Half Day Offshore Dolphin and Tuna Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Fishing
Fourhour offshore charter targeting dolphin and tuna speciesProfessional tackle, licenses, and fish processing services includedCenter console boat accommodates up to four anglers
Get ready to test your skills against some of the Atlantic's most prized gamefish on this top-rated Key Largo charter. Captain and crew at Tailgator Charters know exactly where these pelagic species are running, and they'll put you right in the action. This four-hour morning trip targets the deep blue waters 6 to 20 miles offshore, where dolphin fish and tuna cruise the current lines looking for their next meal. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet in offshore fishing, this charter delivers the goods with professional gear, fresh bait, and all the local knowledge you need to make it count.
Your day kicks off at 8:00 AM sharp from Key Largo, where you'll meet your captain and get the lowdown on conditions and game plan. The center console boat is rigged for serious offshore work - outriggers spread wide, coolers packed with ice, and enough deck space for four anglers to work comfortably without getting tangled up. Once you clear the shallows, it's a straight shot to the deep water where the real action happens. The boat's equipped with top-shelf Penn and Daiwa gear that can handle whatever decides to crash your spread, from aggressive dolphin fish to hard-pulling blackfins. Your captain reads the water like a book - watching for color changes, temperature breaks, and bird activity that signals feeding fish below. When the conditions line up right, you'll see why Key Largo has earned its reputation as one of Florida's premier offshore fishing destinations.
This charter runs a proven trolling program designed to cover water fast and trigger strikes from pelagic predators. The crew sets a spread of lures and baits behind the boat, working different depths and distances to match what the fish want on any given day. Outriggers keep your lines separated and create the commotion that draws fish in from a distance. When something hits, you'll know it - these offshore species don't mess around when they're feeding. The heavy tackle setup gives you the backbone needed to turn big fish away from structure and get them to the boat in reasonable time. Live bait comes into play when the bite gets finicky or when you're marking fish that need a more natural presentation. Your captain and crew handle all the rigging, bait prep, and boat positioning so you can focus on what matters most - fighting fish and having a blast doing it. All fishing licenses are covered, plus they'll clean and package your catch so you can take home some of the best-eating fish in the ocean.
Mahi Mahi, also called Common Dolphinfish, are the crown jewel of offshore trolling and for good reason. These fish are pure dynamism - when they hit your lure, they come up fighting with aerial displays that'll get your heart pumping. Dolphin fish travel in schools, so where you find one, you'll often find more. They're drawn to floating debris, current edges, and color changes where baitfish concentrate. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, but Key Largo's year-round warm waters keep some around most months. What makes them special isn't just the fight - their electric blue and gold colors are absolutely stunning, and the meat is some of the finest you'll ever taste.
Great Barracuda patrol these offshore waters like underwater missiles, and when they decide to eat your lure, the strike is explosive. These fish can stretch over four feet and pack serious speed, making long screaming runs that test your drag system and your nerves. They're ambush predators that hang around current edges and drop-offs, waiting for the perfect moment to attack. Barracuda fishing stays consistent year-round in Key Largo waters, with bigger fish showing up during cooler months. Their razor-sharp teeth and aggressive nature make every hookup an adventure - just be ready for some serious acrobatics when they get close to the boat.
Blackfin Tuna represent the muscle of the offshore world, and these fish will give you a workout you won't forget. They're smaller than their yellowfin cousins but pound-for-pound some of the strongest fighters in the ocean. Blackfins prefer deeper water and stronger current, often showing up around temperature breaks and underwater structure. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action, but Key Largo's deep water access means you've got shots at them most of the year. When you hook into a quality blackfin, expect a sustained battle with multiple runs and plenty of head-shaking power. The meat is sashimi-grade when handled properly, making these fish a favorite among anglers who appreciate both the fight and the feast.
Atlantic Sailfish cruise these waters as the ocean's most spectacular gamefish, famous for their incredible jumps and lightning-fast runs. While they're more common during winter months when they migrate through South Florida waters, encounters can happen year-round. Sailfish prefer live bait presentations and often show up when you're working areas with good current and bait concentrations. When a sail hits your bait and comes up dancing across the surface, it's a sight that'll stay with you forever. Most captains practice catch-and-release with sailfish to preserve these amazing predators for future generations of anglers.
This world-class offshore charter delivers everything serious anglers look for - professional equipment, expert local knowledge, and access to some of the best fishing grounds in the Florida Keys. At $700 for up to four people, you're getting incredible value for a full-service deep sea experience that includes all gear, licenses, bait, and fish cleaning. The four-hour window gives you plenty of time to work productive water without burning a whole day, making it perfect for families or groups with mixed schedules. Key Largo's offshore waters are legendary for good reason, and Tailgator Charters has the experience and equipment to make the most of every trip. Don't wait around - the fish
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the crown jewel of offshore fishing - those massive dorsal fins and bill make them unmistakable. They average 50-80 pounds and stretch 7-8 feet, built for speed and acrobatics. We find them in 120-400 feet of water along current edges and temperature breaks. Winter months from December through April are peak season here off the Keys when they migrate through our waters. What makes them legendary is that fight - multiple jumps, long runs, and pure endurance that'll test any angler. Most folks release these beauties since they're not great eating. The secret is getting your baits down to 30-60 feet where they cruise and keeping that boat moving slow. When one lights up your spread, get ready for the show of a lifetime.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest of the tuna family but don't let that fool you - they're tough fighters with sharp eyes. Most run 10-20 pounds and about 30 inches, perfect for our tackle. They swim in schools along the continental shelf in 100-300 feet, feeding on squid and small baitfish. Fall through spring is prime time here in the Keys when water temps hit that sweet spot around 70 degrees. Anglers love them because they fight hard for their size and the meat is outstanding - perfect for sushi or searing. They travel with skipjacks sometimes, so when you find one species, look for both. Pro tip: scale down your leader to 30-pound fluoro and use smaller circle hooks. These fish have great eyesight and will spook from heavy tackle.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat barracuda are serious predators that can hit 5-6 feet long and pack a mouth full of razor teeth. They cruise nearshore reefs, grass flats, and mangroves but will venture offshore hunting baitfish. You'll find them from the surface down to about 100 feet. Spring spawning season brings the bigger fish together, but honestly they bite year-round here in the Keys. What guests love is that explosive strike and the wild jumps when hooked - just be ready because they fight dirty and tire fast. The meat's not great due to ciguatera risk, so most folks release them. Here's the deal: use a wire leader and don't wear anything shiny. These guys are curious and that flash can bring them right to the boat.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are those gorgeous golden fish with brilliant blue-green backs that put on a real color show when hooked. They average 15-29 pounds and about 39 inches, though we've seen bigger ones out there. You'll find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in 100-800 feet of water. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they're moving through our waters. What makes them special is that incredible fight - they jump, run, and never give up easy. Plus, the meat is fantastic eating with that mild, sweet flavor. My tip: when you see frigate birds working over floating stuff, get your lines out there fast. Those birds will lead you right to the fish.
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