5.0(5 Reviews)6-Hour Private Offshore Fishing Charter Key West
5.0(5 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Top Rated
Sixhour private offshore charter targets multiple sportfish speciesCaptain provides all equipment, tackle, bait and fishing licensesAccommodates up to six guests using trolling and openwater techniques
When you're ready to fish the deep blue waters off Key West, this 6-hour private offshore charter puts you right where the action happens. Captain Todd, Steve, Kevin, and the crew at Fishizzle Sportfishing Charters know these waters like the back of their hands, and they'll have you hooked up with everything from screaming sailfish to chunky mahi-mahi. You'll be fishing aboard their nimble 33-foot Mako, perfect for chasing pelagics in the productive waters of the Florida Keys. With room for up to 6 anglers, this is your chance to experience what makes Key West one of the top-rated offshore fishing destinations in the world.
Your day starts early, heading out to the deep water where the real fish live. The crew handles everything – rods, reels, tackle, bait, and even your fishing license – so you can focus on what matters: hooking fish. This isn't some cookie-cutter trip where you sit at anchor hoping something bites. These captains burn fuel to find fish, moving between spots based on conditions, bait movement, and their years of experience reading these waters. You'll be targeting barracuda, mahi-mahi, king mackerel, sharks, yellowfin tuna, and when the stars align, those legendary Atlantic sailfish that make Key West famous. The vibe is relaxed but focused – expect plenty of laughs between hookups, but when fish are biting, it's all business. Just bring your own food and drinks, and get ready for a full day of offshore action.
The bread and butter of this charter is trolling the offshore waters, covering ground to find actively feeding fish. The crew rigs a spread of lures and baits designed to trigger strikes from whatever's cruising the current lines and temperature breaks. You'll see them constantly adjusting the spread – changing lure colors, switching out baits, and reading the electronics to stay on fish. When the conditions are right for sailfish, they'll rig ballyhoo and circle hooks for the best shot at these apex predators. For mahi, they know exactly which debris lines and weed patches hold fish, and they're not afraid to make multiple drifts to get you hooked up. The 33-foot Mako handles the offshore swells beautifully, giving you a stable platform to fight fish while the captain maneuvers to give you the best angles. These aren't weekend warriors – they fish these techniques day in and day out, and it shows in their rigging, boat handling, and fish-finding abilities.
"Captain Todd and Steve gave us an amazing experience.. besides having an epic day of shark fishing they had us laughing and bustin like we've been friends for years.. 100% recommend and will absolutely book another charter next time we're in town.. thank you for a great trip guys!!" - Jeff. "Beautiful day for fishing and complemented by big fish due to the knowledge and work ethic displayed by Captain Kevin. He had no hesitation to rig for mahi and sailfish per my request to spend the full day targeting species that just started up, in the case of the mahi, and sailfish which are hit and miss just recently. Burned fuel, bait and rigs which rewarded us with some nice mahi, including a 51 inch, 25lb bull and a slamming 21lb blackfin tuna to round out the day. No misses all day and lots of nimble seamanship on Fishizzle's 33 foot Mako. This outfit is the real deal." - Jeff. "What a great experience. Johnny Cakes and Captain Todd were amazing! Caught a ton of fish including a 7 ft sailfish. Johnny has a ton of energy and such a fun personality. Highly recommend" - Cheyenne.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of Key West offshore fishing, and when you hook one, you'll understand why. These billfish are most active during the winter months, roughly November through April, when they migrate through the Florida Straits. A typical sailfish here runs 6-8 feet and 40-60 pounds of pure athleticism. They're famous for their spectacular jumps and blistering runs, often clearing the water multiple times during a fight. What makes them special isn't just their size – it's their intelligence and fighting ability. They'll sound deep, then rocket to the surface without warning. The crew knows how to rig for sails with circle hooks and slow-trolled ballyhoo, giving you the best shot at these legendary fish.
King Mackerel, or "kings" as locals call them, are year-round residents that provide consistent action when other species are finicky. These streamlined predators average 15-30 pounds, with occasional fish pushing 40-plus. They're aggressive strikers that hit trolled baits hard and fast, making screaming runs that will test your drag system. Kings are perfect for anglers who want bent rods and steady action – they're not as picky as some other species, and they fight hard from the initial strike to the gaff. The crew targets them around structure and temperature changes, where they ambush baitfish.
Mahi-Mahi are the most beautiful fish you'll catch out here, with their electric blues, greens, and golds that light up when they're fighting. These dolphinfish (no relation to mammals) are most abundant from spring through fall, often traveling in schools around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges. A good mahi runs 10-25 pounds, though bull dolphins can exceed 30 pounds and 50 inches like the monster Jeff landed. They're acrobatic fighters that jump repeatedly and change colors as they fight. What anglers love about mahi is their willingness to bite and their incredible table fare – they're arguably the best-eating fish in these waters.
Your offshore fishing adventure starts aboard a purpose-built 42' Stapleton that's engineered for serious angling in Key West's deep waters. Twin 350 HP engines power you quickly to prime fishing grounds where barracuda, mahi, tuna, and sharks are waiting. The spacious deck comfortably handles up to 6 anglers with plenty of room to fight big fish without getting tangled up. The boat comes loaded with professional-grade fish finders to locate schools and GPS navigation to hit the best spots. An experienced first mate stays busy rigging lines, netting fish, and keeping you on the action all day long. When you need a break from the Florida sun, duck into the cabin where you'll find a private toilet and space to store your cooler. The captain handles all the technical stuff - rods, reels, tackle, bait, and fishing licenses are provided. You just bring food, drinks, and your appetite for catching serious offshore gamefish in some of the most productive waters around the Keys.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are the showboats of offshore fishing. These beautiful fish average 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds, with that iconic sail-like dorsal fin and incredible speed. They're found in the upper 30-65 feet of water but can dive deeper when hunting. Here in Key West, winter months offer the best action when they migrate through our warm waters following baitfish. What makes them special is the fight - they'll leap, dive, and put on a real show once hooked. They change colors when excited, flashing blues and blacks while hunting. The meat is decent, but most folks release them for the sport. Pro tip: when you see one "lit up" and teasing your bait, let it take a good run before setting the hook - they'll try to shake it immediately.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the ocean's missiles - built for pure speed and aggression. Most run 2-4 feet, but we see plenty pushing 5-6 feet and 40+ pounds around here. They hang around reefs, grass flats, and drop-offs, usually in 20-80 feet of water. Year-round fishing, but spring and fall are best when they're most active. What makes them fun is that explosive strike and initial run - they'll hit so hard it'll nearly pull the rod out of your hands. The fight is intense but short; they burn out quick. Most folks don't eat them due to potential toxins, but they're pure sport fish. Fair warning: those teeth are no joke, so we always use a net and handle them carefully. Pro tip: use shiny lures or live bait near structure and be ready - when they decide to hit, it happens fast.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel, or "Kings" as we call them, are some of the fastest fish you'll encounter out here. They typically run 20-40 pounds, though we see some pushing 60+ in deeper water. You'll find them anywhere from 40-150 feet, often around structure or temperature breaks. Spring through fall is prime time when they're chasing baitfish. These fish are built for speed - they'll smoke your drag on the first run and keep fighting all the way to the boat. The meat is excellent grilled or blackened, with that rich, flaky texture. They've got razor-sharp teeth, so we always use wire leaders. Local trick: rig two hooks on your live bait - one in the nose, one trailing behind. Kings love to hit the tail end of their prey, and that back hook will save you from a lot of cutoffs.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are hands-down the most colorful fish we chase offshore. They average 15-30 pounds and put up a spectacular fight with lots of jumps and runs. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, or any structure in 100+ feet of water. Spring through fall is peak season when they follow the warm currents. What guests love most is watching them light up in brilliant golds and greens when they're hooked - it's like a light show. The meat is outstanding - firm, white, and perfect for grilling. They're aggressive feeders, so once you find one, there's usually more nearby. Best tip I can share: when you hook your first mahi, keep it in the water near the boat while you cast to the others. They're curious fish and will often stick around to check on their buddy, giving you shots at multiple fish.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin tuna are the ultimate offshore prize fish. These torpedo-shaped speedsters typically range from 30-100 pounds, though we occasionally see monsters pushing 200+. They cruise the upper 100 feet of deep blue water, usually 5+ miles offshore where the bottom drops to 600+ feet. Best fishing runs from late spring through early fall when they follow baitfish through our area. What makes them special is that raw power - they'll take 300+ yards of line on the first run and fight for 45 minutes. The meat is absolutely premium - perfect for sushi or searing. They school up, so finding one often means finding many. They're picky eaters though, sometimes ignoring everything you throw at them. My go-to trick: if they won't bite while trolling, stop the boat and start chunking cut bait. Gets them fired up and brings them to the surface.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Todd and Steve gave us an amazing experience.. besides having an epic day of shark fishing they had us laughing and bustin...
Beautiful day for fishing and complemented by big fish due to the knowledge and work ethic displayed by Captain Kevin. He had no h...
Todd and company are wonderful!
What a great experience. Johnny Cakes and Captain Todd were amazing! Caught a ton of fish including a 7 ft sailfish. Johnny has a ...
great day on the water, great fishing, great conversation. only time I wasn’t laughing is when i had a fish on the line.
Key West, FL