Big fish starts with an offshore push. This private Key West charter runs up to 18 miles offshore and aims at the kind of species you see on tournament scoreboards, from mahi mahi to tuna. I also like that you fish as a private group, with captains and mates getting hands-on when it matters most, including crews led by Captain Jeff with mate Christian on some trips.

You should still plan for the reality of the water. On choppy days, the ride can be rough, and at least one family reported sea sickness. It can also be a mixed bag on boat comfort, with one group wishing for better seating even though other outings described the boat in great shape.

Key West Deep Sea Fishing Big Fish at a Glance

• Up to 18 miles offshore: Deep-sea fishing with a shot at reef-and-beyond action.
• Big-name target fish: Mahi mahi, wahoo, tuna, sailfish, marlin, snapper, grouper, and more.
• Private charter for up to 6: One captain and crew, only your group on the boat.
• Flexible day lengths: A 4-hour option is typical, plus half-, 3/4-, and full-day choices.
• Crew effort is a big part of the value: Many past trips highlight hard work from the captain and mate.
• Bring motion sense: If you get queasy in waves, plan for it on open-water days.

Up To 18 Miles Offshore: Why This Charter Feels Serious

Key West fishing lives in two worlds: close-enough reef time, and that longer run out where the water changes and the chances can swing. This charter is built for the second world. You’ll head up to 18 miles offshore, which is the difference between a casual outing and a real “try for bigger fish” day.

The targets listed for the trip are also what make it compelling. You’re not just fishing for whatever bites. The charter’s fish list includes mahi mahi, wahoo, tuna, plus higher-up species like sailfish and marlin, along with snapper and grouper. Even if you don’t land every “big headline” fish, having that kind of range tells you the day isn’t limited to one predictable bite.

I also appreciate the mix of deep-sea and reef fishing mentioned for this experience. In plain terms, it gives the crew more ways to adjust when conditions change. One day you might be working mahi and wahoo opportunities, and another day the action could shift to other species like barracuda, which shows up in the catch on at least one outing.

A 4-Hour Run (Plus Longer Options) and What You’ll Actually Do

The experience you’ll likely book is about 4 hours, though the operator offers half-, 3/4-, and full-day durations. That matters because fishing time isn’t only about lines in the water. Time is split between transit offshore, setting up, fishing actively, and then handling the end-of-day wrap.

On a short charter, you should expect the day to feel compressed. One group described a chunk of their 4-hour outing as boat ride time before the fishing got going. That’s not unusual in offshore fishing. The lesson is simple: if you’re paying for the big-game offshore experience, don’t let a “short day” surprise you. It’s still a real trip, but you’ll feel the clock more.

Longer days tend to be where people feel the benefits the most. The longer option gives the crew more room to keep working different spots and conditions, instead of trying to squeeze everything into a tight window. If you’re bringing first-timers, a longer duration can also reduce the feeling that you have to “catch right now” to justify the trip.

What You Can Catch: The Species List, Plus Real Catch Highlights

Let’s talk about the fish list first, because it sets your expectations. The charter advertises chances for mahi mahi, wahoo, tuna, sailfish, marlin, snapper, grouper, and much more. That’s a wide net, and it’s exactly what you want when you’re targeting offshore and reef possibilities.

Now add real catch examples from past outings you can use to calibrate your day:

• Mahi mahi: Repeatedly mentioned, including a large one described by a couple and multiple mahi in other reports.
• Wahoo and tuna: Listed as targets; several trips emphasize big-fish potential.
• Sailfish: Caught on at least one memorable trip.
• Barracuda: Showed up in catches, including a family outing that reported one barracuda plus several mahi.
• Mackerel: One group reported catching mackerel on their outing.

Here’s the practical takeaway: you can go for the big-name species, but you should also be mentally ready for “good eating fish” and “sport fish that still fight hard” to show up along the way. That keeps the day fun even when the offshore favorites are playing hard to get.

Crew Style and the Names You Might Meet: Jeff, Christian, Russ, Craig, Brett

In a charter like this, the crew makes the difference between a “we tried” day and a “we worked hard” day. Over multiple trips, you’ll see repeat mention of captains and mates who focus on putting lines in the water efficiently and adjusting when bites slow down.

You might end up with Captain Jeff and mate Christian, who come up strongly in top-rated outings. In other trips, you’ll also see Captain Russ and Christian listed, plus groups praising Craig as captain and Brett as the mate. One group specifically highlighted Brett’s skill at getting fish to bite, which matters because offshore fishing often turns on small changes: line placement, lure choice, timing, and who stays patient when the water goes quiet.

There’s also a “taking fish home” detail worth knowing. At least one outing notes that Christian did the filleting so the catch could be used for dinner later. Since filleting isn’t listed as a universal inclusion (water is the only clearly stated inclusion), treat this as a “you might be able to” benefit rather than a guarantee. Still, it’s a good sign that the crew understands how people want to use the catch.

Boat, Comfort, and Choppy-Day Reality Around Key West

The water can be friendly, or it can be rude. One family reported rough, choppy conditions on the ride out, and their son got sea sick. Another review mentioned wishing for more comfortable seating during a 3/4-day outing on a choppy day.

At the same time, other reports describe the boat as being in great shape. So the honest approach is this: expect variability. Conditions and day-of setup matter, and boat condition is something you’ll feel more when waves are bigger.

If you’re the type who gets queasy on boats, plan accordingly. Even the best crew can’t control wind and swell once you’re heading offshore. The upside is that on well-managed days, people still catch fish and have a full experience, even with some chop.

There’s also a note about fishing technique and onboard rules. One review criticized the way fishing was handled, saying the crew didn’t let them reel in the way they were used to. Another review suggests the crew was active and helpful overall. Translation: you may experience a hands-on coaching style, which is great for beginners, but if you have strong preferences about how you fish, it’s smart to communicate that early.

Price and Value: $950 Per Group Up To 6

The price is $950 per group, and the group size is up to 6. That’s not “per person” pricing, which changes the math fast.

• If you book with a full group of 6, it’s about $158 per person for the outing duration.
• If it’s just 2 or 3 of you, the per-person cost goes up quickly, so you’ll want to feel confident that you want a private captain-and-crew day.

Where this becomes good value is when you can spread the cost among friends or family who actually want to fish. Private trips also tend to feel more personal because the captain and mate can focus on your group’s skill level and attention span.

The other value angle is probability. Fishing isn’t guaranteed. But a charter that runs offshore and targets species like mahi and wahoo gives you a better shot at having your day feel like “the main event.” One review even calls out that the captain and crew worked hard to create catching opportunities, which is exactly what you’re paying for beyond the mere boat ride.

Practical Details: Meeting Point, Private Group Flow, and What’s Included

You’ll meet at 5950 Peninsular Ave, Key West, FL 33040. This activity ends back at the same meeting point. It’s a private tour, meaning only your group participates, which is a big deal if you’re traveling with kids, a multi-generational group, or friends who want the boat time focused on them.

The experience includes bottled water. Alcoholic beverages aren’t included, so if you plan to drink, budget for that separately.

A few practical notes that help you plan your day:

• Confirmation is received at booking.
• The tour is offered in English.
• Service animals are allowed.
• It’s near public transportation.
• Most travelers can participate.

One quirky detail worth repeating because it came up in a strong review: one group was told not to bring bananas. It may be superstition, crew preference, or something tied to their routine. Either way, it’s the kind of small onboard rule that’s easiest to respect early.

Finally, plan ahead. This charter is typically booked about 63 days in advance. If you have specific dates around school breaks or peak weather, earlier booking improves your chances.

Should You Book Corsair 2 Sportfishing Big Fish in Key West?

Book it if you want a true offshore-focused charter that targets big species, and you’d enjoy spending real time on the water with a crew that’s ready to work for your bites. The strongest pattern in the feedback is effort from the captain and mate, plus a good chance of landing at least a few fish like mahi and sometimes sailfish or barracuda. If you’re traveling with a group that can fill more of the six seats, the price per person can feel reasonable.

Skip it (or at least think twice) if you’re very sensitive to motion and you’re hoping for a smooth, comfortable ride in all conditions. Also consider your expectations about catching: offshore fishing can swing day to day, and it’s possible to have a slow catch even when the crew is doing their job.

If you’re a first-timer, this can still work well, but bring the right mindset. You’re paying for a chance at big fish and a well-run fishing day, not a guaranteed trophy.

FAQ

How long is the Key West deep sea fishing trip?

The experience is listed at about 4 hours, and the operator also offers half-day, 3/4-day, and full-day duration options.

What does it cost, and how many people can go?

It costs $950 per group, and the group size is up to 6 people.

What’s included in the price?

Bottled water is included.

What kinds of fish are you targeting?

You can have a chance to catch mahi mahi, wahoo, tuna, sailfish, marlin, snapper, grouper, and more.

Where do we meet, and when does the trip end?

You start at 5950 Peninsular Ave, Key West, FL 33040, USA, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

What happens if weather is bad, and can we get a refund?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for other reasons.