8-Hour Fishing Trip - Key West, FL
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8hour offshore fishing trip accommodates up to 6 guestsAccess remote fishing spots unreachable by slower vesselsMultiple fishing techniques with provided gear, bait, and chum
When you're looking to get serious about offshore fishing in the Keys, this full-day charter with Captain Joe is exactly what you need. This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're barely getting warmed up before heading back to the dock. Eight hours on the water means we're going places that the shorter trips just can't reach, and you'll be fishing waters where the big ones live. With only six anglers max, you get plenty of room to work and Captain Joe's full attention when the fish are biting. The boat's built for speed and comfort, so we can cover serious ground and still have you fishing in style.
Captain Joe runs a tight ship, and that means you're getting the full treatment from the moment we clear the harbor. We're talking extra ice to keep your catch fresh, plenty of chum to bring the fish in close, and all the bait you can use. The tackle box is fully stocked, but if you've got your lucky rod, bring it along. The beauty of an 8-hour trip is the flexibility – we can try multiple spots, switch up techniques when the bite slows down, and really dial in what's working. Some days that means starting with live bait for sailfish, then switching to trolling for mahi, and finishing up on the bottom for grouper. Joe reads the water like a book, so you're always fishing where the action is hottest.
Out here in Key West waters, variety is the name of the game. We'll be running multiple rods with different setups depending on what we're targeting. For the pelagics like mahi and sailfish, we're talking trolling with outriggers, running ballyhoo and lures at different depths and speeds. When we mark fish on the bottom machine, we're dropping down with heavy tackle for those deep-water grouper that love the wrecks and ledges. Live bait fishing is huge here too – nothing beats a frisky pilchard or goggle-eye when the fish are finicky. Joe's got all the gear dialed in, from the light spinning tackle for pompano to the heavy stuff for when a big fish decides to test your drag. The boat's rigged with proper fighting chairs and gimbals, so when you hook into something substantial, you've got the setup to land it.
Mahi mahi are the bread and butter of Key West offshore fishing, and these fish are pure excitement on the line. They hit hard, jump high, and put on a show that'll have everyone on the boat cheering. Most of the ones we're seeing this season are running 15 to 30 pounds, with the occasional bull that'll push 40 or more. Best part about mahi is they're almost always around – spring through fall they're thick out there, especially around floating debris and weed lines. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean, so you're looking at dinner and a fight all in one package.
Snowy grouper are the deep-water prize that keeps serious anglers coming back. These guys live in 300 to 600 feet of water around the wrecks and rocky bottom, and they can get massive – we're talking fish that'll go 20, 30, even 50 pounds if you're lucky. They're not the flashiest fighters, but they'll test your tackle with that stubborn, head-shaking battle that grouper are famous for. Winter months are prime time for snowies, when they move up from the deeper water to feed. Land one of these and you've got bragging rights and some of the finest white meat in the sea.
African pompano are the sleeper hit that most anglers don't expect. These fish are built like silver bullets and fight way above their weight class. They're not huge – most run 10 to 25 pounds – but they'll strip line off your reel like they're twice that size. They show up around structure and in blue water, often when you're targeting something else entirely. The locals know these fish are special, both for the fight and the table fare. They're not as common as mahi, which makes landing one feel extra rewarding.
Mutton snapper are the inshore/offshore crossover fish that can really make your day. These beautiful fish with their distinctive red coloring and big eyes are smart, spooky, and absolutely delicious. They hang around the reef edges and wrecks in 60 to 150 feet, and they require some finesse to hook up. Live bait and light leaders are usually the ticket, and when you hook one, they'll make several strong runs before giving up. Spring and summer are prime time, and a good mutton in the 5 to 15 pound range is a prize catch that any local angler respects.
Atlantic sailfish are the glamour species that turn a good trip into a legendary one. These are the fish that fishing magazines are made of – 6 to 8 feet of pure athleticism that'll jump, tail-walk, and put on an aerial display you'll never forget. Winter months bring the best sailfish action to Key West, when the Gulf Stream pushes closer to shore and the bait schools are thick. Most of our sails run 40 to 80 pounds, and while they're primarily catch-and-release fish, the photos and memories last forever. There's nothing quite like watching a sail come up behind your bait, lighting up with those electric blue stripes before crushing your offering.
This is the kind of fishing trip that separates the serious anglers from the casual tourists. Eight hours with Captain Joe means you're getting the full Keys offshore experience – multiple species, varied techniques, and enough time on the water to really make it count. The boat only takes six people, so you're not fighting for space or waiting your turn when the action heats up. Don't forget to factor in that 20% tip for the captain –
This motorboat is built for serious offshore fishing around Key West's deep waters. With room for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work multiple lines and fight those big fish without bumping elbows. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while GPS navigation keeps you on productive spots and gets you back to the marina safely. When morning fog rolls in or weather kicks up, the radar system ensures you can navigate confidently in low visibility conditions. Captain Joe stocks the boat with extra ice to keep your catch fresh, plus backup bait, chum, and fishing gear so you're covered no matter what's biting. The multimedia system keeps things entertaining during longer runs to the fishing grounds. This fast vessel opens up fishing areas that slower boats simply can't reach in an 8-hour window, giving you access to different species and fishing techniques throughout the day. Whether you're targeting mahi, tuna, or bottom fish, this setup handles it all.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the ultimate gamefish - built for speed with that massive dorsal fin and sword-like bill. These 6-8 foot fish average 40-60 pounds and are absolute acrobats when hooked. Winter months, especially December through March, are prime time when they move through our waters following baitfish. You'll find them near the surface in 80-400 feet, often working weedlines and temperature breaks. What makes them special is the fight - they'll jump repeatedly, make long runs, and show off that sail. It's pure adrenaline. Most folks release them since they're not great eating compared to other species. Here's the key: when trolling with ballyhoo or teasers, be patient. Let them eat the bait completely before setting the hook. Rush it and they'll throw the bait every time.
Coryphaena HippurusThese colorful beauties are what dreams are made of - bright golden sides with electric blue and green that shift colors like a light show when you bring them up. Most run 15-30 pounds, but we've seen them push 50+ pounds out here. They love floating debris and weedlines in 100-400 feet of water, especially spring through fall when the Gulf Stream pushes closer. What makes them special? They fight hard, jump like crazy, and taste amazing grilled fresh. The meat's firm and sweet - perfect for tonight's dinner. My trick: when you hook one, keep your eyes peeled for others. Mahi travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. We'll troll ballyhoo or pitch live bait to the school.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are one of the prettiest fish we target - olive-green fading to pink with distinctive blue lines around the eyes and a black spot on each side. Most run 5-15 pounds, but 20+ pounders are out there. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and rocky structure in 25-150 feet, often mixed in sandy areas near cover. Spring and summer are prime time when they're most active. What guests love is they're great fighters for their size and absolutely delicious - sweet, firm meat that's perfect for the table. They can be finicky though, so fresh bait is key. My go-to trick: use a knocker rig with fresh shrimp or squid, keep your weight light, and let it drift naturally in the current. When you see that pink color coming up through the water, you know you've got one.
Alectis CiliarisAfrican pompano are one of our most unique targets - silvery, diamond-shaped fish from the jack family that put up a serious scrap. Juveniles have long, flowing filaments that disappear as they grow into 20-50 pound adults. You'll find them anywhere from 30 to 250 feet, usually cruising near structure or over sandy bottom. They're year-round residents but seem most active during warmer months when baitfish are thick. What makes them special is their speed and power - these fish can really run when hooked. Plus, they're curious about shiny, moving objects, so jigs work great alongside live bait. The fight is what keeps people coming back - they're fast and strong. Here's the deal: when you see one, work fast. They travel in small groups and don't stick around long.
Epinephelus Snowy grouper are the deep-water prize that makes the long drops worth it. These copper-brown beauties with white spots typically run 20-40 pounds, though 50+ pounders show up regularly. They live way down on rocky bottom in 300-600 feet - that's serious deep dropping territory. Season runs May through August, and they're aggressive biters once you find them. What guests love is the anticipation - you never know if it's a 15-pounder or a true giant down there. The meat is top-shelf eating, firm and sweet. One fish per boat limit makes each one count. Pro tip: use whole squid or bonito strips on a chicken rig with 5-pound lead. When you feel that thump, don't hesitate - set that hook hard and start cranking. Electric reels help, but some folks prefer the workout.
Key West, FL