Deep Sea Fishing Florida Keys

Deep sea fishing is done just outside the reef where the waters get deep just 4-7 miles from the island chain and a short boat ride away. Out there the swift waters of the Gulf Stream await constantly bringing highly migratorial sport fish through the area giving our anglers the opportunity to catch them. Fishing Offshore has been a tradition here in the Florida Keys for many years. Going out with some friends and living it up as you enjoy the great outdoors and the awesome beautiful Florida Keys Waters.

Species Of Fish Targeted

Dolphin (mahi mahi) – Tuna (black Fin) – Sailfish
Wahoo – Blue Marlin – White Marlin – Swordfish
Kingfish – Bonito – Jacks – Barracuda – Shark .

See our Florida Keys fishing seasons web page for more details about what to fish for and when.. 

deep sea fishing sailfish
Deep sea fishing for sailfish. This one was caught in Key West on board the “InXS” out of Oceans Edge Marina.

Deep Sea Fishing Charters

Deep sea fishing charters use boats ranging in size from 32 – 52 ft in length. With the rear of the boat being the fishing area also called the fighting area or deck. The fighting deck will usually have 1-4 fighting chairs for anglers to sit in and wait for the action to happen.  

Most sport fishing boats have an area called a salon that anglers can retreat from the elements should it be raining or cold. Some of the salons have air conditioning, some don’t. If heat is an issue ask your chosen charter boat if they have A/C.

deep sea fishing mahi dolphin
Mahi Mahi the fish so nice they named them twice. Caught on board the INXS out of Key West. These folks are standing in the cockpit or fish fighting area of a deep sea fishing boat.

Sport fishing boats are located all up and down the Florida Keys at many different docks and marinas these boats have easy access to the deep waters of the Gulf Stream. They are crewed by a captain and a mate. The mate works the deck rigging and setting lines per the captains directions. Keeping the lines clear and the people company. When the strike happens the mate is responsible for coaching people to catch the fish as well as managing lines to help his anglers bring the trophy on board. The Captains job is to navigate the boat and stay on watch looking for birds and weed lines or anything floating that might hold fish and make the day successful.

deep sea fishing wahoo
Fishing for wahoo. This wahoo was caught on board the “InXS” out of Key West and the angler is sitting in the fighting chair. The fighting chair makes the experience that much better on a fishing boat.

Fishing Charter Logistics

Deep sea fishing charters are usually 4, 6, or 8 hours long and can accommodate up to 6 anglers total. In the summer we always recommend at least 6 hour day on the water to make the best out of it. In the winter the fish are much closer to the reef and a 4 hour trip can be very rewarding and more affordable.

Fishing Seasons Calendar

Rates For Charters vary from boat to boat. Anglers will find that the more amenities a sport fishing boat has (a/c, size, salon amenities, newness) the more they will cost.

Fishing Rates Page

Split Fishing Charters.

Currently Key West Charter Fishing is the only place in the Keys that offers a “Split” or “Shared” fishing charters where an angler can pay for his or her seat instead of a full private boat. If you are on a budget this is a great way to go for one or two persons. Check out our Split Fishing Charters in Key West.

We Can Help! We Live Here And Know This Fishery.

Call Us.. 1-305-292-7212
Text Us.. 1-786-847-3808

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