Full Day Offshore Fishing Trip in Florida Keys
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Eight-hour offshore fishing adventure targeting cobia, mahi-mahi, and yellowfin tunaPrivate charter aboard comfortable 34' Luhrs accommodating up to five guestsCaptain Mike provides expert local knowledge and guidance for all skill levels
When you're ready to get serious about fishing the deep waters of the Florida Keys, Captain Mike's full-day offshore adventure puts you exactly where you need to be. This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting started when it's time to head back. Eight hours on the water gives you the real deal – time to work the productive zones, adjust tactics when fish are finicky, and really dial in on what's biting. The 34-foot Luhrs is built for comfort during those long runs to the deep water, and with room for up to five anglers, you've got plenty of space to fish without getting tangled up in each other's lines. Captain Mike knows these waters like the back of his hand, and that local knowledge makes all the difference when you're looking for consistent action on cobia, mahi-mahi, and yellowfin tuna.
Your day starts early – that's just how offshore fishing works if you want to maximize your time in the productive zones. The ride out takes you through some of the most beautiful water you'll ever see, transitioning from the shallow flats to the deep blue where the real action happens. The 34-foot Luhrs handles the open water like a champ, and Captain Mike keeps the ride smooth while covering serious ground to find fish. You'll be working depths that range from 100 feet out to the true blue water beyond the reef line, where currents bring baitfish and the predators that follow them. The boat's equipped with quality electronics to mark fish and structure, plus all the rods and tackle you need for whatever's biting. Captain Mike reads the conditions daily – wind direction, current flow, water temperature – and adjusts the game plan accordingly. Some days that means working weed lines for mahi, other days it's finding the right temperature breaks where tuna are feeding.
Offshore fishing in the Keys is primarily a trolling game, and Captain Mike has the spread dialed in perfectly for these waters. You'll typically run four to six lines with a mix of ballyhoo, bonito strips, and artificials that match the local baitfish. The key is covering water efficiently while presenting baits at different depths and distances from the boat. Captain Mike adjusts trolling speeds based on target species – slower for cobia around structure, faster when hunting mahi in the weed lines. When fish are located, the action can switch quickly to live bait fishing or working artificials around whatever structure or debris is holding fish. The deep water offshore of the Keys offers incredible variety – one minute you're pulling mahi from a floating log, the next you're working a school of tuna that's pushing bait to the surface. Captain Mike provides all tackle, but if you have favorite rods or reels, feel free to bring them along. The boat's fighting chair and rail space give you multiple options for battling larger fish, and Captain Mike's coaching helps newer anglers learn proper fighting techniques.
Cobia are one of the most exciting fish you'll encounter on this trip, and the Keys waters hold some real giants. These brown sharks, as some anglers call them, are ambush predators that love structure – wrecks, buoys, floating debris, even following rays and sharks in the shallows. What makes cobia special is their curiosity and willingness to eat a variety of baits. They'll often follow a hooked fish right to the boat, giving you multiple shots at them. Peak season runs from March through June, when fish in the 30 to 60-pound range are common, with occasional monsters pushing 70 pounds or more. They're incredible fighters that make long runs and test your drag system, but what really gets anglers excited is watching them come up to investigate the boat – sometimes swimming right alongside before deciding to eat.
Yellowfin tuna represent the pinnacle of offshore fishing in the Keys, and when you hook into one, you'll understand why serious anglers chase them relentlessly. These fish are pure muscle wrapped in a torpedo-shaped package, capable of screaming runs that can empty a reel in seconds. Local yellowfins typically range from 20 to 80 pounds, with the occasional giant pushing triple digits. They're most active from late fall through early spring when water temperatures drop slightly, but Captain Mike knows the spots where they can be found year-round. What makes yellowfin special is their fighting ability – they dive deep, make multiple runs, and never give up until they're in the boat. The meat quality is exceptional too, making them a favorite for anglers who appreciate great table fare along with the fight.
Mahi-mahi, or dolphinfish, bring non-stop action and incredible colors that make every angler smile. These fish are aggressive feeders that travel in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more nearby. They're drawn to floating debris, weed lines, and current edges, where they hunt small baitfish and squid. What gets anglers excited about mahi is their willingness to eat and their spectacular jumps when hooked. Bulls can reach 30 pounds or more and show brilliant gold and green colors when fighting. Cows typically run smaller but often travel in larger schools. Peak season in the Keys runs from late spring through early fall, but scattered fish can be found year-round. They're also outstanding table fare, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or ceviche.
Captain Mike's full-day offshore trips fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is red-hot. Eight hours on the water with an experienced captain who knows exactly where to find fish is the kind of opportunity that creates lifelong fishing memories. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to target specific species or someone new to offshore fishing who wants to learn from a pro, this trip delivers the complete Keys fishing experience. The 34-foot Luhrs provides the comfort and capability needed for a full day in the deep water, and the five-angler capacity means you
Get ready to fish the deep waters of the Florida Keys aboard this rugged 34-foot Luhrs offshore fishing machine. Twin Caterpillar 316 HP engines push this boat smoothly through the waves at 20 knots, getting you to the prime fishing grounds where cobia, mahi-mahi, and yellowfin tuna are waiting. Built for serious offshore action, this vessel handles the open ocean swells with ease while providing a stable casting platform for up to five anglers. The spacious cockpit gives everyone room to work their lines without getting tangled up, and the comfortable seating means you can fish hard all day without wearing yourself out. Captain Mike knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on the fish whether you're a weekend warrior or seasoned pro. With plenty of storage for tackle and a smooth ride back to the dock, this Luhrs delivers everything you need for a productive day chasing pelagic species in some of Florida's best fishing waters.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are dark brown, shark-like fish that average around 6 feet and 100 pounds - they're solitary hunters, so you won't find schools of them. We spot them cruising shallow reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-70 feet of water, especially during their spring migration through the Keys. They're strong fighters and make excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Most productive fishing happens from spring through summer when they're moving through our waters. I like using 4-8 oz bucktail jigs bounced near structure - color doesn't matter much, but that presentation drives them crazy. They often get mistaken for sharks at first glance, but that distinctive single dorsal fin gives them away. Great fish for both experienced anglers and beginners looking for something different.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fish you'll catch - brilliant golds, blues, and greens that put on a light show when they come to the boat. They average 15-29 pounds and rarely live past four years, but they're fast growers and amazing fighters. Look for them around floating debris, weedlines, and current edges where they ambush flying fish and small baitfish. Spring through fall gives us the best action in the Keys. What makes them special is the acrobatic fight and sweet, firm meat that's perfect for the grill. We troll ballyhoo or squid near any floating structure - frigate birds diving is a dead giveaway. My trick is making the bait skip on the surface like a flying fish. Once you hook one, keep your bait in the water because they often travel in small groups.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin tuna are torpedo-shaped speedsters that can hit 50 mph, typically running 60 pounds but capable of reaching over 400. We find them in the upper water column out in deep blue water, often around current breaks and temperature changes. They're year-round residents here in the Keys, but spring and fall migrations bring the best action. Guests love them for the blistering runs and incredible sushi-quality meat. We troll rigged ballyhoo and skirted lures during the day, but when they're deep, vertical jigging really produces. Pro tip: when you see them busting bait on the surface, nothing beats the excitement of watching one demolish a topwater plug. These warm-blooded fish are eating machines, so having fresh bait ready is key to consistent hookups.
Florida Keys