What is a deep-sea fishing charter in Key West?
A private trip past the reef into offshore water, trolling or kite fishing for mahi, sailfish, blackfin tuna and wahoo. Most run six to eight hours: a private full day cost $1,250–$2,000 per boat in the October 2026 scan. Mahi peak in summer; sailfish, tuna and wahoo in the cooler months.
What you catch offshore, and when
Mahi peak from May to September; sailfish from November to March; blackfin tuna from September to April; wahoo from December to February, by the Keys tourism council’s calendar. Kingfish and amberjack come up on the deeper reef edge and wrecks. Each fish has its own page: mahi, sailfish, blackfin tuna, wahoo and kingfish. The whole year is on best time to go.
How long a trip you need
Laid Back Key West says offshore needs six hours minimum and eight is better; Boa Vida calls six hours ideal for trolling offshore. A four-hour trip can reach the reef edge for kingfish in winter but rarely the weed lines for mahi. Key West Fishing Deals prices its private boats at $850 for four hours, $1,150 for six and $1,350 for eight on its website. Half day vs full day compares the lengths.
Offshore charters you can book
Operators on the operator list that run offshore trips, read 6 October 2026. Most offshore boats carry six passengers.
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Key West Fishing Deals
4.8 Google · 1,019 reviews · read 4 October 2026
Six offshore boats from 34 to 47 feet, four to twelve hours; works weed lines and frigate birds for mahi, kites for winter sailfish, the humps for blackfin.
Departs: 1801 N Roosevelt Blvd Key West, FL 33040
Check availability -
Florida Straits Sportfishing
5.0 Google · 30 reviews · read 4 October 2026
Offshore trolling and drifts at the colour change, kite fishing in winter, a 10-hour swordfish trip ($2,000) and a 12-hour Dry Tortugas trip.
Departs: A&B Marina, Key West
Check availability -
Charter Boat Linda D
4.8 Google · 276 reviews · read 4 October 2026
Half ($1,000), three-quarter ($1,300) and full days ($1,500) for up to six, reef and offshore; fishing Key West since 1938, it says.
Departs: 1801 N Roosevelt Blvd, Charter Boat Row
Check availability -
Boa Vida Charters
5.0 Google · 44 reviews · read 4 October 2026
Six and eight-hour trips on a 42-ft Post, trolling for mahi, sailfish, tuna and wahoo.
Departs: Historic Charter Boat Row, Garrison Bight City Marina
Check availability -
Eva Marie - Key West Fishing Charters
4.9 Google · 53 reviews · read 4 October 2026
Four, six and eight-hour private charters with light tackle for tuna, mahi, sailfish and kingfish.
Departs: 619 Front St
Check availability -
Blind Squirrel - Key West Florida Fishing
4.7 Google · 53 reviews · read 4 October 2026
The 63-ft Blind Squirrel for big groups ($2,150 for four hours, $2,450 for six, for up to eight; licensed for 41).
Departs: 1801 N Roosevelt Blvd, Charter Boat Row (light tackle section)
Check availability
Google · 1,019 reviews · read 4 October 2026 Before you book offshore
- Seas are bigger out there. Florida Straits says offshore trips ride bigger seas; take any motion-sickness medication the night before. Seasickness has more.
- Fuel surcharges are common on long runs; check the booking page.
- Most billfish are released. Florida allows one sailfish at 63 inches, but almost every crew revives and releases them.
- Keepers: five mahi per person, two wahoo, two blackfin (or ten per boat): what fish you can keep.
Deep-sea fishing: questions
How much is a deep-sea fishing charter in Key West?
A private full day ran $1,250–$2,000 per boat and a three-quarter day $900–$1,500 in the October 2026 scan, for up to about six people. Specialty offshore trips, like swordfishing or a 63-foot sportfisher, start around $2,000. Tip and any fuel surcharge are extra.
How far offshore do Key West charters go?
Far enough to reach the blue water and weed lines toward the Gulf Stream, or the offshore humps for blackfin tuna; that is why operators want six to eight hours. Ask the captain where they expect to fish the week you book.
What is the best month for deep-sea fishing in Key West?
It depends on the fish: May to September for mahi, November to March for sailfish, December to February for wahoo, and September to April for blackfin tuna, by the Keys tourism council’s calendar.
Next step
Looking for fishing trips in the Florida Keys?
Fishing Trips Florida Keys is an independent guide — no boats, no bookings, nothing to sell. It exists so you can ask better questions before you hand an operator a deposit.
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