5.0(1 Reviews)Private Offshore and Inshore Fishing Charter
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday private charter targets sailfish, mahi, tuna, and sharksEight hours combining offshore trolling with inshore reef techniquesAll equipment, tackle, bait, and licenses included by captain
You know that feeling when you find the perfect fishing charter that actually gets what serious anglers are after? That's exactly what you'll get with Fishizzle Sportfishing Charters in Key West. This isn't your typical tourist trap fishing trip – it's a full-day, private charter designed specifically for pro anglers who want to maximize their time on the water and hit both offshore and inshore spots in one epic 8-hour adventure. Captain Todd and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're not messing around when it comes to putting you on fish.
This charter is all about variety and skill-building. You'll start your day heading offshore into the deep blue, where the real monsters live – we're talking sailfish, yellowfin tuna, and those lightning-fast mahi that'll test every ounce of your angling ability. The captain will have you trolling the productive waters where the Gulf Stream brings in baitfish and the predators that follow them. Then, when conditions are right, you'll switch gears and head inshore to work the reefs and nearshore structure for mutton snapper, blacktip sharks, and whatever else is lurking around the coral heads. The beauty of this trip is that you're not locked into one fishing style – you'll get to experience the full spectrum of what Key West fishing has to offer, all in one day.
Everything's provided, and I mean everything – premium rods, reels, tackle, bait, and even your fishing license. The captain runs top-quality gear that can handle whatever decides to grab your bait, from light tackle for the inshore action to heavy trolling setups for the offshore bruisers. You'll be working with both live and dead bait, learning proper trolling techniques in the deep water, and perfecting your bottom fishing skills around the reefs. The crew knows exactly where to position the boat for maximum success, reading the water conditions, bait movements, and fish behavior to keep you in the action all day long. They'll teach you the subtle differences between offshore trolling patterns and inshore precision casting, so you're not just catching fish – you're becoming a better angler.
"Captain Todd and Grey Beard were teriffic! We caught and released more sharks than I could have imagined for a 4 hr trip. Grey Bush had us cracking up, making sure we had bait in the water and tackled all those sharks. He provided us a fantastic gift to remember the outing. Captain Todd even did me a solid the following day. To end the trip, my daughter got to reel in a large nurse shark as an exclamation! I don't normally leave reviews, but these guys deserve it. Well done!" - Mike
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of Key West offshore fishing, and for good reason. These acrobatic fighters can reach speeds up to 68 mph and put on an aerial show that'll get your heart pumping. Peak season runs from December through April when they're migrating through our waters in good numbers. What makes them so special is their fighting spirit – once hooked, they'll jump, tail-walk, and strip line like nothing else in the ocean. The thrill of watching a sail come completely out of the water, shaking its head and throwing spray everywhere, is something that stays with you long after the trip ends.
Mahi Mahi, or common dolphinfish, are pure eye candy both in the water and on the dinner table. These golden beauties are incredibly fast and aggressive, often traveling in schools around floating debris or sargassum weed lines. They're year-round residents in Key West waters, but spring and early summer offer the best action when the bigger bulls are feeding heavily. What anglers love most about mahi is their willingness to bite – they'll hit everything from ballyhoo to jigs, and once you hook one, the rest of the school often sticks around for multiple hookups. Plus, they're absolutely delicious, making them a favorite for anglers who like to eat their catch.
Yellowfin Tuna are the ultimate test of an angler's endurance and tackle. These powerful fish can weigh well over 100 pounds and fight like freight trains, making long, powerful runs that'll have your arms burning and your drag screaming. They're most active during the warmer months when they follow the baitfish into our offshore waters. What makes yellowfin so challenging and rewarding is their incredible stamina – they'll fight you for 30 minutes or more, testing both your skill and your equipment to the limit. Landing a quality yellowfin is a badge of honor among serious offshore anglers.
Blacktip Sharks are the perfect introduction to shark fishing, especially for anglers who've never tangled with a shark before. These athletic predators are found both offshore and inshore around Key West, and they're known for their spectacular jumps when hooked. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit live bait, cut bait, and even lures, making them relatively easy to target year-round. What's exciting about blacktips is their unpredictability – you never know when one is going to launch itself completely out of the water in a spinning aerial display that'll leave everyone on the boat cheering.
Mutton Snapper are the inshore prize that every reef fisherman dreams about. These beautiful, bronze-colored fish are structure-oriented and incredibly smart, making them a challenging target that requires skill and patience. They're most active during the summer months around the patch reefs and wrecks near Key West. What makes mutton snapper so rewarding to catch is their wariness – they'll inspect your bait, test your drag settings, and use every piece of structure they can find to break you off. When you finally land a quality mutton, you know you've earned it, and they're phenomenal on the dinner table too.
You'll be fishing aboard a serious 42' Stapleton that means business on Key West waters. This offshore machine packs twin 350 HP engines to get you to the productive fishing grounds fast, with room for up to 6 anglers to work the rails comfortably. The boat comes loaded with essential fishing tech - GPS to mark those honey holes, fish finder to locate the action below, and a large icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. Your experienced first mate will be right there to help land fish, rig baits, and keep things running smoothly while you focus on the fishing. With onboard toilet facilities and wheelchair accessibility, everyone can fish hard all day. Whether you're trolling the deep blue for sailfish and mahi or working the reefs for barracuda and mackerel, this Stapleton handles both offshore runs and inshore moves with equal skill. Built for pro anglers who want to maximize their time on the water and species count in the box.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the ultimate gamefish experience - pure speed and acrobatics wrapped in one magnificent package. They typically run 6-8 feet and 40-60 pounds, but it's not the size that gets you - it's watching that massive dorsal sail light up as they tear across the surface. We find them in 100-600 feet of water along current edges and temperature breaks. Winter months are absolutely prime here in Key West when they migrate through in good numbers. The reason people travel from all over to target sailfish is simple: the fight. These fish will jump, dive, run, and put on an aerial show unlike anything else. Plus they change colors during the battle - electric blues and blacks that'll leave you speechless. Here's the deal: when you see that sail coming up behind your bait, resist the urge to set immediately. Let them eat it, wait for that solid weight, then hang on tight.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are one of our most exciting nearshore sharks, running 4-6 feet on average with some pushing 8 feet. You'll spot them by those distinctive black-tipped fins and their habit of jumping clear out of the water when hooked. They cruise shallow bays, around reef edges, and over sandy bottoms in 30-100 feet of water. Summer months bring the best action when they're most active feeding on mackerel, sardines, and whatever baitfish are running. These sharks put up a solid fight with strong runs and those signature leaps that get everyone's attention. They're also pretty curious - sometimes they'll follow the boat before committing to a bait. My go-to trick is using fresh, oily bait like cut mackerel and letting it drift naturally in the current. Heavy braided line is a must since they can get pretty wound up once hooked.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most stunning fish you'll pull from these waters. They average 15-30 pounds but can hit 50+ on a good day. The real show starts when they hit the surface - those golden sides with electric blue and green flashes put on quite a display. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 100-1000 feet of water. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps climb above 70°F. These fish fight hard with long runs and aerial jumps, plus they're fantastic eating - firm white meat that's perfect grilled. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your eyes peeled for others nearby. Mahi often travel in small schools, so having a second rod ready can turn a single fish day into a multiple hookup situation.
Lutjanus AnalisMuttons are the prize of the snapper family around here - chunky fish that average 5-10 pounds but can push 20+ pounds. They're beautiful fish with that olive-pink coloration and distinctive blue streaks around the face. You'll find them around hard bottom, coral heads, and reef edges in 80-200 feet of water, though smaller ones hang in shallower grass areas. Fall and winter months are prime time when they move up from deeper water to feed. These snappers are notorious for their strong fights - they'll make long runs toward structure trying to cut you off. They're also some of the best eating fish in these waters. The secret is using super fresh bait on light tackle and letting it drift naturally in the current. Once you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse them - they'll use that rocky bottom against you every time.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfins are the crown jewel of our offshore fishing - most run 40-80 pounds but we've seen them top 150 in deeper water. These torpedo-shaped speedsters cruise at incredible speeds and put up some of the strongest fights you'll experience. We target them in 200-2000 feet of water around temperature breaks, floating debris, and bird activity. Peak season runs spring through fall when water temps hit the 70s and 80s. What makes yellowfin special is the combination of raw power, speed, and world-class table fare - this is sushi-grade tuna right here. When conventional tactics aren't working, try chunking with cut bait to draw them up from the depths. The key is being patient and letting them commit fully before setting the hook. These fish have incredible stamina, so pace yourself for a long battle.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Todd and Grey Beard were teriffic! We caught and released more sharks than I could have imagined for a 4 hr trip. Grey Bu...
Key West, FL