Offshore Shark Fishing Key West
Head offshore into the Gulf Stream targeting tiger sharks, makos, and large hammerheads on a private catch-and-release adventure.
Offshore shark fishing — also called deep water shark fishing — is shark fishing in its most intense form. You leave the reef and the backcountry behind and run into the open ocean, into the Gulf Stream, where the water turns deep blue and the apex predators grow to their maximum size.
Tiger sharks, mako sharks, and large hammerheads are the primary targets on these trips. These aren't the manageable species of the inshore flats — these are powerful, fast, and in some cases genuinely dangerous animals that will test both your tackle and your endurance. When a 600-pound tiger shark takes your bait and starts running, you understand why offshore shark fishing has a dedicated following.
Every offshore shark trip is private. We run heavy tackle, proper offshore gear, and an experienced crew that has fought these fish before. If you're looking for the most serious shark fishing experience Key West offers, this is it.
6 Hours
Trip Duration
Gulf Stream
15–25+ Miles Offshore
From $1,050
Per Boat (Private)
Offshore Shark Fishing = Deep Water Shark Fishing
If you've been searching for "deep water shark fishing Key West," you've found the right page. Offshore shark fishing and deep water shark fishing are the same trip — both refer to running out to the Gulf Stream and blue water where the deepest, largest, and most powerful sharks in these waters live.
The terminology changes depending on who you ask, but the experience is the same: a 6-hour private charter, heavy tackle, and shark fishing at its most challenging and rewarding.
What Makes Offshore Shark Fishing Different
Distance is the first thing that changes. Running 15 to 25 miles offshore puts you in a completely different environment from the reef or the backcountry. The water color shifts from greenish-blue to a deep, dark indigo. The bottom drops away. The scale of the ocean becomes tangible in a way it never does close to shore.
The sharks are different out here too. Tiger sharks are the signature target — massive, bull-headed animals that inhabit the warm Gulf Stream water year-round. A large tiger shark will often take the bait with slow deliberation before accelerating into a run that can strip hundreds of yards of line. Mako sharks are the opposite — explosive from the first second, frequently jumping clear of the water during the fight.
The gear is heavier, the fights are longer, and the experience requires more physical engagement than any other trip we offer. But for anglers who've been building toward this moment — a genuine battle with a trophy-class offshore shark — nothing else compares.
Offshore Shark Species in Key West
The Gulf Stream and deep offshore water hold the largest shark species accessible from Key West. These are the primary targets on an offshore trip.
Tiger Shark
The marquee offshore target. Can exceed 12 feet and 800 lbs. A slow, powerful, relentless fighter.
Mako Shark
The fastest shark in the ocean. Known for jumping repeatedly when hooked. A spectacular fight.
Great Hammerhead
Impressive size and distinctive silhouette. Common offshore in spring and early summer.
Bull Shark
Large offshore bulls run bigger than inshore specimens. Aggressive and powerful at any size.
Oceanic Whitetip
A true pelagic species found in deeper offshore water. Less common but a prized catch.
Sandbar Shark
A large coastal species that appears on offshore grounds. Solid fight and a legitimate trophy.
What to Expect on an Offshore Shark Charter
After the dock briefing, your captain runs offshore. The run itself takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on conditions and destination. Use this time to settle in, watch the water change color as the bottom drops away, and prepare for what's ahead.
Setting Up in the Gulf Stream
Once on the offshore grounds, your mate sets out a heavy chum slick and deploys baits at multiple depths — some near the surface, some down in the water column. Tiger sharks often approach from below, circling the bait before committing. Makos may appear suddenly and hit with force. Your captain watches the slick and the rods constantly.
The Fight
When a large offshore shark takes the bait, everything happens at once. The rod loads hard, the drag screams, and the boat adjusts position. Fighting a 400+ pound shark is not a passive experience — you lean into the rod, pump and wind, feel the fish run, and gradually work it closer over 20 to 45 minutes. Your mate is alongside you the entire time, coaching and managing the boat positioning.
The Release
Large offshore sharks are handled at the boat. The crew secures the fish alongside for a brief photo session before removing the hook and releasing. This is done carefully and efficiently to minimize stress on the animal. Watching a large tiger shark or mako slide back into the blue water is a moment few offshore anglers forget.
Who This Trip Is Best For
Experienced anglers who want the most advanced shark trip available
Anglers specifically targeting tiger sharks or mako sharks
Groups comfortable in offshore open-water conditions
Anyone who wants a genuine trophy-class shark encounter
Anglers looking for deep water shark fishing by any other name
Those with full-day availability who want a complete offshore experience
Trip Highlights
What's Included & What to Bring
Included in Your Charter
- Captain and experienced mate
- Heavy offshore rods and reels
- Fresh bait and chum
- Steel leaders and rigging
- Fishing license coverage
- Cooler with ice
- Safety and emergency equipment
What to Bring
- Sunscreen (reef-safe preferred)
- Polarized sunglasses
- Hat and light long sleeves
- Food and drinks for a full morning (no glass)
- Motion sickness medication taken night before
- Camera — you'll have photos worth keeping
- Light windbreaker for the offshore run
Not included: Crew gratuity (appreciated for quality service), food and drinks, transportation to the marina, and fuel surcharge which applies on offshore trips.
Pricing & How to Book
Offshore deep water shark fishing starts at $1,050 per boat for a 6-hour private charter. This covers your entire group — captain, mate, all offshore tackle, fresh bait and chum, and your fishing license. A fuel surcharge applies on offshore trips due to the extended run.
Exact pricing depends on the specific boat and date you select. For a full overview of charter costs across all trip types, visit our Key West fishing charter prices guide.
To compare all three shark fishing options — inshore, reef, and offshore — visit the main Key West shark fishing charters page. If you're considering an offshore fishing trip targeting mahi, tuna, or sailfish instead, visit our offshore fishing charters page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready for the Real Offshore Experience?
Offshore shark fishing — deep water, trophy sharks, and the Gulf Stream. Book your trip online or call us to discuss which boat and date is right for your group.