6 Hour Key West Wreck Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
6hour wreck fishing charter targeting grouper and snapperEquipment and fishing licenses included with charter bookingSmall group experience accommodating up to 4 guests
Looking for some serious bottom fishing action in Key West? Off The Rock Charters knows exactly where the fish are stacked up on the offshore wrecks. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking six full hours of prime fishing time over some of the most productive artificial reefs and shipwrecks in the Florida Keys. You'll be targeting heavyweight species that call these underwater structures home, and trust me, they fight like they mean it. Pack your cooler with snacks and drinks because we're staying out there until the fish box is full.
We'll head out early to beat the crowds and get first crack at the best spots. These Key West wrecks aren't just random piles of metal – they're fish magnets that have been building up marine life for decades. The captain knows every wreck, every ledge, and every piece of structure that holds fish. You'll be fishing in depths ranging from 60 to 200 feet, depending on conditions and what's biting best that day. The boat comes fully rigged with quality rods, reels, tackle, and everything you need to land dinner. Your fishing license is covered too, so just show up ready to fish. With only four anglers max, there's plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up with your buddies.
Wreck fishing is all about precision and patience. We'll anchor up current from the structure and drop heavy jigs and cut bait right into the strike zone. The key is getting your bait down fast before the current sweeps it away from the wreck. We use circle hooks and heavy sinkers to punch through the water column and get into the fish zone quickly. Live pinfish and small grunts work great when we can get them, but fresh cut bait like sardines and squid will put fish in the boat too. The captain will adjust tactics based on what's working – sometimes it's vertical jigging, other times it's fishing live bait on the bottom. Every wreck fishes a little different, and that's what makes it so interesting.
Mahi Mahi might seem like an odd target for wreck fishing, but these beautiful fish often cruise the current lines around offshore structure. When they show up, it's game on – they hit hard and jump like crazy. Peak season runs from April through September when the Gulf Stream pushes closer to shore. A good-sized mahi will go 15-25 pounds and provide some of the best eating you'll find in these waters. They travel in schools, so when you hook one, there's usually more around.
Cobia are the wreck fishing prize that keeps anglers coming back. These brown sharks of the reef cruise around wrecks looking for an easy meal, and they're not shy about eating a well-presented bait. Spring migration from March to May is prime time, when big fish in the 30-50 pound range move through the Keys. They're curious fish that will often come up to investigate the boat, giving you a shot at sight fishing. Cobia are fantastic on the table and put up a strong, steady fight that will test your drag.
Yellowtail Amberjack are year-round residents on the deeper wrecks, and they're absolute bulldogs once hooked. These fish will try to wrap you around every piece of structure they can find, so you need to muscle them up quick. Most of the fish we catch run 15-40 pounds, with some real bruisers pushing 50-plus. They're aggressive feeders that respond well to both live bait and jigs. The meat is excellent when bled properly and kept on ice.
Blackfin Tuna are speed demons that show up around the wrecks when baitfish are thick. These smaller cousins of the yellowfin rarely get over 20 pounds, but they make up for size with pure speed and stamina. They're perfect for light tackle fishing and provide sashimi-quality meat. Peak action usually happens during the cooler months from November through March. When a school moves in, you can catch them as fast as you can drop a jig.
Atlantic Sailfish are the bonus fish that can make your whole trip. While not technically wreck fish, they patrol the edges of the structure looking for baitfish getting pushed around by the current. Peak sailfish season runs from December through April, and even a small sail will give you a jumping, tail-walking fight you'll never forget. Most of the sails we encounter are released to fight another day, but they're absolutely beautiful fish and a real treat to catch.
Six hours on the water gives you enough time to hit multiple spots and really dial in what's working. The wrecks around Key West are some of the most consistent fishing you'll find in South Florida, and Off The Rock Charters has the local knowledge to put you on fish. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just want to experience some world-class wreck fishing, this trip delivers. The boat limit is just four anglers, so spots fill up fast during peak season. Don't wait around – book your trip today and get ready for some serious bottom fishing action on the best wrecks Key West has to offer.
Your fishing adventure starts aboard a sleek 34-foot Yellowfin center console that's built for serious angling in Key West waters. Twin 300HP Suzuki four-stroke engines deliver the power to reach productive wreck sites where grouper and snapper call home. The spacious deck gives all four anglers plenty of room to work while the advanced fish finder helps locate schools hiding around underwater structures. When the bite gets hot, the onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold. GPS and radar systems ensure safe navigation to the best fishing spots, even when visibility drops. After hours of battling fish over wrecks, you'll appreciate having a head onboard for comfort. This center console design puts you right in the action - perfect for dropping lines on triggerfish, tuna, and whatever else is biting around Key West's famous wreck sites.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the crown jewel of offshore fishing - 7-foot long speed demons with that massive dorsal fin that gives them their name. Most average 40-60 pounds, but they can push 100+. Winter months in Key West are prime time when they cruise our waters in 80-300 feet, hunting baitfish along current lines and drop-offs. What makes them legendary? Pure acrobatics. These fish will jump, tailwalk, and put on a show that'll have everyone on the boat whooping. They're built for speed, hitting 30+ mph in short bursts. My secret: when teasing one up, wait for the fish to fully commit before setting the hook. Too many people get excited and pull the bait away just as the sail is about to eat.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfins are the smallest tuna we target, but don't let that fool you - they pack serious fight into their 10-30 pound frames. These dark-bodied speedsters with distinctive yellow highlights love our offshore waters year-round, but autumn through spring brings the best numbers. You'll find them in 100-300 feet of water, often mixed with skipjacks and bonitos. They're fantastic on the table - rich, red meat that's perfect for searing or sashimi. What makes blackfins special is their sharp eyesight and finicky nature. Here's the key: scale down your tackle. Use 30-pound fluorocarbon leaders and smaller 5/0 circle hooks. These fish will spook from heavy tackle, but present them a clean bait and they'll reward you with screaming runs.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are curious brown sharks lookalikes that average 20-40 pounds, though they can reach 6 feet and 100+ pounds. You'll often spot them cruising just under the surface around wrecks, reefs, and buoys in 30-70 feet of water. Spring migration and summer months are best, especially May through August when they're spawning. What guests love about cobia? They're aggressive fighters and absolutely delicious - firm, white meat that rivals any fish on the menu. Since they're usually solo travelers, sight fishing is key. My tip: when you see one, get a bucktail jig in front of it quickly. Cobia are curious and will often follow the boat, giving you multiple chances if you stay calm and don't spook them.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll see out here, with brilliant gold sides and electric blue-green backs that light up like a neon sign when they're hooked. They average 15-29 pounds but can get much bigger. You'll find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 100-400 feet of water. Spring through fall are prime months when water temps hit 70°F+. What makes them special? They fight hard, jump repeatedly, and make fantastic table fare with sweet, firm white meat. Here's a local trick: when you spot one mahi, slow down and work the area thoroughly. They often travel in small groups, so where there's one, there's usually more nearby.
Seriola LalandiYellowtails are built for speed and power, with their bright yellow fins and sleek silver bodies. Most run 15-25 pounds, but 40+ pounders show up regularly around our deeper reefs and wrecks. They hang near the bottom in 60-200 feet, especially around structure like ledges and artificial reefs. Warmer months bring the best action when they move into our waters. These fish are prized for their sushi-grade meat and their ability to test your drag system. They'll make long, powerful runs that'll have your arms burning. Pro tip: use live bait when possible and don't horse them too hard on the initial run. Let them tire themselves out, or they'll wrap you up in the reef and break you off every time.
Key West, FL