REVIEW · KEY WEST
Key West Deep Sea Fishing: Big Fish
Book on Viator →Operated by Corsair 2 Sportfishing · Bookable on Viator
Reel in Key West big-fish action. This private charter on Corsair 2 Sportfishing takes you out to offshore fishing grounds (up to 18 miles) in search of species like mahi mahi, wahoo, tuna, sailfish, and more. You’re not just paying for a boat ride—you’re paying for a focused shot at reef and deep-sea fishing time with a small group.
I especially like two things: the private setup for up to 6 (so you’re not squeezed into a crowd) and the crew’s hands-on effort to put anglers on fish. On multiple trips, names like Captain Jeff and Christian (plus other captains and mates such as Craig, Brett, Russ, and Rob) show up as the kind of team that works hard and communicates clearly.
The main drawback to plan for is how the day feels on the water. Several outings describe rough, choppy conditions, and one first-timer deal with sea sickness, plus a couple notes about comfort and an older-feeling boat.
In This Review
- Key highlights worth your attention
- Corsair 2 targets the species that make Key West famous
- What you’ll experience on a 4-hour (and why the options matter)
- The crew work: communication, coaching, and actually trying
- The fish action: what you might catch and how the day can swing
- Comfort on a choppy Key West day
- Price and value: $950 for a private group up to 6
- Meeting point and the simple logistics that help
- Who this charter is best for (and who should think twice)
- Should you book Big Fish in Key West?
- FAQ
- How far offshore do you fish?
- What fish species are targeted?
- How long is the trip?
- What does the $950 price include?
- Where does the tour start and end?
- Is this a private charter?
- Do I need to worry about weather?
Key highlights worth your attention
- Up to 18 miles offshore for deep-sea and reef fishing, not just close-to-shore fishing
- Group price for up to 6 makes the $950 feel far more reasonable than solo charters
- Targets include mahi mahi, wahoo, tuna, sailfish, and marlin, plus reef species like snapper and grouper
- You get bottled water, but alcohol isn’t included, so plan your own choices
- Fish filleting may be available at the end of the day based on what anglers have experienced
- Expect real ocean conditions—bring a plan if you’re prone to motion sickness
Corsair 2 targets the species that make Key West famous
This is a deep-sea fishing charter built around the kinds of fish that turn Key West into a magnet for anglers. You’ll head out to fishing areas up to 18 miles offshore, where the water gets into that sweet spot between deeper offshore action and reef-adjacent opportunities.
If your dream list includes mahi mahi, wahoo, and tuna, you’re aiming at the right game. The trip description also names fish like sailfish, marlin, snapper, and grouper, plus others that can show up depending on the day. That variety matters because it changes how the trip feels: even if one species isn’t cooperating, you’re not stuck wishing.
Other fishing charters we've reviewed in Key West
What you’ll experience on a 4-hour (and why the options matter)
The experience is listed at about 4 hours for the schedule you’re looking at, and the operator also offers shorter and longer formats (half-day, 3/4-day, and full-day). I like that flexibility because fishing is weather-and-season sensitive, and more time usually means more attempts at changing conditions.
In real terms, a trip like this typically follows a rhythm:
- You start from the marina area on Peninsular Ave and head out toward the offshore grounds.
- Time gets spent fishing as the captain and crew work the water for bites.
- If you’re lucky (and the fish are cooperative), you’ll end with multiple hookups, not just one “big moment.”
- You wrap back up at the meeting point.
One detail that shows up in the experience accounts: the day can feel like a mix of fishing and being out on the move. On some days the ride is fine; on others it’s choppy enough to impact comfort. That’s why choosing a longer option can be worth it if you’re coming with someone who gets seasick easily. More time on the water can turn into more chances to fish effectively instead of getting limited by early discomfort.
The crew work: communication, coaching, and actually trying
The biggest reason charters earn repeat bookings is simple: the crew’s attitude. Here, that stands out. Captains and mates like Captain Jeff and Christian show up as people who are personable, helpful, and focused on getting you opportunities to reel in fish.
I also like that the coaching seems to be practical, not just “good luck.” On at least one outing, instructions about how to fish and where to place the rod were given clearly, and the crew steered the group toward what to do on a moving boat. If you’re new, this kind of direction helps you feel like you’re participating, not just watching.
And yes, there are little human moments. One angler noted a funny reminder not to bring bananas aboard. I can’t translate the exact origin, but I can tell you that it signals something important: the crew is paying attention to small rules and routines that make a day run smoother.
The fish action: what you might catch and how the day can swing
The trip is built around offshore and reef species, so your catch can include both “speedsters” and heavier targets. The species list in the experience info includes mahi mahi and wahoo (common favorites), with tuna and bigger pelagic fish like sailfish and marlin also named.
In the experiences accounts, you’ll see real-world variety:
- Mahi mahi landing stories, including one large fish for a first-time angler
- Sailfish caught on a trip that many people would call a dream outcome
- Reef-and-pelagic mix catches such as barracuda, mackerel, and additional mahi
Here’s the honest part: deep-sea fishing isn’t a vending machine. One outing described a slow day with no fish caught on a 4-hour trip, while others described multiple hookups in just the first couple hours. That spread is exactly why I like how the crew works hard—when the fishing turns on, you want to be with people who keep chasing it.
Comfort on a choppy Key West day
Key West water can be friendly or rough depending on the weather window. More than a couple accounts describe waves that were choppy, and at least one angler got sea sick. That’s the one condition you can’t “opt out” of, so plan for it.
A few practical ways to prepare:
- If you’re even slightly prone to motion sickness, bring your usual remedy.
- Wear grippy shoes and dress in layers so you’re not freezing when the wind hits.
- Don’t treat comfort as optional—seating space can matter if you’re not actively fishing the whole time.
Also, one account criticized the boat’s condition and seating comfort, describing it as older. At the same time, other outings praised the boat and the crew’s effort. The point for you: this charter can be an excellent fishing day, but the comfort factor isn’t something I’d assume will feel like a modern yacht.
A few more Key West tours and experiences worth a look
Price and value: $950 for a private group up to 6
At $950 per group (up to 6), this charter is priced like a serious fishing outing. On a pure numbers basis, if you book the full six, you’re looking at roughly $160 per person for the listed duration. That’s before you even consider what happens when a crew does everything right: multiple fish landed, coaching that helps you actually fish, and the chance to bring food home.
What you’re paying for isn’t just distance offshore. You’re paying for:
- a private experience (your group only)
- time on a boat built for fishing
- effort and teamwork from the captain and mate, especially during the moments when bites actually happen
Included is bottled water. Alcoholic beverages aren’t included, so if that’s part of your group plan, you’ll want to handle it yourself ahead of time.
Meeting point and the simple logistics that help
The charter meets at 5950 Peninsular Ave, Key West, FL 33040. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, which makes the end of the day easier—no long taxi scramble after you’re tired and wet.
A few practical notes that matter:
- You’ll receive confirmation at the time of booking.
- You’ll get a mobile ticket.
- The experience is offered in English.
- It’s near public transportation.
- This is a private tour/activity, so it’s only your group.
- Service animals are allowed, and most travelers can participate.
For families, couples, and mixed-experience groups, the private setup is a quiet advantage. You can move at the pace the captain wants without managing the chaos of strangers in your orbit.
Who this charter is best for (and who should think twice)
This fits best if you want an action-first fishing trip and you’re willing to work with the reality of the ocean. It’s a strong match for:
- experienced anglers who enjoy offshore fishing and want the chance at bigger pelagic targets
- first-timers who want clear guidance and a crew that’s tuned into helping people land fish
- couples or small groups who want privacy and a focused shot at catching dinner
Think twice if:
- you or anyone in your group gets seasick quickly and you don’t have a plan
- comfort and boat modernity matter more to you than the fishing itself
- you’re hoping for guaranteed fish on a short window. Even with a good crew, conditions decide a lot.
Should you book Big Fish in Key West?
I’d book it if you’re coming to Key West for the fishing, not just the story of a boat trip. The combination of private group value, real offshore range up to 18 miles, and a crew reputation for working hard makes this one worth putting on your shortlist.
I’d be cautious if your group is very sensitive to choppy water or you’re expecting the trip to feel comfortable and fancy the whole time. Also, if you’re booking the shortest option, understand that slower bite days happen.
If you’re ready for a genuine fishing charter—hands-on, sometimes fast, sometimes challenging—this one checks the boxes that matter.
FAQ
How far offshore do you fish?
The charter fishes up to 18 miles offshore, combining deep-sea fishing with opportunities related to reef areas.
What fish species are targeted?
The experience lists chances to catch mahi mahi, wahoo, tuna, sailfish, marlin, snapper, grouper, and more.
How long is the trip?
The experience you’re looking at runs about 4 hours (with other duration options also available such as half-day, 3/4-day, and full-day).
What does the $950 price include?
The price includes bottled water. Alcoholic beverages are not included.
Where does the tour start and end?
Meet at 5950 Peninsular Ave, Key West, FL 33040. The trip ends back at the same meeting point.
Is this a private charter?
Yes. This is a private tour/activity, and only your group participates (up to 6 people).
Do I need to worry about weather?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.
