KEY LARGO FISHING FIELD GUIDE
Key Largo Offshore: Hunting Sailfish, Marlin and Dolphin with Reel Deal Fishing Charters
A hands-on Key Largo offshore fishing charter that targets sailfish, marlin and dolphin with expert guidance; this guide explains what to expect on half- and full-day trips.
Key Largo Offshore: Hunting Sailfish, Marlin and Dolphin with Reel Deal Fishing Charters.
Offshore from Key Largo, Reel Deal Fishing Charters runs private charters into the blue where anglers troll the edge of the outer reef in search of sailfish, marlin and dolphin (mahi-mahi), along with tuna, wahoo, cobia and other species. Trips combine different baits and techniques—lures and frozen baits for dolphin, live bait for billfish, and a kite when called for—to put guests on the biggest fish the area offers.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Big-game species and diverse catches
Offshore Key Largo fishing focuses on sailfish, marlin and dolphin, with tuna, wahoo, cobia, sharks and barracuda also encountered—making each charter a chance at very different prizes depending on the day and season.
Summer and fall schools; winter billfish
Summer and fall typically bring large schools of dolphin and frequent wahoo and tuna; winter shifts to spectacular billfish action, often using live bait to tempt sailfish and marlin.
Trolling, live-baiting and kite work
Captains mix methods—trolling the outer reef edge, deploying lures and frozen baits for dolphin, live-baiting for billfish, and occasionally flying a kite—to match the day’s targets.
What the day feels like
What the charter feels like
The outing is a focused offshore pursuit: boats run to the edge of the outer reef off Key Largo, set spreads of lures or baits and work the water for whatever the season is producing. Expect a blend of trolling and active bait work guided by crew expertise, with moments ranging from sightless trolling to the sudden chaos of a hooked billfish.
THE TARGETS
Big-game species and diverse catches
Offshore Key Largo fishing focuses on sailfish, marlin and dolphin, with tuna, wahoo, cobia, sharks and barracuda also encountered—making each charter a chance at very different prizes depending on the day and season.
THE SEASONS
Summer and fall schools; winter billfish
Summer and fall typically bring large schools of dolphin and frequent wahoo and tuna; winter shifts to spectacular billfish action, often using live bait to tempt sailfish and marlin.
THE TECHNIQUE
Trolling, live-baiting and kite work
Captains mix methods—trolling the outer reef edge, deploying lures and frozen baits for dolphin, live-baiting for billfish, and occasionally flying a kite—to match the day’s targets.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this charter suits best.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring sun protection, seabands or remedies for motion if needed, and any personal gear; the charter uses lures, frozen baits, live bait and sometimes a kite as part of the fishing plan.
Prepare for a mix of trolling, live-baiting and occasional kite work—the crew selects baits and lures based on target species.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long are the charters and what do they cost?
Charter options are a 3/4-day (6 hours) at $900 and a full day (8 hours) at $1,050.
How many people can join and are there age limits?
Trips accommodate up to six people and are open to all ages.
What species can I expect to catch?
Offshore trips target sailfish, marlin and dolphin (mahi-mahi), and commonly encounter tuna, wahoo, cobia, sharks and barracuda.
What fishing techniques are used on these charters?
Captains employ trolling along the outer reef, lures and frozen baits (especially for dolphin), live-baiting for billfish and occasionally kite fishing.
When are the different species most likely to appear?
Summer and fall bring large schools of dolphin along with wahoo and tuna; winter brings concentrated billfish activity and live-bait action.
Are billfish kept or released?
The operator practices catch-and-release for all billfish.