolling for Mahi, Tuna, and SailfishAll fishing equipment and licenses included with charterMaximum 4 guests aboard Eye Catcher Charters vessel
Looking for a serious fishing adventure that'll get your heart racing? This 5-hour blue water trolling trip out of Key Largo puts you right in the action where the big fish live. We're talking about hitting those deeper offshore spots where Mahi Mahi, Tuna, and Sailfish cruise the blue water looking for their next meal. Eye Catcher Charters has this whole operation dialed in - they provide all your gear, handle the licenses, and know exactly where to find the fish when they're biting. You just need to show up ready to fight some serious fish and maybe work on your tan between strikes.
This isn't your typical inshore trip - we're heading to the deep blue where the water changes color and the fish get bigger. Captain and crew will have you trolling multiple lines at different depths, covering serious ground to locate schools of actively feeding fish. The boat's rigged with quality tackle that can handle whatever decides to grab your bait, from screaming Mahi runs to the acrobatic jumps of a hooked Sailfish. With space for up to 4 anglers, everyone gets plenty of rod time without feeling crowded. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, reading the conditions and adjusting the game plan throughout the day to keep you on fish. Pro tip: bring your own snacks and drinks since meals aren't included - you'll work up an appetite battling these offshore bruisers.
Blue water trolling is all about covering water efficiently and presenting baits that trigger strikes from cruising pelagics. The boat runs a spread of lures and rigged baits at varying distances and depths, creating a natural feeding scenario that draws fish from a wide area. Outriggers extend the spread and keep lines separated while the boat maintains trolling speed between 6-8 knots depending on conditions and target species. When fish are located, the crew might switch to live bait or adjust lure selection based on what's working. Circle hooks are standard for conservation, and the crew handles all the rigging so you can focus on fighting fish. GPS and fish finder technology help locate structure, temperature breaks, and bait schools that concentrate gamefish in the vast offshore environment.
Blackfin Tuna are the bread and butter of Key Largo's offshore scene, and these fish fight way above their weight class. Most Blackfins here run 10-25 pounds, but don't let the size fool you - they're pure muscle and will test your endurance on light tackle. They school up around structure and temperature breaks, often feeding aggressively in the early morning and late afternoon. What makes them special is their incredible speed and stamina - once hooked, they'll make multiple long runs that'll have your drag screaming. Plus, they're fantastic eating if you decide to keep a few for dinner.
Yellowfin Tuna represent the heavyweight division of the tuna family in these waters. These fish can push 100+ pounds and provide some of the most challenging fights you'll experience offshore. Yellowfins are notorious for their deep, powerful runs and ability to sound toward structure when hooked. They're often found in deeper water around 200+ feet, following bait schools and feeding on flying fish and squid. The key to success is having the right tackle and knowing how to pressure them properly - give a big Yellowfin too much line and you'll never see it again. Their bright yellow fins and sickle-shaped tail make them unmistakable when they come to the boat.
Mahi Mahi, or dolphinfish, are the most cooperative and photogenic catch you'll encounter on this trip. These fish are known for their stunning colors - electric blues, greens, and golds that light up when they're fighting - and their willingness to bite almost anything that moves. Mahi typically run 10-40 pounds in these waters and are famous for traveling in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more around. They're incredibly acrobatic fighters, jumping repeatedly and putting on a real show. Mahi also stick around floating debris and weed lines, making them somewhat predictable to locate with an experienced captain who knows how to read the water.
This kind of blue water action doesn't happen every day, and the best trips book up fast during prime fishing season. Eye Catcher Charters has built their reputation on putting clients on fish and providing the kind of offshore experience that keeps anglers coming back year after year. Remember to contact Captain Niekamp directly at (248) 613-3484 or niekamp@aol.com before booking to discuss conditions, weather windows, and any specific fish you're targeting. Whether you're a seasoned offshore angler or ready to step up from inshore fishing, this 5-hour adventure will show you what Key Largo's deep water fishing is all about. The fish are out there waiting - now you just need to go find them.
Get ready to chase trophy fish aboard this sleek 30' Sea Hunt center console, built in 2020 and powered by twin 300HP Yamaha engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast. This boat cuts through Key Largo waters at speeds up to 54 knots, putting you on the fish while they're still biting. The spacious deck gives you and up to 3 other anglers plenty of room to fight those hard-pulling mahi, tuna, and sailfish without getting tangled up. Essential gear includes a fish finder to locate schools, GPS to mark your honey holes, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The onboard head means more time fishing and less time heading back to shore. Whether you're trolling the blue water or working structure, this modern fishing machine has everything you need for a productive day on the water.
Thunnus AtlanticusThe smallest tuna in the bunch, Blackfins typically run 15-30 pounds around Key Largo, though they can reach up to 46 pounds. These scrappy fighters have dark backs with that signature golden stripe that fades once they're out of the water. You'll find them in blue water, usually mixed in schools with skipjack tuna. They're most active during our fall, winter, and spring months when water temps are right. What makes them special is their fierce fight for their size - they'll test your drag and give you a real workout. The meat is excellent, with that rich tuna flavor perfect for searing. Here's a local tip: scale down your tackle when targeting blackfins. They've got sharp eyesight, so use lighter fluorocarbon leaders and smaller circle hooks. A little live chum with pilchards will often bring them right to the boat.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are absolute crowd-pleasers - gorgeous gold and green colors that light up like a rainbow when they're fighting. Most run 15-30 pounds here in Key Largo, though bulls can push 50-plus. They're surface dwellers, hanging around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in blue water. We catch them year-round, but spring through early fall is prime time. What makes them special is the show they put on - jumping, tail-walking, and changing colors the whole fight. The white, flaky meat is mild and sweet, perfect for grilling. They mature fast and spawn frequently, so the population stays strong. Look for frigate birds working over floating debris - that's often your best sign. Here's the trick: once you hook one, keep the boat moving and work the school. Where there's one mahi, there's usually more, and the hooked fish will often call in its buddies.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfins are the real deal - powerful, fast, and built like torpedoes. Around Key Largo, most run 40-80 pounds, but these fish can top 400 pounds. You'll spot them by those bright yellow fins and that metallic blue back. They cruise the upper 100 feet of blue water, often near temperature breaks and current edges. We see them year-round, but spring through fall gives you the best shots. What guests love most is the raw power - these fish can hit 50 mph and will test every knot you've tied. Plus, the meat is top-shelf sashimi quality, second only to bluefin. They respond well to trolling with rigged ballyhoo or cedar plugs, but when they're deep and finicky, vertical jigging often saves the day. Pro tip: when you hook one, clear the spread fast - yellowfins love to run and can tangle everything in sight.
Key Largo