Full Day Offshore Fishing Charter (8hr)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full 8-hour offshore fishing adventure with expert guidanceTarget multiple species at wrecks, reefs, and inshore watersSmall group experience for up to 4 guests maximum
When you're serious about putting fish in the box, this full-day charter with Keys Disease Charters delivers exactly what offshore anglers dream about. Eight solid hours on the water means we're not rushing back to the dock when the bite heats up. You'll have time to hit multiple spots, chase different species, and really dial in what's working. Whether the mahi are crashing baits offshore or the grouper are hungry on the bottom, we'll adapt the game plan to put you on fish. This trip caps at four anglers, so you're getting personalized attention and plenty of room to work your rods without bumping elbows.
This isn't your typical half-day run where you hit one spot and head home. Eight hours gives us the flexibility to fish like locals do – starting where the conditions look best and moving until we find active fish. We might begin the morning trolling offshore spreads for mahi and wahoo, then work our way to structure for grouper action when the current slows. The beauty of a full-day trip is reading the water and the bite, then staying flexible. Some days the patch reefs are loaded with snapper, other days the wrecks are holding big grouper. We've got top-shelf tackle and all the terminal gear you need, from circle hooks for bottom fishing to wire leaders for toothy critters. The boat's rigged for whatever we encounter, whether that's live bait fishing, trolling, or dropping baits on structure.
We'll mix up techniques based on what's biting and where we find fish. Offshore trolling is money for mahi, wahoo, and sailfish – we'll pull a spread of lures and ballyhoo at different depths to cover the water column. When we hit structure like wrecks or reefs, we'll switch to bottom fishing with heavy tackle and circle hooks. Live bait fishing can be deadly when conditions are right, especially for big grouper and cobia cruising the reef edges. The territory we cover depends on weather and fish reports, but expect to see everything from blue water offshore to patch reefs and wrecks in 60-120 feet of water. We run quality electronics to mark fish and structure, plus we know the local spots that consistently hold fish. GPS coordinates are great, but reading water conditions, current breaks, and bird activity is what separates good days from great ones.
Mahi mahi are the bread and butter of offshore fishing here, and these fish are pure excitement on the line. They're acrobats that'll jump, dive, and put on a show while testing your drag system. Mahi travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more underneath. Spring through fall is prime time, with fish ranging from schoolie size up to bulls pushing 40 pounds. They hit trolled baits, live bait, and even jigs when they're fired up. The meat is top-shelf table fare, making them a favorite for anglers who love to eat what they catch.
Wahoo are speed demons that'll test your reflexes and your tackle. These fish cruise the offshore waters and ambush baits with lightning-quick strikes that'll rip drag and leave you wondering what just happened. They're built for speed with razor-sharp teeth, which is why we use wire leaders and keep the hooks sharp. Winter months can be exceptional for wahoo, with fish in the 20-60 pound range not uncommon. The meat is white, flaky, and perfect for the grill or blackened in a pan.
Black grouper are the heavyweights of the reef, and they fight like they own the bottom. These fish hang around structure and use their bulk to try diving back into holes when hooked. A big black grouper will test your arm strength and your drag system as they bulldoze toward cover. They're year-round residents on most reefs and wrecks, with larger fish typically found in deeper water. The meat is firm, white, and considered some of the best eating in the ocean.
Goliath grouper are the giants of the reef and truly bucket-list fish for serious anglers. These massive fish can exceed 200 pounds and provide arm-burning fights that you'll talk about for years. They're catch-and-release only, but the photo opportunities and bragging rights are priceless. Goliaths hang around structure like wrecks, bridges, and deep reefs, often in the same spots year after year. Summer months tend to be best when they're more active and aggressive on baits.
Atlantic sailfish are the ultimate light-tackle challenge and one of the most spectacular fish in the ocean. These billfish are acrobats that'll jump, tailwalk, and put on aerial displays that get everyone on the boat excited. Sailfish fishing is typically best during winter months when they migrate through local waters. They hit trolled baits, live bait, and kites when conditions are right. Most captains practice catch-and-release with sails, but the fight and photos make them prize catches for any angler.
A full-day charter is an investment in serious fishing, and with Keys Disease Charters, you're getting maximum time on productive water with experienced guides who know where to find fish. Eight hours gives us room to adapt, move spots, and stay on the bite instead of watching the clock. The four-angler limit means everyone gets hands-on time with quality fish instead of waiting in line for a rod. Whether you're chasing offshore pelagics or targeting bottom dwellers on structure, this trip delivers the variety and action that keeps anglers coming back. Don't wait until the last minute – prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is hot.
Your 8-hour offshore adventure starts aboard this freshly restored 27' Century center console, rigged with a powerful 300HP Mercury Verado that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast at 28 knots. This boat handles everything from deep water wrecks to inshore patch reefs with ease. The fish finder helps locate schools while the GPS keeps you on productive spots. Between strikes, grab cold drinks from the icebox or tune into the multimedia system. With onboard facilities and room for 4 anglers, you'll have everything needed to target pelagics in blue water or work bottom structure closer to shore. The restored hull cuts through chop smoothly, letting you focus on filling the fish box during this full-day charter that covers all the best fishing zones.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the showboats of offshore fishing - that massive dorsal sail and sword-like bill make them unmistakable. These blue-gray speedsters average 7.5 feet and 50 pounds, cruising surface waters 30-65 feet deep. Peak action is winter months in South Florida, especially the famous "Sailfish Alley" from Miami Beach to Fort Pierce. What makes them legendary is the aerial display - they'll jump, dive, and tailwalk like nothing else in the ocean. They hunt in schools, flashing colors to communicate while herding baitfish. The fight is pure endurance - long runs and spectacular jumps. Pro tip: when teasing one up, let it take the bait before setting the hook. Rush it and they'll shake free every time.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the heavyweights of the reef - these olive-gray bruisers with dark rectangular blotches average over 2 feet but can push 5 feet and 125 pounds. They live around wrecks, ledges, and reefs from 30 feet in winter to 300 feet in summer. Cold weather brings them shallow, making winter through spring prime time. What guests love is the pure strength - once hooked, it's a tug-of-war that'll test your gear and endurance. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in the ocean - mild, firm white meat that's hard to beat. My advice: use heavy tackle with 20+ pounds of drag and crank hard the moment you feel that bite. Give them time to get back in the rocks and you're done.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath grouper are the giants of the reef - these protected fish can reach 8 feet and 800 pounds. Juveniles start in mangroves and brackish water, but adults hang around shallow reefs, wrecks, and structures in 150 feet or less. They're loners with tiny eyes and massive heads. While you can't keep them, the experience is unmatched - that first pull will nearly yank you overboard if you're not ready. They're ambush predators that inhale prey whole, so the bite is unmistakable. Best fishing is around spawning season when they gather in groups. Remember, it's catch and release only - these fish are making a comeback from near extinction. Use 50-80 class tackle and circle hooks to ensure safe releases.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most colorful fish you'll encounter offshore - golden sides with brilliant blues and greens that put on a light show when they come out of the water. These fast-growing fish average 15-29 pounds and love hanging around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in 30-200 feet of water. Peak season runs spring through fall when water temps hit 70°F+. What makes them special is the incredible fight - they're strong swimmers that'll jump and run hard. Plus, the meat is outstanding - firm, white, and mild. Perfect for the grill. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep trolling because mahi often travel in schools. That first fish might lead you to a dozen more.
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 around 66 feet deep, often near floating debris or oil platforms. They're loners most of the time but group up during spawning. Best fishing is cooler months in the Gulf, July through November in Florida waters. What draws anglers is that blistering first run when hooked - pure adrenaline. The meat is top-shelf too - firm, white, and mild like premium tuna. Perfect for fish tacos or grilling. Key trick: high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders. Their razor teeth will cut through mono instantly, so don't cheap out on your terminal tackle.
Marathon, FL