Full Day Fishing Trip - Key West, FL
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore fishing targeting multiple species in Key West watersProfessional guides provide equipment and access to prime fishing locationsSmall group experience accommodates up to six guests maximum
When you're looking for the real deal in Key West fishing, Ware's The Fish Charters delivers exactly what serious anglers want - access to both productive inshore flats and deep blue offshore waters all in one epic day on the water. This isn't your typical half-day tourist trip. We're talking about a full commitment to putting you on fish, whether that's sight-casting to tarpon in the backcountry or trolling the edge for pelagics that'll test your drag system. With space for up to six anglers, you get that perfect balance of having enough lines in the water while still getting personalized attention from guides who know these waters like the back of their hand.
Your day starts early - and trust me, that's when the magic happens in these waters. We'll hit the dock before sunrise, get the gear sorted, and head out while the water's still glassy. The beauty of a full-day charter here in Key West is the flexibility to chase whatever's biting best. If the sailfish are lit up on the humps, we're heading offshore to the 120-foot line. If the tarpon are rolling thick in the channels, we might spend the morning sight-fishing before making a move to deeper water for the afternoon bite. Our captains read conditions like a book - wind direction, water temperature, bait movement - and adjust the game plan accordingly. You're not stuck doing one thing all day, which is exactly why full-day trips produce the most memorable catches. The boat's rigged with top-shelf tackle, from spinning gear for the lighter inshore work to heavy conventional setups for when we hook into something that wants to take all your line.
We run a mix of fishing styles depending on what we're targeting and where the fish are holding. For the offshore action, we'll have four to six lines out trolling - a spread of ballyhoo, diving plugs, and strip baits that covers different depths in the water column. When we mark fish on the finder or see birds working, we'll switch to live bait fishing or throw artificials at breaking fish. The inshore game is completely different - we're talking about sight-fishing with lighter tackle, working structure with jigs, or setting up on productive spots with live pilchards or pinfish. All the gear is included, from the reels spooled with fresh line to the tackle box stocked with everything from circle hooks to wire leaders. If you've got your own lucky rod, bring it along, but our setups are chosen specifically for these waters and the species we're targeting. We keep a good selection of weights, leaders, and terminal tackle because conditions change fast out here, and being able to adapt your presentation often makes the difference between a slow day and a day you'll be talking about for years.
The variety of species you can encounter on a Key West full-day trip is honestly what keeps people coming back. Blackfin tuna are absolute rockets - these fish average 10 to 25 pounds and when they hit a trolled bait, they'll scream line off your reel like nothing else. They school up around structure and temperature breaks, usually in 80 to 200 feet of water. Spring and early summer are prime time for blackfins, when they're feeding heavily on glass minnows and small ballyhoo. What makes them so fun to catch isn't just the initial run - they're incredibly acrobatic and will jump clear out of the water multiple times during the fight.
Atlantic sailfish are the crown jewel of Key West offshore fishing, and for good reason. These fish are pure excitement from the moment they eat your bait. Sailfish here typically run 6 to 8 feet long and 40 to 70 pounds, and when one comes up behind your spread with that sail up, everyone on the boat stops what they're doing to watch. They'll often tease a bait for several minutes before committing, and once hooked, they'll jump 8 to 10 times in spectacular fashion. Winter months from December through April are peak sailfish season here, when cooler water temperatures bring them in closer to shore and they're actively feeding on the abundant baitfish.
Tarpon fishing around Key West is legendary, and these silver kings are exactly why so many anglers make the pilgrimage here. We're talking about fish that can exceed 100 pounds and 6 feet in length - absolute giants that will humble even experienced anglers. Tarpon are most active from April through August, when they migrate through our waters in massive schools. What makes tarpon so special isn't just their size - it's their fighting ability. They'll jump repeatedly, often 5 to 8 times during a fight, and they have this way of shaking their head that can throw a hook in an instant. Landing one requires patience, proper technique, and a little bit of luck.
King mackerel are speed demons that provide some of the most consistent action we see offshore. These fish typically range from 15 to 40 pounds in our waters, with the occasional monster pushing 50-plus. Kings are aggressive predators that respond well to both live bait and trolled artificials. They're most active during the cooler months from October through March, when they move inshore to feed on schools of sardines and herring. What anglers love about kings is their willingness to bite and their blistering initial runs - they'll often strip 100 yards of line in the first few seconds of the fight.
Great barracuda might not win any beauty contests, but they're absolutely lethal predators that provide heart-stopping strikes and aerial displays. These fish can reach 4 to 5 feet in length and 20 to 30 pounds in our waters. Barracuda are ambush predators that lurk around structure, and when they decide to eat your bait, they hit it with the subtlety of a freight train. They're incredibly fast swimmers and will often jump completely out of the water when hooke
Get ready to chase trophy fish aboard our custom-built fishing machine! This specialized offshore vessel comes loaded with cutting-edge GPS navigation and fish finder technology to put you right on top of the action. The spacious cockpit stays dry even when the seas kick up, while the fully enclosed bathroom keeps everyone comfortable during those long battles with big fish. Built specifically for serious anglers, this boat handles Key West's offshore waters like a dream, getting your crew of up to 6 fishermen out to the prime snapper, grouper, mahi-mahi and tuna grounds quickly and safely. With all the latest safety gear onboard and room to fight fish without getting in each other's way, you'll have everything needed for an epic day on the water targeting some of Florida's most prized catches.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are the showstoppers of offshore fishing, averaging 7-8 feet and 50-80 pounds with that massive dorsal sail. These speed demons hunt in 30-65 feet of water along temperature breaks and current edges, though they'll dive deeper when chasing baitfish. Winter months are prime time in Key West when they migrate through following the warm water. What makes them special is the fight - they'll jump, dive, and strip line like nothing else out there. They change colors while hunting, flashing blues and blacks that's something to see. The key is patience once you hook up - let them run first before applying pressure. We troll with bright pink and white lures or pitch live bait like mackerel and squid to get their attention.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin Tuna are the smallest of the tuna family, typically running 20-40 pounds, but they pack serious punch for their size. These fast-moving fish love the warm waters around Key West, usually found 40-150 feet deep near structure and temperature breaks. They're fierce fighters with incredible stamina - don't let their size fool you. The meat is outstanding, with a rich flavor that's perfect for sashimi or searing. Peak season here is fall through spring when water temps stay above 68°F. They school up with skipjack and often follow birds working baitfish. Pro tip: scale down your tackle - use 30lb fluorocarbon leaders and 5/0 circle hooks since these fish have sharp eyesight. Live pilchards work great for chumming them up to the boat.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel, or "Kings," are speed merchants that average 15-30 pounds but can hit 50+ in our waters. These olive-backed torpedoes patrol 40-150 feet depths along ledges, wrecks, and temperature breaks. Fall and winter bring the best action when cooler water pushes baitfish closer to structure. They're popular because they hit hard and make blistering runs that'll test your drag. The meat is excellent grilled or smoked, though watch the mercury levels. We typically troll spoons and dead bait or live-line blue runners and sardines. Kings are notorious tail-biters, so rig with two hooks on a wire leader - one through the bait's nose, another free-swinging near the tail. When trolling, keep your speed around 6-8 knots to trigger those aggressive strikes.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat Barracuda are the wolves of the flats, averaging 3-5 feet with razor teeth and an attitude to match. These silver bullets patrol coral reefs, grass flats, and mangrove edges in 10-40 feet of water year-round. They're ambush predators that can hit 35 mph in short bursts - the strike is explosive and the fight is intense but short-lived. Spring brings the best action when they're more aggressive during spawning. Most folks target them for the thrill since the meat can be tricky due to potential toxins. They're curious fish that often follow the boat, so sight-casting works great with shiny spoons or tube lures. Pro tip: use a wire leader and watch those teeth when landing - they'll bite anything that moves, including the net, your hand, or the gunwale.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the kings of Key West fishing, averaging 4-6 feet and 80-150 pounds of pure muscle. These silver giants roam shallow flats, harbor channels, and bridge pilings year-round, but peak season runs May through August. They're famous for those jaw-dropping jumps - some clear 10 feet of water trying to throw the hook. Most anglers come for the fight, not the table since they're bony and not great eating. We find them rolling on the surface early morning and late afternoon in 5-30 feet of water. Live shrimp, pinfish, and crabs work best drifted down to them. Here's the trick: when they jump, bow to the fish - drop your rod tip toward them to keep tension off the line and prevent them from throwing the hook on those aerial acrobatics.
Key West