Key West Big Game Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore charter targets swordfish, mahi, wahoo, and grouperAll bait, tackle, and gear provided for deepsea fishing adventureAccommodates up to 6 guests with High Line Charters expertise
Get ready for a full day of serious offshore action with High Line Charters in Key West waters. We're talking deep blue hunting grounds where the real monsters live – Swordfish, Mahi, Wahoo, and whatever else decides to crash the party. This isn't your typical half-day trip around the reef. We're heading out to the deep water where the big boys play, and you'll have a full day to work every technique in the book. All your bait, tackle, and gear comes with the trip, so just show up ready to fish hard and have some fun doing it.
Your day starts early – we're talking first light departure to maximize your time in the prime fishing zones. High Line Charters runs a tight ship with space for up to six anglers, which means everyone gets plenty of room to work and fight fish without bumping elbows. The waters off Key West are legendary for a reason – we've got the Gulf Stream pushing baitfish and predators right to our doorstep, deep ledges that hold bottom fish, and open blue water that's home to some of the fastest fish in the ocean. Plan on a mix of trolling the deep water for pelagics, dropping baits to the bottom for grouper and tilefish, and working whatever opportunities present themselves. The crew knows these waters inside and out, so they'll put you on the best action of the day whether that's a wide-open mahi bite or swordfish cruising the thermoclines.
We run the full arsenal of offshore techniques depending on what's biting best. Trolling is our bread and butter for covering water and finding active fish – we'll pull a spread of lures and baits at different depths to target everything from surface-feeding mahi to deep-running wahoo. When we find structure or marks on the fish finder, we switch to bottom fishing with heavy tackle and fresh bait to pull up grouper, amberjack, and tilefish from the depths. The boat's rigged with quality reels and rods matched to the target species, from lighter spinning gear for mahi to heavy conventional setups for big grouper and amberjack. Live bait, dead bait, lures, and jigs are all part of the program – whatever it takes to put fish in the box. The crew handles all the rigging, bait prep, and tackle selection so you can focus on the fun part: fighting fish.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of Key West offshore fishing, and these acrobatic speedsters put on a show like nothing else in the ocean. Peak season runs from December through April when they stack up in good numbers, though we see them year-round. These fish average 6-8 feet and 40-60 pounds, but what makes them special is the fight – they'll greyhound across the surface, tail-walk, and throw the hook if you give them any slack. Most anglers choose to release sailfish after a quick photo, making this a sustainable fishery that keeps producing year after year.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of the reef and nearshore waters, with razor-sharp teeth and blistering runs that'll test your drag system. Fall and winter bring the best king fishing as schools of big "smokers" migrate through Key West waters. These fish range from 15-pound schoolies to 40-plus-pound monsters, and they hit trolled baits and lures with authority. Kings are excellent table fare when bled and iced properly, making them a favorite target for anglers who want both sport and dinner.
Mahi Mahi are pure eye candy – brilliant gold and green colors that light up when they're fighting mad. These fast-growing fish travel in schools under floating debris, weed lines, and around structure. Spring through fall offers the most consistent mahi action, though we catch them year-round in varying numbers. They range from small schoolies to bull dolphins over 30 pounds, and they're aggressive feeders that'll hit everything from ballyhoo to jigs. The bonus with mahi is that where you find one, you'll often find more, leading to some fast-paced action when you hit it right.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the deep – powerful bottom dwellers that'll test your back and your tackle. These fish hang around wrecks, reefs, and deep structure, and they fight with pure muscle from the moment they feel the hook. Amberjack season peaks in fall and early winter when the bigger fish move in, with specimens over 50 pounds not uncommon. They're excellent eating when prepared right, though many anglers release the larger breeding fish to keep the population healthy.
Wahoo are the rockets of the offshore world – built for speed with a mouth full of teeth and an attitude to match. These fish patrol the deep water and strike trolled baits at highway speeds, often hooking themselves on the initial run. Winter months bring the most consistent wahoo fishing in Key West waters, with fish ranging from 20-pound bullets to 60-plus-pound torpedoes. They're prized both for their fighting ability and their excellent table quality – firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill.
This full-day offshore charter with High Line Charters gives you the best shot at the variety and quality that makes Key West fishing world-famous. You're getting a full day of fishing with experienced crew who know how to find and catch fish in these waters, plus all the gear and tackle you need to do it right. The six-angler capacity means you're not fighting a crowd for deck space or captain attention. Key West's offshore waters don't take many days off, but the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Book your spot now and get ready for a day of serious offshore fishing where anything can happen and usually does.
Step aboard this beautifully restored 39' Key West sportfishing machine, completely rebuilt in 2022 and ready to chase big game in the deep blue waters off Key West. Twin Yanmar engines deliver the power and reliability you need when the fish are running, while the spacious layout comfortably handles up to 6 anglers without feeling cramped. The flybridge gives you that elevated perspective to spot working birds and color changes, while the GPS and radar keep you locked onto the best fishing spots even when conditions get sketchy. The fish finder is your underwater eye, helping locate schools of mahi, wahoo, and those deep-dwelling swordfish and tilefish that make Key West waters legendary. Whether you're trolling the blue water for pelagics or dropping baits deep for grouper and snapper, this boat handles it all with the smooth ride and solid construction that serious offshore fishing demands.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the showboats of offshore fishing - that massive dorsal fin and electric blue coloring make them unmistakable. These speedsters average 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds, though we've seen some push over 100. They cruise the surface waters between 30-65 feet, often following baitfish schools. Winter months here in Key West are prime time when they migrate through our warm waters. What makes them special? The fight. When hooked, they'll leap, dive, and put on an aerial display that'll have you scrambling for your phone. Their razor-sharp bill means you need wire leaders - learned that the hard way more times than I care to admit. The meat's decent, but most folks release these beauties. Pro tip: when you see that sail pop up behind your bait, resist the urge to set the hook immediately. Let them take it and run first.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are the bulldozers of the reef - thick-bodied bruisers that'll test your arms and your tackle. These blue-gray fighters average 30-50 pounds but can push past 100 when you find the right structure. They hang around wrecks, reefs, and ledges in 80-200 feet of water, using the structure to ambush smaller fish. Spring spawning season (April-May) brings the biggest fish shallow, but they're catchable year-round. What draws anglers? Pure pulling power. Jacks fight straight down with bulldogging runs that'll make your reel scream. The meat's decent when fresh, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. Most productive technique is vertical jigging or dropping live bait to the bottom near structure. Here's the key: use heavy tackle - 50-80 pound class minimum. These fish will take you straight into the rocks if you give them an inch. The moment you hook up, crank that drag tight and horse them up fast.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel, or "kingfish" as locals call them, are speed demons that'll test your drag system. These silver rockets average 20-40 pounds but can hit 90+ pounds when the stars align. They patrol depths from 40-150 feet, often around structure or temperature breaks where baitfish congregate. Fall through spring is peak season here - they follow the cooler water south. What makes them popular? Pure speed and aggressive strikes. When a king hits your bait trolling, you'll know it instantly. They make blistering runs that can empty half your spool before you blink. The meat's excellent - firm white fillets that grill up perfectly. Just watch the mercury if you're pregnant. Here's a local trick: always use a two-hook rig with wire leader. Kings hit from behind and those razor teeth will slice through mono like butter. First hook in the nose, second trailing behind.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the golden beauties of the offshore world - brilliant yellows and greens that flash like neon underwater. They average 15-30 pounds and about 3 feet, living fast lives in warm surface waters. You'll find them around floating debris, weedlines, and current edges where they ambush flying fish. Spring through fall is prime time when water temps hit that sweet 70-80 degree range. What makes them a favorite? They're aggressive feeders, excellent table fare, and put up a solid fight with plenty of jumps. The meat's firm and mild - perfect for fish tacos or grilling. They often travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. My go-to technique is trolling ballyhoo or small lures around any floating object you see. Birds diving is a dead giveaway. Keep your spread tight because when you hook one, the others get fired up and you can often get doubles or triples.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed freaks of the pelagic world - sleek torpedoes with razor teeth that can hit 60 mph. These zebra-striped rockets average 3-5 feet and 20-60 pounds, though monsters over 100 exist. They roam open water and edges, often solitary but sometimes in small groups. Here in Key West, fall through winter brings the best action when water temps cool slightly. What makes them special? Blistering runs and premium table fare. That first run will test your drag settings and your nerves. The meat's white, flaky, and mild - what Hawaiians call "ono" meaning delicious. High-speed trolling at 12-15 knots works best with wire leaders and diving plugs or ballyhoo. Here's a local secret: when the bite's tough, slow down to 8 knots and run fresh ballyhoo with skirts. Those teeth will cut anything except wire, so don't cheap out on leaders or you'll just be feeding them expensive lures.
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