Full-Day Private Fishing | Key West Adventure

Published Date: August 19, 2025
Fishing

Key West, FL
$950 - $1,400 price range

Summary

Ready for a full day of fishing in the beautiful waters of Key West? This private charter is perfect for beginners and seasoned anglers alike. You'll head out for 8 hours, with the flexibility to fish offshore or closer to the reefs. The captain's got you covered with all the gear and licenses you need, so just bring your food and drinks. You'll be targeting a variety of fish including sailfish, mahi-mahi, tuna, barracuda, mackerel, and even sharks. It's a great chance to learn from a local expert and try different fishing techniques. With room for up to 6 people, you can bring friends or family along for the ride. Whether you're trolling in deep water or fishing near the colorful reefs, you'll get a real taste of what makes fishing in the Florida Keys so special. It's a laid-back day on the water with plenty of opportunities to reel in some impressive catches.

Full-Day Private Fishing | Key West Adventure

Reels and Catches

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3 mahi mahi or common dolphinfish caught by anglers in florida

Fun day fishing in Key West FL

5 blackfin tuna fish caught while fishing in FL

Reel memories on Key West waters

Key West fishing charter success

Full-Day Key West Charter: Perfect for Newbies

Ready to wet a line in the crystal-clear waters of the Florida Keys? Our private full-day fishing charter out of Key West is tailor-made for beginners and seasoned anglers alike. We'll spend 8 hours on the water, giving you plenty of time to get your sea legs and hopefully land some trophy fish. Whether you're dreaming of battling a high-flying sailfish or reeling in a tasty mahi-mahi for dinner, we've got you covered. Our experienced captain knows these waters like the back of their hand and will put you on the fish, guaranteed.

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as you step aboard our well-equipped fishing vessel, you'll feel the excitement in the air. We'll cruise out of Key West harbor, passing by the iconic Southernmost Point buoy as we head for the fertile fishing grounds. Depending on the conditions and what's biting, we might troll the deep blue waters offshore or stick closer to the reefs. Either way, you're in for a treat. No need to worry about gear or licenses - we provide top-notch rods, reels, and all the tackle you'll need, plus we've got your fishing license covered. Just bring your sense of adventure (and don't forget the sunscreen)!

Techniques for Hooking the Big One

Fishing in the Keys isn't just about dropping a line and waiting. We'll show you the ropes of various techniques like trolling, kite fishing, and bottom fishing. Trolling is a favorite for targeting pelagic species like mahi-mahi and tuna - we'll set out lines with lures or bait and cruise at the perfect speed to entice a strike. For sailfish, we might break out the kites, which allow us to present bait on the surface where these acrobatic fish love to feed. And when we're targeting snapper or other reef dwellers, we'll anchor up and drop lines to the bottom. Don't worry if you're new to this - our captain will walk you through each method and help you perfect your technique.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Mahi Mahi, or Common Dolphinfish, are a favorite target for good reason. These vibrant green and gold fish are not only beautiful but delicious too. They're known for their acrobatic jumps and blistering runs when hooked. Mahi can grow up to 30 pounds in these waters and are most abundant from April to September. When you hook one, get ready for a fight - these fish don't give up easily!

Blacktip Sharks might sound intimidating, but they're actually one of the most fun species to target. These swift predators usually range from 4 to 5 feet long and put up an incredible fight. We often find them cruising near the surface, and they'll readily take both live and dead bait. Blacktips are around year-round but are especially active in the warmer months. Landing one of these toothy critters is sure to get your adrenaline pumping!

Yellowfin Tuna are the prize catch for many anglers visiting the Keys. These powerful fish can weigh over 100 pounds and are known for their long, screaming runs that will test both your gear and your stamina. Yellowfin are typically found further offshore, so we'll need to run out a bit to find them. They're most common from late spring through fall. When we hook into one, be prepared for an arm-wrenching battle that could last over an hour!

Mutton Snapper are the kings of the reef. These beautiful red and pink fish are prized for their firm, white flesh and can grow up to 30 pounds. We'll target them near coral reefs and rocky bottoms, usually in 60 to 120 feet of water. Muttons are crafty and often require finesse to catch, but the reward is well worth it. They're available year-round but tend to be more active during the warmer months.

Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of Key West fishing. These magnificent fish, with their iconic sail-like dorsal fin, can reach lengths of over 7 feet and speeds of up to 68 mph. Sailfish are known for their incredible aerial displays when hooked, often leaping out of the water multiple times. We typically target them by trolling or kite fishing, and the best time to catch them is from November through May. Landing a sailfish is a bucket-list experience for many anglers, and we'll do our best to make it happen for you!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Fishing in Key West isn't just about what ends up on the end of your line - it's about the whole experience. As we cruise the turquoise waters, you might spot dolphins playing in our wake or sea turtles popping up for air. The scenery is stunning, with the endless blue of the Gulf of Mexico on one side and the lush islands of the Keys on the other. And let's not forget the laid-back Key West vibe that permeates everything we do. Whether you're a serious angler looking to check some species off your list or a family just looking for a fun day on the water, our full-day charter delivers.

Time to Book Your Spot

Ready to make some fishing memories in paradise? Our private full-day charter is the perfect way to experience the best of Key West fishing. With room for up to 6 guests, it's great for families, groups of friends, or even a corporate outing. Remember, we provide all the gear and knowledge - you just need to bring your sense of adventure (and maybe a cooler of your favorite drinks). The fish are biting, the sun is shining, and the boat is ready. Don't miss out on this world-class fishing opportunity. Book your charter today and get ready for a day you'll be talking about for years to come!

Learn more about the species

Atlantic Sailfish

Atlantic sailfish are the rockstars of sportfishing, known for their stunning looks and acrobatic fights. They average 6-8 feet long and 60-80 pounds. You'll find them in warm surface waters, often within sight of land. Winter's the prime time here in the Keys, especially along the edge of the Gulf Stream. Anglers chase sails for the thrill – they're lightning fast and put on a real show when hooked, leaping and tail-walking across the water. To up your chances, troll with rigged ballyhoo or small lures. Keep an eye out for frigate birds or bait showering on the surface – that's often a sign sails are feeding. Here's a pro tip: when you spot them, switch to live bait and slow-troll or drift. The bite's usually visual, so be ready to feed line when they show interest. It's all about the chase with these beauties.

Blacktip Shark

Blacktip sharks are a blast to catch, usually running 4-5 feet long and up to 270 pounds. You'll find them in warm, shallow waters near the coast, often around 100 feet deep. These guys are known for their acrobatics – they'll jump and spin when hooked. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they're migrating. Anglers get a kick out of their power and those aerial displays. To land one, use heavy braided line and circle hooks. Chum the water with oily fish like mackerel or sardines to get them interested. Here's a pro tip: set multiple lines at different depths to increase your odds. Just be ready for a fight – these sharks can really turn on the speed when they feel that hook.

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Mahi Mahi are real beauties, with their vibrant blue-green and gold colors. They typically run 15-29 pounds but can get up to 87. You'll find them near the surface around floating debris or weed lines. These fast swimmers put up an exciting fight, often leaping and making runs. We target them year-round here, but summer's usually best. Anglers love Mahi for the thrill and their excellent eating. To boost your chances, look for frigate birds – they'll lead you right to the fish. When you spot a school, keep one hooked to draw in the others. Fresh squid or ballyhoo on a trolling spread works great. Just remember, once they're out of the water, get them on ice fast to keep that meat tasting its best.

Mutton Snapper

Mutton snapper are prized catches, usually 5-15 pounds but can reach over 30. You'll find them around reefs and rocky bottoms, typically in 80-300 feet of water. They're most active during low-light periods and at night. Spring and early summer are great times to target them, especially around the full moon when they spawn. Anglers love muttons for their fight and excellent table fare. To increase your odds, use fresh bait like squid or cut fish. Here's a local trick: use a light sinker and let your bait drift naturally in the current. Chumming can really get them fired up. When you hook one, be ready for a strong initial run – they'll try to dive back into the structure. Keep steady pressure and you'll have a delicious dinner on the line.

Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowfin tuna are powerhouses, typically 60-100 pounds but can hit 400. They're found in the upper 100 meters of warm offshore waters, often near floating objects or temperature breaks. These speedsters can hit 50 mph and put up an incredible fight. Spring and fall are great times to target them as they migrate. Anglers love yellowfin for the challenge and the top-notch sushi-grade meat. To improve your chances, look for bird activity or jumping bait on the surface. Trolling with skirted lures or live bait works well, but be ready to switch to jigging if they're deep. Pro tip: when you see them busting on the surface, nothing beats casting a topwater plug – the strikes are explosive. Just make sure you've got your drag set right, or they'll smoke your reel.

About the Fishizzle Sportfishing

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Caterpillar

Maximum Cruising Speed: 13

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 350

Ready for an epic day of fishing in Key West? Hop aboard our spacious charter boat for a full 8 hours of angling action. Whether you're a total newbie or have some experience, our captain will show you the ropes and put you on the fish. We'll cruise offshore to target big game like sailfish, mahi, and tuna, or stick closer to the reefs for barracuda and mackerel. Heck, we might even hook into some sharks! Don't worry about gear - we've got all the rods, reels, and bait you'll need. Just bring some snacks and drinks to keep you fueled up. With room for up to 6 people, it's perfect for a fun day out with friends or family. Our local expert captain knows all the best spots, so get ready to reel in some awesome catches and make some great memories on the water. Let's go fishing!

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