Private Full-Day Fishing Charter Key West
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private 8hour charter targeting sailfish, mahi, tuna, and sharksAll equipment, tackle, bait, and fishing licenses includedBeginnerfriendly with expert captain guidance and flexible fishing locations
Looking for the real deal offshore fishing experience in Key West? This private 8-hour charter with Fishizzle Sportfishing Charters puts you right where the big fish live. We're talking about a full day on the water targeting some of the most sought-after species in the Florida Keys - sailfish, mahi, yellowfin tuna, mutton snapper, and even blacktip sharks. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and comes loaded with all the gear, tackle, bait, and licenses you need. Just bring your crew of up to 6 anglers, pack some snacks and drinks, and get ready for some serious fishing action.
This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip - it's a legitimate full-day charter designed to put fish in the boat. Your captain will start the day by reading the conditions and deciding whether to head offshore for the deep water pelagics or work the nearshore reefs and wrecks. The beauty of this trip is the flexibility. If the sailfish are lighting up the trolling spread 20 miles out, that's where you'll be. If the mahi are thick around the weedlines closer in, you'll adjust accordingly. The boat comes rigged with quality rods and reels, and your captain will have fresh bait and a tackle box full of proven lures. Beginners get hands-on instruction throughout the day, while experienced anglers can work with the captain to fine-tune techniques and target specific species. Eight hours gives you time to try different fishing styles - from high-speed trolling for pelagics to bottom fishing for snapper and grouper.
Most of your day will involve trolling the offshore waters where Key West's big game fish roam. Your captain runs a spread of outriggers with ballyhoo, bonito strips, and artificial lures designed to trigger strikes from sailfish, mahi, and tuna. The boat's electronics help locate temperature breaks, current edges, and baitfish schools where predators concentrate. When you hook up, the captain will clear the other lines so you can fight your fish without tangles. Bottom fishing happens over reefs and wrecks using circle hooks and heavy sinkers to get baits down to where the mutton snapper and other reef fish hold. All rods are spooled with appropriate line weights - lighter tackle for the fun factor when conditions allow, heavier gear when you're targeting bigger fish or fishing around structure. The captain handles all the rigging, bait prep, and boat positioning so you can focus on fishing.
Mahi mahi remain the bread and butter of Key West offshore fishing, especially during their peak season from April through September. These fish are pure excitement - they hit hard, jump repeatedly, and their bright gold and green colors make them stunning to see. Most mahi here run 10-30 pounds, though bull dolphins over 40 pounds show up regularly. They school around floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks, often in good numbers once you locate them. Atlantic sailfish are the premier gamefish in these waters, known for their spectacular aerial displays and long runs. Peak sailfish season runs December through April when cooler water temperatures bring them closer to shore. These fish average 6-8 feet long and provide some of the most exciting light tackle fishing available. Most captains practice catch and release with sailfish due to their sporting value. Yellowfin tuna offer incredible fights on appropriate tackle, typically showing up during cooler months when baitfish concentrations draw them into Key West waters. These powerful fish can exceed 100 pounds and test both angler skill and equipment limits. Blacktip sharks provide consistent action year-round, especially around reef edges and nearshore waters. They're aggressive feeders that hit baits hard and make blistering runs when hooked. Mutton snapper represent the premium table fare among Key West's reef fish, with their excellent eating quality making them highly prized by locals and visitors alike.
Each target species offers something different for anglers. Mahi mahi are perfect for beginners because they're aggressive feeders that hit a variety of baits and lures. Once you hook one, others in the school often stay around, giving everyone a chance to catch fish. They're also excellent eating, making them a favorite for families wanting to take fish home. Sailfish represent the pinnacle of sportfishing - their speed, jumps, and fighting ability make them bucket list fish for serious anglers. The clear blue waters around Key West provide perfect visibility to watch these fish work your baits and make their runs. Yellowfin tuna are pure power, capable of stripping hundreds of yards of line in seconds. They're typically caught trolling in deeper offshore waters where their strength and endurance provide extended battles. Blacktip sharks add excitement with their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps. They're perfect for anglers wanting to experience shark fishing without the extreme tackle requirements of larger species. Mutton snapper require more finesse fishing around structure, teaching patience and technique while rewarding successful anglers with some of the best-tasting fish in Florida waters.
Key West's world-class fishing doesn't wait around, and neither should you. This private charter gives you the flexibility to fish at your own pace with personalized instruction from a local captain who lives and breathes these waters. Whether you're a complete beginner looking to learn proper techniques or an experienced angler wanting to target specific species, eight hours provides plenty of time to make it happen. The boat holds up to six people, making it perfect for families, groups of friends, or corporate outings. With all gear, tackle, bait, and licenses included, you just need to show up ready to fish. Book your full-day adventure with Fishizzle Sportfishing Charters and experience why Key West remains one of America's top fishing destinations.
Your fishing platform for the day is a 42-foot Stapleton motorboat that's built to handle Key West's offshore waters with ease. Twin 350 HP engines will get you to the fish quickly, whether you're heading out to the deep blue for sailfish and tuna or working the reefs closer to shore. The spacious deck comfortably accommodates up to 6 anglers with plenty of room to move around when the fish are biting. You'll have a dedicated first mate on board to help with everything from rigging lines to landing your catch. The boat comes equipped with GPS and fish finder electronics to locate the best fishing spots, plus an icebox to keep your drinks cold during the 8-hour adventure. A clean head is available onboard, and the boat features wheelchair accessibility. All fishing gear, tackle, bait, and licenses are provided - just bring your food and beverages for a full day chasing mahi, barracuda, mackerel, and whatever else the Florida Keys waters serve up.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the ultimate offshore trophy - averaging 50-80 pounds and stretching 6-8 feet long with that massive dorsal fin they're famous for. We find them in blue water from 80-300 feet, usually following baitfish schools and current edges. Winter is prime time here in Key West when they migrate through in good numbers. What makes sailfish special is the show they put on - jumping, tail-walking, and making blazing runs that test your drag and your skills. They're not great eating, so most folks release them for the sport and photos. We troll rigged ballyhoo or pitch live bait to raised fish. The trick is getting them excited with teasers first - when you see that sail light up and start herding bait, that's when you make your move. Keep the boat in gear during the fight; they'll throw the hook if you give them slack.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are perfect starter sharks - they average 4-5 feet but can reach up to 9 feet. You'll recognize them by those distinctive black-tipped fins and their habit of jumping clean out of the water when hooked. We find them in 30-100 feet around reefs, muddy bays, and anywhere baitfish are thick. They're here year-round but really active in warmer months. These sharks get guests excited because they're strong fighters that jump like tarpon, but they're not overly aggressive - just energetic. They feed on mackerel, sardines, and whatever baitfish are around. Best technique is chumming with oily fish like mackerel or sardines to get their attention, then use circle hooks on 30-50 pound gear. Once you get one going, be ready - they can get the whole school fired up in a feeding frenzy.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are one of the most colorful fish you'll see out here - bright gold sides with electric blue and green backs that put on a light show when they come out of the water. These fast-growing fish average 15-29 pounds but can hit 87 pounds at their biggest. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 30-200 feet of water. They're active year-round in Key West, but spring through fall gives you the best action. What makes mahi special is their aggressive strike on trolled baits and the acrobatic fight they put up - plus they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean with that firm, mild white meat. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep the boat moving and look for the school - where there's one mahi, there's usually more.
Lutjanus AnalisMuttons are the heavy hitters of the snapper family, running 3-8 pounds on average but capable of reaching 30+ pounds. They've got that classic snapper look with olive coloring and blue streaks around the face. We find them around reefs, rock piles, and sandy areas in 80-200 feet, though they'll come shallower at times. Year-round fishing here, but they're most active during warmer months and around the full moon. Anglers love muttons because they fight hard and make excellent table fare - firm, sweet meat that's perfect for the grill. They can be picky eaters, so fresh bait and light tackle work best. My go-to trick is using a knocker rig with the freshest shrimp or small crabs you can find, and let it drift naturally in the current. Once hooked, they'll try to get back to structure, so keep steady pressure and lead them away from the bottom.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfins are the offshore powerhouses - sleek, fast, and built for deep water battles. Most fish we catch run 40-80 pounds, though they can top 400. You'll know them by those bright yellow fins and that torpedo shape that lets them hit 50 mph. We target them in blue water from 100-300 feet, often around current breaks and temperature changes. Best fishing is spring through fall when they're pushing baitfish up. These fish are prized for two reasons - they fight like freight trains with long, powerful runs, and the meat is sushi-grade quality. We troll rigged ballyhoo and skirted lures, but when they're deep, vertical jigging works great. Key tip: when you mark fish but they won't bite the trolled spread, switch to chunking with whatever baitfish they're feeding on - it'll often pull them up from the depths.
Key West, FL