5.0(3 Reviews)Charter Fishing in Key West | 6HR Trip Offshore
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
6hour customizable charter targeting multiple offshore speciesAccommodates up to 6 guests with Swan ChartersTargets Marlin, MahiMahi, Grouper, and Amberjack
Key West's fishing scene is legendary, and Swan Charters delivers exactly what serious anglers and first-timers alike are looking for. Captain Paul and the crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish whether you're chasing trophy gamefish in the deep blue or working structure closer to shore. This 6-hour charter is completely customizable – you tell us what you're after, and we'll make it happen. With room for up to 6 anglers, it's perfect for families, groups of friends, or anyone ready to experience some of the best fishing the Florida Keys has to offer.
Your day starts early, which is exactly when you want it to start if you're serious about catching fish. We'll meet you at the dock, load up the boat with everything you need, and head out to where the action is. The beauty of a 6-hour trip is flexibility – we can run offshore to chase mahi-mahi and kingfish, or stay closer to work the reefs for grouper and amberjack. The boat comes fully rigged with quality tackle, and our crew will have you set up with the right gear for whatever we're targeting. Whether you've been fishing these waters for decades or you've never held a rod before, we'll adjust our approach to make sure everyone on board has a great time and goes home with stories to tell.
Depending on what's biting and what you're hoping to catch, we'll mix up our techniques throughout the day. Trolling is a go-to method when we're covering water looking for mahi, kings, or even a blue marlin if we're feeling lucky. We'll set multiple lines at different depths and speeds, and when something hits, you'll know it. For bottom species like grouper and amberjack, we'll anchor up on productive structure and drop baits down to where these fish live. The tackle is sized right for the fish we're after – heavy enough to pull a big amberjack off the bottom, but not so heavy that you can't feel every bit of the fight. Live bait, fresh dead bait, lures – we'll use whatever gives us the best shot at putting fish in the boat.
"While I don't consider myself much of a fisherman (or, more accurately, a fisherwoman), the experience turned out to be incredibly fun and exciting. I highly recommend it to both seasoned anglers and those embarking on their first fishing adventure." - Sandy "Captain Paul has an expert knack for locating and successfully bringing fish on board. Swan Charters caters excellently to novice and seasoned fishermen, equipped with all the necessary gear for landing plenty of fish, including the big ones. The memories made during our trip are ones we'll cherish forever, complemented by the most incredibly delicious fresh fish we've ever tasted. A heartfelt thank you to Captain Nick and Swan Charters for delivering a fantastic day on the water" - Chad "Captain Paul of Swan Charters guided us to top-notch fishing spots. Within just two hours, we reached our mahi limit and then enjoyed a fantastic amberjack bite. Without a doubt, the best charter captain I've encountered in the Keys. I highly recommend choosing Nick for your fishing adventures." - Drew
Red Grouper are one of the most sought-after bottom fish in these waters, and for good reason. These chunky fighters typically run 5 to 15 pounds, though bigger ones are always possible. They hang around hard bottom, ledges, and artificial reefs, usually in 60 to 120 feet of water. Red grouper are year-round residents, but they tend to bite best during the cooler months when they're more active. What makes them so popular isn't just the fight – they're hands down some of the best eating fish in the ocean. When you hook one, expect a strong initial run followed by a bulldogging fight as they try to get back to structure.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of the offshore world, and Key West is prime territory for these toothy predators. Kings can range from small "school fish" around 10 pounds up to monsters pushing 40 or 50 pounds. They're most active from fall through spring, when cooler water temperatures bring them closer to shore. These fish are built for speed and will test your drag system with long, screaming runs. We typically target them by trolling live baits or spoons along depth changes and current edges. The bite can be explosive, and the fight is pure adrenaline.
Mahi Mahi, or dolphinfish, are what many anglers consider the perfect gamefish. They're beautiful, they fight hard, they jump, and they taste amazing. Mahi are pelagic fish that follow floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks. In Key West waters, we see them most reliably from spring through fall, with peak action in summer. They typically run 10 to 30 pounds, though bulls can get much bigger. When you find one mahi, there's usually more around, which can lead to some fast-paced action with multiple hookups. They're also one of the most acrobatic fish you'll encounter, often going airborne multiple times during the fight.
Greater Amberjack are the bruisers of the reef. These powerful fish live around wrecks, reefs, and other structure, usually in water deeper than 60 feet. AJ's are available year-round but tend to bite best when the water cools down in fall and winter. They're known for their initial powerful run straight down toward structure, and if you don't stop them, they'll cut you off. Most amberjack we catch run 20 to 50 pounds, but bigger ones are always possible. They're strong fighters that will test your tackle and your arms, and they make excellent table fare when prepared right.
Get ready to chase trophy fish aboard our 2019 SeaVee 33ft center console, built for serious fishing adventures in Key West waters. Twin Yamaha 300HP engines power you to the hottest fishing spots at 40 knots, whether you're targeting monster Amberjack on offshore reefs or chasing Mahi-Mahi in blue water. This fishing machine comfortably handles up to 6 anglers with plenty of room to fight fish and move around the deck. The fish finder helps locate schools and structure while GPS navigation gets you to productive waters fast. Keep your catch fresh in the spacious icebox, and when nature calls, the onboard head keeps you fishing longer. From nearshore Grouper holes to offshore Marlin grounds, this boat delivers the speed and stability to make the most of your 6-hour charter. Whether you're after King Mackerel, Sharks, or whatever's biting, you'll have the perfect platform to land your next personal best.
Carcharhinus LeucasBulls are the tough guys of our local shark scene - thick, aggressive predators that run 8-12 feet and 200-300 pounds. They're unique because they'll cruise shallow flats, harbors, and even brackish water where most sharks won't go. Summer's your best bet when they move into our warmer coastal waters. What makes targeting them exciting is their raw power and that bulldog attitude - they'll make strong runs and put up a solid fight on heavy tackle. We use fresh-cut bait like bonito or mackerel, sometimes whole fish. The secret weapon down here is fresh eel if you can get it - the oil content drives them crazy. Set up with heavy gear, chum the water, and be patient. When they show up, you'll know it.
Seriola dumeriliAmberjacks are the bulldogs of the reef - thick, powerful fish that average 30-40 pounds and will test your arms and tackle. They hang around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 60-200 feet, especially during spring and early summer when they're most active. These fish are pure muscle and they know how to use it, making long powerful runs straight down toward the bottom. The fight alone makes them worth targeting, though the meat quality can vary depending on size. My advice: bring heavy tackle with at least 50-pound test because they'll head straight for structure to cut you off. Drop a live bait or large jig down to them and hold on tight - they don't mess around when they eat.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are built for speed and put on a show when hooked - these silver torpedoes average around 30 pounds but can push 40-50 pounds out here. You'll find them cruising in 40-150 feet of water along temperature breaks and structure during their migration through our waters, typically spring through fall. What makes them special is that blistering run when they hit your bait - they'll peel line off the reel and jump like crazy. The meat's got decent flavor, though it's a bit oily. My go-to technique is trolling with a wire leader and two hooks on live bait - one through the nose, one trailing near the tail. Kings love to bite the back half of baitfish, so that stinger hook back there will save you from a lot of missed fish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the rainbow fish of the Gulf - bright gold and electric blue that puts on a color show when you boat them. Most run 15-30 pounds and they're fast swimmers that love chasing flying fish around floating debris and weedlines. We target them in the warmer months when water temps hit the mid-70s and up, usually in deeper water offshore. What guests really love is how hard they fight - lots of jumping and long runs - plus the meat is absolutely top-notch with that mild, sweet flavor. They're also beautiful fish that make great photos. Pro tip: when you see frigate birds working over floating sargassum or debris, get your lines out quick. Mahi hang under that stuff, and if you find one, there's usually more around.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are one of our most reliable bottom dwellers, typically running 5-10 pounds with that distinctive rusty-red color and white spots. We find them around rocky ledges, wrecks, and reefs in 10-100 feet of water - they're homebodies that don't migrate much. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're actively feeding on crabs and shrimp. Guests love them because they're scrappy fighters that'll try to dive straight back to structure, plus they're hands down some of the best eating fish in these waters - firm, flaky meat with that sweet shellfish flavor. Here's a local trick: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and reel fast to get them away from the rocks before they cut you off on the coral.
5.0 out of 5.0While I don't consider myself much of a fisherman (or, more accurately, a fisherwoman), the experience turned out to be incredibly...
Captain Paul has an expert knack for locating and successfully bringing fish on board. Swan Charters caters excellently to novice ...
Captain Paul of Swan Charters guided us to top-notch fishing spots. Within just two hours, we reached our mahi limit and then enjo...
Key West