Deep Sea Tuna and Mahi Fishing - Key Largo
Private Trip
Fishing
Fourhour offshore fishing targeting tuna and mahi mahiPremium equipment and live bait provided with catch cleaningAccommodates up to four passengers with experienced captain guidance
Picture this: it's 2:00 PM in Key Largo, and you're about to head 20 miles offshore where the real action happens. This isn't your typical backcountry trip – we're talking deep blue water where trophy tuna and vibrant mahi mahi cruise the current lines. Tailgator Charters has put together a solid four-hour package that gets you out to the productive waters without breaking the bank. At $700 for up to four anglers, you're splitting costs while maximizing your shots at some of the most sought-after pelagic species in South Florida waters. Whether you've been chasing billfish for decades or just picked up your first rod, this afternoon adventure delivers the kind of offshore action that keeps people coming back to the Keys.
The moment you step aboard that 22-foot center console, you'll notice this operation runs tight. Your captain isn't just driving you around – they're actively hunting structure, temperature breaks, and bird activity that signals feeding fish. The live well stays stocked with fresh ballyhoo, pilchards, and whatever bait is producing that week. Modern electronics help locate schools and structure, but it's the captain's local knowledge that puts you on fish consistently. The afternoon departure time works perfectly for Key Largo's offshore bite, as many species become more active when the midday sun starts to mellow. You'll cover serious ground in four hours, checking multiple spots and adjusting tactics based on what the fish are telling you. The boat handles the offshore chop well, and with premium Penn and Shimano gear rigged and ready, you can focus on fighting fish instead of fumbling with tackle.
Offshore fishing in Key Largo is all about covering water efficiently while presenting baits that trigger aggressive strikes. Your captain will likely start with a spread of trolling lures – think skirted ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and diving plugs that swim at different depths. The gear setup includes heavy spinning reels spooled with 30-50 pound test, plus conventional reels for the bigger stuff. When you hook up, that's when the real work begins. Tuna fight with pure power, making long runs that test your drag system and endurance. Mahi, on the other hand, go absolutely wild on the surface – jumping, tail-walking, and putting on a show that gets everyone on the boat fired up. Live bait comes into play when you find floating debris or weed lines where fish congregate. The captain handles all the rigging, so you can concentrate on following their coaching when that rod doubles over.
Mahi mahi are the crown jewel of this trip, and for good reason. These fish are pure eye candy – brilliant gold and green colors that seem to glow underwater. They average 10-25 pounds out here, though bulls pushing 40+ pounds show up regularly during peak season from April through August. Mahi travel in schools, so when you find one, there are usually others nearby. They're aggressive feeders that crush both lures and live bait, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels. The bonus is they're phenomenal table fare, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Blackfin tuna might not get the press that yellowfin do, but they're absolute rockets in the 10-20 pound range. These fish are available year-round in Key Largo waters, with peak action from late fall through early spring. They school up around structure and current lines, often mixing with other species. Blackfin hit small lures and live bait hard, then proceed to make blistering runs that will leave your arms burning. They're also excellent eating, especially as sashimi or seared rare.
Great barracuda are the opportunists of the offshore scene, often showing up when you're targeting other species. These torpedo-shaped predators can reach 20-30 pounds and are known for spectacular jumps and aggressive strikes. They're most active during the warmer months, from late spring through early fall. While some anglers release them, smaller barracuda make for good eating when prepared properly. The real thrill is the initial strike and subsequent aerial display.
Wahoo represent the speed demons of the deep. These fish can hit 50+ mph and regularly reach 20-40 pounds in local waters. They prefer the cooler months from November through March, when they move closer to shore following bait schools. Wahoo have razor-sharp teeth and a tendency to make lightning-fast runs that can empty a reel in seconds. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean, with dense, white meat that's perfect for grilling or making fish tacos.
This Key Largo offshore adventure hits all the right notes – reasonable price point, quality equipment, local expertise, and access to some of the best fishing grounds in South Florida. The four-passenger limit means you're not fighting crowds for rod time, and the included catch cleaning service ensures you leave with fillets ready for dinner. Afternoon trips often produce better than morning runs during certain times of year, and the 2:00 PM departure gives you plenty of time to get to the marina without rushing. Your captain knows these waters intimately and adjusts tactics based on current conditions, seasonal patterns, and what species are most active. Whether you're looking to cross tuna off your bucket list, experience the acrobatic fights that mahi provide, or just spend an afternoon on beautiful blue water, Tailgator Charters delivers a top-rated fishing experience that showcases why Key Largo remains a world-class offshore destination.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the perfect starter tuna for our waters, typically running up to 39 inches and around 20-30 pounds. These beautiful fish have dark backs with gold stripes that fade after landing. They school in deeper water along the continental shelf, usually 15+ miles offshore. Fall through spring offers the hottest bite in the Keys when water temps are right. Anglers love them for their scrappy fight and excellent table fare - the meat is rich and perfect for sashimi. They've got sharp eyes, so scale down your tackle. Use lighter fluorocarbon leaders and smaller circle hooks than you'd think. Vertical jigging works great, and live pilchards for chum will bring them right to the boat.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the silver bullets of the reef, averaging 2-4 feet but capable of hitting 6 feet and over 100 pounds. These apex predators cruise coral reefs, grass flats, and mangroves with their torpedo-shaped bodies and razor teeth. Spring brings the best action when they're more active and aggressive. What makes them a blast to target is their explosive strike and initial run - they'll test your drag and reflexes. They're curious fish that often follow lures before striking. The fight is intense but short, so be ready for anything. My advice: use a steel leader and keep your hands clear when landing them. Those teeth mean business, and a tired barracuda can still pack a serious bite.
Coryphaena HippurusThese gorgeous fish are what offshore dreams are made of. Running 15-29 pounds on average, mahi show off brilliant gold sides with electric blue and green backs that put on a color show when hooked. They love hanging under floating debris and weed lines in that 15-20 mile range we fish. Best action happens spring through fall when water temps stay warm. What makes them special is the aggressive fight - they'll jump, run, and give you everything they've got. Plus, the meat is sweet and firm, perfect for the grill. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep working the area. Mahi often travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of our waters, hitting 60 mph when they want to. These sleek, torpedo-shaped fish typically run 3-5 feet long with distinctive blue stripes along silver sides. They cruise open water around the continental shelf, usually in that 20+ mile range where we target them. July through November is prime time here in the Keys. What gets anglers fired up is the screaming runs - they'll peel line off your reel like nothing else. The meat is white, mild, and flaky - some of the best eating you'll find offshore. Here's the key: troll fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders. Their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono instantly, so don't skimp on the hardware.
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