Florida Keys Deep Sea Charter Fishing
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fourhour offshore fishing charter targeting Grouper and SnapperPremium Penn International and Shimano equipment provided onboardSixguest capacity vessel departing from historic charter row
Picture this: you're aboard a well-equipped charter boat on the legendary waters of the Florida Keys, rod in hand, with nothing but endless blue stretching toward the horizon. This 4-hour deep sea charter puts you right in the action without burning your whole day, making it perfect for families, couples, or small groups looking to hook into some serious fish. We're talking about launching from the famous charter boat row – a spot that's been sending anglers out to productive waters for decades. With room for up to 6 people, this trip keeps things intimate while maximizing your chances at landing trophy fish that call these warm Gulf Stream currents home.
Your morning kicks off at the historic charter boat row, where captains have been launching successful fishing trips for generations. The beauty of this location is that we don't waste precious fishing time traveling – the good stuff starts practically right outside the harbor. Once we clear the marina, you'll feel the boat settle into that steady offshore rhythm as we head toward proven fishing grounds. The Florida Keys sit perfectly positioned where the Atlantic meets the Gulf of Mexico, creating nutrient-rich waters that attract baitfish, which in turn draw the predators we're after. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, reading current breaks, water temperature changes, and bird activity to put you on fish. The 4-hour window gives us plenty of time to work multiple spots, adjust tactics based on what's biting, and make sure everyone on board gets their shot at some quality fish.
We've got you covered with top-shelf Penn International and Shimano gear – the kind of equipment that serious anglers trust when they're targeting big fish. Depending on conditions and what's biting, we'll deploy a mix of trolling and bottom fishing techniques. Trolling lets us cover water efficiently while targeting pelagic species like mahi, kingfish, and marlin that cruise these offshore waters. When we find structure or promising bottom, we'll anchor up and drop lines for grouper, snapper, and other reef dwellers. The tackle selection includes everything from medium-action spinning setups perfect for snapper to heavy conventional reels spooled with enough line to handle a blue marlin run. Live bait, dead bait, and artificial lures are all part of the arsenal, and your captain will match the presentation to current conditions and target species. No need to worry about bringing anything – we've got the gear dialed in and ready to perform.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of these waters, known locally as "smoker kings" for their blistering runs that'll test your drag and your grip. These silver bullets typically show up in good numbers from late fall through early spring, with fish ranging from school-size 15-pounders to trophy kings pushing 40 pounds or more. They hit trolled baits hard and fast, often jumping clean out of the water when hooked. What makes kings special is their willingness to bite – even novice anglers can hook up, but landing one requires focus and technique.
Blue Marlin represent the holy grail of offshore fishing, and the Florida Keys offer some of the best blue water marlin fishing on the East Coast. These apex predators can exceed 400 pounds, though most fish we encounter run between 100-250 pounds. Summer months bring the best marlin action, when warm blue water pushes close to the reef line. A hooked blue marlin will test every piece of equipment and every ounce of angling skill you possess, often launching skyward in spectacular displays of raw power. Even releasing a small blue marlin creates memories that last a lifetime.
Mahi Mahi, or common dolphinfish, are arguably the most exciting fish to catch in these waters pound-for-pound. These brilliant gold and green speedsters travel in schools, often under floating debris or sargassum patches. Spring and summer offer peak mahi fishing, with fish ranging from small schoolies to bull mahi over 30 pounds. They fight with incredible energy, jumping repeatedly and changing direction like aquatic pinballs. Plus, mahi are fantastic table fare, making them a favorite among families who want to bring home dinner.
White Marlin might be smaller than their blue cousins, but they more than make up for it with acrobatic ability and aggressive strikes. These 50-80 pound billfish are masters of aerial combat, often spending more time in the air than in the water during a fight. Late spring through early fall produces the most consistent white marlin action, particularly when we find temperature breaks and current edges where baitfish concentrate. Landing a white marlin on light tackle ranks among the most satisfying achievements in sport fishing.
Mutton Snapper are the prize of the snapper family in these waters, combining excellent eating quality with a challenging fight. These reddish-bronze beauties inhabit deeper reefs and wrecks, typically weighing between 5-15 pounds with occasional fish topping 20. They're notoriously finicky eaters, requiring precise bait presentation and light leaders to fool them. Spring and summer spawn periods bring mutton snapper into shallower water where they're more accessible, though they remain one of the more technical fish to consistently catch.
A 4-hour charter hits the sweet spot between having enough time to find fish and not overwhelming first-time offshore anglers or families with young kids. The Florida Keys location means you're fishing some of the most productive waters in the country, with the convenience of short runs to fishing grounds and the expertise of captains who've been working these waters their entire careers. With space limited to just 6 anglers, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of rod time. Whether you're looking to check marlin off your bucket list, put some fresh snapper fillets in the cooler, or introduce kids to the magic of offshore fishing, this charter delivers the complete Florida Keys experience. The combination of world-class fishing grounds, professional equipment, and experienced local
This restored 1977 Concord AMF Brunswick stretches 47 feet and was built specifically for serious offshore fishing adventures in the Florida Keys. Twin 450HP Cummins engines push her through the water at a steady 22 knots, getting your crew of up to 6 anglers out to the productive grounds quickly. The 2018 restoration brought modern comfort to this classic fishing platform - you'll find air conditioning to beat the Florida heat, a full galley with refrigerator for cold drinks, and even a proper head and sleeping quarters for longer trips. The flybridge gives your captain excellent visibility to spot birds and baitfish, while the fish finder helps locate those deeper structures where grouper and snapper love to hang out. An icebox keeps your catch fresh on the ride back to the historic charter boat row. With Penn International and Shimano gear provided, this boat has everything needed for a productive morning on the water targeting the species that make Keys fishing legendary.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the holy grail of offshore fishing - true giants that can exceed 400 pounds, with females growing much larger than males. These apex predators roam deep blue water beyond the reef, usually in 600+ feet where warm currents meet. Summer months bring the best opportunities when they're chasing tuna and mahi near the surface. What makes them special isn't just the size - it's the aerial show. When hooked, they'll jump, tail-walk, and fight with power that'll test every piece of gear. The meat's decent but most folks release these magnificent fish. Here's the key: when trolling, watch behind your baits, not at them. Marlin often appear like ghosts, and you'll see that distinctive bill before the strike. Keep your drag smooth and be ready for war.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are one of the fastest fish in these waters, averaging 20-30 pounds with some pushing 50+. You'll find them cruising depths from 40-150 feet, often around structure or bait schools. They hunt aggressively with razor-sharp teeth, so we always use wire leaders. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're feeding heavily on ballyhoo, sardines, and squid. Guests love the initial run - these fish can peel line like nobody's business. The meat's excellent grilled or blackened, though it's got higher mercury content. Pro tip: when trolling, keep your baits skipping on the surface. Kings love to smash a bait that looks like a fleeing flying fish, and that surface strike is something you'll never forget.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the perfect mix of beauty, fight, and flavor. These colorful fish typically run 15-30 pounds and put on a light show when brought to the boat - brilliant gold, green, and blue that fades once they're out of water. You'll find them under floating debris, weed lines, or current breaks in 100-400 feet. They're year-round residents here, but spring and summer offer the hottest action when they school up. Guests love their acrobatic jumps and strong runs, plus they're fantastic eating with firm, sweet white meat. The whole family can enjoy this one. My go-to trick: once you hook one mahi, keep the hooked fish in the water while others grab rods. Where there's one, there's usually more, and they'll often stay with their hooked buddy.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are the prize of the reef, running 5-15 pounds on average with occasional giants hitting 25+. These pinkish fish with distinctive blue facial markings live around coral heads, wrecks, and sandy bottoms in 30-200 feet. They're year-round targets but really turn on during warmer months when they're more aggressive. What makes them special is they're both excellent fighters and superb table fare - firm, sweet meat that's perfect for any preparation. They're smart fish that require fresh bait and light tackle. Here's the secret: use a knocker rig with the freshest ballyhoo or pilchard you can find, and let it drift naturally in the current. Heavy weights and old bait will get ignored every time. When you feel that telltale tap-tap, give them a second before setting the hook.
Kajikia AlbidaWhite marlin are smaller than their blue cousins but twice as acrobatic, averaging 40-80 pounds of pure energy. These billfish cruise the deep blue water in 400+ feet, hunting flying fish, squid, and small tunas. Late spring through early fall is prime time when they're most active near the surface. What sets them apart is their incredible jumping ability - they'll leap repeatedly and change directions mid-air. Most anglers release them since they're not great table fare, but the fight is worth every minute. They're smart fish that require finesse. Here's what works: when trolling ballyhoo, don't set the hook immediately. Let them run with the bait for a few seconds before engaging the drag. Rush it, and they'll drop the bait every time.
Key West