World-Class 6-Hour Deep Sea Fishing in Key West

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

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

Summary

Ready for some serious fishing in Key West? This 6-hour deep-sea trip takes you further out where the big ones lurk. Whether you're dropping lines to the bottom or trolling the surface, you'll be after a mix of hard-fighting fish. The reefs and wrecks around Key West are teeming with life, and your experienced captain knows just where to find the action. They'll set you up with all the gear and even sort out your fishing license. It's a longer day on the water, giving you more chances to hook into sailfish, grouper, and other prized catches. With room for 5 anglers, it's perfect for a group of friends or family looking to test their skills against some of Florida's top game fish. Just remember, the deposit's non-refundable, so make sure you're good to go before booking. Get ready to feel that first big hit and the rush of reeling in your catch of the day!

World-Class 6-Hour Deep Sea Fishing in Key West

Rods Bent, Reels Screaming

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!

Key West's Ultimate 6-Hour Offshore Adventure

Get ready to chase the big ones on this extended half-day trip that'll take you deep into the azure waters off Key West. We're talking serious fishing action here, folks. Six full hours to work those lines, swap fishing tales, and hopefully land some trophy catches. Whether you're itching to bottom fish for grouper or troll for pelagics, we've got you covered. This ain't your average tourist fishing trip – we're going where the monsters lurk.

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as we clear the harbor, it's go-time. Your seasoned captain will have his eye on the latest fish reports, ready to put you on the hottest bite. We've got flexibility built into this trip, so we can adjust tactics based on what's biting. Fancy battling a sailfish? We'll set up a spread and troll the blue water. Rather drop lines for some tasty bottom dwellers? We'll find a prime reef or wreck and let you work the structure. With six hours to play, we've got time to mix it up and maximize your chances at a cooler full of fish.

Gearing Up for the Big Leagues

Leave your tackle box at home – we've got you covered with top-notch gear that's up to the challenge of Key West's heavyweight contenders. We're talking sturdy rods, quality reels, and a tackle selection that would make any angler drool. From circle hooks for live baiting to diving plugs for trolling, we're prepped for whatever the fish are in the mood for. And don't sweat the license – it's included in your trip. Just bring your game face and maybe a lucky hat.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Mahi Mahi, or as the locals call 'em, dorado, are the acrobats of the sea. These neon-green and gold speedsters are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. They travel in schools, so when you find one, get ready for some fast and furious action. Peak season is late spring through summer, but these guys can surprise you year-round. And let's not forget – they're absolutely delicious on the grill.

Wahoo are the drag-screamers of the deep. These streamlined torpedoes can hit speeds of 60 mph and will test your arms and your gear. They're often found near drop-offs and underwater structures, and they love a fast-moving lure. Winter and early spring are prime wahoo time in Key West, but don't be shocked if one decides to crash your party any time of year.

Red Snapper – now we're talking about some good eating. These crimson beauties are bottom dwellers with a feisty attitude. They love to hang around reefs and wrecks, and they put up a good fight on the way up. The season's tightly regulated, but when it's open, it's game on. Get ready to work those arms pulling these tasty creatures up from the depths.

Gag Grouper are the bruisers of the reef. These thick-bodied fish will try to wrap you around any structure they can find, so you've got to be quick on the reel. They're ambush predators, so we'll target them around ledges and rocky bottoms. The bite can be hot year-round, but fall is particularly prime time for these tough customers.

Atlantic Sailfish are the prize fighters of the Keys. These billfish are known for their incredible speed and acrobatic leaps. Hooking one is an experience you'll never forget – they can tailwalk across the water and make blistering runs that'll have your reel singing. Winter and early spring are your best bet for tangling with one of these beauties, but they can show up any time the conditions are right.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

This extended half-day trip hits the sweet spot for serious anglers and families alike. It's long enough to get out to where the big boys play, but not so long that you'll be wiped out for the rest of your vacation. Plus, with the captain's local know-how, you're in for a day of fishing that rivals what the full-day crowd gets. It's the perfect balance of time on the water and bang for your buck.

Time to Book Your Spot

Listen up, folks – spots on this trip fill up fast, especially during peak season. With only room for five anglers, you'll want to lock in your date ASAP. Remember, the deposit's non-refundable, but trust me, once you're out there feeling that first strike, you'll know it was worth every penny. So what are you waiting for? Grab your crew, pack some sunscreen, and let's get out there and make some fishing memories that'll last a lifetime. The fish are waiting – are you ready to answer the call?

Learn more about the species

Atlantic Sailfish

Atlantic sailfish are the showstoppers of offshore fishing. These acrobatic fighters average 6-8 feet long and put on a spectacular aerial display when hooked. We find them in the bluewater, usually within 10-20 miles offshore. Winter and early spring are peak seasons here in the Keys. Anglers target sails for their incredible speed, jumping ability, and the pure thrill of the catch. To land one, we'll often slow-troll live baits like ballyhoo or pilchards. When a sail shows up in the spread, be ready for action - they'll often light up bright blue and raise that iconic dorsal fin. Once hooked, hang on for some blistering runs and wild jumps. A local tip: when the fish goes airborne, drop your rod tip to give it slack. That'll help keep the hook set when it crashes back down.

Gag Grouper

Gag grouper are tough customers that'll test your arms and your gear. These hefty fish average 20-30 pounds but can top 50. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks in 60-250 feet of water. Fall and winter are prime seasons as they move closer to shore. Anglers love gags for their powerful fight and excellent eating. To catch one, we'll use heavy tackle with 50-80 pound test. Live bait like pinfish or mullet works great, or try large jigs. Once you hook up, get ready for a battle - gags will immediately try to dive back into their structure. Keep your rod low, reel fast, and don't give them an inch of slack. A local trick: when you feel the fish stop pulling, give a quick jerk on the line. Sometimes that'll get them moving again before they can hole up.

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Mahi Mahi are real crowd-pleasers out here in Key West. These colorful fish typically run 15-30 pounds and put up an acrobatic fight when hooked. You'll find them near floating debris or weed lines, usually within 30 miles of shore. Summer and fall are prime Mahi seasons, but we catch them year-round. Folks love targeting Mahi for their fast runs, aerial leaps, and delicious white meat. To boost your odds, keep an eye out for frigate birds - they'll lead you right to the fish. When you spot a school, get a hooked Mahi in the water fast to keep the others around. Use medium tackle with 20-30 pound test line, and don't forget wire leaders to handle those sharp teeth. Fresh squid or ballyhoo make great bait, or try colorful lures that mimic flying fish.

Red Snapper

Red snapper are a favorite target for both their fight and flavor. These ruby-red beauties average 1-2 feet long but can grow up to 3 feet and 35 pounds. You'll find them hanging around reefs, wrecks, and other structure in 60-300 feet of water. They're most active in warmer months, but we can catch them year-round here. Anglers love red snapper for their strong, determined fight and excellent table fare. To land one, we'll drop baits right to the bottom using heavy weights. Live bait like pinfish or squid works great. Once you feel that telltale thump, set the hook hard and start reeling – red snapper will try to dive back into their structure, so you've got to turn their head fast. Keep your rod tip low and pump steadily to bring them up.

Wahoo Fish

Wahoo are the speed demons of the ocean, capable of hitting 60 mph in short bursts. These sleek, torpedo-shaped fish average 3-5 feet long and put up one heck of a fight. We typically find them in deeper offshore waters, often near drop-offs or underwater structures. Late summer through fall is prime wahoo season here in the Keys. Anglers love chasing wahoo for their blistering runs and top-notch meat. To land one, we'll usually troll at high speeds - around 12-15 knots. I like using wire leaders with lures that can handle those speeds, like bullet-head skirts in blue/white or purple/black. Once hooked, hang on tight and be ready for some screaming runs. Wahoo have razor-sharp teeth, so watch those fingers when handling them!

About the Donzi (Center console)

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 25

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 300

Ready for an extended adventure on the waters of Key West? This 6-hour deep-sea fishing trip takes you further out to prime fishing grounds, where bigger catches await. Whether you prefer bottom fishing or trolling, your experienced captain will tailor the experience to the season and conditions. You'll explore the vibrant marine life around reefs and wrecks, targeting a variety of pelagic species. With all gear and fishing licenses provided, you can focus on reeling in your next big catch. The longer duration means more time to enjoy the sun, sea, and sport of fishing. Grab up to four friends and make some lasting memories on this half-day outing. Just remember, deposits are non-refundable, so book your spot with confidence and get ready for an action-packed day on the water!

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