Offshore Fishing in Florida Keys
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Offshore fishing targeting mackerel and marlin speciesPremium equipment with qualityfocused fishing approachSmall group trips accommodating up to six guests
The Florida Keys deliver some of the most productive offshore fishing waters you'll find anywhere in the continental U.S. When you head out with Seas 2 Trees Outdoors, you're not just getting another fishing charter – you're tapping into decades of local knowledge and top-shelf gear that puts fish in the boat. We keep our groups small at just six anglers max, so everyone gets prime rod time and personalized attention from our seasoned captains. The deep blue waters off the Keys hold serious gamefish year-round, and our focus on quality over quantity means we're targeting the species that'll make your trip legendary.
Picture this: you're 10 miles offshore in crystal-clear water that drops from 60 feet to over 400 feet in less than a mile. The Gulf Stream runs close to shore here, creating an underwater highway for pelagic species moving north and south with the seasons. Our boats are rigged with the latest electronics – high-end fish finders, GPS plotters, and radar that help us locate structure, baitfish, and temperature breaks where big fish hang out. The atmosphere is relaxed but focused. We're not running a cattle boat operation here. With only six spots available, you get the captain's full attention, whether you're a seasoned angler looking to boat your first sailfish or a newcomer who needs help telling port from starboard. The Florida Keys offshore scene is all about reading the water, understanding the current, and putting baits where hungry gamefish are cruising.
Offshore fishing in the Keys is primarily a trolling game, though we mix in some drift fishing and kite fishing when conditions are right. We run a spread of four to six lines using outriggers and flat lines, covering different depths and speeds to target multiple species simultaneously. Our tackle setup includes 30-50 pound class gear with quality reels that can handle long runs from sailfish and wahoo. Live bait is king out here – we'll often start the day catching goggle-eyes, blue runners, or ballyhoo at local spots before heading to the fishing grounds. For lures, we rely on proven producers like Ilander-ballyhoo combinations, feather jigs, and high-speed wahoo lures that trigger strikes from fast-moving pelagics. The key to success is varying your presentation – different colors, different speeds, different depths until you find what's working that day. Our captains constantly adjust the spread based on water color, current direction, and what the fish are telling us through our electronics.
Blackfin Tuna: These scrappy fighters are the bread and butter of Keys offshore fishing. Blackfins typically run 10-25 pounds and school up around structure, temperature breaks, and current edges. They're most active during winter and spring months when cooler water temperatures bring them closer to shore. What makes blackfin tuna special is their willingness to bite and their incredible fight-to-size ratio. They'll take small feathers, spoons, and live bait with equal enthusiasm. Plus, they're fantastic table fare – sashimi-grade meat that rivals any restaurant.
Atlantic Sailfish: The ultimate Keys gamefish, sailfish are what offshore dreams are made of. These acrobatic fighters average 6-8 feet and put on aerial displays that'll have everyone on the boat scrambling for cameras. Peak sailfish season runs from December through April when northerly winds push baitfish offshore and sailfish follow in large numbers. We target them with live bait on kites or slow-trolled ballyhoo. The first time you see that distinctive dorsal fin light up electric blue and watch a sailfish greyhound across the surface, you'll understand why anglers become obsessed with these fish.
King Mackerel: Smoker kings are year-round residents that provide consistent action when other species are finicky. These toothy predators range from schoolie-sized fish around 10 pounds to monster kings pushing 40-50 pounds. They're ambush predators that love structure – wrecks, reefs, and drop-offs where baitfish concentrate. Kings hit hard and fast, often taking drag in blistering runs that'll test your equipment and skills. They're also excellent eating when prepared fresh, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Mahi Mahi: Dolphin fish (no relation to the mammal) are the most colorful fighters in our offshore arsenal. These golden beauties are known for their spectacular jumps and rapid color changes when hooked. Mahi are structure-oriented fish that gather around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks. They travel in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more nearby. Spring and summer months offer the best mahi fishing as fish move north with warming water temperatures. Their sweet, flaky meat makes them a favorite with families and food lovers alike.
Wahoo: Speed demons of the deep, wahoo are the Formula One cars of the fish world. These streamlined predators can hit lures at 50+ mph, creating explosive strikes that'll rip line off your reel before you know what happened. Wahoo prefer deeper water and high-speed presentations – we typically target them with Ilander-ballyhoo combinations or specialized wahoo lures trolled at 8-12 knots. They're most active during fall and winter months when they move through Keys waters following bait migrations. Landing a wahoo over 40 pounds is a legitimate trophy that most anglers never forget.
The Florida Keys offshore fishing scene doesn't slow down, and neither should you. Every day on the water is different – different weather, different fish, different stories to tell back at the dock. What stays consistent is our commitment to putting you on fish using the best equipment and local knowledge money can buy. Six-person maximum means intimate trips
This 6-person motorboat is built for serious offshore fishing in the deep waters around the Florida Keys. Equipped with a fish finder to help you locate schools of mackerel, kingfish, and even marlin, you'll spend your day targeting the species that call these productive waters home. The GPS navigation keeps you on course to the best fishing spots, while the radar ensures safe travel even when weather conditions turn challenging. Stay comfortable during long fishing sessions with the onboard multimedia system and keep your catch fresh in the spacious icebox. The VHF radio maintains constant communication with other vessels and the Coast Guard for added safety on the open ocean. Whether you're trolling for pelagic species or bottom fishing over reefs, this boat delivers the reliability and equipment you need for a productive day on the water. The captain focuses on quality fishing experiences using top-tier gear rather than rushing through multiple spots.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are hands down one of the most exciting fish to catch out here. They average 15-25 pounds, with bulls getting up to 40 or more. The colors are absolutely stunning - bright gold, green, and blue that flash like neon underwater. They're surface dwellers that love floating debris, weedlines, and current edges. Any floating object in blue water is worth checking. Spring through fall is prime time, especially when the water warms up. What makes them special is everything - the colors, the acrobatic fight, and some of the best eating fish in the ocean. The white, flaky meat is mild and sweet. They're also fast growers that school up, so where you find one, there's usually more. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep a few lighter rigs ready and leave the hooked fish in the water while you cast to the school. The commotion will often keep the others around for multiple hookups.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the ocean's torpedoes - sleek, fast, and absolutely brutal when they hit. These fish average 30-50 pounds but can reach over 100, with that classic torpedo shape and zebra-striped sides. They're one of the fastest fish in the sea, capable of hitting 60 mph on their runs. You'll find them in open water, usually around 50-200 feet deep, often near floating debris or drop-offs. July through November is peak season here in the Keys. What makes them special is the strike - it's usually a screaming run that'll smoke your reel in seconds. The meat is outstanding too - firm, white, and mild with a texture similar to tuna. Perfect for the grill or fish tacos. One key tip: troll fast with wire leaders. Wahoo have razor-sharp teeth that'll cut through mono in a heartbeat. Run your lures at 12-15 knots and use at least 6 feet of wire leader to avoid bite-offs.
Istiophorus AlbicansThese are the fish that get people's hearts racing. Sailfish typically run 6-8 feet and average around 50 pounds, though the biggest ones can hit over 100. They're famous for their spectacular dorsal sail and lightning-fast runs - some say they're the ocean's fastest fish. You'll find them in warm waters from 30-65 feet deep, usually near the surface around current edges and temperature breaks. Winter months in the Keys are prime time, especially December through March. What makes them special is the fight - they'll jump, dive, and strip line like nothing else out there. The colors are amazing too, flashing blue and silver when they're fired up. One tip that works well: when trolling, let your boat drift slowly after the initial strike. Give the fish time to fully take the bait before setting the hook, as they often grab it and shake their heads trying to stun it first.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are some of the most popular gamefish around here, and for good reason. They average 20-30 pounds but can push over 60, with females getting much bigger than males. These fish are built for speed - they'll make blistering runs that'll test your drag system. Look for them in 40-150 feet of water, often around structure, ledges, and temperature breaks. The bigger fish usually hang deeper, sometimes in 200+ feet. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when water temps cool down. Guests love the fight these fish put up - they're aggressive strikers and powerful runners. The meat is decent eating when fresh, though it can be a bit oily. Local tip: use a two-hook rig with wire leaders - tie one hook near the nose of your live bait and let a treble hook dangle near the tail. Kings often attack from behind, and this setup will hook them when they do.
Thunnus AtlanticusThe smallest member of the tuna family, blackfins average 15-30 pounds but can reach up to 46 pounds. These beautiful fish sport dark backs with golden sides that fade quickly after being caught. They're incredibly fast growers with short lifespans, typically living only 3-5 years. You'll find them in warm waters around 40-150 feet, especially near continental shelves. In the Keys, they're most active during fall, winter, and spring months. Guests love targeting blackfins because they're fierce fighters that put up a solid battle on medium tackle. The meat is excellent - some of the best eating tuna around. Here's a local trick: scale down your tackle and use #30 fluorocarbon leaders with 5/0-6/0 circle hooks. These fish have sharp eyes, so lighter gear gets more bites. Try vertical jigging or chunking with pilchards for best results.
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