5.0(1 Reviews)3/4 Day Offshore Fishing in Florida Keys
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour offshore fishing targeting tuna and mahimahiSmall group experience with maximum four guests aboardFresh catch preparation and dining included during trip
When you're ready to get serious about fishing in the Florida Keys, this 6-hour offshore adventure with Noreaster Sport Fishing delivers the real deal. We're talking about heading way out where the water runs deep blue and the fish run big. This isn't some quick bay trip – you'll be targeting monsters like Goliath Grouper, Greater Amberjack, and Great Barracuda in their home turf. With just 4 anglers max, you get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to fight those heavy hitters without bumping into your buddy.
Your day starts early as we motor out past the reef line into blue water where the serious action happens. The ride out takes some time, but that's when you know you're heading to where the big boys live. Once we hit our first spot, it's game on. You'll be dropping heavy tackle down to structure where Goliath Grouper hang out, or working the current breaks where Amberjack school up. The Florida Keys offshore scene is legit – one minute you're bottom fishing for grouper, the next you're seeing a massive Cobia cruise by the boat. The crew knows these waters like their backyard and will put you on fish. Expect to work for your catch though – these aren't pond bass we're after.
We fish heavy here because we have to. You'll be using 50-80 pound tackle depending on what we're targeting. For Goliath Grouper, we're talking serious gear – heavy conventional reels with high line capacity and rods with backbone to pull these giants up from 100+ feet. Bottom rigs with circle hooks and live or cut bait get dropped right to the structure. For Amberjack, we'll often drift fish or anchor up on wrecks and reefs, using jigs or live bait. Barracuda love fast-moving lures, so we'll troll or cast spoons and plugs when they're around. The key is being ready to switch tactics fast – offshore fishing changes by the hour based on current, bait, and what's moving.
"Great day fishing!" - David
Goliath Grouper are the heavyweights of Florida Keys fishing, and they'll test every ounce of your strength and tackle. These behemoths can weigh several hundred pounds and live around ledges, wrecks, and deep structure. They're catch-and-release only, but the fight is legendary – imagine trying to pull a refrigerator up from 120 feet of water. Peak season runs from late summer through fall when they gather to spawn. The adrenaline rush of feeling one grab your bait and head straight back to the bottom is what offshore dreams are made of.
Greater Amberjack are pound-for-pound some of the strongest fish in the ocean. These golden torpedoes average 30-60 pounds but can push 100+. They school around wrecks and structure, and when you hook one, it's an instant drag-screaming run toward the bottom. Spring through early summer is prime time, and they're excellent table fare when caught in season. The initial run of a big AJ will have you questioning if your tackle is up to the task.
Great Barracuda are the speed demons of the flats and offshore waters. These toothy predators can stretch 4-6 feet and hit lures with explosive strikes that'll snap your head back. They're year-round residents in the Keys, but spring and fall bring the biggest fish close to shore. Their razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast strikes make every hookup exciting. They're also fantastic on light tackle if you want to feel every head shake and run.
Crevalle Jack might not win beauty contests, but they'll give you a workout you won't forget. These bulldogs average 10-30 pounds and fight way above their weight class. They travel in schools and when you find them, it's multiple hookups and chaos. They're year-round residents that love structure and bait schools. The way they pull with that broad, flat body makes them perfect for testing your endurance.
Cobia are the gentlemen of the offshore world – curious, intelligent, and great eating. These brown sharks (they're actually not sharks) cruise the surface and will often come right up to the boat to investigate. They average 20-50 pounds and are strong, steady fighters. Spring migration brings the best action, but residents are around year-round. They're one of the best eating fish in the ocean, and their curious nature makes for some exciting sight fishing opportunities.
This 6-hour offshore adventure puts you in the mix with some of the Atlantic's toughest fighters. With Noreaster Sport Fishing's local knowledge and a small group size, you're set up for success. Whether you're after the bragging rights of battling a Goliath Grouper or looking to fill the cooler with Amberjack and Cobia, this trip delivers the goods. The Florida Keys offshore fishery is world-class, and this is your chance to experience it the right way. Don't wait around – spots fill up fast, especially during peak season.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are brown sharks that aren't sharks - that single dorsal fin fools a lot of people. These solitary cruisers average around 30-50 pounds and make excellent table fare with firm, white meat. You'll spot them cruising reefs, wrecks, and around floating debris in 30-100 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May is prime time, especially during spawning season when they move shallow. What makes them special is they're sight-fishing targets - you actually see them swimming just under the surface. The fight is strong and steady, and they're one of the best eating fish out here. My go-to technique is bucktail jigs in 4-8 oz, but honestly, color doesn't matter much with these fish. The key is getting the bait in front of them when you see one cruising - they're curious and will usually investigate if you place it right.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jacks are the bulldogs of the flats - stocky, powerful fish that average 3-5 pounds but can hit 60. These brassy-colored fighters travel in schools and are famous for that distinctive watermelon smell when they're feeding. You'll find them everywhere from shallow grass beds to deeper reefs and wrecks. They love chasing baitfish to the surface, so watch for diving birds - that's your cue. Spring through fall is prime time when they're most active. What guests love is their pure power and stubborn fight - they just don't quit. They hit hard and stay bent all the way to the boat. Here's the trick: when you see birds working, cast past the school and retrieve fast. These fish are aggressive and love the chase, so don't be subtle. Silver spoons and topwater plugs work great, but keep it moving because they respond to speed and action.
Epinephelus ItajaraThese giants can hit 800 pounds and 8 feet long, making them the largest grouper in the Atlantic. You'll find them around shallow reefs, wrecks, and structures in 30-150 feet of water here in the Keys. They're solitary fish that love hanging near the bottom around coral and artificial reefs. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at hooking one. What makes them special is that massive first run - they'll try to drag you straight into the structure, so be ready. The fight is intense but usually short-lived. Remember, these are strictly catch and release - all harvest is prohibited. My tip: anchor close enough to the reef to get their attention, but far enough away to have a fighting chance of pulling them off before they break you off in the rocks.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the speed demons of the reef, hitting 35 mph in short bursts and growing up to 6 feet long. These silver torpedoes with razor-sharp teeth cruise shallow reefs, grass flats, and mangroves, but also roam the deeper blue water. They're visual hunters that hit fast and fight hard, though they don't have much stamina. What makes them fun is that aggressive strike and their tendency to jump when hooked. You'll find them year-round here, but spring and fall fishing is prime time. They're curious fish that often follow the boat, making them great for sight casting. Pro tip: use a wire leader and keep your bait moving fast - they love the chase. Once hooked, be ready for some spectacular jumps, and always use a landing net because those teeth can do serious damage if they're still green when you bring them aboard.
Seriola dumeriliAmberjacks are solid fighters that average around 39 pounds but can push over 100. These bluish-grey speedsters with that distinctive amber stripe love deeper water around wrecks, reefs, and drop-offs. You'll typically find them in 60-200 feet, though they'll move shallower during spring spawning season from April to May. What guests love is that brutal initial run and the way they use their broad sides to fight you all the way to the boat. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. The key to landing these guys is heavy tackle - 50 pound test minimum - because they'll make long, powerful runs. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse them. Let them make their runs and tire themselves out, because trying to muscle them up too fast usually ends with a straightened hook.
5.0 out of 5.0Great day fishing!
Marathon, FL