Full Day Offshore Fishing Trip in Long Key
Captain Angel knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to show you why Long Key's offshore grounds are some of the most productive in the Florida Keys. This isn't your typical half-day run to the reef – we're talking about a serious offshore adventure that takes you up to 40 miles out into the deep blue, where the big fish live and the action stays hot all day long. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to break your personal best or a seasoned angler wanting to explore new territory, this charter delivers the kind of fishing that keeps you coming back for more.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day kicks off at 7:00 AM sharp from Long Key, giving you the best shot at finding fish before the afternoon heat settles in. Captain Angel runs a pristine 32' Contender that's built for comfort and performance – this boat handles the offshore chop like a dream and gets you to the fishing grounds fast. You've got your choice between a 6-hour or 8-hour trip, depending on how deep you want to go and how much water you want to cover. The boat comfortably handles up to six anglers, so whether you're bringing the whole crew or keeping it intimate with just a few buddies, there's plenty of room to fish without getting in each other's way. Everything's included in your charter fee – tackle, bait, licenses, snacks, and drinks – plus Captain Angel handles all the fish cleaning at the end of the day so you can head home with fresh fillets ready for the grill.
Trolling the Deep Blue
Once we clear the shallows and hit the deep water, it's all about covering ground and reading the signs. Captain Angel runs a mix of trolling patterns using downriggers, outriggers, and flat lines to present baits at different depths and distances from the boat. The tackle setup varies depending on what we're targeting, but expect to see everything from 20-pound spinning gear for the smaller tunas and bonitos up to 50-pound trolling rigs when we're hunting wahoo and big mahi. Live bait plays a huge role out here – ballyhoo, pilchards, and squid are the go-to choices, rigged fresh and swimming naturally behind the boat. When the bite gets hot, we'll stop the boat and switch to live bait fishing or vertical jigging, especially when we mark schools of fish on the electronics. The key to success in these offshore waters is staying mobile and adapting to what the fish are telling you, and Captain Angel has the experience to put you on the action no matter what conditions throw at you.
Top Catches This Season
Blackfin Tuna are the bread and butter of Long Key's offshore scene, and for good reason. These feisty fighters typically run between 10-25 pounds and are absolute rockets when hooked. They school up over structure and temperature breaks, often feeding aggressively in the early morning and late afternoon. What makes blackfins so special is their incredible speed and endurance – they'll make blistering runs that test your drag system and fight right to the boat. Plus, they're fantastic eating with that deep red meat that's perfect for searing or making into sashimi. You'll find them year-round in these waters, but spring and fall offer the most consistent action.
Atlantic Bonito might be smaller than their tuna cousins, but they make up for size with pure attitude. These 5-10 pound speedsters are perfect for light tackle fishing and put up a fight that'll surprise you. They travel in large schools and when you find them, the action can be non-stop with multiple hookups happening simultaneously. Bonito are excellent bait fish for bigger predators too, so Captain Angel often uses them strategically when targeting wahoo or big mahi later in the day.
Mahi Mahi are the crown jewel of offshore fishing in the Keys, and Long Key's deep waters produce some true bulls. These gorgeous fish are famous for their electric colors and acrobatic fights, often clearing the water multiple times before coming to the boat. Mahi are structure-oriented, so we'll work floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks where they ambush baitfish. The bigger bulls can push 40-50 pounds and provide some of the most exciting fishing you'll experience. Spring through fall offers the best mahi action, with peak season running from April through June when the migration is in full swing.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of hitting 60 mph when they strike a trolled bait. These torpedo-shaped predators typically run 20-60 pounds in these waters and are famous for their incredibly sharp teeth and lightning-fast initial runs. Finding wahoo requires covering water and presenting baits at the right speed – usually faster than you'd fish for other species. When a wahoo hits, there's no mistaking it – the rod loads up instantly and line starts screaming off the reel. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean, with white, flaky meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening.
Tripletail are the wild card of offshore fishing – these oddly-shaped fish are ambush predators that hang around floating debris and structure. They're not the fastest swimmers, but they're incredibly strong and fight with a dogged determination that tests your tackle and patience. Tripletail can be tricky to hook because of their feeding behavior, but once you connect, they're bulldogs that use their broad, flat bodies to maximum advantage. They're excellent table fare too, with firm white meat that holds together well no matter how you cook it.
Time to Book Your Spot
Long Key's offshore fishing scene is world-class, and Captain Angel's expertise puts you right in the heart of the action. This isn't just another fishing trip – it's a chance to experience some of the best offshore angling the Florida Keys has to offer. With all gear provided, fish cleaning included, and a captain who knows exactly where to