5.0(1 Reviews)Florida Keys Offshore Mahi and Grouper Charter
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day offshore charter targeting Mahi Mahi and Grouper speciesProfessional crew handles equipment, licenses, and meal provisions included29' WorldCat vessel accommodates six passengers with dual fishing setups
When you're ready to chase the big boys beyond the reef line, this full-day offshore adventure with Let it Ride Charters delivers exactly what serious anglers dream about. We're talking about a proper Gulf Stream run aboard a well-rigged 29' WorldCat that knows how to handle the blue water. Captain Steve and his crew have been working these waters long enough to know where the fish stack up, and they're not shy about sharing their knowledge with anglers who want to learn. Whether you've been saltwater fishing for decades or you're still figuring out which end of the rod to hold, this trip puts you on fish while teaching you the ropes of serious offshore angling.
Your day starts early at the dock in the Florida Keys, where you'll meet the crew and get familiar with the boat before heading out. This isn't some rushed cattle-boat operation – the 29' WorldCat center console is set up specifically for fishing, with outriggers ready for trolling and enough deck space for up to six anglers to work comfortably. The ride out to the fishing grounds takes you past the famous Florida Keys reef system and into the deep blue Gulf Stream waters where the real action happens. You'll spend most of your day switching between trolling for pelagics like mahi mahi and king mackerel, then dropping down to the bottom structure for grouper and snapper. The crew handles all the rigging, bait prep, and boat positioning – your job is to fish and enjoy the ride. They've got light and heavy tackle covered, plus all the licenses sorted out, so you can focus on what matters: putting fish in the boat.
The beauty of this charter lies in the variety of techniques you'll experience throughout the day. When we're hunting mahi mahi and kings, the outriggers come into play with a spread of trolling lures and ballyhoo that covers different depths and speeds. The crew knows how to read the water – looking for weed lines, temperature breaks, and bird activity that signals feeding fish. When something hits, you'll know it immediately as the rod doubles over and line starts screaming off the reel. For the bottom fishing portion, we're talking about serious grouper structure in 80 to 200 feet of water. The crew uses GPS to hit specific ledges, rocks, and wrecks where these fish hold, then it's all about getting your bait down fast before the grouper can pull you into their holes. Heavy tackle becomes essential here – these fish don't mess around when they decide to head for cover. The boat's positioning system keeps you right on the structure, giving everyone aboard multiple chances at quality bottom fish.
"We had an amazing fishing excursion with Let It Ride Charters! From start to finish, the experience was incredibly comfortable and well run. Zoe & Steve guided us through every aspect of the trip, making it fun and easy whether you're experienced or new to fishing. We caught some great fish, and the absolute highlight was landing a 30-pound wahoo — unforgettable! Highly recommend Let It Ride Charters if you're looking for a top-notch, memorable day on the water." - Shana
Red Grouper represent the ultimate bottom fishing challenge in these waters. These bruisers typically run anywhere from 5 to 20 pounds, with occasional monsters pushing 30 pounds or more. They're ambush predators that hang around rocky bottom structure, waiting for an easy meal to drift by. What makes them so exciting to catch is their initial run – when a big grouper feels the hook, it immediately heads straight for the nearest hole or crevice where it can wedge itself in. You've got maybe ten seconds to turn that fish's head and get it moving toward the surface before it wins the battle. The best action happens year-round in the Keys, but winter months often produce the largest specimens. These fish are absolutely delicious on the table, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of blistering runs that can empty a reel in seconds. These fish typically range from 10 to 40 pounds in Keys waters, with kings over 30 pounds earning the coveted "smoker" status among local anglers. They're visual predators that respond well to fast-moving trolled baits, especially during the cooler months when they move closer to shore following bait schools. What gets anglers hooked on king fishing is their acrobatic fighting style – these fish jump, run, and generally raise hell once they feel steel. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for smoking or grilling, though many anglers practice catch-and-release with the larger breeding females.
Mahi Mahi, or dolphinfish as they're properly known, bring both beauty and action to every offshore trip. These stunning fish display brilliant gold, green, and blue colors that seem to pulse and change as they fight. Size ranges from school-sized "chickens" around 3 to 8 pounds up to impressive "bulls" that can push 40 pounds or more. They're structure-oriented fish that love floating debris, weed lines, and temperature changes in the Gulf Stream. When you find one mahi, there are usually others nearby, leading to some fast and furious action as the crew works to keep multiple fish hooked up simultaneously. They're year-round residents in South Florida waters, but spring through fall typically produces the most consistent action. The white, flaky meat is considered among the best eating fish in the ocean.
Hogfish might not win any beauty contests, but they're prized by local anglers who know quality table fare when they see it. These odd-looking fish typically run 2 to 8 pounds and inhabit the same rocky bottom structure as grouper and snapper. They use their pig-like snouts to root around in the sand and rubble
Our 29' WorldCat center console cuts through Florida Keys waters with the stability and speed you need to reach prime mahi and grouper grounds. Built for serious fishing, this boat handles Gulf Stream swells like a champ while keeping your group of six comfortable all day. Outriggers are rigged and ready for trolling runs, while the fish finder helps locate structure where grouper hide. The radar keeps you safe when afternoon storms roll in, and GPS gets you back to port. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long offshore runs. Whether you're working the reef edge or heading out to blue water, this center console has the range and gear to put you on fish. The spacious deck gives everyone room to fight fish without getting tangled up, and the smooth ride means more time fishing, less time getting beat up by waves.
Lachnolaimus MaximusHogfish are one of the tastiest fish swimming, but they're tricky to hook with that pig-like snout of theirs. These colorful wrasse average 2-8 pounds and max out around 20 pounds. You'll find them rooting around coral heads, hard bottom, and rocky areas in 15-80 feet, using their snouts like little bulldozers to dig up crabs and shrimp. They're curious fish that often swim right up to the boat. The meat is incredibly sweet and mild - many say it's better than grouper. Males have a distinctive black spot behind their fins and brighter colors. Fishing is best on lighter tackle with live shrimp or small crabs. Here's the secret: make some noise by tapping the hull - they're attracted to vibrations and will come investigate.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are speed demons that'll test your drag system. These silver bullets average 10-30 pounds but can hit 50+ when conditions are right. We find them in 40-150 feet trolling the edge and blue water, especially where baitfish are thick. They're most active in spring and fall when water temps hit that sweet spot around 70-80°F. What guests love is that blistering first run - kings can strip 200 yards of line in seconds. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for the grill. They're also great for beginners since they hit hard and fight clean in open water. My go-to trick is running a stinger hook about 6 inches behind your main hook - kings love to bite the tail end of baits.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most beautiful fish in the ocean, flashing gold and electric blue when they hit the surface. These fast-growing fish typically run 10-25 pounds, with bulls reaching 40+ pounds. We target them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 100+ feet of blue water. Best action is spring through fall when they follow the Gulf Stream closer to shore. What makes mahi special is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a real show. Plus the meat is some of the best eating you'll find, mild and sweet. When you hook one, keep your eyes peeled because they usually travel in schools. Quick tip: make your baits skip and splash on the surface - mahi can't resist chasing flying fish.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are some of the hardest fighting fish you'll encounter on our reefs. These rusty-red beauties with white spots typically run 5-10 pounds, though we see some pushing 20+ pounds around wrecks and ledges. They hang out in 20-100 feet of water around rocky bottom, coral heads, and structure. What makes them special is that incredible fight - they'll try to get back to their hole the second you hook them. The meat is fantastic too, firm and flaky with a sweet taste from their diet of crabs and shrimp. Best fishing is during cooler months when they're more active. Pro tip: use a stout rod and heavy leader, then crank hard right after the hookset to keep them out of the rocks.
5.0 out of 5.0We had an amazing fishing excursion with Let It Ride Charters! From start to finish, the experience was incredibly comfortable and...
Key Largo, FL