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Top-Rated Florida Keys Offshore Fishing Charters
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Tavernier
- $800 - $1,400 price range
- Updated Date: November 17, 2025
Summary
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Offshore Trophy Catches
Full Day Offshore Adventure: Tavernier's Big Game
Ready for some serious rod-bending action in the Florida Keys? Captain Casey Yaworski's got you covered with this full-day offshore fishing trip out of Tavernier. We're talking 8 solid hours on the water, chasing after the big boys like Atlantic Sailfish, Blackfin Tuna, and King Mackerel. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, this trip's designed to put you on the fish and send you home with some epic stories (and maybe a cooler full of fillets).
What to Expect on the Water
Once we clear the marina, it's time to run offshore where the real action happens. Capt. Casey knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll have us set up on prime fishing spots before you can say "fish on!" We'll be using a mix of trolling and live baiting techniques, depending on what's biting. The boat's decked out with all the gear you need - from top-notch rods and reels to fresh bait. And don't worry if you're new to this game; the captain's always ready to show you the ropes, from how to work a lure to the best way to fight a big fish.
Techniques That Land Lunkers
Offshore fishing in the Keys is a whole different ballgame from your typical lake or pier fishing. We'll be using heavy-duty gear to handle the big boys out here. Trolling's our bread and butter - we'll set out a spread of lures or rigged baits and cruise at the perfect speed to entice strikes. When we mark fish on the sonar or spot birds working the surface, we might switch to live baiting. Nothing gets a tuna fired up like a frisky live bait! The captain will walk you through each technique, so you'll be fishing like a pro in no time. Just be ready for some serious arm workout when that reel starts screaming!
Species You'll Want to Hook
Atlantic Sailfish: These are the acrobats of the ocean, known for their stunning aerial displays when hooked. Sailfish can reach speeds of up to 68 mph, making them one of the fastest fish in the sea. They're most active in the cooler months, from November through May. Watching a sailfish light up with vibrant colors as it dances across the water is a sight you'll never forget.
Blackfin Tuna: Don't let their smaller size fool you; these guys punch way above their weight class. Blackfin are fast, powerful, and make for some of the best eating in the Keys. They're year-round residents but really fire up in the fall and spring. When a school of blackfin gets into a feeding frenzy, it's non-stop action that'll leave your arms burning.
King Mackerel: Also known as "Kingfish," these toothy predators are the speedsters of the offshore world. They're known for blistering runs that can smoke a reel if you're not careful. Kings love to hit fast-moving baits, making them a blast on the troll. Fall through spring is prime time for big kings, with some monsters pushing 50+ pounds not uncommon.
Wahoo: If you're looking for the ultimate test of your fishing skills, wahoo are it. These streamlined torpedoes are among the fastest fish in the sea, capable of short bursts up to 60 mph. They're not as common as some other species, but when you hook into one, hold on tight! Wahoo meat is prized for its firm texture and mild flavor, making them a top target for many anglers.
Yellowtail Snapper: While we're primarily targeting pelagics, we might make a stop to bottom fish for these tasty critters. Yellowtails are abundant on the reefs and wrecks, offering a nice change of pace from trolling. They're scrappy fighters for their size and absolutely delicious on the dinner table. You can catch them year-round, but they really stack up in the summer months.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Fishing with Capt. Casey isn't just about filling the cooler (though that's always a nice bonus). It's about the whole experience - the thrill of the hunt, the rush of adrenaline when a big fish strikes, and the satisfaction of improving your skills. The captain's got a knack for making everyone feel comfortable, whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned angler. Plus, there's something special about being out on the open water, surrounded by that crystal-clear Florida Keys blue. It's the kind of day that sticks with you long after you've docked.
Time to Book Your Spot
Look, if you're itching for some world-class offshore action, this is the trip for you. Capt. Casey's got the knowledge, the gear, and the attitude to make sure you have a killer day on the water. Whether you're dreaming of battling a sailfish, filling the box with tasty tuna, or just soaking up the Florida Keys vibe, this full-day charter's got you covered. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Get ready to make some fishing memories that'll have you planning your next trip before you even hit the dock!
Learn more about the animals
Atlantic Sailfish
Sailfish are the showstoppers of the Keys. These acrobatic fighters average 6-8 feet long and put on quite a display, leaping and tailwalking across the surface. We find them in 100-300 feet of water, often near the reef edges. Winter and early spring are peak seasons as they migrate through. Anglers love sailfish for their spectacular aerial displays and blistering runs. They're a catch-and-release species, so we focus on the thrill of the fight. To hook up, we'll slow troll live baits like ballyhoo or run artificial lures. When a sail shows up in the spread, be ready for action. Let them run with the bait before setting the hook. Once hooked, keep constant pressure but be prepared for explosive jumps and direction changes.
Black Grouper
These hefty ambush predators are a favorite target in the Keys. Averaging 2-3 feet but sometimes pushing 5 feet and 100+ pounds, they hang around reefs and wrecks in 30-300 feet of water. Black grouper put up a stubborn fight, using their bulk to dive for cover. They're most active in cooler months from fall through spring. Anglers love 'em for the hard-pulling action and excellent table fare. To land one, use heavy gear with 80lb braid and a sturdy leader. I like to drop large live baits right into structure. When you feel that thump, reel fast and pull hard to keep 'em from busting you off in the rocks. Grouper have serious power, so be ready for a battle royal when you hook up with a big one.
Blackfin Tuna
Don't let their small size fool you - blackfin tuna pack a punch. Usually 15-30 pounds, these speedsters cruise in schools near the surface, often around 100-300 feet deep. They're abundant here year-round, but fall through spring is prime time. Blackfin are a blast to catch - they make blistering runs and fight hard all the way to the boat. Plus, they're excellent eating, with rich red meat perfect for sashimi. To get 'em, we'll look for birds working bait schools, then troll small lures or live bait. A local trick is to chum with live pilchards to get a feeding frenzy going. Once they're fired up, casting poppers or stick baits into the melee is a sure-fire way to hook up. Just hang on tight when they run!
King Mackerel
Kings are speed demons of the ocean, capable of 50+ mph bursts. These sleek predators average 15-30 pounds but can top 100. We find them in 30-150 foot depths, often around reefs or wrecks. Spring and fall migrations bring big schools through the Keys. Anglers love kings for their smoking runs and aerial acrobatics when hooked. They're also good eating, though watch out for bones. To catch 'em, we'll troll spoons or live baits like blue runners. A local trick is using wire leaders - kings have razor sharp teeth that'll slice through mono. When a king hits, let it run before setting the hook. Once on, hang on tight and be ready to chase it down. These speedsters will dump a reel in seconds if you're not careful!
Wahoo Fish
Wahoo are the Ferrari of the fish world, capable of 60 mph bursts. These sleek torpedoes average 3-5 feet long but can push 8 feet and 180 pounds. We find them in open water, often around 100 feet deep near floating debris or structure. Late summer through fall is prime wahoo time in the Keys. Anglers prize them for their blistering speed, hard fights, and excellent eating. To target wahoo, we'll troll fast - 12-15 knots - with lures like bulletheads or big diving plugs. Wire leaders are a must to prevent bite-offs. When a wahoo hits, it's like hooking a freight train. They make screaming runs that'll test your drag system and your arms. My tip: once hooked, keep the boat moving forward to prevent the line going slack. Get ready for some of the fastest action you'll ever experience on the water!
About the Sea Señorita
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Cummins
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 220
