5.0(1 Reviews)Private Offshore and Inshore Fishing Charter
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full-day private charter targets sailfish, mahi, tuna offshoreEight hours alternating between deep-water trolling and reef fishingAll equipment, tackle, bait and licenses included with captain
If you're a serious angler looking for the ultimate Key West fishing experience, this private 8-hour charter with Fishizzle Sportfishing Charters is exactly what you've been searching for. Captain Todd and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're ready to put you on some of the best fishing grounds in the Florida Keys. This isn't your typical tourist trip – we're talking about a full-day adventure that combines the best of both worlds: deep-water offshore trolling for pelagics and strategic inshore work around the reefs. With a maximum of 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work and won't be fighting for rod time like on those crowded party boats.
Your day starts early, as all good fishing days should. Captain Todd will have the boat rigged and ready, with all the premium tackle, fresh bait, and necessary licenses sorted out before you even step aboard. The beauty of this charter is the flexibility – you're not locked into one fishing style all day. We'll head offshore first, typically trolling the deep water for sailfish, mahi, and tuna while the morning bite is hot. The boat is equipped with quality rods and reels that can handle anything from a screaming sail to a bull mahi. As the day progresses and conditions change, we'll adjust our approach, maybe working some nearshore structure for barracuda and mackerel, or hitting productive reef spots where mutton snapper and sharks patrol. The captain reads the water conditions, bait movement, and fish activity to keep you in the action all day long.
This charter combines multiple proven techniques to maximize your shots at different species. Offshore, we're primarily trolling with a spread of baits – ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and lures designed to trigger strikes from fast-moving pelagics. The captain will adjust trolling speeds based on target species and conditions, typically running 6-8 knots for mahi and tuna, slower for sailfish. When we transition inshore, the game changes completely. We'll switch to lighter tackle for sight fishing, live bait presentations around structure, and bottom fishing techniques. The crew handles all the rigging changes, from wire leaders for barracuda to circle hooks for catch-and-release work with sharks and sailfish. All tackle is tournament-grade stuff that won't let you down when a fish of a lifetime shows up. The boat's electronics help locate bait schools and structure, but it's the captain's local knowledge that puts you on the productive spots other boats miss.
"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
Mahi Mahi are the crown jewel of Key West offshore fishing, and for good reason. These electric-colored bulldogs fight like nothing else in the water, with their signature head-shaking, tail-walking display that'll get your adrenaline pumping every time. Mahi typically show up in 200-1000 feet of water, often around floating debris, weed lines, or temperature breaks. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish ranging from schoolie-sized 10-pounders to bull mahi pushing 40-plus pounds. What makes them special is their willingness to bite and their spectacular aerial show once hooked. Plus, they're fantastic eating if you decide to keep a few for dinner.
Atlantic Sailfish are the ultimate trophy for any serious angler visiting Key West. These magnificent fish can reach 8-10 feet in length and are famous for their spectacular jumping ability and lightning-fast runs that'll test your drag system and fighting skills. Peak sailfish season runs from November through April, when they migrate through our waters in impressive numbers. What gets anglers fired up about sails isn't just their size – it's the incredible fight they put up, greyhounding across the surface and making blistering runs that can peel 200 yards of line in seconds. Most charter captains practice catch and release with sailfish, making it a sustainable fishery that produces consistent action year after year.
Yellowfin Tuna are the marathon runners of the deep water, and hooking into one will give you a workout you won't forget. These fish are built for speed and endurance, with a torpedo-shaped body that can reach weights over 100 pounds in Key West waters. They typically inhabit the deepest, clearest water we fish, often in 600-2000 feet. What makes yellowfin special is their incredible stamina – they don't jump like mahi or sailfish, but they'll make long, powerful runs that test every knot in your tackle. They're most active during cooler months and early morning or late afternoon periods. The meat quality is top-notch, making them a favorite target for anglers who want both a great fight and excellent table fare.
Blacktip Sharks are year-round residents in Key West waters and provide consistent action when other species are finicky. These sharks are incredibly aggressive feeders and will hit both live and cut bait with authority. What makes blacktips exciting is their explosive strike and their tendency to jump completely out of the water when hooked – something that catches even experienced anglers off guard. They typically range from 20-60 pounds around Key West, with larger females showing up during their spring spawning season. They're perfect for introducing kids to shark fishing since they're manageable in size but still provide plenty of excitement. The key is using circle hooks
Your fishing platform is a 42' Stapleton motorboat designed to handle Key West's challenging waters with authority. Twin 350 HP engines deliver the speed needed to reach productive offshore grounds quickly, while the spacious layout comfortably accommodates up to 6 anglers without crowding the action. The boat comes equipped with essential fishing tools including GPS navigation to mark hot spots, fish finder technology to locate schools, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. A dedicated first mate works alongside the captain to handle rigging, bait prep, and landing fish so you can focus on the fight. The vessel features a private toilet and wheelchair accessibility, making long days on the water more comfortable for everyone aboard. Built for serious fishing, this boat transitions seamlessly from deep-water trolling for sailfish and tuna to working inshore reefs for barracuda and mackerel, giving you access to Key West's full range of fishing opportunities.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the showstoppers out here - averaging 6-8 feet and 40-60 pounds of pure athletic ability. These billfish cruise the blue water from 30-200 feet, hunting baitfish with that massive dorsal sail. Winter is prime time in Key West when they stack up thick, but we catch them year-round. What gets people addicted is the aerial show - they'll jump, tailwalk, and greyhound across the surface like no other fish. Plus they change colors when excited, flashing blues and blacks while they fight. Most folks release them, but the battle is what it's all about. We typically troll rigged ballyhoo or use live bait around current edges. The trick is not setting the hook too hard - let them eat the bait, get a good bite, then slowly come tight. These fish have soft mouths and will throw the hook if you horse them.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are perfect sharks for guys who want action without dealing with monsters. They average 3-5 feet and maybe 40-60 pounds, but don't let that fool you - these things are pure energy. You'll find them in 30-100 feet around reefs, muddy bays, and anywhere baitfish congregate. They're known for jumping clean out of the water when hooked, sometimes landing right in the boat if you're not careful. Spring through summer is prime time when they're feeding heavy. What makes them fun is they're scrappy fighters that won't wear you out like a big bull shark. They can be timid, so fresh, oily bait works best - mackerel, herring, or live sardines. Once you get one fired up, keep the chum going because they travel in groups.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi run 15-29 pounds on average, though we've seen some push 50+ pounds out here. These golden beauties love floating debris and weedlines in 100-500 feet of water. They're fast growers that put up a solid fight with plenty of jumps and runs. What really gets people excited is watching their colors change from brilliant blues and greens to gold when they come boatside - it's like a light show. The meat is firm, white, and perfect for the grill. Best fishing is spring through fall when water temps are warm. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your lines in - mahi travel in schools and you can often double or triple up on a good bite. Look for birds working the surface.
Lutjanus AnalisMuttons are the heavyweight snappers around here, commonly running 5-15 pounds with some pushing 20+. You'll recognize them by that pinkish color and blue streaks around the face. They hang around structure in 15-80 feet - coral heads, wrecks, and sandy areas near reefs. Winter through spring is when they really turn on, especially during the full moon spawning periods. What makes them special is they fight harder than most snappers and the meat is top-shelf eating. These fish are smart though - they'll inspect your bait and spook easy. Fresh bait is critical, and lighter weights work better than heavy sinkers. My go-to trick is using a knocker rig with just enough weight to get down, then let it drift naturally in the current. Once they're hooked, they'll head straight for the rocks.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfins are the workhorses of the tuna world - most of what we catch runs 40-80 pounds, but 100+ pounders show up regularly. These torpedo-shaped speedsters cruise the blue water at 50+ mph, so when one hits, you know it. We find them in 200-2000 feet, often around floating debris or temperature breaks. Year-round fishing here, but spring and fall are money. What keeps people coming back is the combination of raw power and table fare - yellowfin sashimi is restaurant quality. They're built for the long fight with that warm-blooded muscle system. Best technique is trolling rigged ballyhoo or cedar plugs, but when they're deep, vertical jigging gets them fired up. Key is keeping your drag smooth - these fish will test every knot and connection you've got.
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