Seasonal Offshore Fishing in Stock Island
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Seasonal offshore fishing trips with expert guides in Stock IslandSmall group experience with maximum 6 guests per charterYearround fishing opportunities targeting different seasonal species
Nothing beats the rush of hooking into a monster offshore fish when the conditions are just right. Here in Stock Island, we've got access to some of Florida's most productive blue water, and our seasonal trips with Key West Sea Fishing Charter put you right in the thick of it. With room for up to six anglers, these trips are designed around what's biting best each time of year. Spring brings the sailfish migration, summer fires up the mahi bite, fall delivers trophy wahoo, and winter offers some of the most consistent fishing you'll find anywhere. Our captains have been working these waters for decades, and they know exactly where to find the fish when they're feeding.
Every trip starts before sunrise at the Stock Island marina, where you'll meet your captain and get the rundown on what's been producing lately. We'll head out into the deep blue water off Key West, typically running 8-15 miles offshore depending on where the bite is happening. The boat comes rigged with top-shelf tackle and all the gear you need, from circle hooks to wire leaders. You'll spend your day trolling the edge of the Gulf Stream, working structure, and targeting whatever species are most active for the season. Each trip runs about 8 hours, giving you plenty of time to work different spots and techniques. The water out here ranges from 200 to over 1,000 feet deep, and that's where the big pelagics live. Expect to see flying fish, sea turtles, and maybe even some dolphins while we're running between spots.
We run a combination of trolling and live bait techniques depending on what we're targeting. For sailfish and mahi, we'll typically troll a spread of ballyhoo rigged on circle hooks, mixed in with some lures and teasers to draw fish up from the depths. When the wahoo are running, we switch to high-speed trolling with wire leaders and diving plugs that can handle their razor-sharp teeth. For cobia, we often switch to live bait or jigs when we find them around floating debris or structure. All our rods are spooled with 20-50 pound test, and we carry everything from spinning reels for lighter tackle work to conventional reels for the bigger fish. The boat's equipped with outriggers, downriggers, and a full electronics suite including fish finders and GPS that help us locate bait schools and structure. Don't worry if you're new to offshore fishing - our crew will walk you through everything from setting the drag to proper fighting techniques.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of our spring fishery, typically showing up in good numbers from March through May. These acrobatic fighters can reach 8-10 feet long and put on a show like nothing else, jumping and tail-walking across the surface when hooked. They're most active during the cooler months when bait schools are thick along the reef line. What makes sailfish so special is their speed and aerial displays - they can hit 60 mph and will often jump a dozen times during the fight. Most anglers consider landing a sail a bucket-list achievement, and the waters off Stock Island consistently produce some of the best sailfish action in Florida.
Barracuda are year-round residents that never fail to provide fast action when other species are slow. These aggressive predators can grow up to 6 feet long and are known for their explosive strikes and blistering runs. They're particularly active around structure and weed lines, often hitting lures intended for other species. What's exciting about barracuda is their unpredictability - they might follow a lure for hundreds of yards before striking, or slam it the second it hits the water. Their razor-sharp teeth and powerful jaws make them a formidable opponent on any tackle, and they're excellent table fare when prepared properly.
Mahi Mahi light up the offshore scene from late spring through early fall, with peak action typically in the summer months. These colorful fighters average 10-30 pounds but can reach 50+ pounds, and they're famous for their stunning golden and green coloration that changes as they fight. Mahi are schooling fish, so when you find one, there are usually more nearby. They're attracted to floating debris, sargassum weed lines, and temperature breaks where baitfish congregate. What makes mahi so popular is their willingness to eat almost any bait or lure, their spectacular jumps, and their excellent eating quality. They're also one of the fastest-growing fish in the ocean, reaching maturity in just one year.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of reaching speeds over 60 mph and delivering bone-jarring strikes that will test your reflexes. These sleek predators are most active during the cooler months from fall through early spring, with peak action often occurring around dawn and dusk. They typically range from 20-80 pounds in our waters, with the occasional monster pushing over 100. Wahoo are notorious for their sharp teeth that can slice through mono line like a hot knife through butter, which is why we always use wire leaders when targeting them. Their firm, white meat is considered some of the best eating in the ocean, making them a favorite among both sport and dinner fishermen.
Cobia are the bull dogs of the offshore world, using their broad heads and powerful bodies to wage long, tough battles in deep water. These brown sharks look-alikes can reach 50+ pounds and are most active during the warmer months when they follow rays and sharks around floating structure. What makes cobia fishing so exciting is that they're often sight-fished, meaning you can actually see them swimming near the surface before making your cast. They're curious fish that will often approach the boat, giving you multiple shot opportunities. Cobia are also excellent table fare and are known for their fight endurance - they don't give up easily and will use every ounce of structure nearby to try and break you off.
Step aboard this beautifully restored 1988 Ocean Yacht and get ready for serious offshore fishing around Stock Island. Twin 735HP Detroit engines push this classic sport fishing boat to 20 knots, getting you to the deep water fishing grounds where the big ones bite. The spacious flybridge gives you commanding views of the water while you scan for diving birds and bait schools. Below deck, you'll find AC to cool off between fights, a full galley for prepping bait or making lunch, plus an icebox and refrigerator to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. Modern fish finder and GPS help locate productive spots, while radar keeps you safe when weather moves in. The roomy cockpit handles up to 6 anglers with plenty of space to work fish and store tackle. Whether you're targeting mahi, wahoo, or whatever's running with the seasons, this well-equipped vessel puts you in prime position to make the most of Key West's legendary offshore fishing opportunities.
Istiophorus AlbicansThese stunning billfish are the kings of offshore fishing, averaging 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds. You'll find them in 30-650 feet of water, but they love hunting near the surface. Winter months bring the best action here in the Keys - that's prime sailfish season. What makes them special? They're lightning fast, possibly the ocean's fastest fish, and they put on a show with repeated jumps and long runs that'll test your endurance. They also change colors when hunting, flashing blues and blacks to communicate. Pro tip: when you see that massive dorsal fin light up, get ready - they use it to herd baitfish right into striking range. The fight is pure adrenaline.
SphyraenidaeThese torpedo-shaped predators are pure aggression on light tackle. Most run 2-4 feet, but the big ones can hit 6 feet. You'll find them lurking in shallow mangroves, grass beds, and around coral structure - they love stalking baitfish in 10-20 feet of water. They're year-round residents here, but spring through fall gives you the most consistent action. What guests love is the explosive strike and blistering runs that'll test your drag. They hunt by sight, so they're suckers for anything shiny or fast-moving. Here's the key: cast past where you see them and retrieve fast with erratic action. They can't resist chasing down what looks like a fleeing baitfish. Just watch those razor-sharp teeth!
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like the bulldogs of the sea - big, brown, and built for power. These fish average 30-50 pounds but can push 100+, reaching 4-6 feet long. Look for them around reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-70 feet, though they cruise shallow waters too. Spring migration from March through May is prime time when they're moving through for spawning. What makes them fun is they're curious - you can often sight-fish them near the surface, and they'll eat just about anything you throw. They're also fantastic table fare with firm, white meat. My go-to trick: bucktail jigs work magic, but here's what most don't know - color doesn't matter much. Focus on working that jig right along the bottom near structure.
Coryphaena HippurusThese are some of the most beautiful fish in the ocean, with golden sides and electric blues that put on a light show when they come to the boat. Most average 15-30 pounds and about 3 feet, but we see them bigger. They're surface dwellers that love floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in 100+ feet of water. Spring through early fall brings the best fishing when water temps hit that sweet 75-85 degree range. Guests go crazy for their acrobatic fights and how they change colors. Plus, they're outstanding table fare with mild, sweet meat. Here's what works: when you hook one, leave it in the water - the school will often stick around, giving everyone a shot at doubling up before you boat the first fish.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep - some of the fastest fish swimming, hitting 60 mph on their runs. They typically run 30-50 pounds and 3-5 feet, with that distinctive torpedo shape and razor teeth. You'll find them in open water from 60-200 feet, often around structure or current breaks. Fall through winter is prime time here in South Florida when they're most abundant. What makes them special is that lightning-fast initial run that'll peel line like nothing else, plus they're premium eating - flaky white meat that's perfect for the grill. Here's the secret: high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders is key. Their teeth will slice through anything else in a heartbeat.
Stock Island, FL