Offshore Fishing in Florida Keys
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Offshore fishing targeting mackerel and marlin speciesTop-tier equipment with quality-focused fishing approachSmall group experience accommodating up to six guests
The Florida Keys offer some of the most productive offshore fishing waters you'll find anywhere in the world. When you head out with Seas 2 Trees Outdoors, you're not just booking another charter – you're getting access to prime fishing grounds where the Gulf Stream meets the Atlantic, creating perfect conditions for trophy fish. Our top-rated offshore trips focus on quality over quantity, using professional-grade equipment that gives you the best shot at landing the fish of a lifetime. With space for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to fight big fish without getting tangled up with your buddies.
Our offshore trips take you into the deep blue waters where the real monsters live. We're talking 100+ feet of water where blackfin tuna school up, sailfish cruise the current edges, and wahoo streak through at lightning speed. The ride out typically takes 30-45 minutes depending on conditions and where the fish are biting that day. Once we reach the fishing grounds, you'll see why the Keys are legendary among serious anglers – the water turns that deep cobalt blue, and you can literally feel the anticipation building. Our experienced captains read the water like a book, looking for temperature breaks, current edges, and bird activity that signal feeding fish below. The boats we run are equipped with state-of-the-art electronics, outriggers, and fighting chairs designed to handle anything from a screaming king mackerel to a jumping sailfish that'll test every ounce of your skill.
We primarily troll for our target species, running a spread of baits at different depths and distances behind the boat. Our tackle setup includes heavy conventional reels spooled with 50-80 pound test line, matched to rods that can handle the punishment these fish dish out. We'll run ballyhoo on the outriggers, maybe pull some diving plugs deeper in the water column, and always have a flat line or two working. The key to success out here is covering water and presenting baits at the right speed – usually between 6-8 knots depending on what we're targeting. When a fish hits, you'll know it immediately. The rod doubles over, line screams off the reel, and the real fun begins. Our guides coach you through the fight, helping you work the fish properly so you don't pull the hooks or break off. We use circle hooks whenever possible to improve release survival rates, and all our equipment is inspected and maintained regularly so you're not dealing with gear failures when that fish of a lifetime is on the other end.
Blackfin tuna are absolutely incredible fighters that show up year-round in Keys waters, but peak season runs from late fall through early spring. These fish typically run 10-25 pounds and are pure muscle – they'll take you straight to the bottom and make multiple runs before you get them to the boat. What makes blackfin so special is their willingness to bite and their incredible stamina. You'll often find them in schools, so when you hook one, get ready because his buddies are probably still around.
Atlantic sailfish are the crown jewel of Keys offshore fishing, and for good reason. These magnificent fish can reach 8-10 feet long and put on an aerial display that'll leave you speechless. Peak sailfish season runs from December through April when they migrate through our waters in good numbers. When a sail takes your bait, expect multiple jumps, long runs, and a fight that can last 20-30 minutes. The sight of a sailfish greyhounding across the surface is something you'll never forget, and releasing a healthy fish back to fight another day is what conservation-minded fishing is all about.
King mackerel are speed demons that can reach 40+ pounds in Keys waters, with the best fishing typically from fall through spring. These toothy predators are known for their blistering initial runs and their tendency to cut you off if your leader isn't up to par. Kings are also excellent table fare, making them a customer favorite for anglers who want to take some fish home. They're aggressive feeders that will hit both live and dead baits, and when the bite is on, you can expect steady action.
Mahi mahi, or dolphinfish, are arguably the most beautiful fish swimming in our offshore waters. Their brilliant gold and green colors are stunning when they come to the boat, and they're fantastic eating too. Mahi are most abundant from spring through fall, often found around floating debris or weed lines. These fish are acrobatic fighters that love to jump and make long runs, and they typically travel in schools so multiple hookups are common.
Wahoo are the speed kings of the offshore world, capable of reaching speeds over 60 mph. These sleek predators have razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. Wahoo fishing is best from fall through early spring, and they're typically caught while trolling high-speed lures or rigged baits. When a wahoo hits, the hookset is usually instantaneous – they either stick or they don't. Their initial run is absolutely explosive, often taking 200+ yards of line before you can even think about fighting back.
The Florida Keys offshore fishing scene is world-class for a reason – consistent action, beautiful fish, and the kind of memories that last forever. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add new species to your list or someone who wants to experience what real offshore fishing is all about, our trips deliver the goods. The combination of our top-tier equipment, experienced crew, and prime fishing locations gives you every advantage when you're out there. Don't wait too long to book, especially during peak season when the best dates fill up fast. Get in touch with Seas 2 Trees Outdoors today and let's get you set up for an offshore adventure that'll have you planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock.
Our 6-passenger motorboat is built for serious offshore fishing in the Florida Keys waters. This vessel comes equipped with everything you need for a successful day chasing mackerel, marlin, and other deep-water species. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools and structure, while GPS navigation keeps you on the best fishing spots. When weather conditions get tricky, our radar system ensures safe passage back to port. The boat features a VHF radio for marine communication and safety, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold throughout the day. Between fishing action, enjoy the multimedia system for entertainment. We focus on quality equipment rather than packing boats to capacity, giving you plenty of room to fight fish and move around comfortably. Whether you're targeting smaller species or going after trophy fish, this setup handles Florida Keys offshore conditions with ease.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are the chameleons of the sea, flashing brilliant gold and green colors that put on a light show when you boat them. They average 15-30 pounds but can reach 50-plus. You'll find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in open water. Spring through fall is peak season when the Gulf Stream brings them close. What makes them special is their aggressive nature and acrobatic fight - they'll jump, dive, and change colors the whole time. The white, flaky meat is some of the best eating in the ocean with that mild, sweet flavor. They often travel in schools, so when you hook one, quickly get another line out. My tip: look for frigate birds working floating sargassum or debris - that's where the mahi will be feeding underneath.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the torpedoes of the deep, built for speed with their sleek bodies and razor-sharp teeth. They typically run 30-60 pounds but can exceed 80. You'll find them in open water from 100-400 feet, often near drop-offs and current edges. July through November is our best season when they're most active in Keys waters. What gets anglers fired up is that screaming initial run - they'll hit at 40+ mph and strip line like a freight train. The white meat is absolutely primo eating with a delicate, flaky texture. These fish are loners, so it's usually one and done. Here's the secret: troll fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders - their teeth will cut through anything else. Use lures that mimic flying fish or ballyhoo, and be ready for that explosive strike.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the showstoppers of offshore fishing, averaging 6-8 feet and 40-60 pounds. These silver rockets with their massive dorsal sails cruise in 30-150 feet of water, often near current edges and structure. Winter months here in the Keys are prime time - that's when they migrate through in good numbers. What gets anglers hooked is the aerial display; they'll jump, tailwalk, and put on a show like no other fish. Plus, that sail lighting up in different colors during the fight is something you'll never forget. The meat is decent but most folks release these beauties. Here's the key: when you get a bite, resist the urge to set the hook immediately. Let them eat the bait and turn away before you come tight - they've got hard mouths and shake their heads violently.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel, or "kings" as we call them, are speed demons that typically run 20-40 pounds, with some monsters pushing 60-plus. They patrol depths from 40-150 feet, often around ledges, wrecks, and temperature breaks. Spring through fall is prime time when they're moving through our waters following baitfish. What makes them special is that blistering initial run - they'll peel line like nothing else and test your drag system. The meat is excellent grilled or blackened, though they do have higher mercury levels. These fish are notorious for hitting the back half of your bait, so here's the trick: rig with two hooks on a wire leader - one through the nose of your bait and a stinger hook near the tail. That way you'll get a solid hookup instead of just feeding them.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest in the tuna family, typically running 15-25 pounds with some reaching up to 46 pounds. These beautiful fish have dark backs with golden sides that really light up when they're fresh. You'll find them in 40-150 feet of water around structure and drop-offs. They're at their best here in the Keys during fall, winter, and spring when the water temps are right. What makes them special is their incredible fight - they're absolute bulldogs for their size and make fantastic table fare with that rich, red meat. They school up tight, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Pro tip: scale down your tackle and use fluorocarbon leaders - these fish have sharp eyes and will spook if they see heavy wire.
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