Top Rated Florida Keys Deep Sea Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Charter fishing trips available in 6 or 8 hour optionsTarget species include Amberjack, Marlin, Sailfish, and Mahi MahiHistoric charter boat row location accommodates up to 6 guests
You've found the sweet spot for serious offshore action in the Florida Keys. Ultra Grand Slam Sport Fishing runs top-rated charters right from historic charter boat row, putting you in prime position to hook into some of the most sought-after gamefish swimming these waters. Whether you're looking at a solid 6-hour trip or want to push it with an 8-hour adventure up to 30 miles offshore, this crew knows exactly where the fish are holding and how to put you on them. With space for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work without feeling crowded when the action heats up.
Your day starts early at charter boat row, where you'll step aboard a well-maintained vessel that's built for the big blue water. The 6-hour trips keep you closer to shore but don't let that fool you – these waters hold serious fish. You'll work the edges where the reef drops into deeper water, perfect amberjack and barracuda territory. The 8-hour charters are where things get really interesting. We're talking about pushing 30 miles out into the Gulf Stream, where the water turns that deep cobalt blue and anything can happen. That's sailfish and marlin country, and when you hook into one of these apex predators, you'll understand why anglers travel from all over the world to fish these waters. Even if the fish aren't cooperating, the wildlife show is world-class – dolphins riding the bow wake, sea turtles cruising the grass beds, and seabirds working the surface when bait schools move through.
This operation runs a serious spread when we're hunting pelagics. We're talking about a mix of live bait, rigged ballyhoo, and artificial lures that cover different depths and speeds. The crew sets up a trolling pattern that maximizes your chances, with outriggers spreading the baits wide and downriggers getting lures into the strike zone where big fish cruise. For the bottom fishing, we'll anchor up over productive structure and drop down with live bait or fresh cut bait, depending on what's working. The boat comes equipped with quality rods and reels that can handle everything from 20-pound kings to triple-digit marlin, plus all the terminal tackle you'll need. If you've got your own gear and want to use it, that's always welcome – just make sure your drag is smooth because these fish will test every knot and connection you've got.
King mackerel are the bread and butter of Keys fishing, and these speedsters know how to put on a show. They'll hit a trolled bait at 8 knots and peel line off your reel like it's on fire. Kings in these waters typically run 15 to 40 pounds, with the occasional smoker pushing 50 or better. Best action usually happens from fall through early spring when the water temps drop and bait schools stack up along the reef line. What makes kings so popular is their aggressive nature – they'll crush a bait and give you multiple long runs that'll get your heart pumping.
Blue marlin are the holy grail of offshore fishing, and the deep waters off the Keys hold some genuine monsters. These apex predators can top 500 pounds and will test every ounce of skill you've got. Summer months bring the best blue marlin action when the Gulf Stream edges closer to shore and the water temperature hits that magic 78-degree mark. When a blue marlin eats your bait, there's nothing subtle about it – the reel screams, the rod doubles over, and you're in for the fight of your life. Even smaller blues in the 100 to 200-pound range will jump, sound deep, and make runs that seem to last forever.
Mahi mahi bring pure excitement to any offshore trip with their spectacular jumps and blazing colors. These fish travel in schools around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges, making them a customer favorite for their willingness to bite and aerial acrobatics. Peak season runs from spring through fall, with the best action happening when you find birds working or spot floating sargassum. Mahi typically range from 10 to 30 pounds in these waters, but bull dolphins over 40 pounds show up regularly. What makes mahi special is their aggressive feeding – hook one and often the whole school stays fired up, leading to multiple hookups that'll have everyone on the boat scrambling.
White marlin are smaller than their blue cousins but pound for pound might be the most athletic fish in the ocean. These 50 to 80-pound rockets will jump repeatedly and make blistering runs that'll smoke your drag if it's not set right. Late spring through summer offers the best white marlin opportunities when they follow bait schools up from the Caribbean. They're notorious for being picky eaters, often following baits for miles before deciding to bite, which makes hooking one even more satisfying.
Mutton snapper might not jump like the pelagics, but these reef dwellers are prized for their fighting ability and table fare. These fish live around structure and know how to use it, making powerful runs toward the bottom when hooked. Mutton snappers in the 10 to 20-pound range are common, with trophy fish pushing 25 pounds or better. They're most active during slack tide periods and respond well to live bait presented near the bottom. What keeps anglers coming back for muttons is their combination of fight and flavor – they'll test your tackle and make an outstanding dinner.
The Florida Keys offer world-class offshore fishing year-round, but the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak season. This charter operation has earned its reputation by consistently putting anglers on fish and providing the kind of professional service that keeps customers coming back trip after trip. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to check a grander marlin off
This restored 1977 47-foot Concord AMF Brunswick is your ticket to Florida Keys fishing adventures. Twin 450HP Cummins engines push this classic sportfisher at 22 knots, getting you to the fishing grounds fast. The boat handles up to 6 anglers comfortably with air conditioning, full kitchen, refrigerator, and onboard head. From the flybridge, scan the waters while the fish finder locates your next target. Whether you're trolling for mahi-mahi and marlin up to 30 miles offshore on 8-hour trips, or targeting amberjack and barracuda closer to shore on 6-hour runs, this vessel delivers. When the fish aren't biting, spot dolphins and sea turtles in the crystal-clear Keys waters. The spacious cockpit gives everyone room to fight fish, while the icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold. GPS navigation ensures safe passage through these legendary fishing waters where charter boat row has launched anglers for decades.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the giants of our offshore grounds - true bucket list fish that can stretch over 10 feet and weigh several hundred pounds. The big females dwarf the males, sometimes hitting 1,000+ pounds. We target them in deep blue water 20-30 miles out where the current edges meet, usually in 800+ feet. Summer months bring the best chances when water temps climb above 78 degrees. What draws people to marlin fishing is the pure power and acrobatics - they'll launch clear out of the water and fight for hours. These fish are apex predators, so they demand respect and heavy tackle. Most anglers release them for the thrill and conservation. Pro tip: when marlin fishing, watch your baits constantly. They often come up behind the spread and "light up" with those electric blue stripes before striking. Keep your drags tight but not locked down - they'll break your back otherwise.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are serious fish that'll test your gear and skills. These speedsters typically run 15-30 pounds, though we see plenty that push 40-50 pounds in our deeper waters. They cruise along temperature breaks and structure between 40-150 feet, hunting in schools for baitfish like ballyhoo and blue runners. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps hit that sweet spot above 68 degrees. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll strip line faster than almost anything out there. The meat's rich and flaky when fresh, perfect for the grill. Here's a local tip: when trolling, keep your baits skipping on the surface and use a wire leader - those razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. Once hooked, they'll make long, smoking runs, so keep that drag smooth.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish in the ocean, flashing gold, green, and electric blue when they're fired up. Most run 10-25 pounds, but we see bulls pushing 40+ pounds during peak season. They love floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 100-1,000 feet of water. Spring through early fall is prime time when they're thick offshore. What guests love about mahi is everything - they fight hard with long runs and jumps, they're gorgeous fish, and the meat is absolutely top-shelf eating. White, flaky, and mild - perfect for any cooking style. These fish travel in schools, so where you find one, there's usually more. Here's the key: when you hook up, leave one in the water and keep the school around the boat. Have your other rods ready with small jigs or ballyhoo - it's not uncommon to boat a dozen in one stop.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snappers are some of the smartest fish on the reef, but that's what makes them so rewarding to catch. They typically run 3-8 pounds, with the occasional trophy pushing 15-20 pounds. You'll find them around coral heads, ledges, and sandy spots near structure in 30-150 feet. The cooler months from November through March are prime time when they're most active and less spooky. What draws anglers to muttons is their reputation as excellent table fare - firm, white meat that's hard to beat. They're also strong fighters that'll test your drag on lighter tackle. These fish are notorious for their keen eyesight and wariness, so fresh bait and light leaders are crucial. My go-to technique is using a knocker rig with the freshest shrimp or pilchards you can find. Let it drift naturally with minimal weight - muttons hate anything that looks suspicious.
Kajikia AlbidaWhite marlin are smaller than their blue cousins but pack just as much attitude in a more manageable package. They average 50-80 pounds and about 6-8 feet long, making them perfect for anglers wanting billfish action without the marathon fight. We find them along temperature breaks and canyon edges in 100-600 feet during summer months when water temps hit the mid-70s. These fish are known for their spectacular jumps and gill-rattling runs. They're also catch-and-release only, which keeps the sport pure. What makes white marlin special is their aggressive nature - they'll often stay around the boat longer than blues, giving you multiple chances. The key to success is watching for them to "light up" behind your baits - those vertical blue bars signal a fired-up fish ready to eat. Keep your ballyhoo fresh and skipping on the surface, and don't set the hook until you're certain they have it.
Key West