Ready to get your fish on in the Conch Republic? Our 6-hour trolling charter is the real deal for anglers looking to tangle with some serious gamefish off Key West. We're talking about the kind of trip where you might come back with a cooler full of mahi and a story about the wahoo that nearly spooled you. Our seasoned captains know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're itching to put you on the fish. So grab your lucky hat and let's hit the blue water!
Picture this: You're cruising out past the reef, lines in the water, watching those ballyhoo skip across the surface. The sun's warming up, there's a nice chop on the water, and any second now, a big ol' pelagic could crash the party. That's what you're in for on our 6-hour trolling trip. We've got room for up to 6 anglers, so bring your crew or make some new fishing buddies. Our boat's decked out with all the gear you need, from sturdy rods to fresh bait. Just remember to pack some snacks and drinks - fighting fish works up an appetite!
If you're new to offshore trolling, you're in for a treat. We'll be pulling a spread of lures or rigged baits behind the boat, covering some serious water as we search for the bite. It's a game of patience punctuated by moments of pure adrenaline when a fish strikes. We use a mix of techniques, from surface lures that kick up a fuss to deeper-running plugs that tempt the bruisers down below. Our crew will get you up to speed on how to work the gear and what to do when that reel starts screaming. Trust me, once you feel that first hit, you'll be hooked for life.
Our trips are all about making memories and stories to tell back at the dock. Like the time we had a double hookup on mahi - both pushing 40 pounds - that had the whole boat scrambling. Or when a sneaky wahoo nearly took off with half our tackle box before we managed to boat it. Every trip's different, but they all end with big grins and usually some fresh fillets for dinner. Just ask any of the folks who've fished with us before - they'll tell you it's worth every penny.
Blackfin Tuna: These scrappy little torpedoes are a blast on light tackle. They school up year-round in our waters, but the fall run can be insane. Expect fast action and some of the best sashimi you've ever tasted.
Grey Triggerfish: Don't let their small size fool you - triggers put up a heck of a fight for their size. They're crafty bait stealers, but when you hook up, it's like reeling in a dinner plate. Tasty too, with firm white meat that's great for tacos.
Blue Marlin: The holy grail of big game fishing. These apex predators are rare catches, but when they show up, hold onto your hat. A blue can top 1,000 pounds and will test every bit of your angling skill. We practice catch and release to keep the population healthy.
Mahi Mahi: Also known as dorado or dolphinfish, these are the acrobats of the ocean. They hit hard, jump high, and change colors as you fight them. Plus, they're delicious on the grill. We often find them near floating debris or weed lines.
Wahoo: Speed demons of the sea, wahoo can peel off hundreds of yards of line in seconds. They're like underwater rockets with teeth. The fight is intense, and the meat is some of the best in the ocean. Winter is prime time for the big ones.
Look, I could go on all day about the fish we catch and the good times we have, but the best way to understand is to experience it yourself. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time offshore, our 6-hour trolling trip is the perfect way to get a taste of Key West fishing. We've got the knowledge, we've got the gear, and the fish are out there waiting. All we need is you. So what do you say? Ready to make some waves and maybe land the catch of a lifetime? Book your spot now and let's get fishing!
Blackfin Tuna are the smallest of the tuna family, but don't let that fool you. These compact powerhouses usually run 15-30 pounds and put up one heck of a fight. You'll find them in deeper waters off Key West, often hanging around weed lines or floating debris. They're most active in fall and winter, but we can target them year-round. Anglers love Blackfin for their acrobatic jumps and blistering runs. Plus, they make excellent sushi or seared steaks. To land one, try vertical jigging or chunking with small baits. My local tip: Use fluorocarbon leaders and downsize your hooks - these guys have sharp eyes and can be leader shy. Whether you're a seasoned pro or first-timer, Blackfin offer an exciting challenge and a tasty reward.
Blue Marlin are the giants of the deep, and they're a bucket-list catch for many anglers. Females can top 1,000 pounds, though we usually see them in the 200-400 pound range here. These apex predators roam the open ocean, following warm currents. Summer and early fall are prime times to target them off Key West. Blues are prized for their spectacular aerial displays and hard-charging fights that can last hours. To hook one, we troll with large lures or rigged baits like ballyhoo. Pro tip: when a Blue strikes, let it run with the bait for a few seconds before setting the hook. It's all catch-and-release for these beauties, but the photo op and bragging rights are worth the battle.
Grey Triggerfish are odd-looking characters with a lot of personality. They average 2-4 pounds but can reach up to 13. You'll find them near reefs and wrecks, typically in 60-300 feet of water. They're year-round residents, but fishing picks up in spring and summer. Anglers enjoy targeting triggers for their stubborn fight and tasty white meat. These fish have powerful jaws designed to crush shellfish, so they'll give your gear a workout. For bait, squid works great - it sticks to the hook better than most options. Here's a local trick: when you feel a bite, reel fast. Triggers often nibble before committing, so a quick hookset is key. Just watch out for their sharp dorsal spine when you bring them in!
Mahi Mahi, also called Dorado, are some of the most beautiful and exciting fish in our waters. They're fast-growing, usually 15-30 pounds, with electric blue and gold colors that fade quickly after catch. You'll find them near floating debris and weed lines, often in schools. Summer and early fall are peak seasons. Anglers love Mahi for their acrobatic jumps, hard fights, and excellent table fare. They're also one of the faster fish out there, hitting speeds up to 50 mph when chasing bait. To catch them, we'll troll with rigged ballyhoo or artificial lures. Here's a local secret: if you hook one, keep it in the water. The rest of the school will often stay nearby, giving you a shot at multiple fish.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the ocean, capable of short bursts up to 60 mph. They're long, sleek fish, typically 20-40 pounds but can top 100. You'll find them in deep, open water, often near dropoffs or floating structure. Late summer through fall is prime Wahoo season here. Anglers target them for their blistering runs and delicious, firm white meat. To catch Wahoo, we troll fast - usually 12-15 knots - with wire leaders to prevent bite-offs from their razor-sharp teeth. My go-to setup is a bullethead lure with a ballyhoo. Pro tip: when a Wahoo hits, don't set the hook. Just let the fish's speed and the boat's momentum do the work. Get ready for some screaming reels!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Caterpillar
Maximum Cruising Speed: 12
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 580