5.0(2 Reviews)Florida Keys Offshore Mahi and King Mackerel Fishing
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour offshore charter targets Mahi Mahi and King Mackerel29foot WorldCat accommodates six guests with complete tackle providedAll licenses, bait, meals and snacks included in charter rate
The Florida Keys offer some of the most productive offshore fishing in the world, and this 6-hour charter with Let it Ride Charters puts you right in the heart of the action. Captain Steve and his crew know these waters like the back of their hands, running anglers past the colorful reefs and into the deep blue Atlantic Gulf Stream where the big fish roam. You'll be fishing from a spacious 29-foot WorldCat center console that's rigged specifically for both trolling and bottom fishing, with room for up to six anglers to spread out and work the water comfortably. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a rod before, this trip is designed to put fish in the boat while you soak up the Keys' legendary fishing culture.
Your day starts with a ride through some of the most beautiful water you'll ever see, as the crew navigates past the famous Florida Keys reef system toward the Gulf Stream. The 29-foot WorldCat is built for this kind of fishing – stable enough to handle the open ocean swells and equipped with outriggers that let the crew spread multiple lines for maximum coverage. You'll spend your time alternating between trolling for pelagic species like mahi mahi and kingfish, then dropping down to the bottom structure for snapper and grouper. The best part? Everything's included – tackle, bait, licenses, and even sandwiches and snacks so you can stay focused on fishing instead of logistics. The crew handles all the rigging, navigation, and fish handling, leaving you free to enjoy the fight and the scenery.
This charter runs a mixed bag of techniques that maximize your shots at different species throughout the day. The crew starts by setting a trolling spread using both light and heavy tackle, running a combination of ballyhoo, lures, and live bait behind the outriggers and from the transom. When you hit floating sargassum weed lines or temperature breaks in the Gulf Stream, that's where the mahi mahi typically show up – often in schools that'll keep you busy for hours. The kingfish action usually happens along the reef edges and drop-offs, where these toothy speedsters patrol for baitfish. When it's time to target bottom species, the crew switches gears to vertical jigging and live bait fishing over known structure. The WorldCat's layout gives everyone room to work, whether you're fighting a screaming king mackerel on the surface or cranking up a hefty 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 Florida Keys offshore fishing, and for good reason. These electric-colored fighters typically show up around floating sargassum weed lines and debris in the Gulf Stream, often traveling in schools that can provide nonstop action. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit everything from ballyhoo to jigs, and once hooked, they put on an aerial show that'll have you reaching for your phone. The best mahi fishing usually runs from late spring through fall, with fish ranging from schoolie-sized "chickens" around 5-10 pounds up to hefty bulls that can push 40 pounds or more. What makes them special is their willingness to bite and their spectacular colors – that brilliant gold and green literally lights up when they're brought to the boat.
King mackerel are the speed demons of the reef, and hooking into a big "smoker" king is something you won't forget. These fish patrol the edges of the reef system and the first drop-off, where they ambush schools of ballyhoo, pilchards, and other baitfish. Kings are notorious for their blistering initial runs – a 30-pound king can peel off 200 yards of line in seconds, and the bigger fish will test both your drag system and your endurance. The peak season runs from fall through early spring, when cooler water temperatures bring the larger fish closer to shore. Kings are also excellent table fare when handled properly, making them a favorite target for anglers who want both the fight and a quality dinner.
Red grouper represent the bottom fishing opportunities on this trip, and they're one of the most sought-after species in Keys waters. These chunky fighters live around hard bottom structure, ledges, and artificial reefs where they ambush crabs, small fish, and anything else that ventures too close. Grouper fishing is all about precision – you need to get your bait right to the bottom and be ready for that distinctive "thump" when they grab it. Once hooked, they make a powerful run straight for their hole, so you've got to muscle them up quickly before they cut you off on the structure. Red grouper are prized for their firm, white meat and are considered one of the best eating fish in Florida waters.
Cero mackerel and hogfish round out the target list, each offering their own unique challenges. Ceros are smaller cousins to the kingfish but just as aggressive, often showing up around the near-shore reefs where they chase glass minnows and small ballyhoo. Hogfish are one of the more unusual species you might encounter – they're actually in the wrasse family and use their pig-like snouts to root around in the sand for crustaceans and mollus
This 29-foot WorldCat center console cuts through Florida Keys waters like a dream, delivering you and five friends to prime mahi and kingfish territory. Built for serious fishing, she's rigged with outriggers perfect for trolling the Gulf Stream and quality tackle for whatever's biting. The stable platform handles choppy offshore conditions while you work the lines, and the spacious deck gives everyone room to fight fish without getting tangled up. GPS and fish finder keep you on the hotspots, while the icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold under the Florida sun. Whether you're targeting dolphin in the stream or dropping baits on the reef for snapper, this boat gets you there ready to fish.
Scomberomorus RegalisCero mackerel are often called the best of the mackerel family for good reason - they're fast, feisty, and make excellent table fare. These torpedo-shaped fish with distinctive bronze stripes and yellow spots typically run 5-10 pounds and cruise the shallow reefs in 10-60 feet of crystal clear water. They're year-round residents here in the Keys, feeding on sardines, anchovies, and small baitfish around patch reefs and wrecks. What guests enjoy is their explosive surface strikes and quick runs, plus they're sushi-grade fish perfect for ceviche. Unlike their king mackerel cousins, they don't have the stamina for long fights but make up for it with speed and attitude. Key tip: use lighter leaders than you think - they've got sharp eyes and will shy away from heavy wire, but have razor teeth that'll cut you off if you go too light.
Lachnolaimus MaximusHogfish are one of our most prized reef species - they're like the pigs of the ocean with that distinctive snout they use to root around coral and sand for crabs and shellfish. These colorful wrasse typically run 2-8 pounds and can reach 3 feet long. You'll find them around hard bottom, coral heads, and rocky structure in 15-80 feet, often in small schools led by one dominant male. They're year-round residents but feed most actively during warmer months. What makes them special is the incredible table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that many consider better than grouper. They're also curious fish that'll swim right up to check you out. The challenge is their small mouth and quick strikes. Live shrimp or small crabs work best, and here's the secret: make some noise tapping on the hull - they're attracted to vibrations thinking it's feeding time.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are the speed demons of our offshore trips, hitting trolled baits at 30+ mph and peeling drag like nothing else. These silver rockets average 20-30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds during peak season. We find them cruising the 40-150 foot range along temperature breaks and current edges in the Gulf Stream. Spring through fall is prime time, especially when baitfish are thick. What guests love is that initial screaming run - pure adrenaline when a big king slams your bait. They're also excellent table fare with rich, flaky meat perfect for the grill. Here's the key: run a dual hook rig with wire leader since they'll bite your bait in half with those razor teeth. Keep your drag smooth and let them make that first run before applying pressure.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fish you'll catch out here - brilliant gold and green that puts on a light show when they hit the deck. These schooling fish average 15-25 pounds and love hanging under floating debris, weedlines, and around our offshore waters. We target them year-round, but spring through fall gives us the most consistent action. What makes them special is their acrobatic fight with multiple jumps, plus they're hands-down some of the best eating fish in the ocean - sweet, firm white meat that's perfect for any recipe. They travel in schools, so when we find one, we usually find several. The trick is keeping your bait skipping on the surface near any floating structure - they can't resist something that looks like a flying fish trying to escape.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are solid bottom fighters that'll test your arms and tackle. These rusty-red beauties with distinctive white spots typically run 5-10 pounds, though we've seen some push 20+ pounds on our deeper drops. They hang around rocky ledges, wrecks, and hard bottom in 20-150 feet of water. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they're most active feeding on crabs, shrimp, and smaller fish. What makes them special is that stubborn fight - they'll try to pull you straight down into their rocky hideouts. The meat is outstanding too, firm and sweet with a slight shellfish flavor from their diet. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and pump them up quickly - give them time to think and they'll wrap you around the nearest ledge.
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