Full Day Fishing Trip - Key West, FL
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full-day offshore fishing targeting snapper, grouper, mahi-mahi, and tunaExperienced guides provide top-quality equipment for inshore and offshore spotsSmall group experience accommodates up to 6 guests maximum
When you're looking for a world-class fishing experience in the Florida Keys, Ware's The Fish Charters delivers exactly what serious anglers want. This full-day adventure takes you to the best inshore and offshore spots around Key West, where the Gulf Stream currents bring in some of the most sought-after gamefish in these waters. You'll be fishing with experienced captains who know these waters like the back of their hand, using top-notch equipment that's perfectly suited for everything from reef fishing to pelagic species. With room for up to 6 anglers, this trip strikes the perfect balance between having enough space to fish comfortably and keeping the group small enough for personalized attention from your guide.
Your day starts early, which is exactly how you want it when you're chasing premium gamefish. The Key West waters offer something special that most fishing destinations can't match – you're fishing where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Gulf of Mexico, creating unique current breaks and temperature variations that attract an amazing variety of species. Your captain will read the conditions and adjust the game plan accordingly, whether that means working the reef structure for snappers and groupers or heading offshore to troll for pelagics like mahi-mahi and tuna. The beauty of a full-day charter is flexibility – if the bite is hot in one area, you can stay and capitalize. If conditions suggest moving, you've got the time to explore multiple spots. The guides here don't just put you on fish; they'll share techniques and local knowledge that'll make you a better angler long after you head home.
Ware's The Fish Charters comes equipped with everything you need to target multiple species effectively. For the offshore portion, you'll be trolling with outriggers, running a spread of lures and baits designed to attract sailfish, tuna, and mahi-mahi. The boat carries a selection of tackle ranging from lighter spinning gear for smaller reef fish to heavy conventional setups for the big pelagics. When working the reefs and wrecks, expect to bottom fish with circle hooks and natural baits – this is where technique really matters, and your guide will show you how to feel the difference between a fish pickup and bottom structure. Live bait fishing is often part of the program too, especially when targeting tarpon or big barracuda. The key here is having a captain who can switch tactics based on what's working. Some days that means slow-trolling live pilchards, other days it's high-speed trolling with ballyhoo rigs. The equipment is maintained to tournament standards because when you hook a fish of a lifetime, gear failure isn't an option.
Blackfin Tuna are one of the most consistent and exciting catches you'll encounter on this trip. These fish typically run 10-25 pounds and are absolute rockets when hooked. They're year-round residents in the deep waters off Key West, but they're most active during the cooler months from November through March. What makes blackfins special is their willingness to bite and their incredible fight-to-size ratio. They'll often travel in schools, so when you find one, you're likely to find more. Anglers love them because they're excellent eating and provide that fast-paced action that makes the day fly by.
Atlantic Sailfish represent the pinnacle of offshore fishing excitement around Key West. These magnificent billfish typically range from 30-60 pounds and are famous for their aerial displays when hooked. Peak season runs from December through April when they migrate through these waters in good numbers. Sailfish fishing requires patience and skill – you're trolling ballyhoo or rigged baits at specific speeds, watching for that telltale bite. When one lights up behind the boat, everything changes. The fight is spectacular, with multiple jumps and long runs that'll test your stamina and technique. Most anglers practice catch and release with sailfish, making for great photos and conservation.
Tarpon fishing around Key West is legendary, and for good reason. These silver kings can exceed 100 pounds and provide some of the most challenging and rewarding fishing you'll ever experience. They're most active from April through October, with peak activity during the warmer summer months. Tarpon are incredibly strong fish that will jump repeatedly when hooked, often throwing the hook in the process. That's what makes landing one such an achievement. They require heavy tackle and excellent boat handling by your captain. The sight of a 6-foot tarpon exploding out of the water next to the boat is something that stays with anglers forever.
King Mackerel, or "kings" as locals call them, are speed demons that provide fast action and excellent eating. These fish typically range from 15-40 pounds in these waters, with occasional giants pushing 50-plus pounds. They're most active from fall through spring, making them a perfect target during cooler months. Kings are notorious for their blistering initial runs and their razor-sharp teeth, which means wire leaders are essential. They respond well to both live bait and trolled artificials, and they're one of the most reliable species you'll encounter on this trip.
Great Barracuda are the wolves of the reef, and they provide some of the most exciting sight fishing opportunities in Key West waters. These predators can reach 4-5 feet in length and are incredibly aggressive when feeding. They're year-round residents but are most active during warmer months. What makes barracuda fishing special is their explosive strike and their tendency to jump when hooked. They're also excellent on light tackle, making them perfect for anglers who want to feel every ounce of the fight. Their curious nature means they'll often follow lures or baits for long distances before deciding to strike.
This full-day fishing adventure with Ware's The Fish Charters represents everything that makes Key West a world-renowned fishing destination. You're getting access to both inshore and offshore fishing
Hit the waters around Key West aboard our custom-built fishing machine designed for serious anglers. This motorboat comes equipped with cutting-edge GPS navigation and fish finders to track down the best spots where snapper, grouper, mahi-mahi, and tuna are biting. The dry cockpit keeps you comfortable during long fights with big fish, while the enclosed bathroom means no cutting trips short. We've loaded her with the latest safety gear so you can focus on what matters - landing your catch. With room for up to 6 guests, there's plenty of space to work the lines without crowding. Our experienced captain knows these offshore waters like the back of his hand and will put you on fish whether you're targeting reef species or pelagics in the blue water. From first light to sunset, this boat handles whatever the Gulf throws at you.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the ultimate trophy fish, averaging 7-8 feet long and 50-80 pounds with that distinctive sail-like dorsal fin. These speed demons hit 30+ mph and are famous for their aerial acrobatics when hooked. You'll find them in 30-65 feet of water near the surface, though they'll hunt deeper when chasing bait. Winter is prime time here in Key West when they migrate through our waters following the warm currents. What guests love most is the visual fishing - watching that massive dorsal fin cutting through the water before the strike. They're pure adrenaline once hooked, jumping repeatedly and making blistering runs. We practice catch-and-release to preserve these magnificent fish. Local trick: when teasing them up, let the fish get close before dropping back your bait - patience pays off with these curious predators.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest in the tuna family, typically running 20-40 pounds and stretching up to 39 inches. These beautiful fish have dark backs with golden yellow sides that fade quickly after being caught. You'll find them in warm offshore waters, usually 40-150 feet deep around structure and drop-offs. They're most active here during fall through spring when water temps stay above 68°F. What makes blackfins special is their fierce fight - they're incredibly fast and will make long runs that'll test your drag. The meat is excellent for sashimi or grilling. Pro tip: scale down your tackle and use fluorocarbon leaders since these fish have sharp eyesight. A 5/0 circle hook with live pilchards works great, and don't be surprised if you hook multiple fish from the same school.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel, or "kings," are fast-swimming predators that typically weigh 20-40 pounds, with some giants pushing 50+ pounds. These olive-colored speedsters have razor-sharp teeth and hit baits with incredible force. You'll find them in 40-150 feet of water around structure, drop-offs, and temperature breaks. They're most active during cooler months when baitfish are abundant. Kings are popular because they fight hard with long, fast runs and make excellent table fare - their firm, white meat is perfect for grilling or smoking. The key to success is trolling with live bait or spoons at varying depths until you locate schools. Pro tip: always use a wire leader and rig with two hooks - one through the bait's nose and a stinger hook near the tail. Kings often bite the back half of live baits, so that stinger hook will save you missed fish.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat barracuda are aggressive predators that average 3-4 feet long but can reach 6 feet and 50+ pounds. These silvery torpedoes are built for speed, hitting 35 mph in short bursts with their streamlined bodies and razor-sharp teeth. You'll find them around reefs, grass flats, and structure from shallow water to about 100 feet deep. They're year-round residents here, but spring and fall see the most activity. What makes barracuda exciting is their explosive strikes and initial runs - they hit hard and fight dirty. While not prized for eating due to occasional ciguatera concerns, they're pure fun on light tackle. Pro tip: use wire leaders and shiny lures or live bait. When one follows your lure without striking, stop reeling completely for a few seconds - that pause often triggers the attack. Always use pliers and be careful around those teeth when releasing.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the "silver kings" of fishing, growing 4-8 feet long and averaging 80-150 pounds. These prehistoric giants are famous for their spectacular jumps - they can leap 10 feet out of the water when hooked. You'll find them in shallow flats, channels, and harbors around Key West, especially during their spring migration from April through July. They prefer water temps above 75°F and often roll on the surface, giving away their location. What makes tarpon fishing special isn't the eating (they're bony and not great table fare) - it's the incredible fight and those heart-stopping jumps. A hooked tarpon will test every part of your tackle and technique. Pro tip: bow to the fish when it jumps by lowering your rod tip toward the water. This prevents the line from snapping tight and helps keep the hook set during their aerial display.
Key West