Florida Fishing Charters (Shared Trip)
Shared Trip
Offshore Fishing
Shared offshore fishing charter targeting wahoo, mahi-mahi, and cobiaMinimum 4 guests required; full refund if trip cancelledExperienced guides navigate Stock Island's productive fishing waters
Looking for a solid day on the water without breaking the bank? This shared charter out of Stock Island puts you right in the action with fellow anglers who know what they're after. Key West Sea Fishing runs a tight ship, and their guides know these waters like the back of their hand. You'll be targeting some of the most sought-after species in South Florida - wahoo, mahi-mahi, black drum, cobia, and barracuda. Fair warning though: they need at least 4 anglers to make the trip happen, so if the boat doesn't fill up, you'll get your money back. No worries there.
Stock Island sits perfectly positioned between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic, giving you access to some of the most productive fishing grounds in the Keys. Your captain will size up the conditions and head to where the fish are biting - could be the reef line, weed patches, or deeper blue water depending on what's happening that day. The shared charter vibe is pretty relaxed, and you'll likely pick up a few tips from other anglers on board. Most trips run 6-8 hours, giving you plenty of time to work different spots and techniques. The crew provides all the tackle you'll need, from heavy spinning gear to trolling rigs, so just bring yourself and maybe a cooler for your catch.
Out here, trolling is king when you're covering water and looking for pelagics like wahoo and mahi. The crew will typically run a spread of 4-6 lines at different depths - ballyhoo on the riggers, maybe some feathers or spoons on the flat lines. When you're working structure for cobia or cruising the grass beds for mahi, they might switch up to live bait or start sight fishing if conditions are right. The tackle is matched to the target - you'll be using 30-50 pound class gear most of the time, with wire leaders when barracuda are in the mix. Don't worry if you're new to this style of fishing; the crew will walk you through everything from setting the drag to proper fighting technique.
Black drum are the bulldogs of the flats, and Stock Island's shallow waters hold some real tanks. These fish can push 30-40 pounds and fight like they're twice that size. Spring and fall are prime time when they're cruising the flats in big schools. What makes them special is that steady, powerful pull - they don't jump or run crazy, just put their head down and pull. Perfect for anglers who want to feel every ounce of that fish.
Barracuda are everywhere out here, and while some folks consider them a nuisance, they're actually a blast to catch. They hit lures like a freight train and put on an aerial show that'll get your heart pumping. The 'cudas around Stock Island average 15-25 pounds, with some real bruisers pushing 40. They're most active in warmer months and love anything shiny that moves fast. Just watch those teeth when bringing them in.
Mahi-mahi, or dolphin fish, are what dreams are made of down here. These fish are pure gold - literally and figuratively. They travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and they love floating debris, weed lines, and anything that creates structure in open water. A good mahi will jump, run, and show off those amazing colors. Plus, they're fantastic eating.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world. These fish can hit 60 mph and will test your reflexes when they strike. The winter months are best for wahoo around here, when they're following bait schools along the reef line. They're built like torpedoes and fight just as hard, making long runs that'll have your drag screaming. Landing a wahoo over 40 pounds is something you'll remember forever.
Cobia are the gentle giants that cruise around like underwater submarines. Spring is prime time when they're migrating through the Keys, often following rays and sharks in shallow water. What's cool about cobia is you can actually sight-fish for them - spot one cruising and drop a bait right in front of it. They're curious fish and excellent table fare, with most running 20-50 pounds.
This shared charter gives you a real taste of what Key West fishing is all about without the full charter price tag. The crew at Key West Sea Fishing knows how to put you on fish, and the variety of species keeps things interesting all day long. Remember, they need 4 anglers minimum to run the trip, so booking early helps ensure it goes off as planned. Whether you're a local looking for a fun day out or visiting the Keys for the first time, this trip delivers the goods. The fish are out there waiting - you just need to get your line wet.
Step aboard this beautifully restored 1988 Ocean Yachts sport fishing vessel, powered by twin 735HP Detroit engines that'll get you out to the productive offshore waters around Key West at a smooth 20 knots. This well-equipped fishing machine comes loaded with everything serious anglers need - fish finder and radar to locate the best fishing spots, GPS navigation, plus creature comforts like A/C, full kitchen, and refrigerator to keep your catch fresh. The spacious flybridge gives you great visibility for spotting birds working over feeding fish, while the onboard facilities make those long days chasing wahoo, mahi-mahi, cobia, and barracuda comfortable for everyone. With an experienced captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand, you'll be targeting some of the most sought-after gamefish in the Keys. This shared charter needs a minimum of 4 anglers to run, so you'll be fishing alongside other passionate anglers looking to bend some rods in Florida's legendary offshore waters.
SphyraenidaeBarracuda are the speed demons of our local waters, averaging 2-4 feet and capable of hitting 35 mph when they strike. These torpedo-shaped predators patrol shallow flats, mangroves, and reef edges where they ambush baitfish. You'll find them year-round, but they're most active during moving water and dawn/dusk periods. What makes them special is their explosive strike and long, blistering runs that'll test your drag. They're sight hunters attracted to flash and movement, making them perfect for light tackle and artificial lures. The meat is firm and tasty when prepared right. Here's the trick: use a wire leader and cast shiny spoons or tube lures past them, then rip it back fast across their field of vision.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of reaching 90+ pounds. These dark, powerful fish hang around shallow flats, oyster beds, and creek mouths where they crush crabs and shellfish with their strong jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll have your best shot at multiple hookups. They're notorious bottom feeders, so fresh crab or cut bait fished right on the sand is your ticket. The fight is more bulldogging than acrobatics, but their size makes up for it. Keep the smaller ones under 15 pounds for the table - they're excellent eating. Pro tip: listen for their distinctive drumming sounds underwater during spawn season to locate schools.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are often mistaken for sharks with their dark brown color and single dorsal fin, but these fish average around 6 feet and 100 pounds of pure muscle. They're loners most of the year, cruising reefs, wrecks, and structure in 30-70 feet of water. Spring migration and summer months are prime time when they move into our area. What makes them special is their curious nature - they'll actually swim up to the boat to investigate, giving you perfect sight-fishing opportunities. The fight is strong and bulldogging, and the meat is some of the best you'll find - firm texture with excellent flavor. Here's the key: when you spot one, drop a bucktail jig right in front of its nose and work it slowly along the bottom.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are the most colorful catch you'll see, flashing brilliant gold, blue, and green before fading after the fight. These fast-growing fish average 15-29 pounds and rarely live past four years, but they make up for it with incredible acrobatics and speed. We target them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in offshore waters. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're most active. What guests love is their spectacular jumping ability and the fact they often travel in small schools - hook one and there's usually more nearby. The meat is outstanding, firm and mild. Look for birds working over floating objects - that's where you'll find them feeding on flying fish and small baitfish.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are built for speed, averaging 3-5 feet and capable of hitting 60 mph - one of the fastest fish in the ocean. These silver rockets with blue zebra stripes cruise the offshore waters, usually solo or in small groups around floating debris. July through November is peak season here in Florida when they move closer to shore. What makes them special is that screaming first run that'll strip line faster than you can believe, plus they're absolutely delicious - firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill. We target them by high-speed trolling with wire leaders since their razor-sharp teeth will cut through anything else. Pro tip: once you hook one, get ready for that first blistering run, then keep steady pressure to tire them out.
Stock Island, FL