Get ready to feel that rod bend and your heart race as you battle monster fish in the deep blue waters off Key Largo. Our 6 to 8-hour trips with Local Grown Charters put you right in the action zone where trophy catches like Mahi-Mahi, Tuna, and Sailfish call home. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line offshore, our crew's got the know-how to put you on the fish and make sure you have a blast doing it. With room for six, grab your buddies and let's make some fishing memories that'll have you buzzing long after you hit the dock.
As soon as we clear the marina, you'll feel the excitement build. The crystal-clear waters of the Florida Keys give way to the deep blue of the Gulf Stream, where the big boys play. We'll set up trolling spreads that would make any angler drool - a mix of surface lures, diving plugs, and maybe even some live bait if the conditions are right. Keep your eyes peeled for birds working the water or that telltale splash of feeding fish. When a rod goes off, it's all hands on deck! Our expert crew will be right there to coach you through the fight, whether you're cranking in a speedy Wahoo or going toe-to-fin with a high-flying Sailfish. Between the action, soak in those postcard-worthy views and the salt spray on your face. This is what Florida fishing is all about, folks.
We don't mess around when it comes to our tackle. You'll be fishing with top-of-the-line rods and reels, spooled with heavy-duty line that can handle whatever decides to chomp down on your bait. Our go-to technique out here is trolling - we'll have lines out the back of the boat as we cruise the productive waters. We might switch it up with some kite fishing if the conditions are right, letting those baits dance on the surface to entice the big predators lurking below. And if we mark a hot spot on the fish finder, don't be surprised if we break out the jigging rods for some vertical action. The name of the game is versatility, and we've got all the tools to put you on the fish no matter how they're biting.
Let's talk about the stars of the show - the fish you'll be chasing on your Key Largo deep sea adventure. First up, the Mahi-Mahi, or Dolphin as the locals call 'em. These acrobatic beauties are known for their spectacular aerial displays and their psychedelic colors that'll have you reaching for your camera. They school up and can create some crazy action when you find 'em. Best of all, they're delicious on the grill.
Then there's the mighty Sailfish, the poster child of Florida sportfishing. These billfish are the speedsters of the sea, known to hit speeds of up to 68 mph. When one of these bad boys decides to take your bait, hold on tight! They'll tail-walk across the surface and make blistering runs that'll have your drag screaming. Sailfish are catch-and-release only, but the photo op with one of these beauties is worth its weight in gold.
Don't sleep on the Wahoo, the torpedo of the tropics. These streamlined predators are built for speed and power. They'll hit your lure like a freight train and peel off line faster than you can say "fish on!" Wahoo meat is prized for its firm texture and mild flavor, making it a favorite among seafood lovers.
King Mackerel, or Kingfish, are another crowd-pleaser. These toothy critters are known for their smoking fast runs and tendency to skyrocket out of the water when hooked. They're a blast to catch and make for some mean fish dip.
Last but not least, we've got the Great Barracuda. With a mouthful of razor-sharp teeth and a bad attitude to match, these ambush predators will test your nerves and your tackle. They're not the best for eating, but the fight they put up is second to none.
It's not just about the fish - though that's a big part of it. Our trips are all about the experience. From the moment you step on board, you're part of the crew. We'll swap fish stories, share some laughs, and work together to put some monsters in the boat. There's nothing quite like the camaraderie that builds when you're all working towards that common goal of landing the big one. And let's be real, that rush you get when a line starts screaming off the reel? That's the stuff fishing dreams are made of. Whether you're a hardcore angler or just looking for a fun day on the water with friends and family, our Key Largo deep sea trips deliver the goods time and time again.
Alright, folks, if your palms are itching and you're already picturing yourself battling a bull Mahi or a high-flying Sail, it's time to lock in your date. Our 6 to 8-hour trips are the perfect mix of fishing time and comfort, giving you the best shot at a cooler full of fish and a memory card full of photos. Remember, we've only got room for six, so don't wait too long to pull the trigger. Whether you're planning a guys' trip, a family outing, or looking to impress some clients, a day out on the deep blue with Local Grown Charters is a guaranteed good time. Give us a shout, and let's get you hooked up with some of the best fishing Key Largo has to offer. The fish are out there waiting - are you ready to come and get 'em?
African pompano are silvery, disc-shaped fish averaging 15-30 pounds. You'll find adults in deeper water from 100-250 feet, often near reefs or wrecks. They're around year-round but more active in warmer months. Pompano are fun to catch and make great eating. To target them, try jigging or bottom fishing with live bait. They're attracted to shiny objects, so metal jigs work well. When hooked, pompano put up a good fight with strong runs. Use medium-heavy tackle to handle their power. A local trick: if you catch one, keep fishing the same spot - they often travel in schools.
Atlantic sailfish are rocket-fast predators, hitting speeds up to 68 mph. They average 6-8 feet long but can reach 10 feet and 140 pounds. Look for them near the surface in warm, blue waters 100-200 feet deep. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate. Anglers love sailfish for their acrobatic jumps and powerful runs. To land one, use live bait like ballyhoo or goggle-eyes on a kite rig. When a sail strikes, give it a moment to swallow before setting the hook. These billfish put up an awesome fight, so hang on tight and be ready for some airborne action. Just remember, they tire quickly so we release them quickly to keep the population healthy.
Bluefin tuna are the heavyweight champs of the sea, averaging 500 pounds but can top 1,000. They're found in deep, open water, often following bait schools. Spring and fall are prime as they migrate. Bluefin are prized for their power, endurance, and high-grade sushi meat. To target them, use heavy tackle and chunk with butterfish or sardines. When hooked, a bluefin will make long, powerful runs. Be patient and pump the rod to slowly gain line. It can be an hours-long battle. A local tip: watch for birds working the surface - they'll lead you to feeding tuna. Remember, there are strict regulations on bluefin, so know the rules before you go.
Great barracuda are the wolves of the reef, with a mouthful of sharp teeth. They average 3-4 feet but can reach 6 feet and 100 pounds. You'll find them near reefs, wrecks, and other structures in 20-100 feet of water. They're around year-round but more active in warmer months. Cuda are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps. To catch them, try trolling or casting tube lures or live bait. Use wire leaders to prevent bite-offs. When a cuda hits, it'll often jump and shake its head to throw the hook. Keep a tight line and be ready for multiple runs. A word of caution: be careful handling these toothy critters at the boat.
King mackerel, or kingfish, are torpedo-shaped speedsters that'll test your tackle. They average 20-40 pounds but can top 100. You'll find them in open water from 30-150 feet deep, often near reefs or wrecks. Fall is prime time as they follow bait migrations. Kingfish are prized for their smoking runs and aerial displays when hooked. To target them, try slow-trolling live bait like blue runners or mullet. Use wire leaders - their razor teeth make short work of mono. When a king hits, let it run before setting the hook. These fish fight hard but tire quickly, so be ready with a gaff. Kingfish make great eating too, especially when smoked.
Mahi-mahi, or dorado, are some of the most colorful fish you'll see. They average 15-30 pounds but can reach 70. Look for them near floating debris or weedlines in blue water. Summer and early fall are best as they follow warm currents. Mahi are known for their acrobatic fights and delicious meat. To catch them, troll rigged ballyhoo or artificial lures near floating structure. When you hook one, keep the boat moving - others in the school will follow. Mahi hit hard and jump a lot, so use medium-heavy tackle. A local trick: when you see one, cast a bait past it and reel quickly across its path to trigger a bite.
Wahoo are built for speed, with a sleek body and razor teeth. They average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. You'll find them in deep blue water, often near drop-offs or underwater structures. Fall and winter are prime seasons as they follow bait migrations. Wahoo are prized for their blistering runs and tasty white meat. To target them, try high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with diving plugs or skirted lures. Use wire leaders to prevent bite-offs. When a wahoo hits, it'll peel off line in a hurry. Let it run, then slowly gain line. A local tip: bright-colored lures work best on sunny days, dark colors on cloudy days.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 52
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300