Reef vs. Offshore Fishing in Key Largo: Choose Your Trip
Your group. Your time. Your kind of fishing.
Trips aboard Miss Chief are private for up to six guests. Maverick skiff trips take up to three guests and depart from Key Largo. Start with the experience you want, then choose a length that fits everyone aboard.
COMPARE PRICES & AVAILABLE DATES →
Which trip fits your crew?
Maverick backcountry & flats
Private 18-foot skiff, captain only, up to 3 guests. Trips from December 1, 2026.
4h $715.50 · 6h $927.50 · 8h $1,139.50, including the 6% booking fee. Base rates: $675 / $875 / $1,075.
Maverick trip details and dates →
Skiff pickup is confirmed separately near Miss Chief in Key Largo. The six-guest boat details below apply to Miss Chief.
FAMILY & BEGINNER REEF
A shorter introduction on nearby patch reefs, with help handling tackle.
2, 3 or 4 hours · From $550 per boat
Explore beginner reef fishing →
OFFSHORE & DEEP SEA
Open-water trolling and live bait fishing for seasonal mahi-mahi, sailfish, wahoo and tuna.
4, 6 or 8 hours · From $1,075 per boat
Explore offshore fishing →
DEEP WRECK & REEF
Deeper structure and medium or heavy tackle. A different experience from a beginner reef trip.
4, 6 or 8 hours · From $1,075 per boat
Explore wreck and reef fishing →
SWORDFISH
A dedicated deep-water hunt for anglers prepared for a full offshore day and periods of waiting.
8 or 10 hours · From $2,000 per boat
Explore swordfish charters →
The reef, offshore, wreck and swordfish base rates are for the whole private boat. A 6% booking fee is added at checkout; gratuity is extra. Review the final total and terms before booking.
Reef or offshore?
Reef fishing focuses on structure. Our beginner trip fishes nearby patch reefs, generally two to three miles from shore. Deep wreck and reef trips fish farther out, generally six to ten miles, in roughly 50–300 feet of water.
Offshore fishing searches open water. The run can be longer, sometimes around 25 miles offshore. More travel means the length of your trip matters. Shorter travel never guarantees calm water.
What will you do on board?
Trolling & live bait. Trolling pulls lures or rigged bait behind a moving boat to search for pelagic fish. Live bait presents a live bait to a predator; kites or outriggers can help position it. The captain selects the approach around the season and conditions.
Bottom fishing. Bait is presented near reef or wreck structure. A nearby reef trip introduces the basics; deeper structure calls for heavier tackle. Choose by depth, time and experience, not just the word “reef.”
Deep dropping & swordfishing. Weighted rigs reach deep water. Swordfishing is a specialized, full-day plan with a specific target. Choose it for the hunt, with patience between opportunities.
Half-day or full-day?
Extra time is not a catch guarantee. Choose a duration that the least comfortable person in your group can enjoy. Swordfish requires an eight- or ten-hour commitment. A shorter reef outing reduces time at sea but cannot guarantee calm conditions.
Miss Chief departures start at 7 a.m.; the exact time depends on your selected trip and duration. Follow your confirmation and arrive 15–20 minutes early. Discuss boarding, balance or seasickness concerns with Dan before choosing.
Read our departure, packing and preparation guide →
Your charter includes travel and fishing time. Two or three hours suits a short reef introduction. Four hours can work offshore when the bite is close enough; six or eight hours gives more flexibility when the grounds are farther away.
Before you choose
Who is coming? Tell Dan the ages and experience levels in your group.
What matters most? A child’s first fish, a particular species and a demanding offshore hunt can call for different plans.
How flexible are your dates? Weather may affect departure and the fishing approach.
Ready to pick your day?
SEE CHARTER PRICING & AVAILABILITY →
Still deciding? Call Capt. Dan at (305) 393-2430.