Offshore Fishing Charters Key Largo Florida
Captain Kevin and his 36-foot Hatteras are waiting to show you what makes Key Largo one of Florida's premier fishing destinations. This isn't your typical half-day trip close to shore – we're talking about a real offshore adventure where the Gulf Stream meets the Atlantic, creating some of the richest fishing grounds you'll find anywhere. With room for up to six anglers, First Down Charters gives you the perfect setup to target trophy fish while enjoying the camaraderie that makes these trips memorable. The waters off Key Largo hold everything from lightning-fast wahoo to acrobatic sailfish, and Captain Kevin knows exactly where to find them.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts early because that's when the fish are most active and the conditions are at their best. Captain Kevin's Hatteras is built for offshore work – stable, comfortable, and equipped with everything you need for a successful day of fishing. We'll head out beyond the reef line where the water turns that deep blue color that signals big fish territory. The boat handles the offshore swells like a dream, so even if you're not the most experienced angler, you'll feel confident and comfortable. Captain Kevin reads these waters like a book, watching for birds, bait schools, and temperature breaks that signal where the action is happening. Don't worry about bringing anything except your enthusiasm – the boat comes loaded with quality tackle, and Captain Kevin will handle all the rigging and setup.
Trolling the Blue Water
Offshore fishing here is all about trolling, and it's an art form that Captain Kevin has perfected over years on these waters. We'll run multiple lines at different depths and distances, using a mix of live bait, dead bait, and lures that mimic the smaller fish that our target species love to eat. The key is covering water and presenting baits at the right speed and depth. You'll learn to watch the rod tips for that telltale bend that means fish on, and trust me, when a wahoo or mahi hits at trolling speed, you'll know it immediately. We use circle hooks for most of our fishing, which makes for better hooksets and healthier fish releases. Captain Kevin will coach you through the fight, helping you work the fish properly and avoid common mistakes that can cost you your trophy.
Top Catches This Season
Mahi mahi are the bread and butter of offshore fishing here, and for good reason. These fish are absolutely beautiful with their golden sides and electric blue-green backs, and they fight like crazy when hooked. Mahi are schooling fish, so when you find one, there are usually more around. They love structure like floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks. The best part about mahi is they're willing biters – they'll hit trolled baits, live bait, and even lures worked around the boat. Spring through fall is prime time, with fish ranging from small schoolies to bull dolphins pushing 30 pounds or more.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, and Key Largo's waters hold some monsters. These fish can hit 60 miles per hour, and when they take a trolled bait, the initial run will test your reflexes and your drag system. Wahoo have razor-sharp teeth, so we use wire leaders and handle them carefully. They're excellent eating and make for great photos with their torpedo-shaped bodies and distinctive blue stripes. Winter months tend to be best for wahoo, when they move through in good numbers chasing bait schools.
Atlantic sailfish are the ultimate light-tackle opponent and a favorite among sport fishermen. These magnificent billfish put on an aerial show when hooked, jumping repeatedly and showing off their massive dorsal fin. Sailfish fishing requires patience and skill – we'll use live bait when possible, presenting it at the right depth and watching for that characteristic bill tap before the fish commits. Most sailfish are released after a quick photo, and Captain Kevin knows the proper techniques to ensure they swim away healthy. Winter is peak sailfish season off Key Largo.
Yellowtail amberjack, known locally as AJ's, are bulldogs that will test your tackle and your endurance. These fish live around structure and drop-offs, and they fight dirty – heading straight for the bottom or wrapping you around whatever cover they can find. AJ's are year-round residents, but spring and fall fishing tends to be most productive. They're excellent table fare and a favorite among anglers who like a good fight.
Permit are considered one of the holy grail species in these waters, known for their wariness and spectacular fighting ability. These silver ghosts are incredibly spooky and require perfect presentations, but when you hook one, you're in for a battle. Permit have powerful shoulders and will make long, sustained runs. They're more commonly caught on the flats, but offshore encounters do happen, especially around wrecks and deeper structure.
Time to Book Your Spot
Captain Kevin's calendar fills up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons, so don't wait too long to secure your dates. This top-rated charter combines years of local knowledge with a genuine passion for putting anglers on fish. Whether you're a seasoned offshore veteran or this is your first time targeting pelagic species, you'll come away with new skills, great stories, and hopefully a cooler full of fish. The memories you make fighting trophy fish in the crystal-clear waters off Key Largo will last long after your tan fades. Book your offshore adventure with First Down Charters and discover why anglers travel from around the world to fish these legendary waters.