Full Day Key West Charter: Big Game Fishing

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Key West
$350 - $1,450 price range
Updated Date: September 6, 2025

Summary

Get ready for a full day of fishing action in Key West's rich waters. This 8-hour trip takes you offshore to chase big game fish like Tuna, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, and Marlin. Your experienced captain knows just where to find the hotspots, whether you're targeting summer Mahi Mahi or winter Sailfish. You'll be fishing in depths up to 2,000 feet, so there's always a chance for an epic catch. No need to worry about gear or licenses – it's all covered. With room for up to 6 anglers, this trip is perfect for groups looking to test their skills against some of Florida's most prized fish. Remember, the deposits are non-refundable, so commit to your day of deep-sea adventure and book now. Who knows? You might just land the catch of a lifetime in Key West's crystal-clear waters.

Full Day Key West Charter: Big Game Fishing

Big Game Catches

Vibrant catch of the day!

Fresh catch of the day!

4 big fish caught in FL by group of 6 anglers

Colorful catch of the day!

A lone angler fishing in the waters of Key West

Great catch of the day!

Full Day Key West Fishing: Big Game Bonanza

Ready to chase some of the most sought-after fish in the Atlantic? Our full day trip out of Key West is your ticket to hooking into serious offshore action. We're talking sailfish, marlin, mahi mahi, and more - the kind of catches that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. With 8 hours on the water, we've got time to run to the prime spots and give you a real shot at landing a trophy. Whether you're an experienced angler or trying offshore fishing for the first time, our captain will put you on the fish and make sure you have a blast doing it.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll meet up bright and early at the marina, load up with gear, and hit the Gulf Stream waters where the big ones lurk. The beauty of a full day trip is we can cover serious ground - we might start by trolling the weed lines for mahi, then switch it up and deep drop for tuna or wahoo. As we push out to depths up to 2,000 feet, keep your eyes peeled for that telltale dorsal fin of a sailfish or the acrobatic jumps of a blue marlin. Our boat's equipped with top-notch gear, and the captain will have you rigged up and ready to go. Don't sweat the license - we've got you covered there too. Just bring your game face and maybe some snacks for the ride.

Techniques That Hook the Big Ones

Out here, we're not messing around with dinky bait fish. We're after the heavy hitters, and that means using techniques built for battling giants. We'll likely start off trolling - dragging lines behind the boat with lures or bait that mimic the local prey. When a sailfish or marlin decides to crash the party, get ready for the fight of your life. These fish are known for their incredible runs and aerial displays. For mahi mahi, we might switch to sight casting if we spot a school hanging around floating debris. And when we're hunting tuna or wahoo, we'll drop lines deep with weighted lures. The captain's got years of experience reading these waters, so trust his instincts when he says it's time to change tactics.

Top Catches This Season

Summer in Key West means it's prime time for mahi mahi. These colorful powerhouses are a blast to catch and even better to eat. But don't sleep on the chance at a billfish - sailfish and marlin are year-round possibilities here, with some of the best action happening in the warmer months. Fall brings the possibility of yellowfin tuna moving through, while winter can see some monster wahoo cruising the deeper drops. No matter when you book, there's always something worth chasing in these waters.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Atlantic Sailfish: These speedsters are the sprinters of the ocean, capable of hitting 68 mph in short bursts. Known for their stunning dorsal fin that stretches nearly the length of their body, sailfish put on an incredible show when hooked. They'll tailwalk across the surface and make blistering runs that'll have your reel screaming. Peak season is late fall through early spring, but you've got a shot at them year-round in Key West. Landing one of these beauties is a true bucket-list experience for any angler.

Blue Marlin: The heavyweight champ of our waters, blue marlin are the stuff of fishing legend. These massive predators can top 1,000 pounds, though most we see are in the 200-400 pound range (which is still enormous). They're known for their incredible power and stamina - a fight with a blue marlin can last hours and cover miles of ocean. Summer and early fall are prime time for blues, but they can show up any time of year. Hooking into one of these giants is a once-in-a-lifetime thrill that'll test everything you've got as an angler.

Mahi Mahi: Also known as dorado or dolphinfish, mahi are some of the most beautiful fish in the sea. Their electric blue and gold colors are stunning, and they're incredible table fare to boot. Mahi are fast-growing and aggressive feeders, often found in schools around floating debris or weed lines. They're acrobatic fighters, known for tail-walking and making spectacular leaps. Summer is the peak season, but we catch them year-round in Key West. They're a favorite target for both their sporting qualities and their delicious meat.

Wahoo: If you're looking for speed, wahoo are your fish. These sleek, torpedo-shaped predators are among the fastest fish in the sea, capable of short bursts up to 60 mph. They're solitary hunters with razor-sharp teeth, often hanging around deep structure or ledges. Wahoo put up a blistering first run when hooked, and their meat is prized for its flavor and texture. Winter and early spring are typically the best times to target them, but we see them throughout the year. Landing a big wahoo is always cause for celebration on the boat.

White Marlin: The smaller cousin of the blue marlin, white marlin are no less exciting to catch. They're more common in the Atlantic than their blue relatives, typically weighing between 50-150 pounds. What they lack in size they make up for in acrobatics - white marlin are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. They're often found in the same areas as sailfish, feeding on schools of baitfish near the surface. Late summer and early fall are prime times to target whites, but like most billfish, they can show up any time in Key West waters.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, if you're thinking about a fishing trip in Key West, this full day adventure is the way to go. You're getting the full offshore experience - the chance to tangle with some of the most prized game fish in the Atlantic. Our captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you in the best position to land that fish of a lifetime. Whether you're dreaming of a sailfish on the line or a cooler full of mahi, we've got the gear, the know-how, and the determination to make it happen. Just remember, spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. So don't wait - get your crew together and lock in your date. The big ones are out there waiting, and trust me, there's nothing quite like that moment when the reel starts screaming and you know you're in for the fight of your life. Book now and let's make some fishing memories you'll be talking about for years to come!

Learn more about the animals

Atlantic Sailfish

Atlantic Sailfish are a prized catch off Key West, known for their striking appearance and acrobatic fights. These speedsters can reach lengths of 10 feet and weights up to 140 pounds, though most are in the 50-pound range. Look for them in waters 30 to 65 feet deep, often near the surface. They're drawn to floating debris and bait balls, so keep an eye out for birds diving. Peak season is winter, but you can find them year-round in the "Sailfish Alley" between North Miami Beach and Fort Pierce. Anglers love sailfish for their incredible aerial displays and blistering runs. When you hook one, be ready for a battle - these fish are built for speed and endurance. A local tip: use bright pink and white tube flies or poppers, and let the fish run with the bait before setting the hook. It's all about timing with these powerful swimmers.

Blue Marlin

Blue Marlin are the heavyweight champions of Key West's offshore waters. These massive billfish can top 1,000 pounds, with females growing much larger than males. You'll find them in deep, warm waters over 70°F, often following schools of tuna or mahi-mahi. Summer and early fall offer the best shot at hooking one of these giants. Blue Marlin are prized for their size, strength, and spectacular aerial acrobatics. When you're tied into one, be prepared for a long, grueling fight - sometimes lasting hours. Trolling with large lures or rigged baits is the go-to method. Here's a local secret: look for frigate birds diving, as they often signal marlin feeding on the surface. Keep your drag set light at first, letting the fish run to tire itself out before tightening up. Landing a Blue Marlin is a true bucket-list experience for any angler.

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Mahi Mahi, also called dorado, are a favorite target in Key West waters. These colorful fish typically run 15 to 30 pounds, with some bulls pushing 60+. Look for them near floating debris or weed lines in waters from 30 to 200 feet deep. Summer is prime time, but you can catch them year-round here. Mahi are known for their acrobatic fights and those stunning blue-green and gold colors. They're also excellent eating fish, with a mild, sweet flavor. When you spot a school, toss out some live bait and watch them light up the water. A local trick: if you hook one, keep it in the water near the boat to attract others in the school. Use light tackle for more sport, but be ready to chase them down - these fish can really move when hooked. Whether you're after a trophy bull or just want some fresh fish tacos, mahi rarely disappoint.

Wahoo Fish

Wahoo are the speed demons of Key West waters, capable of blistering runs up to 60 mph. These sleek, tiger-striped fish typically range from 3 to 5 feet long and 15 to 50 pounds. You'll find them in open water, often near drop-offs or underwater structures. Late summer through fall is prime wahoo season here, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers love wahoo for their incredible speed and delicious, firm white meat. When you hook one, be ready for smoking runs that can strip hundreds of yards of line in seconds. Trolling at high speeds (12-15 knots) with wire leaders is the way to go. Here's a local tip: use a planer to get your lures down deep, where the big wahoo lurk. Once hooked, pump and wind steadily - these fish often tire quickly after their initial runs. Whether you're after a trophy or just some of the best-eating fish in the sea, wahoo are always an exciting target.

White Marlin

White Marlin are the smaller, more elusive cousins of the Blue Marlin, typically weighing 60 to 80 pounds and reaching lengths up to 9 feet. You'll find them in deep, open waters over 100 feet, often near underwater canyons or drop-offs. Late summer and early fall are prime times to target these acrobatic fighters off Key West. Anglers prize White Marlin for their stunning aerial displays and challenging fights. When hooked, they put on a show of tail-walking and greyhounding across the surface. Trolling with small lures or rigged ballyhoo is the most effective method. Here's a local tip: when you see one in the spread, don't strike immediately. Let it eat the bait and turn away before setting the hook. White Marlin have soft mouths, so a gentle touch is key. Landing one of these beautiful billfish is a true accomplishment for any offshore angler.

About the Donzi (Center console)

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 25

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 300

Hop aboard our well-equipped fishing vessel for a full day of angling action in Key West's vibrant waters. Our spacious boat comfortably accommodates up to 6 guests, providing ample room to reel in some impressive catches. With a knowledgeable captain at the helm, you'll navigate to prime fishing spots where big game fish lurk. Depending on the season, you might find yourself battling Tuna, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, or even Marlin. Summer trips often focus on chasing Mahi Mahi in deep offshore waters, sometimes venturing as far as 2,000 feet down. Don't worry about gear or licenses - we've got you covered with everything you need for a successful day on the water. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to deep sea fishing, this 8-hour adventure offers plenty of time to hone your skills and hopefully land that trophy fish. Remember, while the excitement of the catch is guaranteed, specific fish aren't - that's the beauty of fishing in Key West's dynamic marine environment.

Sitemap