Deep Sea Fishing in Key Largo: Offshore Trolling & Live Bait
Private offshore charter · 4, 6 or 8 hours · 1–6 guests · From $900
Head offshore from Key Largo with Capt. Dan Matthews to troll and fish live bait for seasonal game fish. Mahi-mahi, sailfish, wahoo and blackfin tuna are among the species this trip can target. The plan depends on the season, the conditions and where the fish are feeding.
This is the offshore option for anglers who want open water and a longer fishing day. Tell us your target species and available time before booking, especially if you’re considering a four-hour trip.
Guests with a sailfish aboard Miss Chief off Key Largo.
How much time do you need for deep-sea fishing in Key Largo?
Private-boat rates for up to six guests.
SHORTER OFFSHORE OPTION
4 Hours · $900
Best when a workable bite is within reach.
Base private-boat rate · Up to 6 guests
MORE FLEXIBILITY
6 Hours · $1,200
More time for the run and fishing.
Base private-boat rate · Up to 6 guests
FULL DAY
8 Hours · $1,500
More room to reach offshore grounds and adapt.
Base private-boat rate · Up to 6 guests
Travel is part of your charter time. Fish can be farther offshore, sometimes around 25 miles out, so a four-hour trip isn’t the same fishing opportunity as a full day. Longer trips give us more flexibility; they do not guarantee more fish.
For a short first outing with children, compare the Intro to Fishing Reef Charter.
OFFSHORE METHODS
Trolling and live bait: how we fish
Offshore fishing means searching as well as fishing. We may troll to cover water or use live bait when the conditions and target species call for it. Capt. Dan chooses the approach for the day rather than promising the same technique on every departure.
This differs from staying over deeper wreck or reef structure. If bottom fishing and heavier structure-oriented tackle are your priority, compare the Deep Wreck & Reef Big Game Charter.
Two anglers with a wahoo on a private offshore trip from Key Largo.
Mahi-mahi at the boat during an offshore fishing charter.
SEASONAL OFFSHORE TARGETS
Mahi-mahi, sailfish, wahoo and blackfin tuna
Tell us which fish you’re most interested in. Mahi-mahi is a common reason visitors choose an offshore day, while sailfish, wahoo and blackfin tuna bring different seasonal opportunities. We’ll discuss a realistic plan for your dates.
The species list describes possible targets, not a catch package. Sailfish and marlin are released on our trips. Other fish may be kept only when the applicable rules allow it.
PRIVATE BOAT & GEAR
Your private boat and fishing gear
Your group of up to six guests fishes aboard Miss Chief, a 34-foot Crusader sportfishing boat. The trip includes captain and crew, offshore rods and reels, tackle, bait, onboard fishing-license coverage, fuel, ice, a cooler and bottled water. Cleaning is included for fish you legally keep.
Offshore conditions can be more demanding than a nearby reef outing. Bring food and any extra drinks you prefer for your full trip, layers and a windbreaker. Tell us about your group’s experience and comfort at sea before booking.
PLAN YOUR OFFSHORE DAY
Before you book
Four-hour offshore trips work best in spring and early summer when fish are within reach. Ask Dan before choosing a half-day. Six or eight hours allow more travel and fishing time; no catch is guaranteed.
Departures start at 7 a.m.; later availability depends on trip length. Follow your confirmed time and arrive 15–20 minutes early at 400 Ocean Drive, Key Largo. Travel to and from the fishing grounds is part of your 4-, 6- or 8-hour charter.
Bring food, extra drinks, sun protection, non-marking shoes and a windbreaker for your full time offshore. Bottled water is included. Discuss seasickness prevention with a pharmacist or healthcare professional before longer open-water trips.
Read the trip preparation guide →
Whole-boat rates plus a 6% booking fee; gratuity is extra. Give 72 hours’ cancellation notice. Late cancellations and no-shows forfeit the deposit. Captain-cancelled weather trips receive a full deposit refund.
Trolling and live bait are two different approaches. The captain chooses the method around the species, season and conditions instead of treating every offshore day the same.
Sailfish, mahi-mahi, wahoo and blackfin tuna are among the possibilities on an offshore trip. Tell Dan what interests you; the season and conditions shape the plan.
ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS
Offshore fishing questions
Is deep-sea fishing different from offshore fishing?
For this charter, both describe heading out from Key Largo to fish open water using trolling and live-bait techniques. “Deep sea” does not mean that every bait is fished on the bottom. If you specifically want deep bottom fishing or swordfish, choose the trip built for that method.
Is a half-day enough to catch mahi-mahi?
A four-hour trip may work when conditions and fish location put a suitable bite within reach. When fish are farther offshore, travel leaves less fishing time. Tell Dan that mahi-mahi is your goal before booking; he can help you decide whether six or eight hours makes more sense.
Can a beginner go offshore?
You can fish with guidance, but comfort with a longer ocean trip matters. Offshore seas and travel can be demanding even when the fishing itself is new to you. Describe your group before booking. A shorter reef charter may be a better first choice for some guests.
What if we want swordfish?
Book the dedicated swordfish charter. It uses a different deep-water approach and an eight- or ten-hour schedule. An ordinary offshore trolling trip should not be booked with the expectation that it includes a dedicated swordfish session.
YOUR PRIVATE DAY ON THE WATER
Plan your Key Largo deep-sea fishing trip
Choose your date and give the offshore run enough time. Capt. Dan can help you match the length to your fishing goals.
Check Offshore Fishing Dates →
Call Capt. Dan · (305) 393-2430