Florida Fishing Charters (Shared Trip)
Shared Trip
Offshore Fishing
Shared offshore fishing charter targeting wahoo, mahimahi, and cobiaMinimum four guests required for trip departure with refund policyExperienced guides navigate rich Stock Island fishing waters
Get ready to fish some of the most productive waters around Stock Island with Key West Sea Fishing Charter. This shared trip brings together fellow anglers for a day chasing premier offshore species like wahoo, mahi-mahi, black drum, cobia, and barracuda. You'll be fishing alongside other passionate anglers while splitting costs, making this one of the best values for serious fishing in the Keys. Just remember - we need at least 4 people to run the trip, so if we can't fill the boat, you'll get your money back, no questions asked.
This is fishing the way it should be done - no crowds, just serious anglers working productive water. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish using proven techniques and local knowledge passed down over decades. The boat heads out from Stock Island, giving you quick access to both the Atlantic and Gulf sides depending on conditions and where the fish are biting. You'll be targeting multiple species throughout the day, so expect to switch tactics and techniques as we move from spot to spot. The shared format means you're fishing with other dedicated anglers who know their way around a rod, creating that authentic fishing boat atmosphere where everyone's pulling for each other.
We run a combination of trolling and bottom fishing depending on what's active. For the pelagics like wahoo and mahi, we'll pull high-speed lures and ballyhoo rigs behind the boat while covering water and looking for birds, debris, or temperature breaks. When we find structure or good bottom, we'll anchor up and drop baits for black drum, cobia, and whatever else is holding on the reef. The captain provides all tackle, but if you've got your own setup that you're comfortable with, feel free to bring it along. We're talking circle hooks for the bottom work, wire leaders for the toothy critters, and properly rigged trolling gear that can handle whatever we hook into. Live bait and cut bait both play a role depending on the target species and conditions.
Black drum are one of the most underrated fighters in these waters. These bruisers hang around structure and can weigh anywhere from 10 to 40 pounds, with some real monsters pushing even bigger. They're available year-round but really turn on during the cooler months from November through March. When a big drum takes your bait, you'll know it - they make powerful runs and use their broad sides to fight you all the way to the boat. What makes them special is their intelligence; they're finicky eaters that require patience and the right presentation.
Barracuda are the speed demons of the reef, and they'll test your reaction time when they strike. These toothy predators average 3 to 8 pounds around here, but don't let their size fool you - they're pure dynamite on light tackle. Peak season runs from April through October when water temperatures climb. They hit fast and jump high, putting on an aerial show that never gets old. Wire leaders are a must because those razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat.
Mahi-mahi bring the color and the fight that offshore anglers dream about. These golden beauties typically run 5 to 20 pounds in our waters, with bulls occasionally pushing 30-plus. Spring and summer are prime time, especially when we find floating debris or weed lines that hold baitfish. What makes mahi special is their aggressive nature - they'll often travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Their jumping ability and stunning colors make them a favorite for both eating and photos.
Wahoo are the speed kings of the offshore world, capable of runs that will burn your drag and test your equipment. These streamlined predators typically range from 15 to 40 pounds, with occasional fish pushing 60. Fall and winter are peak season when baitfish concentrations draw them closer to the reefs. Their initial run is legendary among anglers - pure speed that can peel off 100 yards of line before you know what hit you. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean.
Cobia are the wild cards that can show up anywhere, anytime. These curious fish average 15 to 30 pounds but can grow much larger. They're most active during the warmer months from April through September. What makes cobia fishing exciting is their behavior - they'll often follow the boat, investigate baits, and sometimes even swim right up to check you out. When they decide to bite, they make strong runs and fight hard all the way to the net.
This shared charter offers serious fishing at a fraction of the cost of a private trip, but spots fill up fast because word travels quickly among local anglers. The experienced crew at Key West Sea Fishing knows where to find the fish, and their track record speaks for itself. Whether you're visiting the Keys or you're a local looking for a great day on the water, this trip delivers the goods. Just remember the minimum booking requirement - we need 4 anglers to make it happen, but that's what keeps the quality high and the fishing productive. Book your spot now and get ready to fish some of the most productive waters in South Florida.
Step aboard this beautifully restored 1988 Ocean Yachts sport fishing vessel, powered by twin 735HP Detroit engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds at a solid 20 knots. This offshore workhorse comes loaded with everything serious anglers need - fish finder to locate your targets, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus an icebox and refrigerator to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The flybridge gives you that perfect vantage point for spotting fish, while the onboard kitchen and AC keep you comfortable during those long days chasing wahoo, mahi-mahi, cobia, and barracuda in Key West's productive waters. With a toilet and full amenities, you can focus on what matters most - landing that trophy fish. This shared charter needs at least 4 anglers to run, so you'll be fishing alongside fellow enthusiasts while experienced captains put you on the best spots around Stock Island's rich fishing grounds.
SphyraenidaeThese torpedo-shaped predators are built for speed, hitting 35 mph when they're hunting. Most run 2-4 feet long and have a mouth full of razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through your line if you're not using wire leaders. You'll find them prowling shallow flats, mangroves, and around any structure where baitfish gather. They hunt by sight and love anything shiny, so small silver spoons and tube lures work great. Spring through fall gives you the most action when they're actively feeding. What makes them fun is the explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps - they'll test your drag for sure. The meat's decent eating if you know how to prepare it. Pro tip: cast past them and retrieve fast - they can't resist chasing down a fleeing baitfish.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, running anywhere from 5-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 90. These gray-black bruisers love hanging around oyster beds, shallow muddy flats, and creek mouths where they crush crabs and shellfish with powerful 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 famous for that deep, drumming sound they make underwater during mating season. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent eating with firm, white meat. Here's a local tip: use fresh blue crab or cut mullet on the bottom and be patient - these fish are methodical feeders, not speed demons.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are often mistaken for sharks with their single dorsal fin and dark brown color, but they're actually excellent game fish averaging around 30-50 pounds. These curious fish cruise shallow reefs, wrecks, and structures in 30-70 feet of water, often swimming right up to the boat. Spring migration and spawning season from April through June offers the hottest action when they move through our area. What makes them special is they're usually sight-fished - you can actually see them swimming near the surface. The meat rivals any fish in the ocean with firm, white flesh that's perfect for grilling. They're aggressive predators that'll eat bucktail jigs, live bait, or just about anything you put in front of them. Local secret: look for them following rays on the flats.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most colorful fish you'll ever see - brilliant gold, green, and blue that literally changes before your eyes when they come out of the water. They typically run 15-29 pounds and rarely live past four years, but they grow fast and fight hard. These surface dwellers love floating debris, weed lines, and anything that creates structure in blue water. Peak season here runs spring through fall when they're moving through our waters. What guests love most is the acrobatic fight and excellent table fare - mild, firm white meat that's perfect for the grill. They travel in schools, so when you hook one, keep lines ready for doubles and triples. Here's the trick: once you boat one, keep it in the water and cast right back to the same spot.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are speed demons of the deep, capable of hitting 60 mph with their streamlined bodies. These silver bullets with blue tiger stripes typically range 3-5 feet and are some of the best eating fish in the ocean - firm, white, flaky meat with a mild flavor. They roam open water usually within 100 feet of the surface, often around floating debris or current breaks. Our best fishing runs from July through November when they're most active in our waters. What makes them special is that lightning-fast strike that'll scream your drag and the premium table fare afterward. They're loners mostly, but when conditions are right, you might find small groups. My go-to technique is high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders - their teeth will cut anything else.
Stock Island, FL