World Class Deep Sea Fishing Adventures in Key West
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Deep sea fishing charters targeting Mahi, Sailfish, and SharksCustomized 812 hour trips accommodate up to 6 guestsExperienced crew provides personalized offshore fishing adventures
When you're ready to get serious about offshore fishing, there's nothing quite like an 8-12 hour charter with Reef Runner Charters Key West. We're talking about the real deal here – heading out into the deep blue where the big fish live and hunt. Our captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and our crew is committed to putting you on fish, whether you're a first-timer or you've been working these waters for years. With room for up to 6 anglers, this is your chance to target some of the most sought-after species in the Atlantic while enjoying a completely customized fishing experience.
Your day starts early – that's when the fish are most active and the conditions are typically at their best. We'll head out from Key West into the deep waters of the Atlantic, where the Gulf Stream brings in baitfish and creates the perfect hunting grounds for pelagic species. The boat is rigged with top-quality gear, outriggers, and all the tackle you'll need to handle everything from schoolie mahi to monster marlin. Our captain will read the water, watch for birds, and look for current breaks and temperature changes that hold fish. You'll learn to spot the signs too – floating sargassum weed lines, diving birds, and color changes in the water that signal fish below. The crew handles all the rigging, bait preparation, and boat handling so you can focus on what you came here for – putting fish in the boat.
We run a spread of lures and live bait that's proven to work in these waters. Typically, we'll have four to six lines out – a mix of ballyhoo rigged on circle hooks, diving plugs, and surface lures like jets and feathers. The outriggers let us cover more water and keep the lines separated, while the flat lines and shotgun position give us different presentations at various depths. When we're targeting sailfish, we'll often switch to live bait – pilchards, goggle-eyes, or whatever we can catch on the way out. The key is staying mobile and adjusting based on what we're seeing. If we mark fish on the finder but they're not taking the trolled baits, we might stop and chunk with cut bait or deploy kites to get live baits dancing on the surface. Every trip is different, and that's what keeps it interesting.
The Atlantic Sailfish is hands down the most popular target out here, and for good reason. These fish are pure athletes – when one comes up behind a bait with that dorsal fin cutting the surface, your heart starts pounding. They'll typically range from 30 to 60 pounds, and the fight is spectacular with jumps, runs, and bulldogging that'll test your tackle and your technique. Peak season runs from December through April, but we see them year-round. Blue Marlin are the holy grail of offshore fishing here. These giants can exceed 400 pounds, and even a smaller one will give you the fight of your life. They're more common in summer months when the water is warmest, and they often show up around floating debris or weed lines. Mahi Mahi, or dolphinfish as locals call them, are fantastic table fare and put up a beautiful fight with their bright colors and acrobatic jumps. They school up under floating objects and can provide fast action when you find them. Spring and summer are prime time, and they typically run 10 to 30 pounds, though bulls can push 50. Wahoo are speed demons that'll strip line off your reel faster than almost anything in the ocean. They're excellent eating and typically range from 20 to 60 pounds. Fall and winter are best for wahoo, and they often hit trolled lures at high speed. Great Barracuda might not win any beauty contests, but they're aggressive predators that provide exciting action. They'll hit lures with explosive strikes and make blistering runs. Year-round residents here, they range from 10 to 40 pounds and are always willing to play.
This is what offshore fishing is all about – getting out there where the water is blue, the fish are big, and every cast could be the one. Our experienced crew knows how to put you on fish and make sure you have everything you need for a successful day on the water. Whether you're looking to check a marlin off your bucket list, put some mahi in the cooler, or just spend a day doing what you love with good people, this charter delivers. The boat can handle up to 6 anglers comfortably, making it perfect for family trips, buddy groups, or corporate outings. Book your spot now and get ready for some of the best offshore fishing the Atlantic has to offer.
Cast off aboard our beautifully restored 34-foot Crusader for some serious offshore fishing out of Key West! This classic 1982 cruiser got a complete makeover in 2020 and runs like a dream with her powerful 350HP Caterpillar engine cruising at 14 knots to get you to the fishing grounds fast. Perfect for up to 6 anglers, she's loaded with everything you need - fish finder to locate the action, GPS to navigate the blue water, icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold, plus a flybridge for better visibility when hunting Mahi, Sailfish, Kingfish, Barracuda, and whatever else is biting. The onboard head means comfort during those long 8-12 hour adventures chasing your target species. Our experienced captain knows these waters and will put you on the fish, whether you're after dinner or bragging rights.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the speed demons of Key West waters, averaging 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds. These beautiful fish cruise our warm offshore waters between 30-65 feet deep, though they'll dive deeper when chasing baitfish. Winter months are prime time here in the Keys when they migrate through following the warm water. What makes them special is that incredible dorsal sail and their ability to change colors from blue to black when excited. They put on quite a show - leaping, tail-walking, and making long runs that'll test your endurance. Here's a local trick: when you see them "lit up" and showing those dark stripes, they're in hunting mode. Tease them with a ballyhoo or strip bait, let them take it, then be ready for the fight of your life.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the ultimate trophy fish - massive, powerful, and built for battle. Females can reach over 1,000 pounds (we call those "granders"), while males typically stay under 300. They patrol our deep blue waters year-round, cruising along temperature breaks and current edges in 200+ feet. These apex predators love our Gulf Stream waters where they hunt yellowfin tuna and dolphin. The fight is legendary - long runs, deep dives, and aerial displays that'll leave you breathless. Most anglers practice catch and release since the meat can have high mercury levels. Pro tip from years out here: when trolling for blue marlin, keep your baits swimming just under the surface and watch for that telltale black sickle fin cutting through the water behind your spread.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat barracuda are the neighborhood bullies of our reefs and flats - aggressive, fast, and armed with razor-sharp teeth. They typically run 2-4 feet but can reach 6 feet and over 100 pounds. You'll find them year-round in Key West, from shallow grass flats to deeper reef edges, usually hanging solo near structure or patrolling drop-offs. They hunt by sight and are naturally curious, often following boats or checking out divers. The fight is intense but short - they'll make a screaming run then try to jump and throw the hook. While some folks eat smaller ones, most anglers target them for the sport. They hit fast and fight dirty. My advice: use a wire leader and keep your fingers away from those teeth when landing one. They can hit 35 mph in short bursts, so be ready for that first explosive run.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are hands down one of the most popular fish we target - beautiful, tasty, and great fighters. They average 15-30 pounds and rarely live past 4 years, but they grow fast and hit hard. You'll find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in our warm offshore waters. They're surface dwellers, usually in the top 50 feet. Spring through fall are best here in Key West when water temps stay above 75°F. What guests love is watching them change colors during the fight - from brilliant gold and green to flashing blues. Plus, they're fantastic eating with that mild, sweet white meat. Local tip: when you hook one mahi, don't boat it right away. Leave it in the water and cast around it - they school up, and where there's one, there's usually more waiting nearby.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are rockets with fins - one of the fastest fish in our waters hitting speeds up to 60 mph. Most run 20-40 pounds, but we see them up to 80+ pounds during peak season. They love our offshore waters around 100-300 feet, especially near drop-offs and structure. July through November is prime time in Key West waters when they move through in good numbers. What makes them special is that blistering initial run and their excellent table fare - firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill. They're also called "ono" in Hawaiian, which means delicious, and they live up to the name. Here's the key to wahoo fishing: high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders. Their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat, so don't cheap out on terminal tackle.
Key West, FL