Best Offshore Fishing in Key West Florida
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
4hour offshore wreck fishing charter targeting prized speciesExpert crew guides guests to prime Amberjack and Grouper spotsSmall group experience accommodates maximum 6 anglers per trip
When you're looking for serious offshore action in Key West, Rampage Fishing Charters delivers the kind of wreck fishing that gets your heart pumping. This 4-hour trip takes you beyond the flats to where the real monsters live – around the wrecks and structure that hold some of Florida Keys' most prized fish. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish that'll test your drag and your patience in the best possible way.
Your morning starts early at the dock, where you'll meet your captain and get the rundown on what's biting. The ride out to the wreck sites gives you time to rig up and get your head in the game. These aren't your typical tourist fishing spots – we're talking about serious structure fishing where big fish come to feed. The boat holds up to 6 anglers, so you've got plenty of elbow room to work your lines without getting tangled up with your buddies. Plan to bring your own lunch and drinks since meals aren't included, but trust me, you'll be too busy fighting fish to think much about food. The crew will keep you stocked with bait and help you land whatever decides to grab your hook.
Fishing the wrecks around Key West is all about precision and patience. We're dropping live bait and cut bait down to structure that sits anywhere from 80 to 150 feet below the surface. The captain uses his electronics to mark fish and position the boat just right – sometimes we're anchored up, other times we're drifting over the structure. You'll be using heavy tackle because these fish don't mess around when they're hooked near their home turf. The crew will show you how to work the bottom, when to let your bait drift naturally, and when to put some action on it. Circle hooks are the name of the game here, and you'll learn real quick why we use them when you feel that first solid hookup.
Atlantic Mackerel are speed demons that travel in schools around the wrecks, especially during cooler months from November through March. These silver bullets average 1-2 pounds but fight way above their weight class, making screaming runs that'll strip line off your reel. They're perfect for lighter tackle and make excellent bait for bigger predators lurking below. When the mackerel are thick, you can catch them two at a time on sabiki rigs.
Scup, or porgy as locals call them, are the bread and butter of wreck fishing. These chunky fighters average 1-3 pounds and are notorious bait stealers with mouths that can strip a hook clean before you know what hit you. They're most active during spring and summer months, holding tight to the wreck structure. Don't let their size fool you – scup are fantastic table fare and will keep your rod bent all day long.
Bonnethead Sharks bring a whole different energy to your fishing day. These smaller cousins of the hammerhead average 2-4 feet and are surprisingly strong fighters that make long runs before tiring out. They're year-round residents but more active in warmer months. Kids especially love catching these unique-looking sharks, and they're perfect for anglers who want to experience shark fishing without the intimidation factor of bigger species.
Mutton Snapper are the crown jewel of wreck fishing around Key West. These beautiful fish with their distinctive red coloring and forked tails are extremely wary and can grow well over 10 pounds around the deeper wrecks. They're most active during summer months and are notorious for testing your drag system with powerful runs back toward the structure. Landing a quality mutton snapper takes skill, patience, and a little bit of luck – they're the fish that turn good fishing trips into legendary ones.
Rampage Fishing Charters has built their reputation on putting anglers on fish, and their wreck fishing trips consistently deliver the goods. Whether you're a tournament angler looking to sharpen your skills or someone who just wants to experience what real offshore fishing is all about, this 4-hour adventure hits all the marks. The combination of top-notch local knowledge, quality equipment, and productive fishing grounds makes this one of the most popular charters in Key West. Don't wait until you're already in town to book – the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak season.
Scomber ScombrusAtlantic Mackerel are lightning-fast pelagic fish that travel in massive schools throughout our waters. These streamlined beauties sport metallic blue-green backs with distinctive wavy bars, averaging about a foot long. You'll find them in open water during warmer months when they move closer to shore. They're incredibly aggressive feeders, making them perfect for anglers wanting non-stop action. When you hook into a school, expect to catch dozens - they hit small shiny lures and strips of bait with abandon. What really gets guests excited is their speed and the way they fight, plus they're fantastic eating with that rich, healthy meat. My go-to tip: use small spoons or jigs and fish them fast near the surface when you see birds diving.
Sphyrna TiburoBonnethead Sharks are the smallest hammerheads we see around Key West, but don't let their 3-4 foot size fool you - they're scrappy fighters. These shy sharks cruise shallow flats, bays, and channels year-round in our warm waters, usually traveling in small groups. What makes them special is that distinctive shovel-shaped head and their gentle nature - they're completely harmless to humans. Guests love the thrill of landing their first shark species, and bonnetheads give you that authentic shark experience without the intimidation factor. They feed heavily on crabs and shrimp, so fresh blue crab chunks work best. Here's my trick: cut the crab in half and hook it through a leg - the scent drives them crazy. Use circle hooks and be ready for a spirited fight when they realize they're hooked.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton Snappers are one of the most prized catches in our waters, and for good reason. These beautiful fish show off olive-pink colors with distinctive blue streaks around their eyes, typically running 15-20 inches but capable of reaching trophy sizes over 30 pounds. You'll find them around reefs and structure in 80-200 feet of water, where adults tend to be loners or travel in small groups. They're notorious for their strong fights and excellent table fare. Spring through early fall offers the best action when they're most active. The trick with muttons is presentation - use the freshest bait you can get, keep it moving naturally in the current, and stay ready because when they hit, they hit hard. Watch for that pink flash deep down - that's your cue to get the fish away from structure fast.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgies, are solid little fighters with compressed bodies and iridescent silver scales. These bottom-dwellers typically run 8-12 inches around here, cruising rocky structure and pilings hunting for crabs and mollusks. Their strong jaws can crush shells, so they put up a surprisingly good scrap for their size. Summer months bring the best action when they move inshore from deeper winter haunts. Guests love targeting them because they're easy to catch but fun to fight, plus they make excellent table fare. They also work great as live bait for bigger species like stripers. The key is fishing right on the bottom with squid, clams, or worms. Once you find a school, you'll stay busy - they're rarely alone and bite eagerly when feeding.
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