Half Day Afternoon Fishing in Tavernier
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore charter targeting sailfish, mahimahi, and tunaCaptain Casey provides all equipment and expert fishing guidanceFourhour trip accommodates up to four guests of any skill level
Captain Casey Yaworski knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This 4-hour afternoon charter out of Tavernier targets the big three that make the Florida Keys famous – Atlantic Sailfish, Mahi-Mahi, and Blackfin Tuna. Whether you've been fishing your whole life or you're just getting started, Casey's got the experience and patience to make sure you have a productive day on the water. The boat's equipped with everything you need, so all you have to do is show up ready to fish.
You'll meet Captain Casey at the dock in Tavernier, where the Sea Señorita is rigged and ready to go. This isn't some rushed tourist operation – Casey takes time to explain the game plan, show you the gear, and make sure everyone's comfortable before we head out. The afternoon bite in these waters can be absolutely electric, especially when the current's moving and the bait's thick. We'll be working the reef edges and color changes where these pelagic species love to hunt. The Florida Keys offer some of the most consistent fishing in the country, and with only 4 anglers max, you're not fighting for rod time or the captain's attention. Casey's been guiding these waters for years, and he knows exactly where to position the boat to give you the best shot at hooking up with trophy fish.
This trip is all about trolling the offshore waters where the big fish roam. Casey runs a spread of ballyhoo, feathers, and lures designed to trigger strikes from sailfish, mahi, and tuna. The boat's equipped with quality rods and reels that can handle the fight these fish put up – we're talking spinning gear and conventional setups matched to the target species. When a sail lights up the spread, you'll know it immediately. Casey will coach you through the fight, teaching you when to pump and wind, how to manage the drag, and most importantly, how to keep that bill pointed away from the boat. The trolling setup here is designed for success, with outriggers to spread the baits wide and downriggers to get them to the right depth. You'll learn proper trolling etiquette, how to read the fish finder, and what to look for when we're marking bait or structure.
The Mahi-Mahi around Tavernier are absolutely stunning fish, and they're known for putting on a show both in the water and when they're hooked up. These dolphin fish typically run 10-30 pounds in these waters, with the occasional bull mahi pushing 40-plus. They're ambush predators that love floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks. The best action usually happens when you find them in schools – catch one, and there's often more underneath. What makes mahi so exciting is their aerial display once hooked; they'll jump, tail-walk, and change colors from bright green and gold to silver as they fight. Peak season runs from April through August, but you can find them year-round in the Keys.
Blackfin Tuna are the speed demons of this fishery, and once you hook one, you'll understand why serious anglers target them. These fish typically range from 5-20 pounds in our area, but don't let the size fool you – they fight like fish twice their weight. Blackfins are structure-oriented and love the reef edges and drop-offs that Captain Casey knows intimately. They're excellent table fare with deep red meat that's perfect for sashimi or searing. The best time to target them is during the cooler months from November through March, when they school up tight and feed aggressively on pilchards and ballyhoo.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of this charter, and hooking one is something you'll never forget. These magnificent billfish can reach 6-8 feet long and typically weigh 30-60 pounds in our waters. What sets sailfish apart is their incredible speed – they can hit 70 mph – and their spectacular jumps when hooked. You'll see that massive dorsal fin light up like a neon sign when they're feeding, which is why they call it "lit up." Sailfish are catch-and-release only, so Casey will work quickly to get photos and release these beautiful fish unharmed. The peak sailfish bite in the Keys typically runs from December through April, when cooler water temperatures bring them closer to shore.
This half-day afternoon charter with Captain Casey offers everything serious anglers are looking for – quality fish, expert guidance, and top-notch equipment in one of the world's premier fishing destinations. The 4-hour timeframe is perfect for targeting these pelagic species without wearing yourself out, and the afternoon bite often produces the most consistent action. With only 4 spots available, you're guaranteed personal attention and plenty of opportunities to get on the rods. Casey's local knowledge and years of experience fishing these waters give you the best possible chance at hooking up with trophy sailfish, mahi, and tuna. The Florida Keys fishing scene doesn't get much better than this – book your spot with Sea Señorita Charters and get ready for some world-class fishing action.
Captain Casey's motorboat cuts through Florida Keys waters like it was built for one thing – putting you on fish. This fully rigged fishing machine seats four anglers comfortably and comes loaded with serious fish-finding tech. The GPS keeps you on productive grounds while the fish finder shows exactly what's swimming below. Perfect for targeting sailfish, mahi-mahi, and blackfin tuna in Tavernier's rich inshore waters. The boat handles beautifully whether you're trolling the edge or working structure, giving you stable platform to fight those trophy fish. All your tackle and gear is included, so you just bring yourself and get ready to bend some rods. Captain Casey knows these waters inside and out, putting you where the action is hottest.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the crown jewel of offshore fishing here in the Keys. These magnificent billfish average 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds, with that iconic sail-like dorsal fin and blazing speed. They cruise surface waters down to about 65 feet, hunting baitfish along current edges and temperature breaks. Winter is prime sailfish season in our area - we see the best action from December through March when they migrate through. What makes them legendary is the fight - they'll jump, dive, and put on an aerial show that'll get your heart pumping. Plus they change colors when excited, flashing blues and blacks. My advice: when one comes up behind your bait, don't get excited and pull it away. Let them eat it, wait for that first run, then set the hook firm. Patience pays off with these beauties.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest of the tuna family but don't let that fool you - they're absolute fighters. These dark, streamlined fish typically run 20-40 pounds and are known for their fierce battles and excellent table quality. You'll find them in deeper waters along the continental shelf, usually 30-100 feet down, preferring temps above 68°F. Fall through spring is prime time here in the Keys when they school up and feed aggressively. What guests love is the non-stop action once you find them, plus they're fantastic eating - firm, red meat that's perfect for sashimi or grilling. Here's a local trick: scale down your leader to 30-pound fluoro and smaller hooks - these fish have sharp eyes and will spook from heavy tackle. Vertical jigging works magic when you locate the schools.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are stunning fish that put on a real color show - brilliant blues, greens, and golds that shift like a light display when hooked. They average 15-29 pounds and around 39 inches, with males sporting that distinctive blunt forehead. You'll find them under floating debris, weedlines, and sargassum in warm surface waters. Here in the Keys, they're pretty consistent year-round but peak during warmer months. What makes them special is the combination - they fight hard, jump like crazy, and make fantastic table fare with that mild, sweet white meat. My tip: when trolling, make your bait skip on the surface like a flying fish. They can't resist that action, and once hooked, get ready for some serious aerial acrobatics.
Tavernier