Offshore Fishing Charters in Key Largo
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Offshore fishing adventure targeting Tuna, Wahoo, Sailfish, Mahi MahiCaptain Kevin guides trips aboard 36-foot Hatteras vesselSix-person capacity charters in Key Largo waters
Picture yourself standing at the stern of a quality Hatteras 36', watching the deep blue waters of the Atlantic stretch endlessly ahead. That's exactly what you get when you book with Captain Kevin and First Down Charters out of Key Largo. This isn't your typical half-day inshore trip – we're talking serious offshore action where the big fish live and feed. Key Largo sits perfectly positioned as your launching pad into some of Florida's most productive offshore waters, where pelagic species cruise the current lines and structure just waiting for the right presentation.
Captain Kevin runs a tight ship on his 36' Hatteras, and with space for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work without bumping elbows. The boat's built for offshore work – think comfortable ride through the chop and all the electronics you need to mark fish and structure. Most trips start early, which means you'll be running out to the fishing grounds while the water's still calm and the coffee's still hot. The ride out gives you time to rig up, talk strategy, and get your head in the game. Once we hit the productive water, it's game on. Captain Kevin knows these waters like the back of his hand, so you're not just fishing – you're fishing smart, hitting the spots where the action happens consistently.
Offshore fishing in Key Largo is primarily a trolling game, and Captain Kevin's got the setup dialed in perfectly. We're talking multiple lines in the water, each rigged for different species at various depths. The spread typically includes a mix of live bait, ballyhoo rigs, and lures designed to trigger strikes from whatever's cruising the area. The tackle is sized appropriately – heavy enough to handle a big wahoo or sailfish, but not so heavy that you lose the fight in the fish. You'll learn quickly that offshore fishing is about covering water efficiently while presenting baits that look natural in the current. The captain handles boat positioning and spread management, so your job is simple: watch the rods, listen for the screaming drag, and be ready when something decides your bait looks like lunch.
Mahi Mahi are absolute crowd pleasers and for good reason. These fish are pure energy – when you hook one, you'll know it immediately. They jump, they run, and they put on a show that gets everyone on the boat fired up. Mahi travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. They're most active during the warmer months, and they love floating debris, weed lines, and current edges. The colors on these fish are simply amazing – electric blues, greens, and yellows that seem to glow in the sun.
Permit are a different story entirely – they're the thinking angler's fish. These guys are notoriously picky and require perfect presentations, but when you connect with one, you've accomplished something special. They're strong, smart fighters that use their flat bodies to leverage against you in the current. Most permit in these waters run between 20-40 pounds, and they're around year-round with peak activity in the spring and fall months.
Wahoo are speed demons of the offshore world. These fish can hit 60 mph, and when one takes your bait, the initial run will test both your tackle and your reflexes. They've got razor-sharp teeth and a bad attitude, making them one of the most exciting species to tangle with. Wahoo fishing peaks during the cooler months when they move closer to shore following bait schools.
Yellowtail Amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef. These fish live around structure and they know how to use it against you. When you hook a yellowtail, be prepared for a straight-down fight where they try to wrap you around anything solid they can find. They're year-round residents but tend to be most active during the spring spawning season.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of offshore fishing in these waters. These magnificent fish are built for speed and acrobatics, often jumping repeatedly when hooked. Most sailfish caught here are released, making them a true sport fish. They're most common during the winter months when they migrate through South Florida waters, though you can encounter them year-round.
Captain Kevin and First Down Charters offer exactly what serious anglers are looking for – quality boat, experienced captain, and access to world-class offshore fishing grounds. Key Largo's location puts you within easy reach of the productive waters where these species thrive, and with a 6-person maximum, you're guaranteed personal attention and plenty of fishing time. The combination of Captain Kevin's local knowledge and the Hatteras 36's offshore capabilities means you're setting yourself up for the kind of fishing day that creates lasting memories. Don't wait around – the best fishing days book up fast, especially during peak seasons. Reach out to First Down Charters and get your offshore adventure on the calendar.
Step aboard First Down Charters' beautifully restored 1973 Hatteras Cruiser and experience the perfect blend of classic style and reliable performance. This 36-foot vessel was lovingly brought back to life in 2017, combining vintage charm with modern fishing capabilities. Twin 315HP Cummins engines power you to the best offshore spots around Key Largo at a smooth 25 knots, while the spacious layout comfortably accommodates up to 6 anglers. Captain Kevin knows these waters like the back of his hand, targeting everything from hard-fighting Tuna and lightning-fast Wahoo to acrobatic Sailfish and colorful Mahi Mahi. The boat's well-equipped with everything serious fishermen need – a reliable fish finder to locate the action, GPS for precision navigation, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. When you need a break from the action, there's a comfortable bed below deck, a private head, and the elevated flybridge offers commanding views of the surrounding waters. This classic Hatteras delivers both comfort and fishing prowess for your Key Largo offshore adventure.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the crown jewel of offshore fishing - majestic billfish with that signature sail dorsal fin and electric blue colors. They average around 7 feet and 50 pounds, but it's not their size that gets your heart pumping. These fish hunt in 30-65 feet of water along current edges and temperature breaks. Winter months, especially December through March, are prime time here in the Keys when they migrate south. What makes sailfish special is the aerial show - they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a display you'll never forget. We practice catch and release with these beauties. Slow trolling with live ballyhoo or rigged dead baits works best. When you get a bite, don't set the hook right away. Let them run with it, count to ten, then come tight. That patience makes all the difference between a hookup and a missed opportunity.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are gorgeous fish with golden sides and bright blues that light up like a rainbow when they come out of the water. Most run 15-29 pounds around here, though we see some bigger bulls. They love floating debris and weed lines in 200+ feet of water, making them perfect for our offshore runs. Best months are April through October when they're spawning and more active. What makes mahi so popular is they fight hard, taste amazing, and put on a real show with those colors. The meat is firm and sweet - perfect for the grill. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your eyes open for more. They usually travel in small schools, so we'll often get multiple hookups if we work the area right after landing the first one.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the ghosts of the flats - silver, dinner plate-shaped fish that'll test your patience and skill. They average around 36 inches but can hit 48 inches and 60 pounds. You'll find them cruising shallow grass flats in just 2-3 feet of water, using those golf ball-sized eyes that rotate almost 360 degrees to spot danger. Peak season runs April through October during spawning, but we catch them year-round in our warm waters. What drives anglers crazy is how spooky they are - one wrong move and they vanish. But land one and you've earned serious bragging rights. Blue crabs are the go-to bait, rigged on circle hooks with light leaders. My advice: stay quiet, make long casts, and be ready to wait. Permit fishing teaches patience like no other fish.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep blue - sleek, silver torpedoes with distinctive blue stripes that can hit 60 mph. Most run 3-5 feet long, though we've seen some monsters over 8 feet. They cruise open water from 30-200 feet, often around floating debris or current edges. Peak season here is July through November when they're thick offshore. What gets anglers fired up is that screaming run when they take the bait - nothing sounds quite like it. Plus, wahoo is premium table fare with white, flaky meat that's perfect for fish tacos. We troll fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders since their razor teeth will slice through anything else. Here's the trick: when you hook up, don't horse them. Let them run and tire themselves out, or that sharp-toothed mouth will find a way to cut you off.
Seriola LalandiYellowtails are the bruisers that'll test your tackle and your arms. These golden-finned fighters typically run 15-25 pounds, but the big boys can push 40+ and really make you work. They hang around deep structure - reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom in 60-150 feet of water. Best fishing happens during warmer months when they move up from the depths to feed. What makes them so popular is that bulldogging fight - they'll head straight for the bottom and make you earn every inch. The meat is excellent too, especially the smaller ones. We use heavy tackle with live bait like pilchards or goggle-eyes, dropping them down to where the fish are holding. Key tip: once you hook up, keep steady pressure but don't rush it. Let your drag do the work and keep them away from the structure, or they'll wrap you up and break you off every time.
Key Largo