Offshore Sportfishing Beyond Key Largo
Picture this: you're thirty miles out from Key Largo, the crystal blue water stretching endlessly in every direction, and your rod suddenly bends double as something massive hits your bait. That's exactly what you're signing up for with Local Grown Charters. Captain Andrew and his crew know these offshore waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish that'll have you talking about this trip for years to come. Whether you choose the 6-hour or 8-hour option, you're getting a full day of big-game action with room for up to four anglers – perfect for couples or small groups who want that personal touch without the crowd.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts early, which any serious angler knows is when the magic happens. Captain Andrew runs a tight ship, meaning you'll spend more time with lines in the water than most charters out there. The boat's equipped with top-shelf gear, but if you've got lucky rods or preferred reels, bring them along. We're talking serious offshore fishing here – not the kind where you sit around waiting for something to happen. The crew keeps things moving, constantly adjusting tactics based on what the fish are telling them. One minute you might be trolling ballyhoo for sailfish, the next you're pitching live bait to a school of mahi that just lit up the surface. The Atlantic waters off Key Largo are legendary for a reason, and you'll quickly understand why anglers travel from across the country to fish these productive grounds.
Trolling Tactics and Gear Setup
Out here, trolling is king, and Captain Andrew's got it dialed in. You'll be running a spread of four to six lines at different depths and distances, using everything from ballyhoo and bonito strips to high-speed lures that drive wahoo absolutely crazy. The boat's outfitted with quality Penn and Shimano reels spooled with braided line – because when a big king mackerel decides to make a blistering run, you need gear that won't let you down. Live bait fishing comes into play when conditions are right, especially when targeting sailfish or when the crew spots birds working bait schools. The waters here drop off quickly from the reef, putting you in 200 to 1,000 feet of water where the big pelagics cruise. GPS technology helps the crew navigate to proven fishing spots, but reading the water – looking for color changes, current breaks, and bird activity – that's where experience really pays off.
Customer Stories
"Our trip was so awesome two years ago. We came back to the Keys and knew Captain Andrew was a must. He did not disappoint! The weather was not on our side but we still caught a lot of fish and had fun. The captain is such a down to earth, nice guy. He does an excellent job explaining things. Constant moving to get fish off and new bait on. I highly recommend booking a trip on his boat - you will be very happy with your choice." - Tina Wojtalewicz
Species You'll Want to Hook
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of these waters, and for good reason. These acrobatic fighters average 6-8 feet long and put on an aerial show that'll get your heart pounding. Peak season runs from December through April, when cooler water temperatures bring them in close to the reef line. What makes sailfish special isn't just their size – it's their fighting spirit. They'll greyhound across the surface, tail-walk, and make blistering runs that'll test both your tackle and your skills. Most anglers practice catch and release with these magnificent fish, and Captain Andrew's crew knows exactly how to handle them for a quick, healthy release.
King Mackerel, or "smoker kings" as the locals call the big ones, are another target that keeps anglers coming back. These silver bullets can reach 40-50 pounds in these waters, and they're known for their initial scorching run that can peel off 200 yards of line before you know what hit you. Spring and fall are prime time, when the kings are feeding heavily on the abundant bait schools. They're also fantastic eating, so if you're looking to take some fish home for the grill, kings are your ticket. The crew knows the structure and temperature breaks where these fish hang out, often near wrecks and reef edges.
Mahi Mahi bring the color and the action that make offshore fishing so addictive. These brilliant gold and green fish are aggressive feeders and phenomenal fighters, known for their acrobatic jumps and bulldog determination. They travel in schools, so when you find one, you'll often find several. Peak season runs from spring through early fall, and they're attracted to floating debris, weed lines, and current edges. A 20-30 pound bull mahi is a fish you'll remember forever, and they're considered some of the best eating in the ocean.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep, capable of hitting trolled lures at 50+ mph with bone-jarring strikes. These torpedo-shaped predators can reach 30-60 pounds and are known for their incredible initial run. Winter months are typically best, when these fish move through the area following bait schools. Their razor-sharp teeth can slice through wire leaders, making them a challenging catch that requires the right tackle and technique. The meat is prized by many as the finest eating fish in the ocean.
Great Barracuda add an element of excitement with their aggressive nature and impressive size. These ambush predators can reach 4-5 feet and are known for their explosive strikes and aerial battles. They're year-round residents in these waters, often found around structure and reef edges. While not always targeted specifically, they're opportunistic feeders that'll smash a trolled lure or live bait with authority.
Bluefin Tuna represent the ultimate prize when they're in the area, typically during cooler months
5.0(1 Reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Key Largo, FL
Target trophy species like Mahi
