Extended Half Day Offshore in Big Pine Key
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Extended offshore fishing adventure in Big Pine Key watersExpert guides provide equipment and personalized angling instructionSolo fishing experience with professional charter service
Picture this: you're standing on the deck at first light, coffee in hand, watching the sun paint the sky over some of the most productive offshore waters in the Florida Keys. That's exactly what you get with Kokomo Keys Charters' extended half-day trip out of Big Pine Key. This isn't your typical four-hour rush job – we're talking about a solid 3/4 day adventure that gives you real time to get into the fish and make it count. Big Pine Key sits perfectly positioned between the Atlantic's deep blue waters and the backcountry flats, making it a launching point that serious anglers dream about. Whether you're looking to check a bucket list fish off your list or just want to spend quality time on the water without the full-day commitment, this trip hits that sweet spot.
When you book this extended half-day with Kokomo Keys Charters, you're getting way more than a quick fishing trip. We're talking about heading out to the real offshore grounds where the big boys live – think 150 to 600 feet of crystal-clear Atlantic water. The beauty of Big Pine Key's location means we can reach productive fishing grounds faster than boats launching from Key Largo or Key West, giving you maximum fishing time instead of burning hours just getting there. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, from the underwater ledges that hold snapper to the current breaks where pelagics cruise. The boat comes equipped with everything you need – top-shelf rods, reels that can handle whatever shows up, and a cooler full of ice to keep your catch fresh. Since it's just you on board, this is as personalized as offshore fishing gets. No fighting for rod time, no waiting your turn, and no dealing with someone else's seasickness. Your captain can adjust the game plan on the fly based on what you want to target and how the bite is developing.
Offshore fishing around Big Pine Key means mastering two main approaches, and your captain will switch between them based on conditions and what's biting. Trolling is where the real excitement happens – we'll pull a spread of lures and baits at different depths, covering water efficiently while targeting everything from mahi-mahi to wahoo. The boat's outriggers let us run multiple lines without tangles, and when something hits, you'll know it instantly. The drag screaming and rod tip bouncing is what offshore fishing is all about. For bottom fishing, we'll anchor up or drift over structure using circle hooks and fresh bait. This is where you'll connect with grouper, snapper, and amberjack that call these reefs home. Your captain will handle the boat positioning and bait prep – your job is to feel for that telltale thump and set the hook. The beauty of the extended half-day format is that we have time to try both approaches. Maybe we start with some trolling action, then settle in over a productive reef for some bottom fishing. The electronic fish finders and GPS take the guesswork out of finding fish, but reading the water and understanding fish behavior is where experience pays off.
Mahi-mahi are the poster fish for Florida Keys offshore fishing, and for good reason. These beautiful, hard-fighting fish show up in Big Pine Key waters from late spring through early fall, with peak action happening during the summer months. What makes mahi so special is their aggressive nature – they'll hit trolled baits with reckless abandon, then put on an aerial show that'll have you whooping and hollering. They travel in schools, so where you find one, you'll often find more. The meat is absolutely outstanding too, with firm white flesh that's perfect for grilling or making fish tacos. Mahi typically run anywhere from 10 to 30 pounds in these waters, with the occasional bull dolphin pushing 40 or more.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, and Big Pine Key's position along the reef line makes it prime wahoo territory. These fish are pure muscle wrapped in silver, capable of ripping line off your reel at 40+ mph. They're most active during the cooler months, from November through March, when they move through the area following baitfish. What makes wahoo fishing so addictive is the violent strike – one second your lure is swimming along peacefully, the next second your rod is bent double and line is screaming off the reel. Their razor-sharp teeth mean we use wire leaders, and their incredible speed means you need to be ready for anything. The meat is some of the best eating in the ocean, with a texture similar to tuna but a milder flavor that even non-fish eaters love.
Blackfin tuna might not get the press that their yellowfin cousins do, but they're absolute warriors on light tackle. These fish are year-round residents in the deeper waters off Big Pine Key, and they're always ready to eat. What makes blackfin tuna so much fun is their schooling behavior – when you find them, the action can be non-stop. They're also incredibly strong for their size, with even a 15-pound blackfin capable of giving you a serious workout. The key to consistent blackfin action is finding the temperature breaks and current edges where they hunt. These fish are also fantastic on the table, with deep red meat that's perfect for sashimi or searing rare on the grill.
This extended half-day offshore trip with Kokomo Keys Charters represents the perfect balance between serious fishing and manageable time commitment. You get the full offshore experience without dedicating your entire day to it, leaving time for other Keys activities or just relaxing by the pool. The personalized, one-on-one experience means every aspect of the trip is tailored to your skill level and interests. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some Keys species to your list or someone who wants to experience what real offshore fishing is all about, this trip delivers. The
Big Pine Key, FL