Deep Sea Fishing Charters out of Key West
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Deep sea fishing charter targeting Mahi, Sailfish, and SharksCustomized 8-12 hour offshore trips for up to 6 guestsExperienced crew provides personalized Key West fishing adventure
If you're looking for a real fishing adventure in Key West, Reef Runner Charters has you covered with our top-rated 8-12 hour offshore charters. We're talking about the kind of fishing that gets your heart pumping – heading out into the deep blue where the big fish live. Our experienced captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on fish whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time. With space for up to 6 anglers, this charter is perfect for families, buddy trips, or corporate outings where you want to land something worth bragging about.
Your day starts early when we meet at the marina, gear up, and head out beyond the reef line where the real action happens. The ride out gives you time to wake up with some coffee while our crew sets up the spread and briefs everyone on safety. Once we hit our first spot, it's game on – we'll be trolling for pelagics, working structure for bottom fish, and adjusting our approach based on what the fish are telling us. Our captain reads the water, watches the electronics, and positions the boat to give you the best shot at hooking up. The Gulf Stream brings warm water and baitfish close to Key West, creating perfect conditions for the species that make this fishery world-class. You'll see the water change from green inshore shallows to that deep blue offshore color that means big fish territory.
We fish the way that works best in these waters – trolling is our bread and butter for covering ground and finding active fish. The boat comes rigged with quality rods, reels, and tackle designed to handle everything from screaming mahi runs to billfish jumps. We'll have a spread of baits working at different depths – ballyhoo, lures, and live bait when conditions call for it. The outriggers keep our lines spread wide, and we run different speeds depending on what we're targeting. When the bite is on for mahi, we might slow down and work the weed lines. For sailfish and marlin, we'll cover more water with our spread. Bottom fishing happens over wrecks and ledges where we drop baits for bigger grouper, snapper, and whatever else calls the structure home. Our crew handles the technical stuff while you focus on fighting fish – they'll coach you through the battle and make sure you get the most out of every hookup.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of Key West fishing, and for good reason. These acrobatic fighters put on a show like nothing else – when one grabs your bait, get ready for jumps, runs, and tail-walking that'll have everyone on the boat cheering. Peak sailfish season runs from December through April when cooler water brings them closer to shore. They're ambush predators that love structure and current breaks, which is why our captain knows exactly where to position the boat. Most sails run 6-8 feet and 40-80 pounds, making them perfect on medium tackle. The fight is what hooks people – they're smart, fast, and never give up easy.
Blue Marlin are the ultimate trophy fish, and Key West sits right in their migration path. These giants can push 200-500 pounds or more, with the occasional monster that'll test every piece of gear on the boat. Summer months from May through September give you the best shot at marlin, when they follow the Gulf Stream current and warm water masses. They're opportunistic feeders that cruise the deep water looking for schools of tuna, mahi, and other pelagics. When a marlin eats, you'll know it – the rod doubles over, line screams off the reel, and your day just became legendary. Most anglers practice catch and release with these magnificent fish to preserve the fishery for future generations.
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish bring nonstop action and some of the best eating you'll find offshore. These colorful speedsters travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. They love floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks where baitfish concentrate. Spring through fall offers the most consistent mahi fishing, with fish ranging from 10-pound schoolies to 30-plus-pound bulls. What makes mahi special is their aggressive nature – they'll eat almost anything and fight hard the entire way to the boat. The brilliant gold and green colors are stunning when they're fired up, and the meat is restaurant-quality table fare that'll have you planning your next trip before this one ends.
Wahoo Fish are speed demons that'll surprise you with blistering runs that can empty a reel in seconds. These torpedo-shaped predators cruise the deeper waters and structure edges, looking for an easy meal. They have razor-sharp teeth and hit baits with authority – there's no mistaking a wahoo bite. Fall and winter months tend to be most productive for wahoo in Key West waters, though they can show up year-round. Most fish run 20-60 pounds with occasional monsters pushing 80-plus. They're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or making fish tacos. The key to wahoo fishing is having wire leaders and being ready for that initial run – they're one of the fastest fish in the ocean.
Great Barracuda are the wolves of the reef, and Key West has some of the biggest cuda you'll find anywhere. These ambush predators lurk around structure, wrecks, and reef edges waiting to attack anything that looks like an easy target. They're year-round residents that provide consistent action when other species are being finicky. Barracuda can reach impressive sizes here – 4-6 footers are common, with true giants pushing 50-plus pounds. Their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps make them popular with light-tackle anglers. While they're not typically kept for the table due to ciguatera concerns in larger fish
Our restored 1982 34-foot Crusader is your ticket to serious offshore fishing in Key West waters. This classic sportfisher runs on a reliable 350HP Caterpillar engine that'll get you to the deep water hotspots at a steady 14 knots. Perfect for up to 6 anglers looking to target mahi, kingfish, barracuda, sailfish, and whatever else is biting out there. The boat's flybridge gives you great visibility for spotting birds and baitfish, while the fish finder helps locate structure and schools below. Keep your catch fresh in the onboard icebox and your drinks cold during those long days on the water. With GPS navigation, a head, and plenty of deck space for fighting fish, this boat has everything you need for productive offshore fishing. Whether you're after dinner or that wall-hanger trophy, our captain knows these waters and will put you on the fish.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are fast, beautiful fighters averaging 7-8 feet and 50 pounds, though they can hit 10 feet. They're found in 30-65 feet of water around Key West's offshore waters year-round, but winter months offer the best action when they move closer to shore. These fish put on a real show - leaping, tail-walking, and changing colors from blue to black with bright stripes when excited. They hunt in packs, using that massive dorsal fin to herd baitfish. The meat's decent, but most folks release them for the sport. My tip: when one takes your bait, don't set the hook right away. Let them run with it first, then tighten up slowly - they'll shake that hook fast if you rush it.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the giants of the billfish world - females can reach 1,000+ pounds while males top out around 300. We find them in deep blue water, usually 100+ feet, following the Gulf Stream currents. Peak season runs April through August when water temps hit 75-80°F. These fish are pure power and acrobatics rolled into one package. They'll make long screaming runs, then come up throwing their whole body out of the water. The fight can last hours on a big one. Most anglers release them, but smaller fish make excellent table fare. Here's the key: use heavy tackle with wire leaders and don't try to horse them. Let them tire themselves out with those spectacular jumps, then work them steady.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the neighborhood bullies of the reef - aggressive, toothy, and always looking for a fight. They run 2-4 feet on average, but the big ones can push 6 feet and 50+ pounds. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and grass flats in 10-40 feet of water. They're here year-round, but spring and fall offer the most consistent action. These fish hit like freight trains and fight dirty with powerful runs and head-shaking jumps. While some folks eat the smaller ones, most are released due to occasional ciguatera concerns. They hunt by sight and love shiny lures. Wire leaders are essential - those teeth will slice through anything else. Quick tip: keep the bait moving fast and erratic. Slow presentations get ignored, but a screaming lure triggers their predator instincts every time.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fish you'll catch - brilliant gold, blue, and green that flash like neon underwater. They average 15-30 pounds but can hit 50+. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 100-600 feet of water. Best fishing is spring through fall when water temps stay warm. These fish are pure excitement - fast runs, aerial jumps, and that amazing color show when hooked. Plus, they're hands-down the best eating fish out here. Sweet, firm white meat that's perfect for the grill. They travel in schools, so when you find one, work the area hard. Pro tip: when you hook up, leave your other lines out - mahi get excited by the commotion and you'll often get doubles or triples.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are rockets with teeth - they'll hit 60 mph and average 3-5 feet long, sometimes pushing 8 feet. We target them in 60-200 feet around drop-offs and current edges. Winter months are prime time when they move closer to shore chasing baitfish. The strike is violent and the runs are blistering fast, but they tire quickly compared to other pelagic species. Excellent table fare with white, flaky meat that's mild and sweet - perfect for fish tacos. They're solitary hunters with razor-sharp teeth, so wire leaders are a must. My secret: high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with diving plugs or bullet-head lures. Most fish hit the outside rigger lines, so keep those lures dancing on the surface.
Key West, FL