Offshore and Reef Fishing with Key Largo Sportfishing
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target sailfish, wahoo, mahi mahi, and tuna offshoreChoose between reef fishing or deep sea adventuresAll equipment, licenses, and refreshments provided onboard
When you're ready to get serious about fishing the deep waters off Key Largo, this offshore and reef fishing trip puts you right where the action is. You've got options here – hit the productive reef structure for grouper and snapper, or push out to blue water where the big pelagics roam. Captain and crew know these waters inside and out, and they'll work with you to target whatever's on your bucket list. Whether you're after a screaming sailfish run or want to load the cooler with quality eating fish, this 6-person max trip keeps things personal and productive.
Your day starts with a choice – reef fishing or offshore, maybe both if conditions and timing work out. The beauty of this setup is flexibility. If the reef bite is hot and you're into steady grouper action, no problem staying put. But when the offshore conditions look prime and someone's itching for that first sailfish, the captain won't hesitate to make the run to blue water. You're looking at everything from 20-foot reef edges to serious offshore structure where the water goes from emerald to that deep cobalt blue that gets every angler's heart pumping. The boat's rigged and ready for whatever you encounter, and with only six anglers max, everyone gets plenty of rod time without feeling crowded.
Out here, versatility wins fish. On the reefs, you're dropping bottom rigs with enough weight to get down through the current, targeting structure that holds grouper, snapper, and whatever else calls the ledges home. The captain knows which spots produce and when to move if the bite slows down. When you head offshore, it's a different game entirely – trolling spreads with ballyhoo, rigged pilchards, or lures that imitate the baitfish these pelagics hammer. Watch for weed lines, temperature breaks, and bird activity that signals feeding fish below. The crew handles all the tackle rigging, from circle hooks for the bottom fish to the wire leaders you need when wahoo show up with those razor teeth. All your rods, reels, tackle, and bait come with the trip, so you can focus on fishing instead of gear prep.
Mahi mahi are the crowd pleasers out here, and for good reason. These fish hit hard, jump like crazy, and put on a show that never gets old. You'll find them around floating debris, weed lines, or just cruising the blue water in schools. Peak season runs late spring through fall, but don't count them out year-round in South Florida waters. When you hook into a bull mahi pushing 20-30 pounds, you'll understand why anglers get addicted to these fish. They're also excellent table fare, so you win twice.
Wahoo fishing here is top-tier, especially when you get into fall and winter months. These speed demons can hit 40-50 mph, so when one smokes your trolled bait, you better hang on. They're built like torpedoes and fight like it, making screaming runs that test your drag and your nerves. Most wahoo here run 15-40 pounds, but the big ones push 50-60 pounds and will humble any angler. Their razor-sharp teeth mean wire leaders are non-negotiable, and their speed means your reels better have smooth drags.
Black grouper are the reef kings around Key Largo, and landing a quality gag grouper is always a highlight. These fish know every cave and ledge on the reef, so once you hook up, it's a battle to keep them out of the structure. They're incredibly strong for their size, with that typical grouper bulldogging power that tests your tackle and technique. Prime time is when you can get fresh dead bait or live bait down to them quickly, before they have time to inspect your offering too closely.
Grey snapper, especially the bigger yellowtail snapper, school up around the reefs in impressive numbers. They're finicky biters that reward patience and light tackle, but once you figure out what they want, you can have steady action. These fish are local favorites for good reason – they fight well for their size and are outstanding on the dinner table. The key is matching your bait size to what they're feeding on and staying quiet on the deck so you don't spook the school.
Blackfin tuna are year-round residents that provide fast action when you locate schools. They're smaller than their offshore cousins but pound-for-pound tough fighters that hit trolled baits and lures aggressively. When blackfins are up and feeding, you can have multiple hookups and non-stop action that keeps everyone busy. They're also perfect for sashimi if you're into fresh fish prepared right on the boat.
Atlantic sailfish are the marquee species for many anglers, and Key Largo's offshore waters host a world-class sailfish fishery. Winter months are prime time when sailfish migrate through in good numbers, but you can encounter them year-round. Nothing matches the sight of a lit-up sailfish greyhounding across the surface, throwing spray and showing off that massive dorsal fin. Most captains practice catch and release with sails, but getting that photo with your first billfish is a memory that lasts forever.
This offshore and reef fishing combo gives you the best of both worlds – steady action on the reefs and the chance for trophy fish in blue water. With fishing license, snacks, and drinks included, plus all tackle provided, you're set for a day of serious fishing without the hassle. The 6-person limit keeps things manageable and ensures everyone gets their shot at the fish of a lifetime. Key Largo's offshore waters are world-renowned for good reason, and this trip puts you right in the middle of some of the most productive fishing on the planet. Book your spot and get
This fully-equipped sportfishing boat is built for serious anglers targeting both reef and offshore species. The 6-person vessel features a spacious flybridge for better fish spotting, plus all the electronics you need including GPS, radar, fish finder, and VHF radio. Stay comfortable during long fishing days with onboard AC, a full kitchen, bed, and head. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when working structure for grouper and snapper, while the multimedia system adds entertainment between bites. Whether you're chasing sailfish and mahi offshore or bottom fishing the reefs for big grouper, this boat has the range and amenities to make your fishing trip productive. Ice box keeps your catch fresh, and with rods, reels, tackle, bait, snacks, drinks, and fishing license all provided, just bring your sunscreen and get ready to fish.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the crown jewel of offshore fishing - that massive dorsal sail and sword-like bill make them unmistakable. These fish average around 7.5 feet and 50 pounds, though they can reach 10 feet. You'll find them in warm surface waters between 30-65 feet deep, hunting schools of baitfish. They're known for their aerial displays and long, powerful runs when hooked. The fight is what draws people - they'll jump, dive, and test every bit of your skill and tackle. Peak season varies, but winter months are often best for bigger fish. They can change colors when excited, flashing blue and black stripes during the fight. Here's a tip: when trolling, use bright pink and white or blue and white lures, and don't set the hook until the fish makes its first run. Be patient and let them take the bait completely.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the heavyweight champions of the reef - these bruisers average over 2 feet but can reach 5 feet and 125 pounds. You'll find them around wrecks, ledges, and rocky bottom in 30-300 feet, depending on season. They're ambush predators that use structure for cover, sucking in prey with their massive mouths. The fight is all power and endurance - they'll try to get back to the rocks and break you off immediately. People love targeting them because it's a real test of tackle and technique, plus the meat is top-notch with a mild flavor and firm texture. Cooler months bring them into shallower water. My advice: use heavy tackle with at least 20 pounds of drag and 80-pound braid. Once you hook up, crank hard and don't let them get their head down.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest of the tunas but don't let that fool you - they're fierce fighters that punch way above their weight class. Most run up to 39 inches and 46 pounds, with that classic tuna body shape and speed. You'll find them in warm offshore waters, often schooling with skipjack tuna around structure or baitfish. They're popular because they fight hard and taste great - rich, dark meat that's perfect for sashimi or steaks. Best action is usually fall through spring when they move closer to shore following bait. They've got sharp eyes, so you need to scale down your tackle. Try vertical jigging or chunking with pilchards, and use 30-pound fluoro leaders with 5/0-6/0 circle hooks. The key is keeping your presentation small and natural - they're picky eaters.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi-mahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll see out here, with brilliant gold sides and electric blue-green backs that put on a light show when they come out of the water. These fast-growing fish average 15-29 pounds and around 39 inches, though they can get much bigger offshore. You'll find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in warm surface waters. They're strong fighters with great endurance, plus they make fantastic table fare with firm, mild white meat. Best fishing is typically late spring through fall when water temps are up. Here's a tip: when you hook one, keep your bait in the water - mahi often travel in schools and the hooked fish will keep the others nearby for multiple hookups.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snapper, or mangrove snapper, are crafty little guys that'll test your patience. They typically run 1-2 pounds inshore, but can reach 20 pounds in deeper water. You'll find them around any structure - docks, mangroves, reefs, wrecks - basically anywhere they can ambush prey. They're nocturnal feeders and incredibly line-shy, making them a fun challenge even for experienced anglers. The payoff is worth it though - they're some of the best eating fish around with flaky white meat. They bite year-round in warm water areas, but full moon periods can be especially productive for spawning fish. Here's the key: downsize everything. Use light line, small hooks, and live shrimp hooked through the tail. Let it sink to bottom then bring it up slightly, and be patient - they're opportunistic but careful.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are built for speed - these torpedo-shaped fish can hit 60 mph and average 3-5 feet long. You'll find them in open water, usually within 200 feet of the surface around floating debris or structure. They're solitary hunters most of the time, though you might find small groups during cooler months. The fight is intense but brief - they'll make a blistering run then tire quickly. What really draws people to wahoo is the meat - firm, white, and mild-flavored, it's some of the best eating fish out there. Peak season varies, but generally cooler months are most productive. Pro tip: use wire leaders and troll fast - 12-15 knots with diving lures or rigged ballyhoo. Their razor teeth will slice through mono or fluoro in a heartbeat.
Key Largo, FL