Full Day Florida Keys Offshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full-day charter targets multiple species inshore and offshoreAll fishing gear and licenses provided by Captain JohnAccommodates up to 6 guests from Little Torch Key
Captain John's full-day offshore charter out of Little Torch Key puts you right in the heart of some of the best blue water fishing the Florida Keys has to offer. This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're rushing back to the dock just as the fish start biting. We're talking sunrise to sunset on the water, giving you plenty of time to work the flats in the morning and then head offshore where the real monsters live. With all gear, tackle, and licenses covered, you just need to show up ready to fish. The boat handles up to 6 anglers comfortably, so bring your crew or join other serious fishermen looking to make some memories.
Your day starts early—we're talking first light departure to maximize your time on the productive waters. Captain John knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll adjust the game plan based on conditions, season, and what's been biting. The morning typically starts working the inshore flats and backcountry areas where you'll target species like tarpon, redfish, and permit in the shallow water. As the day heats up, we make the run offshore to the deep blue where the pelagics roam. The transition from sight fishing in gin-clear shallows to trolling the blue water drop-offs gives you the full Keys fishing experience in one epic day. Don't worry about bringing anything except sunscreen, snacks, and drinks—everything else is handled.
Once we hit the offshore grounds, we're switching gears completely. Captain John runs a mix of trolling spreads and live bait fishing depending on what's working. The boat's rigged with quality Penn and Shimano reels spooled with enough line to handle whatever decides to eat your bait. We'll work the color changes, weed lines, and structure that hold baitfish—and where there's bait, there's gamefish. Live ballyhoo, pilchards, and goggle eyes are the go-to baits, but we'll also run lures when the conditions are right. The electronics on board help locate schools of fish and mark productive bottom, taking the guesswork out of where to set up. When something big eats, Captain John coaches you through the fight, making sure you land that fish of a lifetime.
Blackfin tuna are absolute rockets when they hit your line, and the waters off Little Torch Key hold some solid schools throughout the year. These 15-30 pound fish fight way above their weight class, making blistering runs that'll test your drag system. Peak season runs from late fall through spring when cooler water temps bring them in closer to shore. What makes blackfins special is their willingness to eat—they're aggressive feeders that'll crush live bait or lures with equal enthusiasm.
King mackerel are the bread and butter of offshore fishing here, and for good reason. These toothy speedsters range from schoolie-sized fish to real bruisers pushing 40-50 pounds. The big kings show up in late fall and stick around through early spring, while smaller fish provide action year-round. They're ambush predators that love structure and current breaks, making the offshore reefs perfect hunting grounds. A big king's initial run is something you won't forget—they'll strip line off your reel faster than you thought possible.
Mahi mahi are the poster fish of offshore fishing, and when you find them, you've hit the jackpot. These colorful fighters love floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks where small fish congregate. Spring and summer offer the most consistent action, with fish ranging from schoolie dolphin to real bulls pushing 30-40 pounds. What makes mahi special is their willingness to stay around the boat—land one, and there's usually more underneath. Their aerial displays and stunning colors make them a favorite for photos and the dinner table.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep, capable of hitting 60+ mph when they decide to eat your trolled bait. These sleek predators patrol the deeper waters and current edges, waiting to ambush passing baitfish. Winter months typically offer the best wahoo fishing, with fish ranging from 20-pound speed burners to legitimate giants over 60 pounds. Their razor-sharp teeth and blazing speed make them one of the most challenging fish to hook and land. When a wahoo eats at full speed, it's an experience that'll leave you shaking.
Cobia are the curious giants of the offshore world, often approaching the boat to investigate what's going on. These brown sharks of the fish world can reach impressive sizes—40-50 pounders aren't uncommon in these waters. Spring and fall migrations bring the best cobia fishing, with fish often found cruising around floating debris or following rays and sharks. They're sight fishing opportunities when conditions allow, making for some of the most exciting fishing you'll experience. Their powerful runs and dogged fighting style in the shallows test both angler skill and tackle.
At $1,500 for the full-day adventure, you're getting serious value for a world-class offshore fishing experience. Captain John's local knowledge, quality equipment, and commitment to putting you on fish make this charter a standout option in the competitive Keys fishing scene. The combination of inshore and offshore fishing gives you the best of both worlds, maximizing your chances at multiple species and different types of action. With only 6 spots available per trip, prime dates fill up quickly—especially during peak season. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to cross some species off your bucket list or someone wanting to experience what makes Keys fishing legendary, this full-day charter delivers the goods. Book your spot today and get ready for a day of fishing you'll be talking about for years.
Step aboard this fully restored 33-foot Ocean Master center console and get ready to chase trophy fish across the Florida Keys waters. Twin 300HP Yamaha engines power you to the best fishing spots at 30 knots, whether you're targeting tarpon on the flats or heading offshore for mahi and sailfish. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, while the flybridge gives you elevated views to spot feeding fish. Find your targets with the onboard fish finder and GPS, keep your catch fresh in the icebox, and enjoy the convenience of an onboard head during those long fishing days. Captain John has this boat dialed in for serious Florida Keys fishing – from shallow water permit to deep water wahoo, this center console handles it all with the reliability and performance you need for a successful day on the water.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin Tuna are the smallest of the tuna family, typically running 15-30 pounds with some reaching up to 40 pounds. These dark-bodied fish with yellow highlights are fierce fighters that'll give you a serious workout on medium tackle. You'll find them in deeper waters around 50-200 feet, especially near temperature breaks and current edges. They're most active here in the Keys during fall through spring when water temps stay above 68°F. What makes them special is their aggressive strikes and non-stop runs - plus they're fantastic eating with firm, flaky meat perfect for sashimi or grilling. Here's a local tip: when you find them, scale down your leader to 30-pound fluorocarbon and use smaller hooks since these fish have sharp eyes and can be leader-shy in clear water.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are brown, shark-looking fish that average 30-60 pounds and fight like freight trains. These solitary hunters cruise shallow reefs, wrecks, and channel edges in 20-80 feet, often visible just under the surface. Spring migration through summer is peak time here when they move into our waters to spawn. What guests love is the sight-fishing aspect - spotting these big brown shadows and making precise casts - plus their incredible table fare with firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between grouper and mahi. They're curious fish that'll follow the boat and eat almost anything. Key tip: when you spot one, don't cast directly at it - lead them by 10-15 feet with a bucktail jig or live crab and work it slowly along the bottom since they spook easily from overhead presentations.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel, or "Kingfish" as we call them, are speed demons that average 20-40 pounds but can push 60+ pounds. These silver bullets with razor-sharp teeth cruise depths from 40-150 feet around wrecks, reefs, and ledges where baitfish concentrate. Peak season here runs fall through early spring when they migrate through our waters chasing schools of ballyhoo and sardines. Guests love them because they're lightning-fast strikers that make blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. The meat is excellent grilled or blackened, though watch the mercury if you're pregnant. Pro tip: always use a dual-hook rig with wire leader when live-baiting - hook one through the nose and let the second treble dangle near the tail since kings typically attack from behind and will cut you off with those teeth.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fish you'll catch - brilliant gold and blue that flash like neon underwater before fading after landing. These 15-40 pound torpedoes love floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in 100+ feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time here when they follow warm water north. What makes them special is their aggressive surface strikes and bulldogging fights, plus they're absolutely delicious with sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for fish tacos or ceviche. They grow fast and spawn year-round, so they're a sustainable choice too. Local trick: once you hook one, leave it in the water while rigging another rod - mahi travel in schools and the hooked fish will often hold the others nearby, giving you shots at multiple fish.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are pure speed - these 30-80 pound missiles can hit 60 mph and will strip line faster than almost any fish in the ocean. You'll find them around deep structure and drop-offs, typically in 100+ feet of clear blue water. Best action here runs July through November when they move through following baitfish migrations. Anglers love the heart-stopping strikes and screaming runs, plus the white, flaky meat rivals the best restaurant fish - "ono" means delicious in Hawaiian for good reason. They're solitary hunters with razor teeth that'll cut mono or fluoro instantly. Essential tip: always use wire leaders and troll fast at 12-15 knots with diving plugs or high-speed lures - slow presentations rarely work since these fish are built to chase down flying fish at full throttle.
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