Key West, FL 6 Hour Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour offshore fishing adventure in Key West watersTarget snapper, tuna, mahi mahi, and trophy speciesSmall group experience with maximum six guests aboard
There's a reason Key West is called the fishing capital of the world, and this 6-hour offshore adventure with Pirate Adventure Charters proves it. You'll be fishing some of the most productive waters in the country, where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Atlantic in a perfect storm of baitfish, structure, and trophy opportunities. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're going to put you on fish that'll have you talking for years. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip delivers the goods every single time.
Your day starts early at the dock, where you'll meet your captain and get the rundown on the plan. With only 6 anglers max, this isn't some cattle boat situation - you're getting personal attention and plenty of room to fish without getting your lines tangled with strangers. The boat heads out into the deep blue, where the water changes from that shallow turquoise to that deep cobalt that means business. You'll be fishing in 80 to 200 feet of water, hitting wrecks, reefs, and ledges that hold serious fish. The crew handles all the heavy lifting - rigging baits, gaffing fish, and keeping the cooler full of ice. All you need to do is hang on and reel when that rod doubles over.
This is primarily bottom fishing and trolling action, depending on what's biting and where the fish are holding. The crew rigs up with circle hooks and heavy sinkers to get down to where the snappers and grouper live, using fresh cut bait, squid, and live pilchards when available. When the bite gets hot on the bottom, you might have three or four rods bent at once - that's when things get crazy good. For the pelagics like mahi and cobia, they'll pull out the trolling spread with ballyhoo, diving plugs, and teasers to bring fish up from the depths. The gear is all top-shelf stuff - Penn and Shimano reels that can handle anything these waters throw at you. If you've got your own lucky rod, bring it along, but everything you need is provided.
Red Snapper are the bread and butter of Key West fishing, and for good reason. These beauties live on the bottom around structure, typically running 5 to 20 pounds with the occasional monster pushing 30. They're aggressive feeders and put up a solid fight, plus they're absolutely delicious on the table. Best action is usually late spring through early fall, though you can catch them year-round in these waters. When a red snapper hits, you'll know it - they slam the bait hard and head straight for the rocks.
Grey Snapper, or mangrove snapper as locals call them, are pound-for-pound some of the smartest fish in the ocean. They're incredibly line-shy and bait-picky, which makes landing a big one even more satisfying. Most run 2 to 8 pounds, but the jumbos can push 15 pounds and are absolute trophies. They're around year-round but tend to be more aggressive during the warmer months. These fish will test your patience, but when you finally get one to commit, it's pure gold.
Sheepshead might look funny with their human-like teeth, but they're serious business when it comes to fighting and eating. These black-and-white striped convicts love structure and are notorious bait thieves - they can strip a hook clean without you feeling a thing. Winter months are prime time for sheepshead, when they school up in big numbers. A 5-pound sheepshead will give you a workout, and anything over 8 pounds is a legitimate trophy that'll have other anglers asking questions.
Grey Triggerfish are the bulldogs of the reef. These aggressive feeders have powerful jaws and an attitude to match, making them a blast to catch and a challenge to land. They run 3 to 8 pounds typically, with occasional fish pushing double digits. Spring and summer are peak triggerfish season when they're spawning and extra feisty. They'll attack just about any bait that comes their way, and once hooked, they use their flat body to bulldoze toward any cover they can find.
Mahi Mahi are pure excitement on a fishing line. These spectacular fighters jump, run, and put on a show that'll have everyone on the boat cheering. They travel in schools, so when you find one, you usually find several. Most Key West mahi run 10 to 30 pounds, though bull dolphins over 50 pounds aren't uncommon. Peak season is late spring through early fall when they're following the weed lines and current breaks. Their electric colors and acrobatic fights make them a favorite with photographers and anglers alike.
Cobia are the gentle giants of the flats and reefs, cruising around like underwater submarines. These bronze beauties can reach 50 pounds or more and are known for their curious nature - they'll often swim right up to the boat to check things out. Spring migration brings the biggest fish through Key West waters, though residents stick around year-round. When a cobia eats, it's usually a slow, deliberate bite, but once hooked, they make powerful runs and use their broad tail to maximum advantage.
Great Barracuda are the speed demons of the reef, capable of lightning-fast strikes that'll snap your head around. These toothy predators can exceed 40 inches and 20 pounds in Key West waters, and they're always ready to rumble. They're around all year but are most active during warmer months when baitfish are abundant. A big barracuda will test your drag and your nerves with blistering runs and spectacular jumps. They're catch-and-release only due to potential ciguatera,
Your offshore fishing adventure starts aboard our well-equipped motorboat, perfectly rigged for Key West's legendary waters. This reliable vessel comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to work the lines and land those trophy fish. The onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh throughout the 6-hour trip, while our GPS navigation system gets you straight to the hottest fishing spots where Snapper, Mahi Mahi, Tuna, and Barracuda are biting. The boat's design handles Key West's offshore conditions with ease, letting you focus on what matters most – hooking into that next big one. Whether you're targeting Grey Triggerfish around the reefs or chasing Cobia in the blue water, this boat delivers the stability and features you need for a productive day on the water. Ready to experience why Key West fishing is considered the best in the country?
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the missiles of the reef - sleek, silver predators that can hit 5-6 feet and swim 35 mph in short bursts. Most we catch run 2-4 feet and 5-20 pounds. They patrol shallow reefs, grass flats, and around structure from the surface down to about 100 feet. You can catch them year-round, but they're most active during warmer months when baitfish are abundant. Guests love the explosive strikes and blistering runs - they'll test your drag and jump clear out of the water. While they're not great table fare due to occasional toxin issues, they're pure adrenaline on light tackle. They hunt by sight and are naturally curious, often following divers and boats. Here's what works: use shiny spoons, tube lures, or live bait like pilchards. Cast near structure and retrieve fast - barracuda love chasing moving targets. Use wire leader because those razor teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are one of our most prized catches here in Key West waters. These beauties average 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, though we've seen monsters pushing 35+ pounds. They hang out around structure in 30-200 feet - wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottoms are prime spots. You'll find them year-round, but spring through fall gives you the best action when they're more active. What makes guests love targeting them? First, they put up a solid fight and will try to run back to cover. Second, the meat is absolutely top-notch - mild, flaky, and perfect for dinner. Here's a local trick: when you drop your bait, use fresh cigar minnows or live pinfish and get it right to the bottom where they feed. Once hooked, keep steady pressure and reel fast - they'll try to cut your line on the structure.
Lutjanus GriseusAlso called mangrove snapper, these copper-red fighters are smart and challenging to hook. Most run 12-16 inches and 1-3 pounds, but we catch some beauties up to 20 pounds in deeper water. You'll find them around docks, mangroves, grass flats, and any structure they can use for cover - they're opportunistic ambush predators. They bite year-round but get more active during warmer months and around full moons when they spawn. Guests love them because they're scrappy fighters and make excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. These fish are nocturnal feeders, so evening trips often produce better results. Here's what works: use live shrimp hooked through the tail, let it sink to bottom, then lift it just off the structure. Be patient - they'll nibble first, so wait for that solid bite before setting the hook.
Balistes CapriscusThese tough little fighters are built like tanks with leather-like skin and powerful jaws. They typically run 12-17 inches but can hit 24 inches and 10+ pounds. You'll find them around hard bottom, reefs, and structure in 30-180 feet of water where they feed on crabs, urchins, and small fish. They're active year-round in our waters but seem most aggressive during warmer months. What makes guests love targeting them? They fight way above their weight class and are excellent table fare - firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill. They're also curious fish that will often come up to check out your boat. Here's a local trick: use squid chunks about an inch wide - it stays on the hook better than other baits. When they bite, reel fast and keep pressure on them because they'll dart straight back to cover and try to wedge into rocks or structure.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the bulldozers of the sea - dark brown fish that can reach 6 feet and 100+ pounds, though most we catch run 20-50 pounds. They're loners, typically found around reefs, wrecks, buoys, and other structure in 30-300 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May is prime time, especially during spawning season. What guests love about cobia? They're aggressive fighters that make powerful runs, plus they're arguably the best eating fish in our waters - firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between shark and grouper. They often cruise just under the surface, making them perfect for sight fishing. Here's the key: cobia are curious and will often follow your boat or come up to investigate. When you see one, drop a bucktail jig or live bait right in front of it - color doesn't matter much, but presentation does. Be ready for a serious fight once hooked.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusThese "convict fish" with their black and white stripes are some of the trickiest to catch, but that's what makes them fun. Most weigh 2-8 pounds and run 14-20 inches, though we've landed some hefty 15+ pounders. They love structure - bridges, docks, wrecks, anywhere with barnacles to feed on. Winter through spring is prime time when they school up for spawning around February-April. What guests enjoy most is the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves with those human-like teeth, plus they make excellent eating with sweet, white meat. They can be found from shallow water to about 60 feet deep. My advice: use small hooks with fresh shrimp, fiddler crabs, or barnacles. Keep your bait tight to the pilings and be ready - when you feel that subtle tick, set the hook hard and fast before they steal your bait.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are pure excitement - brilliant gold and green colors that put on a light show when you bring them boatside. These pelagic speedsters average 15-30 pounds but can reach 50+ pounds. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 100+ feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time when they're most abundant in our offshore waters. Guests absolutely love them for the acrobatic fight - they jump, tail-walk, and never give up easy. Plus, the meat is top-shelf with firm texture and mild flavor that's perfect grilled or blackened. They travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep other lines in the water because the hooked fish will often bring the school closer to the boat. Use ballyhoo or small tunas on the surface - they love chasing bait that skips and jumps like flying fish.
Key West