5.0(2 Reviews)Private 8-Hour Offshore Charter in Key West
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday 8hour offshore fishing charter for up to 6 guestsExpert captain uses runngun trolling techniques targeting prime fishing spotsDeep drop locations offer opportunities for trophy catches and variety
When it comes to serious offshore fishing in Key West, this full-day charter puts you right where the action happens. You'll spend eight solid hours working the deeper waters where the big fish live, using a combination of trolling and run-and-gun tactics that keep the day exciting from start to finish. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, constantly reading the signs – bird activity, floating debris, and those telltale weedlines that hold fish. With space for up to six anglers, you've got plenty of room to spread out and work different techniques without getting tangled up with each other.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just scratching the surface. Eight hours gives you the time to really explore what Key West's offshore waters have to offer. The captain runs a mobile operation, covering serious ground to find where the fish are biting. One minute you might be trolling a spread of baits behind the boat, the next you're anchored up on a deep drop working the bottom for grouper. The run-and-gun approach means staying flexible – if the birds start working an area or you spot a promising piece of structure on the fish finder, you're moving to check it out. That's what separates the good trips from the great ones, and why this charter has built such a solid reputation among local anglers and visiting fishermen alike.
The fishing here revolves around two main approaches that work perfectly together. Trolling lets you cover water and search for pelagic species like wahoo that cruise the open water hunting baitfish. The boat runs a proper spread with different lures and baits at varying distances, creating an attractive presentation that mimics a small school of fish. When something hits, it usually hits hard and fast. The deep drop fishing targets structure and ledges where bottom fish like grouper set up shop. This means dropping baits down 200, 300, even 400 feet or more to reach fish that most recreational anglers never see. The captain provides all the heavy tackle needed for this type of fishing, along with the local knowledge of where to find the productive spots that don't show up on every GPS chart.
"Outstanding full-day offshore fishing adventure! The captain's skill and experience were evident as we reeled in some impressive catches. The crew was attentive and provided excellent service, making the trip even more enjoyable. Would definitely book with this charter again in the future!" - Josh
"Absolutely fantastic day spent offshore fishing with this charter company! From start to finish, everything was top-notch. The captain and crew were friendly, knowledgeable, and made sure we had a great time. Caught some impressive fish and enjoyed every minute of it. Would definitely book with them again!" - Dave
Wahoo are the speed demons of Key West's offshore waters, capable of hitting 60 mph when they're on the hunt. These fish typically run 20-40 pounds in local waters, with larger specimens showing up during the cooler months from November through March. What makes wahoo so exciting to catch isn't just their size – it's the way they attack trolled baits with pure aggression, often launching themselves clear out of the water during the fight. Their razor-sharp teeth and streamlined bodies make them perfectly built for ambushing baitfish, and they'll absolutely smoke a reel when they take off on their initial run.
Snowy grouper live in the deeper water, typically found in 300-600 feet where the bottom drops off into serious depths. These fish can reach impressive sizes, often weighing 10-30 pounds, and they're prized for both their fighting ability and their excellent table fare. The best fishing for snowies happens year-round in Key West, but they tend to be more active during the winter months when water temperatures drop slightly. What makes them challenging is their habitat – you need heavy tackle and plenty of muscle to pull them up from those depths before they can reach cover and cut you off.
Tripletail are one of the more unique species you'll encounter, known for their habit of floating near debris, buoys, and weedlines where they look remarkably like floating trash until they move. These fish typically range from 5-20 pounds and are incredible fighters for their size, using their broad, flat bodies to leverage against the angler. Peak season runs from April through August, when they move into the area to spawn. They're also considered one of the best eating fish in these waters, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Black grouper are the heavy hitters of the reef system, growing to substantial sizes and putting up fights that test both tackle and angler endurance. These fish can exceed 50 pounds in local waters, though most catches range from 10-30 pounds. They're year-round residents but tend to be more aggressive during the warmer months when they're actively feeding. Black grouper are ambush predators that use structure and ledges to their advantage, which means once you hook one, you're in for a power struggle as they try to reach the nearest hole or overhang.
Scamp grouper might be smaller than their black grouper cousins, typically running 5-15 pounds, but they make up for it with attitude and excellent eating quality. These fish prefer slightly deeper water and are often found around hard bottom and rocky areas where they can establish territories. They're active feeders throughout the year in Key West waters, with peak action often occurring during the summer months. Scamp are known for their distinctive coloration and their tendency to hit baits aggressively, making them a favorite target for both experienced anglers and newcomers to offshore fishing.
This type of world-class offshore fishing doesn't happen by accident – it takes the right boat, experienced crew, and prime fishing grounds that Key West delivers consistently. An eight-
Your ride for this 8-hour offshore adventure is a rock-solid 28' SeaHunter center console that's built to handle whatever Key West waters throw at you. This sleek fishing machine cuts through chop like butter while keeping all 6 anglers comfortable during long runs to the best fishing grounds. The boat's loaded with everything serious fishermen need - a reliable fish finder to locate those trophy fish, GPS navigation to hit the productive spots, and radar for when visibility gets sketchy. There's even a wireless trolling motor for sneaking up on finicky fish without spooking them. The spacious center console design gives everyone room to fight fish without tangling lines, while the built-in icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long offshore sessions. Whether you're trolling the blue water for mahi and tuna or working the deep drops for grouper and snapper, this SeaHunter delivers the stability and performance you want when the bite gets hot.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the heavyweights of the reef, averaging over 2 feet but capable of reaching 5 feet and 125 pounds. They hang around wrecks, ledges, and coral heads from 30 feet in winter up to 300 feet in summer. These olive-gray bruisers with dark rectangular blotches are ambush predators that inhale their prey whole. The fight is legendary - pure strength trying to get back to the rocks where they'll break you off. Spawning season from November to May brings them shallower and more aggressive. The meat is mild, firm, and fantastic eating. Key tip: once you feel that thump, start cranking immediately - don't give them time to think or they'll head straight for the nearest structure and snap your line.
Mycteroperca PhenaxScamp grouper are the gold standard for eating in the grouper family - so good they're called "Captain's Meat" since boat captains often keep them for themselves. They're smaller than their cousins, usually 4-6 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in taste. You'll find them around structure in 75-300 feet, though they come shallower during spawning season from February to May. Their chocolate brown color with elongated tail rays makes them easy to identify. The fight is classic grouper - strong and stubborn, trying to get back to the rocks. Pro tip: use live pinfish or sardines on the bottom, and once you hook up, keep steady pressure and get them away from structure quickly or they'll wrap you up.
Epinephelus Snowy grouper are deep-water bruisers that live in 300-600 feet around rocky bottoms and ledges. They average 30 pounds but can push 70, with that classic grouper fight - pure power trying to get back to the rocks. Season runs May through August with a one-fish-per-vessel limit, so every hookup counts. Their coppery brown color with white spots makes them easy to identify. What makes guests love targeting them is the challenge of deep dropping and the incredible table fare - firm, white meat that's hard to beat. You'll need electric reels or serious arm strength to winch them up from those depths. My advice: use 80-pound leader and get them off the bottom fast once hooked, or they'll cut your line on the structure.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are one of the coolest sight-fishing targets we have around Key West. They get their name from having three fin tips that look like tails, and they're masters of camouflage - often floating on their sides mimicking debris. Most run 2-13 pounds but can hit 40. You'll spot them near weedlines and floating objects, especially in summer months. They're surprisingly acrobatic for such chunky fish, and the meat tastes like red snapper or grouper - really excellent eating. The trick with tripletail is stealth - cast well away from where you see them and work your bait slowly toward them, letting them ambush it. They spook easily, so be patient. Watch for their razor-sharp gills when handling them.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are some of the fastest fish in the ocean, hitting speeds up to 60 mph with their torpedo-shaped bodies. Most run 3-5 feet and make blistering runs that'll test your drag system. We find them year-round in Key West waters, but July through November is prime time when they're most active. They cruise open water and love hanging around floating debris, weedlines, and temperature breaks. The meat is white, flaky, and absolutely delicious - rivals mahi in taste. High-speed trolling at 12-15 knots works best with wire leaders since their razor teeth will slice through mono in seconds. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse them - they'll jump and throw the hook if you get too aggressive.
5.0 out of 5.0Outstanding full-day offshore fishing adventure! The captain's skill and experience were evident as we reeled in some impressive c...
Absolutely fantastic day spent offshore fishing with this charter company! From start to finish, everything was top-notch. The cap...
Key West