Key West Offshore Big Game Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full-day offshore charter targets swordfish, mahi, wahoo, and grouperAll bait, tackle, and fishing gear provided by experienced crewAccommodates up to 6 guests for deep-sea big game fishing
This full-day offshore adventure takes you into the deep blue waters surrounding Key West, where big game fish roam and every cast could be the one that changes your whole trip. High Line Charters knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish that most anglers only dream about. We're talking about a serious day of fishing here – swordfish, mahi, wahoo, tilefish, and grouper are all on the menu. Pack your cooler with ice, bring plenty of water, and get ready for some real action because when we head out past the reef line, anything can happen.
Your day starts early at the dock, where you'll meet your captain and crew who've been working these waters for years. The boat heads out past the shallow flats and reef systems that Key West is famous for, pushing into the deeper offshore waters where the big predators hunt. You'll be fishing in 200 to 1,500 feet of water, depending on what's biting and where the fish are showing up. The crew handles all the heavy lifting – rigging baits, setting lines, and coaching you through the fight when you hook up. With six anglers max on board, everyone gets plenty of room to fish and real attention from the crew when the action heats up. The boat's equipped with everything you need, from circle hooks to heavy tackle, so just show up ready to fish.
This charter runs a mix of techniques depending on conditions and what's biting. We'll spend time trolling for pelagics like mahi, wahoo, and sailfish, pulling spreads of ballyhoo, bonito strips, and lures at different speeds to cover water and find active fish. When it's time to target bottom species, we switch gears completely – dropping heavy sinkers with fresh bait down to structure where grouper and tilefish hang out. For swordfish, we're talking about serious deep-dropping with electric reels and heavy weights, sending baits down 1,200 feet or more where these giants cruise during daylight hours. The crew reads the water, watches the fish finder, and adjusts tactics throughout the day. You might find yourself fighting a 40-pound mahi on 30-pound tackle one minute, then cranking up a massive tilefish from 800 feet the next.
Atlantic Sailfish are the acrobats of the offshore world, and Key West's waters hold good numbers year-round with peak action from December through April. These fish average 40 to 60 pounds and put on a show like nothing else – jumping, tail-walking, and stripping line off your reel in long, powerful runs. What makes them special is their speed and aerial displays; they'll clear the water six or seven times during a fight, shaking their heads and trying everything to throw the hook. The thrill of seeing a sailfish come up behind a trolled bait, bill slashing and dorsal fin lit up, never gets old.
King Mackerel patrol the edges of the reef and the drop-offs, especially during cooler months from October through March. These fish are pure speed and teeth, averaging 15 to 40 pounds with the occasional 50-plus-pounder mixed in. They hit baits with serious aggression and make blistering runs that test your drag settings and your arms. Kings are excellent eating when handled properly, and they're one of the most reliable targets in these waters. Watch for diving birds and bait schools – that's where you'll find kings slashing through the water column.
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish are the crowd-pleasers, with their electric colors and willingness to bite almost anything you put in front of them. Peak season runs from April through September, but you'll find mahi in Key West waters throughout most of the year. These fish travel in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more around. They average 10 to 25 pounds, with bull dolphins pushing 40 pounds or better. Mahi are curious fish that come up to investigate the boat, often hanging around long enough for multiple hookups. Their colors – brilliant greens, golds, and blues – fade quickly after the fight, so have your camera ready.
Greater Amberjack are the bruisers of the reef and wreck systems, with fish over 50 pounds common and 70-pounders always possible. These fish live around structure in 60 to 300 feet of water and fight dirty – they'll try to wrap your line around anything they can find. Amberjack season has regulations that change, but when they're open, few fish pull harder or longer. They're ambush predators that crush live baits and large jigs, then head straight for the bottom. The first few minutes of an amberjack fight separate the serious anglers from the weekend warriors.
Wahoo Fish are the speed demons, capable of hitting 50 miles per hour and slicing through fishing line with their razor-sharp teeth. Fall and winter months produce the best wahoo action, with fish ranging from 20 to 60 pounds. These fish often hit without warning – one second your line is trolling peacefully, the next it's screaming off the reel as a wahoo makes its initial run. Wire leaders are essential, and the crew knows exactly how to rig baits to entice these finicky speedsters. Wahoo are outstanding table fare, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Key West's offshore fishing delivers year-round action, but the best days book up fast, especially during peak seasons. High Line Charters has the experience, equipment, and local knowledge to put you on fish when others come back empty-handed. This isn't a half-day reef trip – it's a full commitment to serious offshore angling where 50-pound fish are realistic goals and 100-p
This fully restored 39' Key West sportfishing boat cuts through offshore waters with twin Yanmar engines, delivering the power and stability you need to chase big game fish. The 2022 restoration means everything runs smooth while you're trolling for mahi or dropping lines for swordfish and grouper. With room for up to 6 anglers, the spacious cockpit gives everyone plenty of space to fight fish without getting tangled up. The flybridge puts you above the action for better spotting, while GPS navigation and radar keep you on course even when conditions get sketchy. The fish finder helps locate those deep-water hotspots where the wahoo and tilefish hang out. Built for serious offshore fishing, this boat handles the open water runs to productive fishing grounds where the big ones live. All your tackle and gear comes ready to go – just show up ready to fish.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are one of the most sought-after gamefish around Key West, and for good reason. These beauties average 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds, with that iconic sail-like dorsal fin that makes them unmistakable. They're blazing fast - some say up to 60+ mph - and they'll put on a show with aerial jumps and long runs that'll test your endurance. We find them in 30-150 feet of water, usually near the surface where they hunt baitfish. Winter months are prime time here in the Keys when they migrate through our warm waters. The fight is what hooks most anglers - they're relentless and acrobatic. Here's a local tip: when trolling, keep your baits skipping on the surface and be ready to back down on the fish quickly once hooked. They love to throw that hook, so stay tight and let them run when they want to.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are the bulldozers of the reef - powerful, stubborn fish that'll test your tackle and your back. These bruisers commonly run 30-50 pounds, with that distinctive amber stripe and dark band through the eye. They hang around wrecks, reefs, and deep structure in 60-200+ feet of water, where they ambush smaller fish. Spring through early summer is prime time before the regulations kick in. What makes AJs so popular is their raw power - they'll dive straight for the bottom and make you work for every inch of line. They're excellent table fare too, with firm white meat perfect for the grill. They're not picky about baits - live fish, jigs, or cut bait all work well. Here's the key: when you hook one, you've got to stop that initial dive to the rocks. Crank your drag tight and horse them up immediately, or they'll wrap you up and break you off every time.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel, or "Kings" as we call them, are speed demons that'll peel line off your reel in seconds. These silver bullets average 20-30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds, with razor-sharp teeth that'll cut through mono like butter. We typically find them in 40-150 feet of water around structure, drop-offs, and baitfish schools. They're year-round residents here, but fall and winter fishing is exceptional when they're feeding heavily. What makes Kings so popular is their blistering runs and the quality table fare - firm, flaky white meat that grills perfectly. They're not picky eaters, hitting live bait, spoons, and diving plugs with equal aggression. Pro tip: always use a wire leader or heavy fluorocarbon - their teeth will slice through lighter stuff without hesitation. When they hit, hold on tight because they'll make multiple screaming runs before you get them to the boat.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi-mahi are the crown jewels of offshore fishing - beautiful, fast, and absolutely delicious. These colorful fish average 15-30 pounds and put up a fantastic fight with long runs and aerial displays. They change colors rapidly when hooked, flashing brilliant golds, greens, and blues. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks, usually in the top 60 feet of water. Spring through fall are peak seasons when they're most abundant around Key West. What guests love about mahi is the combination - they fight hard, look stunning, and make some of the best eating fish in the ocean with sweet, firm white meat. They often travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. Local trick: once you hook one, keep a few baits in the water nearby. The school will often stick around while you're fighting the first fish, giving you shots at multiple hookups.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the rockets of the deep blue - sleek, silver missiles that can hit 60 mph and strip line faster than any fish in the ocean. These beauties average 30-50 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and distinctive blue tiger stripes. We target them in open water, usually trolling the deep blue beyond the reef in 100+ feet. They're around year-round but peak from July through November when baitfish are thick. What anglers love about wahoo is that explosive strike and blistering initial run - nothing compares to that first scream of the reel. Plus, they're premium table fare with delicate, flaky white meat that's perfect for sashimi or grilling. They're loners mostly, so it's usually one-and-done unless you're really lucky. Key tip for wahoo: troll fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders - their teeth will slice through anything else. When one hits, don't try to stop it initially - let it run and tire itself out first.
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