6-Hour Fishing Trip - Key West, FL
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
6-hour offshore fishing trip accommodates up to 6 guestsCaptain Joe provides ice and water for comfort and catch preservationExtended duration offers more fishing time than shorter 4-hour options
When you're serious about putting fish in the cooler, Captain Joe's 6-hour offshore charter gives you the real deal. This isn't some rushed tourist ride - you get proper fishing time to work the waters around Key West where the Gulf meets the Atlantic. With ice and water on board, your catch stays fresh while you stay hydrated under the Florida sun. Six anglers max means everyone gets their shots at the good stuff without fighting for rail space.
Captain Joe knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's not shy about sharing what works. You'll head out to his proven spots where the bottom structure holds fish year-round. The boat's rigged with quality gear, but feel free to bring your own setup if you've got favorites. Expect to work different depths and techniques throughout the day - from bottom fishing for grouper to trolling for mahi when conditions are right. The extra two hours compared to shorter trips means you can really dial in what's working instead of rushing back to the dock just when the bite heats up.
You'll be bottom fishing with live and cut bait most of the day, targeting structure that holds snapper and grouper. Captain Joe runs a mix of heavy tackle for the deep stuff and medium gear when working mid-water columns. Live pilchards and sardines are killer for snapper, while chunk baits get the grouper fired up. When mahi are around, expect to troll ballyhoo or switch to spinning gear for sight fishing. The boat's equipped with quality circle hooks, sinkers, and terminal tackle. Just remember Florida regulations are strict on reef fish, so Captain Joe keeps current on seasons, sizes, and bag limits.
Grey Snapper are the bread and butter out here, and they're biting year-round in 40-80 feet of water. These guys are smart - they'll test your drag and head straight for structure when hooked. Most fish run 2-5 pounds, but don't be surprised when a 10-pounder shows up. They're excellent table fare and always a crowd pleaser.
Red Grouper hang around ledges and hard bottom in 60-120 feet. These fish fight dirty, trying to bury you in the rocks the second they feel steel. They're chunky, powerful fish that can go 5-20 pounds on average. Red grouper season runs May through December, and they're some of the best eating fish in these waters.
Mahi Mahi are the wild cards that make every trip exciting. When you find floating debris or weed lines, these fish show up in packs. They're acrobatic fighters that'll jump and run, putting on a real show. Most mahi here run 5-15 pounds, with occasional bulls pushing 30. Their season peaks spring through fall, and the meat is absolutely primo.
Mutton Snapper are the bruisers of the snapper family, often running 5-15 pounds around Key West's deeper reefs. They're spooky fish that require finesse, but when you hook one, you know it. These fish have serious pulling power and great table quality. They're most active during warmer months.
Black Grouper are the heavyweights you dream about. These fish can push 50+ pounds and fight like they mean it. They live around deeper structure and require heavy tackle to turn them away from the rocks. Black grouper season mirrors red grouper, and landing one is always a trip highlight.
Six hours gives you real fishing time without the rush, and Captain Joe's local knowledge puts you on fish consistently. The boat stays comfortable with just six anglers, so everyone gets their chance at the action. Ice and water are covered, but don't forget that 20% tip - it's standard for charter fishing and shows you appreciate good service. Book early, especially during peak season when the best captains fill up fast. This trip delivers the goods for both serious anglers and families looking to experience Key West's world-class offshore fishing.
This fishing-ready motorboat is built for serious anglers heading into Key West's productive offshore waters. With room for up to 6 guests, she's equipped with everything you need for a successful day chasing mahi, tuna, and whatever else is biting out there. The fish finder will help locate schools while the GPS keeps you on the best spots Captain Joe knows. When visibility drops or weather moves in, the radar system ensures safe navigation back to port. Between fighting fish, you can stay comfortable with the onboard multimedia system. The boat handles the Gulf Stream swells like a champ, giving you a stable platform whether you're trolling the blue water or bottom fishing the reefs. With 6 hours on the water, you'll have plenty of time to work different techniques and put some quality fish in the cooler with all that ice Captain Joe provides.
Mycteroperca BonaciThese are the heavyweights of the reef - thick, powerful fish that'll humble even experienced anglers. Most we catch run 15-25 pounds, but the giants can hit 50+ and feel like you're pulling up a submarine. They live around ledges, wrecks, and deep reefs from 30-200 feet, moving shallower in winter months. What makes them special is that raw power and excellent eating - mild, firm meat that's always in demand. The fight is legendary - they'll bulldoze straight down trying to break you off on the rocks. Bring heavy tackle: 80-pound braid minimum and a reel with serious drag. Once you hook up, horse them up immediately. Give them any slack and they'll wrap you around the structure and it's game over.
Epinephelus MorioThese rust-colored bruisers are some of the hardest fighting fish we target. Most average 5-10 pounds, but the big ones can hit 20+ and will test every ounce of your drag. We find them around rocky bottom, ledges, and wrecks in 20-100 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime time when they move shallower to feed. What makes them special is that incredible fight - they'll bulldoze straight down trying to cut your line on the rocks. Plus, the meat is outstanding - firm, white, and sweet with that slight shellfish taste. My tip: once you hook up, crank hard immediately. Don't give them an inch or they'll wrap you around the structure below. Heavy tackle is a must - 50+ pound braid and keep that drag tight.
Lutjanus AnalisThese pink beauties are the prize of the reef - bigger than most snappers and they fight like freight trains. They average 15-20 inches but can push 30+ and weigh over 20 pounds. We target them around coral heads, wrecks, and sandy patches near reefs in 30-150 feet. Spring spawning season brings the big ones shallow, making it our best time. What sets muttons apart is their size and that gorgeous pink color that gets brighter as they come up. The meat's sweet and firm - restaurant quality for sure. Key technique: use a knocker rig with fresh bait and let it drift naturally in the current. These fish are smart, so fresh bait and light presentations are critical. Once hooked, they'll make a powerful run for the bottom.
Coryphaena HippurusThese are the most colorful fighters in the ocean - brilliant gold and green that flash like neon when they jump. Most run 15-30 pounds out here, but we hook into some real bulls that'll go 40+. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 100+ feet of blue water. Spring through fall is our best season when they follow the warm currents north. Guests go crazy for mahi because they jump, run, and put on a real show. The meat's fantastic too - firm, mild, and perfect on the grill. Pro tip: when you see one, there's usually more underneath. Get that first fish in the boat quick and keep a second line ready. They travel in schools and once you find them, it can be game on for multiple hookups.
Lutjanus GriseusAlso called Mangrove Snapper, these guys are smart and tasty. Most run 10-14 inches around here, but we see some chunky 3-4 pounders that'll surprise you. They hang around docks, wrecks, and mangrove edges in 10-40 feet, always looking for an easy meal. Being nocturnal hunters, dawn and dusk fishing works best, though they bite all day if you're patient. Guests love them because they're great eating - white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They're also sneaky fighters that'll test your skills. Here's the key: use the lightest weight possible with live shrimp hooked through the tail. Let it sit still on bottom, then lift it just off the structure. Too much movement spooks these wary fish, so patience pays off.
Key West, FL