Premium Half Day Offshore Fishing for Wahoo & Mahi
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Half day offshore fishing trip targeting premium gamefishProfessional charter focuses on Wahoo, Mahi, and TunaPrivate single guest experience with Reel Keys Fishing Charter
Looking for a solid half-day offshore trip that puts you right in the action? This charter with Reel Keys Fishing Charter is all about getting you hooked up with some of the most sought-after pelagic species in offshore waters. We're talking wahoo, mahi-mahi, and tuna – the holy trinity of offshore fishing that keeps anglers coming back for more. This isn't some crowded party boat deal either; with just one guest capacity, you're getting a personalized fishing experience that lets you fish at your own pace and really dial in on what you want to target. Whether you're a seasoned offshore angler or looking to step up from inshore fishing, this trip delivers the goods without eating up your entire day.
Your half-day offshore adventure kicks off early, which is exactly when you want to be out there. The offshore bite typically fires up at first light, and that's when the magic happens. You'll be running out to productive offshore waters where the blue water holds all the promise of fast, aggressive fish that'll test your skills and your drag system. The beauty of a half-day trip is you get all the excitement of offshore fishing without the marathon commitment – perfect for families, first-timers, or anyone who wants to be back at the dock by lunch. Expect to spend your time in deep blue water where the bottom drops away and anything can happen. The offshore environment is a whole different world from inshore fishing, where structure and temperature breaks concentrate baitfish and, consequently, the predators we're after. Your captain knows these waters and will position you over the most productive areas based on current conditions, bait movement, and recent fishing reports.
Offshore fishing is all about trolling, and that's where the real art comes in. We're talking about a spread of lures and baits designed to mimic the baitfish that wahoo, mahi, and tuna can't resist. The boat will be rigged with quality offshore tackle – heavy-duty reels spooled with enough line to handle long runs, and rods built to handle the sudden strikes and sustained fights these fish are famous for. Ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and diving plugs are the bread and butter of offshore trolling, each running at different depths and speeds to cover the water column effectively. The captain will adjust trolling speed based on conditions and target species – wahoo prefer faster speeds that trigger their predatory instincts, while mahi often respond better to a more moderate pace. When you get a strike, you'll know it immediately. The reel will start screaming, and you'll need to get in the fighting chair or get your belt and harness ready for what could be a serious battle. Line management and fighting technique become crucial when you're dealing with fish that can strip hundreds of yards of line in their initial run.
Mahi-mahi are absolutely electric when they hit your bait, and they're one of the most exciting fish you can target offshore. These fish are pure aggression wrapped in brilliant gold and green colors that light up when they're fighting. Mahi typically range from 10 to 30 pounds in most offshore waters, though bulls can push 50 pounds or more. They're known for their acrobatic fights – jumping, tail-walking, and generally putting on a show that makes for amazing photos and even better memories. The best thing about mahi is they often travel in schools, so where you find one, you'll frequently find more. They're attracted to floating debris, weed lines, and structure, making them somewhat predictable if you know how to read the water. Seasonally, mahi are most abundant during warmer months when water temperatures rise and baitfish are plentiful, but they can be caught year-round in many offshore locations.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of reaching speeds over 60 mph and delivering strikes that will test both your reflexes and your equipment. These fish are built like missiles – long, sleek, and armed with razor-sharp teeth that can slice through steel leaders like butter. That's why wire leaders are absolutely essential when targeting wahoo. They typically range from 15 to 50 pounds, with larger specimens reaching 80 pounds or more in prime waters. Wahoo are notorious for their initial blistering run that can strip 200-300 yards of line before you even realize what hit your bait. They prefer deeper, cleaner blue water and are often found around drop-offs, seamounts, and temperature breaks. Early morning and late afternoon tend to be prime wahoo time, though they can be caught throughout the day. The key is speed – wahoo respond to fast-trolled baits and lures, often hitting at speeds that would spook other species.
Bigeye tuna represent the ultimate offshore challenge, combining incredible strength with remarkable endurance that can push both angler and equipment to their limits. These fish are powerhouses, with bigeye commonly ranging from 40 to 200 pounds, and they fight every bit of it. Unlike their yellowfin cousins, bigeye tuna are deep-water specialists, often found in cooler water below the thermocline during daylight hours. They're known for their methodical, grinding fights that can last an hour or more, steadily pulling drag and testing your stamina as much as theirs. Bigeye are most active during low-light periods – early morning, late evening, and overcast days when they move up in the water column to feed. They're incredibly structure-oriented, relating to seamounts, drop-offs, and underwater ridges where upwelling creates productive feeding zones. The satisfaction of landing a bigeye tuna is hard to match – these fish represent the pinnacle of offshore angling achievement.
A half-day offshore trip with Reel Keys Fishing Charter gives you everything you love about offshore fishing without the full-day commitment. You get personalized attention, access to prime fishing grounds, and shots at some
Thunnus ObesusBigeye tuna are the heavy hitters of the tuna family, averaging much larger than yellowfin with some monsters pushing over 400 pounds. Their big eyes help them hunt in deeper, darker waters down to 250 meters where most fish can't operate. These are true open-ocean nomads that travel massive distances following baitfish. Best bite happens around dawn and dusk when they move up to feed - their sensitive eyes prefer the dim light. What draws anglers is the combination of size, fight, and incredible meat quality that rivals bluefin at the sushi market. We target them with short, stocky lures in dark colors during low-light periods. The secret is getting out an hour before sunset and staying patient. When a big bigeye eats, you'll know it immediately. Bring heavy tackle and prepare for a battle.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are hard to miss with their brilliant golden sides and electric blue-green backs that put on a real color show when you hook one. These fish typically run 15-29 pounds and about 39 inches, though the world record hit 87 pounds. You'll find them around floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in warm offshore waters. They're strong swimmers that love chasing flying fish, so we skip our baits on the surface to get their attention. Peak season varies by location, but they spawn year-round so there's always action to be found. Guests love them because they fight hard, look amazing, and make fantastic table fare with that mild, sweet white meat. Pro tip: when you see frigate birds working debris, get your lines out fast - that's where the mahi will be staging.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are built for speed - these torpedo-shaped fish can hit 60 mph and typically run 3-5 feet long with some reaching over 8 feet. You'll find them in open water around 66 feet deep, often near floating objects or structure. They're most active during cooler months, with peak fishing from July through November in many areas. What makes wahoo special is that blistering run when they take your bait - nothing quite like it. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean with delicate, flaky white meat. We high-speed troll at 12-15 knots with wire leaders since their razor-sharp teeth will cut through anything else. Here's the key: use minnow lures or bulletheads and keep your speed up. Slow down and you'll miss them. These fish don't mess around, so neither should your tackle.
Florida Keys