Full Day Offshore Fishing in Florida Keys
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full day offshore fishing targeting deep-water species and pelagicsTarget Mahi, Tuna, sharks, wahoo, sailfish, and marlinSmall group experience with maximum 4 guests aboard
When you're ready to leave the shallow water behind and chase the big fish that cruise the deep blue, this full-day offshore trip with Noreaster Sport Fishing puts you right in the action. We're talking about heading out to where the Gulf Stream meets the Atlantic, where the water drops off into thousands of feet and the game fish get serious. This isn't your typical backcountry trip – we're going after pelagics that can strip line faster than you'd believe and bottom dwellers that'll make your arms burn. With just 4 anglers max, you get the personalized attention that makes all the difference when you're battling a fish of a lifetime.
Your day starts early because the best fishing happens when most folks are still hitting the snooze button. We'll motor out past the reef line where the water changes from that shallow Keys green to deep cobalt blue – that's when you know you're in fish country. The run takes about 45 minutes to an hour depending on where the fish have been showing up, but trust me, it's worth every minute once you see your first wahoo come screaming across the surface. We'll be working depths anywhere from 120 feet down to 800 feet or more, depending on what's biting. Some days we're trolling the drop-offs for speedsters like wahoo and mahi, other days we're dropping baits deep for those monster grouper and snappers that most people never get to see. The beauty of a full day is we can adjust our game plan based on what Mother Nature gives us.
We run a mix of techniques out here because variety is what keeps things interesting. For the pelagics, we'll have four or five lines out trolling at different depths – ballyhoo rigged on circle hooks, diving plugs that get down in the water column, and maybe some feathers if the tuna are around. The key is covering water and staying ready because when a wahoo decides to eat, it happens fast. For the deep-dropping, we're talking about sending down 2-3 pound weights with multiple hooks to get your bait right in front of those bottom fish. It's a different kind of fishing – more patient, more methodical – but when something big grabs hold 400 feet down, you'll understand why guys get addicted to it. All the tackle is provided, from the heavy conventional reels spooled with 50-80 pound test down to the terminal tackle that's proven to work in these waters.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, and they're what put the Florida Keys on the map for serious anglers. These fish are built like torpedoes and can hit 60 mph when they want to, which means when one takes your bait, you better hold on tight. They average 20-40 pounds out here, but 50-60 pounders show up regularly, especially during the cooler months from November through March. What makes wahoo so special isn't just their speed – it's their unpredictability. One minute you're trolling along enjoying the ride, the next minute your reel is screaming and 40 pounds of muscle is going airborne behind the boat. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean, with firm white meat that grills up perfect. The bite can happen any time of day, but early morning and late afternoon seem to be prime time when they're actively hunting.
Mahi-mahi are another crowd favorite because they're beautiful, they fight hard, and they often travel in schools. When you find one, there's usually more around, which can lead to some fast-paced action with multiple hookups. They love floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks, so we're always scanning the water for signs. These fish are acrobats – expect lots of jumping and head-shaking once you hook up. Blackfin tuna are smaller than their yellowfin cousins but pound for pound they're some of the strongest fish in the ocean. They school up and when you find them, you can catch them until your arms give out. For the deep-water stuff, we're targeting mutton snapper, yelloweye snapper, and sometimes grouper species that most people only see in fish markets. These bottom dwellers require patience but they're worth it – both for the fight and the dinner table.
This full-day offshore adventure gives you the best shot at experiencing everything the deep waters around the Florida Keys have to offer. With the small group size, you're not fighting for rod time or competing with a dozen other people for the captain's attention. Every angler gets their chance at the big fish, and we stay out there until we've given it our best shot. The combination of trolling for pelagics and deep-dropping for bottom fish means you're always fishing, always learning, and always one cast away from the fish of a lifetime. Whether you're an experienced offshore angler or someone ready to step up from the shallow water game, this trip delivers the kind of fishing that keeps people coming back to the Keys year after year. Don't wait too long to book – the good weather windows fill up fast, especially during prime wahoo season.
Marathon, FL