Full Day Florida Keys Offshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday charter targets multiple species inshore and offshoreAll fishing gear and licenses provided by Captain JohnAccommodates up to 6 guests from Little Torch Key
When you're looking for the real deal in Florida Keys fishing, Captain John's full-day offshore charter out of Little Torch Key delivers everything serious anglers dream about. This isn't some quick tourist trip – we're talking 8+ hours on the water, hitting both the shallow flats and the deep blue offshore reefs where the big fish live. You'll have shots at everything from hard-fighting tarpon in the backcountry to screaming wahoo runs in 200+ feet of water. With all gear, tackle, and licenses covered, you just show up ready to fish. At $1,500 for up to 6 anglers, it's hands down one of the best values for world-class fishing in the Keys.
This full-day adventure starts early when you meet Captain John at the dock in Little Torch Key. The beauty of a full-day charter is the flexibility – we can chase whatever's biting and adjust our game plan based on conditions, tides, and what you're most excited to target. The morning usually kicks off in the backcountry flats, working the shallow water for tarpon, permit, and redfish when they're most active. As the day heats up, we'll make the run offshore to the reefs and wrecks where snapper, grouper, and pelagics hang out. The afternoon often brings the best offshore action, with mahi showing up around floating debris and wahoo cruising the reef edges. Captain John knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the local intel on where fish have been showing up recently. The boat's equipped with quality gear for both light tackle flats fishing and heavier offshore work, so you're covered whether you're sight-casting to a laid-up tarpon or battling a king mackerel in 150 feet of water.
Captain John runs a versatile operation that covers all the bases for Keys fishing. In the shallows, we're talking sight fishing with live bait, working the turtle grass flats and channel edges where gamefish ambush prey. The boat's equipped with a shallow water anchor and trolling motor for those stealthy approaches to spooky fish. When we head offshore, the game changes completely – we're pulling spreads of ballyhoo, rigging live bait for bottom fishing, and working the drift over structure. The tackle selection covers everything from 15-pound spinning gear for trout and small snapper to 30-pound conventional setups for the bigger offshore species. All rods are quality name-brand gear that can handle the punishment of full-day fishing in saltwater. Captain John's got the bait situation dialed in too, with a mix of live pilchards, ballyhoo, and shrimp, plus artificials for when the fish want something different. The boat's fish finder and GPS help locate structure and baitfish, but it's Captain John's years of experience reading the water that really makes the difference. He knows how to read the tides, wind, and current to put you on fish throughout the day.
Blackfin tuna are absolute rockets that'll test your drag system and your arms. These smaller members of the tuna family typically run 5-20 pounds around the Keys, but they fight way above their weight class. They school up around structure and temperature breaks, usually in 80-200 feet of water. Best action happens during the cooler months from November through March when they're feeding heavily. What makes blackfins so exciting is their speed and endurance – they'll make multiple burning runs that'll have your reel screaming. Captain John targets them with live bait around wrecks and reef edges, and when you find a school, the action can be absolutely wild with multiple hookups.
King mackerel are the bread and butter of offshore fishing in the Keys, and for good reason. These toothy predators can stretch over 40 inches and put up a spectacular fight with jumps and long runs. They're year-round residents but peak during spring and fall migrations when the really big fish move through. Kings are structure-oriented, hanging around reefs, wrecks, and ledges where baitfish concentrate. Captain John typically targets them with slow-trolled live bait or pulls diving plugs along the reef line. When a big king eats, you'll know it instantly – the rod doubles over and line starts peeling off the reel. Their sharp teeth and powerful runs make them a favorite among serious anglers.
Mahi mahi bring the color and acrobatics that make offshore fishing so addictive. These golden beauties average 10-25 pounds in Keys waters, with bulls occasionally pushing 40+ pounds. They're warm water fish that show up reliably from late spring through early fall, with peak action during summer months. Mahi are open water nomads that cruise around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges. What makes them so exciting is their aggressive feeding behavior and spectacular aerial displays when hooked. Captain John looks for floating debris, frigate bird activity, and current rips where mahi congregate. Once you find a school, they'll often stick around if you keep one hooked in the water.
Wahoo are pure speed demons that provide some of the most exciting strikes in offshore fishing. These torpedo-shaped predators can hit 60+ mph and average 20-40 pounds in Keys waters, with occasional giants over 60 pounds. They're most active during cooler months from November through March, when they move closer to the reefs. Wahoo are ambush predators that cruise reef edges and drop-offs, using their incredible speed to run down prey. Captain John targets them with high-speed trolling along the reef line, pulling lures at 12-15 knots. When a wahoo hits, it's usually a violent strike followed by a blistering run that'll test your equipment and reflexes.
Cobia are the wild cards of offshore fishing – big, curious fish that often show up when you least expect them. These brown
Step aboard this fully restored 33-foot Ocean Master center console and get ready to chase your dream catch around Little Torch Key. Twin 300HP Yamaha engines push this beauty to 30 knots, getting you to the hot spots fast whether you're hunting tarpon on the flats or chasing mahi offshore. The spacious deck comfortably handles up to 6 anglers with plenty of room to fight fish. Built-in icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh, while the GPS and fish finder help locate schools and structure. The flybridge gives you elevated views of the water, and there's even a head onboard for those long fishing days. Captain John has this boat dialed in perfectly for Florida Keys fishing - from shallow water permit hunting to deep water sailfish battles.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin Tuna are the smallest of the tuna family, usually running 15-30 pounds around the Keys. These dark-bodied fighters love warm water over 68°F and hang around offshore reefs and continental shelf edges. Fall through spring is prime time here in the Keys when they school up tight. What makes them special is their scrappy fight - they punch way above their weight class. The meat is fantastic too, with that rich tuna flavor perfect for sashimi or grilling. They've got sharp eyes, so I always scale down to 30lb fluorocarbon leaders and 5/0 circle hooks. Pro tip: find a school of pilchards and start chunking - once you get them fired up, they'll stay around the boat for multiple hookups.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are brown sharks with attitude - except they're not sharks at all. These brutes average 30-60 pounds and can push 100+ pounds around the Keys. They love hanging around structure like reefs, wrecks, and channel markers in 30-70 feet. Spring migration and summer months are prime time when they're cruising the flats and reef edges. What guests love is sight fishing for them - watching that dark shape glide just under the surface before the eat. They're bulldogs that fight hard and the white meat rivals grouper for table fare. Being solitary fish, you typically catch them one at a time. My favorite technique is sight casting bucktail jigs in natural colors. Key tip: approach them slowly and drop the jig right on their nose - they're curious but spook easily.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are speed demons that'll test your drag system. These torpedo-shaped fish average 20-40 pounds but can hit 60+ pounds during peak season. They cruise 40-150 feet deep along reef edges and drop-offs, with bigger fish often hanging closer to shore around inlets. Winter and spring are money time in the Keys when they migrate through in good numbers. What guests love is that explosive strike and blistering run - kings fight dirty with long screaming runs and acrobatic jumps. The meat is solid eating despite the mercury concerns. My go-to rig is dual hooks on wire leader since their razor teeth will slice through anything else. Best tip: make your bait skip on the surface when trolling - they love crushing flying fish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the golden beauties of offshore fishing, typically 15-30 pounds with bulls reaching 50+. They love floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in blue water. Around here, summer through fall brings the best action when water temps climb. What makes them special is that amazing color show when hooked - electric blues and golds that fade fast once landed. They fight hard with spectacular jumps and the white meat is some of the best eating in the ocean. These fish school up, so when you find one, work the area hard. Look for frigate birds diving on bait near any floating objects - that's where you'll find them. Once hooked, leave one in the water to keep the school around while others grab rods.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed kings of the ocean, hitting 60 mph when they want to. Most run 20-50 pounds but can reach 100+ pounds in these waters. They patrol blue water edges and drop-offs, often cruising solo or in small groups near floating debris. Fall and winter are peak times around the Keys when they're most active. What makes them special is that blistering initial run that'll smoke your reel and their premium white meat that's mild and flaky. Guests love the challenge of their speed and power. High-speed trolling at 12-15 knots works best with wire leaders - their razor teeth cut through everything else. Pro tip: use diving plugs or skirted ballyhoo and watch for that telltale blue flash before the strike.
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