Key West 6-Hour Deep Sea Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Shore Fishing
Sixhour tubing and wakeboarding adventure in Key West watersSmall group experience accommodating up to six guests maximumShorebased water sports perfect for active groups and teens
When you're ready to leave the shallow flats behind and head into some serious blue water, this 6-hour charter with Pirate Adventure Charters delivers exactly what Key West fishing is famous for. We're talking about getting out to where the Gulf Stream pushes nutrient-rich water close to shore, creating one of Florida's most productive fishing grounds. You'll have plenty of time to work different techniques, target multiple species, and really settle into the rhythm of offshore angling. With just 6 anglers max, everyone gets quality rod time and personalized attention from your captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand.
Your day starts early – we're talking first light departure to beat the afternoon winds and hit prime feeding times. The boat heads south from Key West Harbor, and within 30 minutes you're working productive waters where the continental shelf drops off dramatically. This isn't a rushed half-day trip where you barely get your bearings. Six hours gives you the luxury of moving spots when the bite slows, trying different baits, and really dialing in what's working. Your captain will read the conditions – water color, current, bait activity – and adjust the game plan accordingly. Some days we're trolling ballyhoo spread wide for pelagics, other times we're dropping live pilchards on the reef edges. The beauty of this longer trip is flexibility to fish how the conditions dictate.
We run a mix of tactics depending on what's biting and where we find them. Trolling is bread and butter for covering water and finding active fish – we'll pull a spread of ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and diving lures at varying depths. When we mark bait or structure, we switch to live bait fishing with circle hooks and just enough weight to get down to where the fish are holding. The boat carries quality Penn and Shimano reels spooled with 30-50lb test, plus a selection of terminal tackle for different situations. If you've got your own gear and want to bring it, that's fine too, but everything you need is provided. We keep a good supply of live bait in the wells – pilchards, goggle eyes, whatever we can catch or source that morning. Dead baits include ballyhoo, bonito strips, and squid. The key is having options because fish preferences change with conditions, time of year, and even time of day.
Mahi-mahi are the crown jewel of Key West offshore fishing, especially from late spring through early fall. These fish are pure energy – when you hook one, expect jumps, runs, and a fight that'll leave your arms burning. They travel in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more around. Mahi love floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks where baitfish concentrate. What makes them special here is the size – Key West consistently produces bull mahi over 20 pounds, with 30-40 pounders not uncommon during peak season. They're also fantastic table fare, which makes the fight even more rewarding.
Blackfin tuna are year-round residents that provide consistent action and serious pulling power. These fish are built for speed and endurance – they'll make long, sustained runs that test your drag system and technique. Most blackfins here run 10-25 pounds, perfect for the tackle we use. They're schooling fish that respond well to both trolling and live bait, and they're excellent eating. The bite often picks up in the afternoon when other species slow down, making them perfect for longer trips like this one.
Kingfish are the opportunists of the offshore scene – aggressive predators that hit fast and fight dirty. They'll cut you off in a heartbeat if your wire leader isn't up to par, but when you land one, you've earned it. Kings are particularly active around structure and reef edges, where they ambush baitfish. Spring and fall see the biggest fish, with smoker kings over 40 pounds a real possibility. They're also one of the best species for beginners because they bite aggressively and fight hard without requiring super technical presentation.
Grouper fishing adds a different dimension to the trip when we work the reef edges and wrecks. These fish are all about power and leverage – they'll try to get back to their holes and break you off on the structure. Red grouper, gag grouper, and occasional black grouper all call these waters home. The technique is straightforward but requires good timing and steady pressure. When fishing is consistent, we can limit out on grouper fairly quickly, but during tougher periods, they require patience and the right presentation.
This 6-hour charter gives you the full Key West offshore experience without breaking the bank or taking up your entire day. You'll be back at the dock by early afternoon with enough energy to enjoy your catch at one of the local restaurants or back at your accommodation. The small group size means everyone gets personal attention and plenty of chances to catch fish. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to target specific species or a family wanting to experience world-class fishing, this trip delivers. Key West's offshore fishing is some of the most consistent in Florida, and with Pirate Adventure Charters, you're fishing with local knowledge that makes all the difference. Book now and get ready for some serious fishing action in one of the country's top offshore destinations.
This motorboat is perfect for your Key West water sports adventure, whether you're tubing behind the boat or learning to wakeboard. The 22-foot vessel comfortably handles up to 6 people, making it great for families or groups of friends looking to have some fun on the crystal-clear waters around the island. You'll stay cool with the onboard ice box keeping your drinks cold, while the GPS navigation system ensures your captain knows exactly where to find the best spots for wakeboarding and tubing. The boat's reliable engine provides plenty of power to pull riders smoothly through the water, and there's ample deck space for everyone to hang out between rides. With 6 hours on the water, you'll have plenty of time to master your balance or just enjoy getting pulled around on a tube while soaking up the Florida Keys sunshine.
Key West