5.0(2 Reviews)Full-Day Offshore Charter from Key West
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full-day offshore fishing charter spans eight hoursExpert captain navigates using birds and debris indicatorsDeep drop spots target trophy catches for groups
There's nothing quite like spending eight hours on the open water around Key West, where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Atlantic and world-class fishing happens every single day. This private charter takes up to six anglers into some of the most productive offshore waters in Florida, where trophy fish roam the deep blue and every cast could be the one that makes your trip legendary. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on fish using a combination of proven techniques and sharp eyes for reading the water.
Your full-day adventure starts with trolling the prime zones where pelagic species cruise the depths. The captain runs a "run-n-gun" style that keeps things exciting – constantly moving, watching for bird activity, scanning for floating debris, and tracking down those golden weedlines that hold baitfish and the predators that follow them. You'll hit multiple spots throughout the day, including some deep drop locations where bottom fish stack up in impressive numbers. The boat stays busy with lines in the water and everyone gets plenty of action. Eight hours gives you real time to explore different areas and techniques, so whether the bite is hot on the troll or you need to switch to bottom fishing, there's always a backup plan.
The trolling spread uses a variety of lures and baits designed to attract fast-moving offshore species. Your captain sets the spread at different depths and speeds depending on conditions and target species. When birds start working or debris shows up on the fish finder, that's when things get interesting fast. The deep drop fishing targets structure and ledges where grouper species hold tight to the bottom. Heavy tackle and electric reels help bring fish up from serious depths – sometimes 300 feet or more. Circle hooks and fresh bait make the difference when you're targeting quality bottom fish. The crew handles all the rigging and gear, so you can focus on fighting fish and enjoying the ride.
"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 the offshore world, capable of hitting 60 mph and making blistering runs that will test your drag system. These torpedo-shaped predators love trolled lures and baits, especially around weedlines and temperature breaks. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when cooler water brings them closer to Key West. When a wahoo hits your spread, you'll know it instantly – the reel screams and the fight is on. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Snowy Grouper live in deep water, typically 300-500 feet down, making them a true deep drop target. These bottom dwellers can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 20 pounds being common around Key West's offshore ledges. They're most active during cooler months and bite best on fresh cut bait fished tight to the bottom structure. The fight is a straight pull from the depths, testing your endurance and the boat's electric reels. Snowies are prized for their excellent table fare and the satisfaction of hauling a quality fish up from serious depth.
Tripletail are one of the most unique catches you'll encounter offshore Key West. These oddball fish float near debris, buoys, and weedlines, often lying on their side and looking like floating trash until you get close. They're ambush predators that strike live shrimp or small jigs with surprising aggression. Spring and summer months offer the best tripletail action, and they're found in relatively shallow water compared to other offshore species. The fight is bulldoggish and determined, and they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table.
Black Grouper are the heavyweights of the reef system around Key West, with fish over 50 pounds swimming the deeper ledges and wrecks. These powerful bottom fish require heavy tackle and strong drag systems because they'll try to get back to their holes the second they feel the hook. Peak season runs through the warmer months when they're most active and feeding aggressively. Live bait works best, but they'll also take large cut baits fished on the bottom. The fight is a test of wills – you against a fish that doesn't want to leave the safety of structure.
Scamp Grouper might be smaller than their black grouper cousins, but they make up for it with numbers and excellent eating quality. These colorful bottom fish are common around Key West's offshore structure, typically in 80-200 feet of water. They're less spooky than other grouper species and will often bite throughout the day when conditions are right. Scamp respond well to both live and dead baits, and they're perfect for filling the cooler when the larger fish aren't cooperating. Their sweet, flaky meat makes them a favorite among local restaurants and visiting anglers alike.
Eight hours of private offshore fishing around Key West gives you the best shot at experiencing everything these waters have to offer. From high-speed wahoo strikes to deep water grouper battles, this charter delivers the variety and excitement that keeps anglers coming back year after year. The combination of trolling and deep drop fishing means you're always in the game, regardless of conditions or what the fish are doing on any given day. Hunter Sport Fishing knows how to put clients on fish and make sure everyone has
Your offshore fishing platform is a well-built 28' SeaHunter center console that's perfectly rigged for serious Key West fishing. This boat cuts through the blue water with confidence, whether you're running to distant structure or working productive weedlines closer to shore. The center console design gives everyone easy access to the action while the captain spots diving birds and floating debris that signal feeding fish below. With room for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to work multiple lines without getting tangled up. The onboard fish finder helps locate those deep drop spots where grouper and snapper stack up, while the GPS keeps you on productive numbers trip after trip. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long runs between spots. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure without spooking the fish, and radar ensures safe navigation when weather moves in. Built tough for Florida's offshore waters, this SeaHunter handles the Gulf Stream swells while you focus on putting fish in the box during your 8-hour adventure.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the bruisers of the reef - averaging 2+ feet but capable of hitting 5 feet and over 100 pounds. They hang around wrecks, ledges, and hard bottom from 30 feet in winter up to 300 feet in summer. These olive and gray fish with dark blotches are ambush predators that'll inhale anything near the bottom. The fight is all about power - they'll try to drag you straight back to the rocks. What makes them special is that incredible table fare - mild, firm white meat that's hard to beat. November through May is spawning season when they're most active. Here's the deal: once you feel that bite, start cranking immediately. They don't nibble - they suck it down whole, so hesitate and they'll bury you in the structure.
Mycteroperca PhenaxScamp grouper are the gourmet choice of the grouper family - some call them "captain's meat" because they're that good on the table. They're smaller than their cousins, averaging 4-6 pounds and under 3 feet, with those distinctive elongated tail rays and chocolate brown color. You'll find them on structure from 75-300 feet deep, but they move shallow during spawning season February through May. What guests love is the combination of a strong, stubborn fight and premium eating quality. These fish are slow but incredibly powerful - even small ones will test your tackle. The trick is using live pinfish or sardines right on the bottom near rocky structure. Don't let them get back to the rocks once hooked - they know every crevice down there.
Epinephelus Snowy grouper live way down deep - we're talking 300-600 feet on rocky bottom structure. These copper-brown beauties with white spots average 30 pounds and 3 feet, but the big ones can push 70 pounds. Season runs May through August with a one-fish-per-boat limit, so every bite counts. The challenge is finding them in that deep water and cranking them up from the abyss - it's a real arm-burner even with electric reels. Guests love the mystery of deep dropping and the satisfaction of hauling up these bottom dwellers. They're excellent eating too, with firm white meat. My tip: use whole squid or bonito strips on a chicken rig with 5-pound sinkers to get down there and stay put in the current.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are one of our coolest sight-fishing targets - they float on their sides near the surface, looking just like drifting seaweed. Average fish runs 2-13 pounds and 18 inches, but they can hit 40 pounds. We find them year-round in Key West waters, especially around weedlines and floating debris. They're getting popular with fly anglers because they're surprisingly acrobatic for such a chunky fish. The meat rivals red snapper - firm and sweet. These guys are masters of camouflage and spook easily, so the key is casting well away from them and working your bait or fly slowly into their zone. Watch for those razor-sharp gills when handling them. The stealth approach and visual game makes each tripletail a rewarding catch.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are one of the fastest fish in the ocean, hitting speeds up to 60 mph with that torpedo-shaped body. Most run 3-5 feet and 20-40 pounds, but we've seen them push 80+ pounds out here. They cruise the open water year-round in Key West, but July through November is prime time. These silver rockets with blue stripes love trolling spreads at 12-15 knots - that speed triggers their predatory instincts. The fight is pure adrenaline with multiple jumps and screaming runs. Plus, wahoo makes some of the best table fare you'll find - white, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. Pro tip: always use wire leaders since their razor teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat.
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