5.0(2 Reviews)Florida Keys Offshore Mahi Mahi and Kingfish Charter
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Six-hour offshore charter targeting Mahi Mahi and King Mackerel29' WorldCat accommodates six guests with professional tackle includedAll equipment, licenses, and meals provided by experienced crew
Looking for a world-class fishing adventure that puts you right in the heart of some of Florida's hottest offshore action? This 6-hour charter with Let it Ride Charters takes you beyond the legendary reefs of the Florida Keys and into the Atlantic Gulf Stream, where the fishing gets serious fast. We're talking about chasing pelagic gamefish in their prime hunting grounds – Mahi Mahi, King Mackerel, and trophy Grouper and Snapper that call these deeper waters home. Whether you're a weekend warrior or a seasoned angler, this trip delivers the kind of fishing stories you'll be telling for years.
Your day starts with a cruise past the iconic coral reefs that make the Keys famous, but we're not stopping there. The real magic happens when we hit the Gulf Stream, where the water turns that deep blue color every angler dreams about. Captain Steve runs a top-rated 29-foot WorldCat center console that's built for this kind of fishing – stable, fast, and rigged with outriggers that let us cover serious ground while trolling for pelagics. The boat handles six anglers comfortably, so you've got room to fight fish without bumping elbows. We've got you covered on tackle, bait, and licenses, plus sandwiches and water to keep you fueled up. The vibe here is all about putting fish in the boat while you focus on what you came for – hooking up with some of the Atlantic's finest gamefish.
This charter runs a mixed bag approach that keeps the action hot all day long. We'll start by trolling the edges and temperature breaks where Mahi Mahi and Kings cruise for baitfish. The outriggers spread our lines wide, running a variety of lures and ballyhoo rigs that trigger strikes from these aggressive predators. When we mark structure or good bottom on the sonar, we'll anchor up and drop heavy tackle for Grouper and Snapper. The crew handles all the rigging and re-baiting, so you can concentrate on feeling those subtle bottom bites or watching the outriggers pop when something big decides to eat. We've got both spinning and conventional setups ready to go, matched to whatever we're targeting at the moment. The Gulf Stream current keeps things interesting – one minute you're working a weed line for Mahi, the next you're cranking up a monster Red Grouper from 80 feet down.
"Had a fabulous experience with Captain Steve. Our original booking had to be cancelled due to bad weather, but Steve and Zoe were super helpful and accommodating, and managed to get us out the next day. Couldn't have been happier, couldn't have enjoyed the trip more. Caught barracuda off the reef and enjoyed the ride on the ocean over the reef. Would repeat again next trip down." - Nigel
"This was the best outing I could have planned, Zoe is absolutely a gem of a person and taught our group so much!!! I already recommended to my entire friends and family." - Eli
Mahi Mahi are the crown jewel of this fishery, and for good reason. These electric-colored speedsters hit like freight trains and put on an aerial show that'll get your heart pumping. Peak season runs from spring through early fall when they follow the Gulf Stream north, but the Keys see them year-round thanks to our unique location. Adult bulls can push 30-50 pounds and fight with the kind of raw power that tests your drag system. What makes Mahi special is their willingness to eat – they're aggressive feeders that'll smash everything from small jigs to large ballyhoo. When you hook into a school, the action can be non-stop with multiple fish coming to the boat.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of the offshore world, and the waters off the Keys hold some real monsters. These silver bullets can stretch over 40 inches and weigh upwards of 30 pounds, with a turn of speed that'll strip line faster than you can blink. Kings patrol the reef edges and drop-offs, hunting schools of baitfish with deadly efficiency. Fall and winter months bring the biggest fish as they migrate south, but summer fishing produces consistent action with smaller, more aggressive fish. The key to landing Kings is a sharp hook and steady pressure – their soft mouths tear easily, but their initial runs are legendary among charter captains.
Red Grouper represent the bottom fishing side of this adventure, and they're absolute bruisers when it comes to pure pulling power. These reef dwellers can exceed 20 pounds and fight like they're trying to drag your tackle straight into the rocks – which is exactly what they're doing. Grouper fishing requires patience and technique, working baits near structure where they ambush prey. The bite feels like you've hooked the bottom until that head shake gives them away. Red Grouper are year-round residents, making them a reliable target when the pelagic bite slows down. Their white, flaky meat makes them a customer favorite for the dinner table.
Cero Mackerel bring speed and numbers to the mix, especially around the reef edges where they hunt in schools. These smaller cousins to the King Mackerel rarely exceed 10 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in sheer numbers and aggressive strikes. Ceros are perfect for lighter tackle fishing and are often the species that gets kids and novice anglers hooked on offshore fishing. They're most active during the cooler months, with schools showing up around structure and bait concentrations. Their distinctive spotted pattern and yellow highlights make them easy to identify in the fish box.
Hogfish round out the target list as one of the most prized table fish in Florida waters. These wrasse family members use their pig-like snouts to root through sandy bottoms
The 29' WorldCat center console cuts through Florida Keys waters with authority, designed specifically for serious offshore fishing pursuits. This stable platform handles the Atlantic Gulf Stream with confidence while pursuing mahi mahi and kingfish beyond the reefs. Built-in outriggers extend your trolling spread, while the fish finder pinpoints structure where snapper and grouper hold tight. The radar keeps you fishing safely when visibility drops, and GPS ensures precise navigation to productive fishing grounds. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during long runs. The spacious deck accommodates six anglers comfortably, with plenty of room for fighting fish and working multiple rods. Quality tackle storage and rod holders keep gear organized and ready. This boat delivers the performance needed for productive offshore fishing, whether you're trolling for pelagics or dropping baits on structure.
Scomberomorus RegalisCero Mackerel are the sleepers of the mackerel family - fast strikes, decent fights, and excellent table fare. Most run 5-10 pounds and are found year-round in 10-60 feet over our patch reefs and wrecks. They're not schooling fish like Spanish mackerel, usually traveling solo or in small groups. What guests appreciate is the sushi-grade meat - perfect for ceviche or sashimi if you're into that. They'll hit live bait, small spoons, and topwater plugs with aggressive strikes. The key difference from other mackerels is those bronze streaks along their sides and the yellow-orange spots. Here's my trick: use a light wire leader and keep your bait moving. Ceros have sharp eyes and will shy away from heavy tackle, but you need some protection from those razor teeth.
Lachnolaimus MaximusHogfish are probably the tastiest fish swimming these reefs, but they're also some of the trickiest to hook. Most run 2-8 pounds with that distinctive pig-like snout and bright orange coloring on males. You'll find them in 20-80 feet around hard bottom, coral heads, and ledges where they root around for crabs and shrimp. They're curious fish that'll often swim right up to the boat, but getting them to bite is another story. The meat is incredible - sweet, flaky, and worth every bit of effort. Many consider it better than grouper. They're year-round residents but seem more active in warmer months. My advice: use the smallest hook possible with live shrimp or small crabs. These fish have tiny mouths despite their size, and you need lightning-fast reflexes to set the hook.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are speed demons that'll test your drag system and your arms. We typically see fish from 15-40 pounds cruising the Gulf Stream edge in 60-150 feet of water. They're here year-round, but spring through fall offers the best action when baitfish are thick. What makes kingfish special is that blistering run when they first get hooked - nothing quite like it. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for the grill or smoker. These fish are opportunistic feeders, hitting everything from live bait to spoons and diving plugs. Here's the key: always use a wire leader because their razor teeth will slice through mono instantly. When trolling, keep your baits skipping on the surface - kings love to smash a frisky ballyhoo.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are what dreams are made of out here - brilliant gold and green colors that light up when they hit the boat. Most fish we catch run 10-30 pounds, though bulls can push 50+. They're surface dwellers, hanging around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges where the Gulf Stream meets cooler water. Best fishing is spring through fall when water temps hit 75+ degrees. What makes mahi special is everything - the colors, the acrobatic fight, and some of the best eating fish in the ocean. Sweet, firm white meat that's perfect for tacos or grilled. When you hook one, expect jumps and long runs. Pro tip: when you find one mahi, slow down and work the area thoroughly. They often travel in small schools, and you might boat several from the same spot.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are some of the strongest fighters you'll encounter on these reefs. Most fish run 5-15 pounds, but we see plenty in the 20+ range around our local ledges and wrecks. They hang out in 60-300 feet, loving hard bottom structure where they can ambush crabs and smaller fish. The rusty red color with white spots makes them easy to identify. What guests love most is the fight - these fish will try to get back to their hole the second they're hooked, so you need to muscle them up quick. The meat is fantastic too, sweet and flaky. Pro tip: when you feel that thump-thump bite, set the hook hard and keep steady pressure. If you let them get slack line, they'll wrap you around the structure every time.
5.0 out of 5.0Had a fabulous experience with Captain Steve. Our original booking had to be cancelled due to bad weather, but Steve and Zoe were ...
This was the best outing I could have planned, Zoe is absolutely a gem of a person and taught our group so much!!! I already recom...
Key Largo, FL