Ready to chase down some of the most exciting fish in the Florida Keys? Our 4-hour offshore charter is your ticket to hooking into mahi-mahi, blackfin tuna, and maybe even a sailfish if luck's on our side. We'll zip out past the reef line where the big boys play, and trust me, once you feel that first hit on your line, you'll be hooked for life. This isn't your average day of fishing – it's a full-on, adrenaline-pumping battle with some of the ocean's top predators.
As soon as we clear the marina, it's go time. We'll run about 5-10 miles offshore where the water turns that deep cobalt blue – that's where the action is. I'll get you set up with some heavy-duty gear, and we'll start trolling or maybe do some live baiting if the conditions are right. Keep your eyes peeled for birds diving or any floating debris – that's often where we find the mahi schooling up. And if we spot a frigate bird soaring high? Hold on tight, because that usually means sailfish are in the area. This trip is perfect for both seasoned anglers looking to tangle with some hard-fighting fish and newcomers who want to experience the thrill of offshore fishing without spending a full day at sea.
We'll be using a mix of techniques to target these offshore speedsters. Trolling is our bread and butter – we'll drag a spread of lures or rigged baits behind the boat, covering water and searching for active fish. If we find a good weedline or floating pallets, we might switch to pitch baiting with live pilchards or goggle eyes. For the mahi and tuna, we'll use medium-heavy spinning gear or conventional setups spooled with 30-50lb test. If sailfish are around, we'll break out the lighter tackle for a real test of skill. Don't worry if you're new to this style of fishing – I'll walk you through everything from how to work a lure to the proper way to fight a big fish. Just be ready to reel fast when that drag starts screaming!
The fishing has been on fire lately. Last week, we had a bachelor party out and they absolutely crushed the mahi – 15 fish in the box, with a couple pushing 25 pounds. The week before, a father-son duo visiting from Ohio hooked into a 70-pound sailfish that put on an aerial show like you wouldn't believe. And just yesterday, we found a school of blackfin tuna busting on the surface. My clients were worn out from reeling in one after another, but man, were they grinning ear to ear when we got back to the dock. Every trip is different out here, but that's what keeps it exciting – you never know what you might hook into next.
Mahi Mahi (Dorado): These neon-colored acrobats are a favorite for good reason. They're fast, they fight hard, and they're absolutely delicious on the grill. We typically find them near floating debris or weedlines, often in schools. When you hook one, get ready for some serious aerial action – they love to jump and tailwalk across the surface. The best part? They're around pretty much year-round in the Keys, with peak season from April to September. Average size is 5-15 pounds, but we occasionally tangle with some 30-pound+ bulls that'll test your arms and your drag.
Blackfin Tuna: Don't let their smaller size fool you – pound for pound, blackfin are some of the hardest fighting fish in the ocean. These torpedo-shaped speedsters will smoke a reel faster than you can say "fish on!" We usually find them in schools, often mixed in with bonito or skipjack. They're most active early morning or late afternoon, and they love to hit topwater lures or live baits. The average size is 5-15 pounds, but we occasionally hook into 25-pounders that'll give you a run for your money. As a bonus, they make for some of the best sashimi you'll ever taste.
Atlantic Sailfish: The crown jewel of the Florida Keys, hooking into a sailfish is an experience you'll never forget. These majestic billfish are known for their incredible speed (they can swim up to 68 mph) and their spectacular aerial displays. We typically target them by slow-trolling live baits or kite fishing. Sailfish average 6-8 feet in length and 60-80 pounds, but we've seen some push well over 100 pounds. They're catch-and-release only, but trust me, the photos and memories are worth far more than any mount. Peak season is winter through early spring, but we see them year-round in the Keys.
Let me tell you, there's something special about fishing the Florida Keys. Maybe it's the crystal-clear water, or the way the sun catches a mahi's scales as it jumps next to the boat. Could be the heart-stopping moment when a sailfish crashes a bait, or the satisfaction of filleting your catch for a fresh dinner at the marina. Whatever it is, I've seen countless first-timers turn into repeat customers after just one trip. The variety of fish we can target in a single outing, the quality of the action, and the breathtaking scenery all combine to create an experience that's hard to beat anywhere else in the world. And hey, even on those rare slow days, you're still out on the water in paradise – beats sitting at a desk, right?
Alright, I've given you the rundown, but nothing I say can compare to actually being out there, rod in hand, waiting for that next big hit. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to add some new species to your list or a complete beginner wanting to see what offshore fishing is all about, this 4-hour trip is the perfect introduction to the world-class fishing we have here in the Florida Keys. We provide all the gear, knowledge, and enthusiasm – all you need to bring is a good attitude and maybe a cooler for your catch. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your adventure. Give us a call or book online, and let's get you out on the water where the real fun begins. Trust me, once you feel that first big fish on the line, you'll be planning your next trip before we even get back to the dock!
Mahi-mahi are the acrobats of the open ocean. These colorful fish average 15-29 pounds but can top 80. Look for them near floating debris or weed lines, especially in summer. They're fast growers and prolific breeders, so there's usually plenty around. Anglers target mahi for their spectacular fights and delicious meat. They're known for wild aerial displays when hooked. Trolling with live bait or lures works well, but keep an eye out for frigate birds - they'll lead you right to the fish. Here's a local tip: When you find mahi, keep one hooked fish in the water. The whole school will often stick around, letting you catch multiple fish from one spot. Just be ready for non-stop action once they start biting!
Blackfin tuna may be small for their family, but they pack a punch. Usually topping out around 30 pounds, these speedy fish school up near the surface in warm coastal waters. We find them year-round in the Keys, but autumn through spring is best. Anglers love blackfins for their hard fights and excellent eating. They hit lures and live bait aggressively, often in feeding frenzies that'll get your heart racing. Try vertical jigging or chunking to bring them to the boat. A local trick: Use small, stealthy leaders - blackfins have sharp eyes. I like 30-pound fluorocarbon with 5/0 circle hooks. Chum with live pilchards to draw them close, then hold on tight when they strike. These little torpedoes will test your gear and your arms!
Atlantic sailfish are the speedsters of the ocean, growing up to 10 feet long but staying lean and mean at around 50 pounds. You'll find them in warm waters 30-65 feet deep, but they can dive down to 650 feet when hunting. Winter's prime time to catch them in the Keys, or year-round in South Florida's "Sailfish Alley." Anglers love sailfish for their acrobatic fights - these guys leap and dive repeatedly. Use a 12-15 weight rod with heavy sinking line to get down where they're feeding. Pink and white or blue and white flies work well. Be ready for a workout when you hook one! Local tip: Let your bait swim freely at a slow troll. When a sailfish hits, hold on tight - they'll try to shake the hook immediately. Wait for the fish to run before you start reeling. Patience and endurance are key to landing these beautiful battlers.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Cummins
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 220