Your Best Choice For A Seasonal Trip In Florida
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Seasonal offshore fishing trips accommodate up to 6 guestsExpert guides navigate Stock Island waters year-roundEach season offers unique fishing opportunities and experiences
Stock Island delivers some of the most consistent offshore fishing in South Florida, and there's no better way to experience it than with Key West Sea Fishing Charter. Whether you're looking to battle a leaping sailfish in the spring or hook into a chunky mahi during the summer run, our seasonal trips put you right where the action is. We keep our groups small at just 6 anglers max, so you'll get plenty of rod time and personalized attention from our crew. The waters around Stock Island change with the seasons, and we know exactly where to find the fish when they're here.
Our seasonal approach means we're always chasing what's biting best. Spring brings the sailfish migration through our waters, with April and May often producing multiple shots at these acrobatic fighters. Summer heats up with mahi mahi moving through in schools, plus wahoo cruising the edges and cobia hanging around structure. Fall can be magic for barracuda and late-season mahi, while winter often surprises folks with great sailfish action and hungry cobia. We launch from Stock Island's protected harbor, giving us quick access to the Gulf Stream edges where these pelagic species hunt. Our captain reads the water conditions, bait movements, and seasonal patterns to put you on fish. You'll spend most of your day in 100-600 feet of water, where the bottom drops off and the big fish roam.
We run a mixed spread of lures and live bait depending on what's working best for the season. Our go-to setup includes ballyhoo rigged on circle hooks, bright skirted lures for mahi and wahoo, and live pilchards when we can get them. We'll typically pull 4-6 lines at different depths and distances, covering water efficiently while giving each angler a shot at the action. The boat's equipped with quality Penn and Shimano reels spooled with fresh line, plus we carry backup gear for those big fish that might spool you. Our outriggers let us spread the lines wide, and we use planers and weights to hit different zones in the water column. When fish are marking on the finder or we spot birds working, we'll switch tactics - maybe pitch live bait or work the area with jigs.
Atlantic Sailfish are the stars of our spring and winter trips, typically running 6-8 feet long and putting on aerial shows that'll get your heart pumping. These guys are most active when water temps hit that sweet spot around 78-82 degrees, usually from March through May and again in December through February. They're ambush predators that cruise the thermoclines, and when one lights up that bright blue dorsal sail, you know you're in for a fight. What makes them special here is how they hunt in small groups - hook one and there's often another nearby.
Barracuda around Stock Island are aggressive year-round but really turn on during the warmer months. These toothy predators average 15-30 pounds and strike with explosive speed that'll test your reflexes. They love shiny lures and moving baits, often following the boat before deciding to commit. Summer and fall produce the biggest 'cudas, and they're perfect for anglers who want fast action and don't mind a fish with serious attitude.
Mahi Mahi season peaks from May through September when these colorful fighters move through our waters in schools. Bulls can push 40+ pounds while the smaller females provide great action on lighter tackle. They're attracted to floating debris, weed lines, and structure, making them exciting to sight fish. The vibrant yellows and greens of a fresh-caught mahi never get old, and they're hands-down one of the best eating fish in these waters.
Wahoo are the speed demons of our offshore trips, capable of smoking line off a reel faster than almost any other fish. These torpedo-shaped predators prefer the deeper waters and structure edges, especially during the cooler months from November through March. They average 20-50 pounds locally and are absolutely devastating on trolled lures. Their razor-sharp teeth and blistering runs make them a favorite among experienced anglers looking for a serious challenge.
Cobia cruise our waters year-round but are most active from April through October when they move inshore to spawn and feed. These brown sharks (as locals call them) can exceed 50 pounds and provide bulldogging fights that'll test your back and tackle. They're curious fish that often approach the boat, giving sight-fishing opportunities that are hard to beat. Cobia are also top-tier table fare, making them a win-win catch for most anglers.
Stock Island's offshore fishing scene delivers year-round, but the best trips fill up fast during peak seasons. Our seasonal approach means you'll always be targeting what's biting best, whether that's sailfish in the spring, mahi in the summer, or cobia during their fall push. With only 6 spots available per trip, you'll get the personal attention and rod time that makes for memorable days on the water. The variety of species and seasonal patterns around Stock Island keep every trip interesting - you never know when that fish of a lifetime might grab your bait. Ready to experience what makes our waters special? Book your seasonal fishing trip today and let us show you why anglers keep coming back to fish with Key West Sea Fishing Charter.
Step aboard this beautifully restored 1988 Ocean Yachts sport fisher and get ready to chase your next big catch in the waters around Stock Island. Twin 735HP Detroit engines push this offshore warrior to 20 knots, getting you to the prime fishing grounds fast. The spacious flybridge gives you commanding views of the water while you scan for bait schools and diving birds that signal feeding fish below. Your captain knows these seasonal waters like the back of his hand - from spring's active sailfish runs to summer's mahi-mahi action, fall's snapper bite, and winter's grouper grounds. The onboard fish finder and GPS take the guesswork out of locating structure and drop-offs where trophy fish lurk. When you hook up, there's plenty of fighting room on deck for up to 6 anglers. Between battles with yellowfin tuna and kingfish, retreat to the air-conditioned cabin for cold drinks from the fridge or grab snacks from the icebox. The full kitchen lets you prepare fresh ceviche from your morning catch, while the head and comfortable seating keep everyone happy during long offshore runs. Radar keeps you safe in changing conditions as you explore Key West's legendary fishing grounds throughout the seasons.
Istiophorus AlbicansThese blue-gray speedsters with their iconic sail-like dorsal fin are what most anglers dream about. Running 7-8 feet long and averaging 50 pounds, sailfish are built for speed and put on quite a show when hooked - leaping, diving, and peeling line like nothing else. They hunt in 30-65 feet of water, often working together to corral baitfish. Winter months are prime time here in the Keys when they move into our warmer waters. What makes them special is that aerial display and the way they change colors when excited - flashing blues and blacks as they communicate. My tip: when you see that sail come up behind your bait, resist the urge to set the hook right away. Let them eat it first, then get ready for the ride of your life.
SphyraenidaeThese silver torpedoes with razor-sharp teeth are some of the most aggressive fish you'll encounter around the flats and reefs. Most run 2-4 feet long, but they're built for speed - hitting 35 mph when they strike. You'll find them in shallow waters around mangroves, grass beds, and coral structures where they ambush smaller fish. They hunt by sight, so they're drawn to anything shiny or moving fast. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're most active in the warmer water. What guests love is the explosive strike and that initial run - pure adrenaline. They also make decent table fare when prepared right. Here's the key: use a wire leader because those teeth will slice through anything else, and don't be afraid to fish fast-moving lures that trigger their predatory instincts.
Rachycentron CanadumThese brown, shark-looking fish are some of the strongest fighters pound-for-pound you'll encounter. They average 30-50 pounds and 4-5 feet long, often mistaken for sharks until you see that single dorsal fin. You'll spot them cruising around reefs, wrecks, and channel markers, usually in 20-60 feet of water. Spring migration from March to May is prime time when they're moving through in good numbers. What makes cobia special is their curious nature - they'll actually come check out the boat - and they're phenomenal table fare with firm, white meat that's highly prized. They fight dirty too, using their broad tail to bulldoze toward structure. My tip: when you see one, have a bucktail jig ready to pitch right in front of them. They're sight feeders and usually can't resist a well-placed jig bounced near the bottom.
Coryphaena HippurusThese golden beauties with their rainbow colors are a real treat to catch. Males average 30-40 pounds with that distinctive bull head, while females stay smaller and rounder. You'll find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in blue water, usually within the first 100 feet of depth. They travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. Peak season runs spring through fall when they follow the warm water. What makes them popular is that strong initial run, their beautiful colors that flash like a light show when fighting, and they're absolutely delicious on the table - firm, white meat with a mild flavor. Here's my advice: once you hook one, keep other lines in the water because the school will often stick around, giving you shots at multiple fish.
Acanthocybium SolandriThese striped rockets are the speed demons of the deep, hitting 60 mph with their torpedo-shaped bodies. They average 3-5 feet and 30-50 pounds, roaming the blue water and around offshore structures. You'll find them from July through November in our waters, usually in that 50-200 foot range near drop-offs and current breaks. They're mostly loners, though sometimes you'll find small groups. What makes them exciting is that blistering initial run that'll test your drag system, plus they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean - firm, white, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. The trick with wahoo is high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders - those razor teeth will cut through anything else. When one hits, hang on tight because they don't give up easy.
Stock Island, FL