Full Day Key West Fishing – Out West
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day inshore fishing targeting multiple species near Key WestEquipment and licenses provided for up to four guestsTarget grouper, snapper, tuna, and triggerfish with expert guides
Picture yourself casting lines in some of the most productive fishing waters off Key West, where the Gulf meets the Atlantic and creates a perfect storm of fishing opportunities. This full-day adventure with Off The Rock Charters takes you "out west" to where the big fish hang out, away from the crowds and into waters that consistently produce trophy catches. You'll have up to 12 hours to work the best spots, giving you plenty of time to dial in your technique and put some serious fish in the boat. We're talking about targeting species like Cobia, Yellowtail, Mutton Snapper, Black Grouper, and if conditions are right, maybe even an Atlantic Sailfish. The boat holds four anglers max, so you're not fighting for rail space or waiting your turn to fish prime spots.
We'll be running out to the western edges of Key West where the water structure creates natural fish highways. Think ledges, wrecks, and drop-offs that hold bait and attract predators. The boat leaves early – usually around sunrise – to maximize your time on productive water. Your captain knows these spots like the back of his hand and will adjust the game plan based on what's biting. Some days we'll be bottom fishing for grouper and snapper, other days we might pull baits for cobia or work the edges for sailfish. The beauty of a full day is flexibility – if one technique isn't producing, we've got time to switch it up and find what's working. All your tackle, bait, and fishing licenses are handled, so you just need to bring your appetite for fishing, plus food and drinks for the day since meals aren't included.
Out west of Key West, we fish differently depending on what we're chasing. For bottom species like grouper and snapper, we'll anchor up on structure and drop heavy tackle with circle hooks and chunk bait. The current can rip through here, so we're talking 8-12 ounce sinkers and 50-80 pound tackle to keep baits down where the fish live. When we're sight fishing for cobia, it's a whole different game – lighter spinning gear with live bait or jigs, ready to make quick casts to cruising fish. For sailfish, we'll pull a spread of baits at different depths, watching the riggers and waiting for that telltale tap-tap-tap. Your captain will have everything rigged and ready, but don't be afraid to ask questions about the setup. Understanding why we're using certain techniques in specific spots will make you a better angler and help you enjoy the experience even more.
Cobia are the cowboys of Key West waters – big, brown, and always looking for trouble. These fish cruise the surface near rays and sharks, and when you spot one, your heart starts pounding. They can push 40-50 pounds and fight like they're twice that size. Spring through early summer is prime time, when they're moving through in numbers. What makes cobia so special is the sight fishing aspect – you actually see them before you cast, which adds a whole hunting element to the fishing.
Yellowtail Amberjack, or "AJ" as we call them, are pure muscle wrapped in yellow and silver. These fish live around wrecks and structure, and when you hook one, you know it immediately. They'll make blistering runs and try to cut you off on whatever structure they can find. A good Key West AJ runs 20-40 pounds, with bigger fish always possible. They bite year-round but really turn on during the cooler months when bait schools up around their haunts.
Mutton Snapper are the smartest fish in the ocean, hands down. They've got incredible eyesight and will inspect your bait like a jeweler examining diamonds. But when you fool one, especially a big "muttonhead" over 10 pounds, it's pure satisfaction. These fish are gorgeous – pink and silver with that distinctive black spot – and they're absolutely delicious. Night fishing or low-light periods give you the best shot at the big ones, as they become less spooky when the sun goes down.
Black Grouper are the bulldogs of the reef, living in caves and ledges where they ambush anything that swims by. A 20-pound black grouper will test your tackle and your technique, trying to get back to its hole before you can stop it. These fish are built for power, not speed, and the fight is all about leverage and keeping them off the bottom. They're most active during the warmer months and provide some of the best eating you'll find in these waters.
Atlantic Sailfish are the bonus fish that can turn a great day into an legendary one. When conditions line up – usually with a good current and bait around – these speedsters move through the area and provide some of the most exciting fishing you can imagine. Watching a sailfish light up and attack a bait, then greyhound across the surface, is something every angler needs to experience. They're primarily a winter fishery here, but you never know when one might show up to crash the party.
A full day fishing out west of Key West with Off The Rock Charters gives you the time and opportunity to experience world-class fishing without the crowds. You'll work productive water with an experienced captain who knows how to put you on fish, using proven techniques and quality tackle. Whether you're after a trophy for the wall or fresh fish for dinner, this trip delivers the goods. The four-person limit means personalized attention and plenty of fishing time for everyone aboard. These are the kinds of fishing memories that last a lifetime – the ones you'll be talking about years from now. Don't wait around hoping for the perfect day; book your spot and let's go make it happen on the water.
Get ready to chase some serious fish aboard this sleek 34-foot Yellowfin center console! Twin 300HP Suzuki four-strokes will power you to Key West's hottest fishing spots where Grouper, Snapper, Tuna, and Triggerfish are waiting. This beauty comes loaded with all the essentials – fish finder to locate your targets, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus an icebox to keep your drinks ice-cold under the Florida sun. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 4 anglers with plenty of room to fight those big ones. There's even a head onboard for those long days on the water. All your tackle and licenses are covered, so just bring your appetite for adventure and pack some snacks. Whether you're after bottom fish or pelagics, this rig will get you there and back in style!
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the speed demons of the deep - reaching up to 10 feet long with that massive dorsal fin that looks like a sail. Most run around 7 feet and 50 pounds, but they can hit 140+ if you're really lucky. You'll find them in 30-65 feet of water over blue water, though they'll dive deeper when hunting. Winter months are prime time here in the Keys when they migrate through following warm water. What makes them special is the fight - they're acrobatic jumpers that'll leap repeatedly, trying to throw the hook. The speed and aerial show is what guests remember most. They hunt in schools, using their sails to herd baitfish. Pro tip: when you get a bite, don't set the hook right away. Let them run with it first, then when they stop, that's your time to set and hold on tight.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the bulldogs of the reef - thick, powerful fish that'll test your gear once hooked. Most average around 2 feet, but they can reach 5 feet and over 100 pounds. You'll find them around wrecks, ledges, and rocky bottom from 30 feet in winter up to 300 feet in summer. They're ambush predators that use structure to hunt, so expect a tough fight straight down to the rocks. What guests love is the challenge and the payoff - they're excellent eating with mild, firm meat. Winter months bring them shallower and more aggressive. They're not picky about bait, but they don't nibble - when they hit, they inhale it whole. Key tip: the second you feel that thump, start cranking hard. You've got to get their head up quick before they dive back into the rocks and break you off.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are dark brown fish that often get mistaken for sharks due to their single dorsal fin. Most run around 6 feet and 100 pounds - they're strong, aggressive predators that put up a solid fight. You'll typically find them cruising shallow waters around 30 feet, often near reefs, wrecks, or any structure. Spring through fall is prime time when they move into our waters for spawning. What makes them special is they're usually solitary, so spotting one is exciting, plus they're excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat. Best technique is sight fishing - look for their dark shadow just under the surface. My tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse it. They'll try to wrap you around structure, so work them away from cover first.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snappers are beautiful pinkish fish with blue streaks around their face - easy to spot when you bring them up from the depths. Most run around 20 inches, but they can hit 37 inches and 34 pounds if you're lucky. You'll find them around reefs and structure, typically between 130-230 feet, though they'll come shallower near mangroves and inlets. They're solid fighters for their size and make excellent table fare. Spring through summer is prime time when they're more active on the reefs. What makes them fun to target is they respond well to chumming and will come up to investigate. My go-to tip: use the freshest bait you can get on a light knocker rig, and let it drift naturally in the current. They're picky eaters, so presentation matters.
Seriola LalandiYellowtails are fast, powerful fish with bright yellow fins that'll test your tackle. Most run 15-25 pounds, but you might hook into a 40-pounder if you're lucky. They're strong swimmers that love deeper water around kelp beds and rocky reefs. Summer months are best when coastal waters warm up - that's when they move closer to shore. What guests love is the fight - these fish are known for long, powerful runs and won't give up easy. The meat is prized for sushi, so they're great eating too. They'll hit live bait better than anything artificial. Pro tip: use heavy tackle and don't rush the fight. Let them run when they want to, but keep them away from the rocks or they'll cut your line for sure.
Key West, FL