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Recently Booked Nurse Shark Fishing Charters Near Key West, Fl
Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Key West
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Flats, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Key West
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Flats, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Key West
Inshore Shark Trip
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Everything to Know About Booking a Key West nurse shark fishing charter
What are the best nurse shark fishing charters in Key West?
Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 5 nurse shark trip in Key West: Shark Fishing Trip guided by Brad.
Our guides in Key West are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 2773 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.
All guides on Captain Experiences are licensed, insured, and vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.
Other popular cities nearby for booking a Nurse Shark charter include Summerland Key and Ramrod Key.
Looking for kid friendly nurse shark guides / fishing lessons in Key West? Check out our beginner and family friendly nurse shark guides in Key West.
What types of nurse shark fishing charters are common in Key West?
Nearshore fishing is the most popular for nurse shark in Key West as well as inshore fishing and flats fishing.
The most common fishing techniques in Key West are bottom fishing, light tackle fishing, and live bait fishing but cut bait fishing and trolling are popular as well.
How much do Key West nurse shark fishing charters cost?
for nurse shark in Key West prices can range anywhere from about $395 to $970, but the average price for a half day trip for nurse shark in Key West is $541. The average price for a full day trip for nurse shark in Key West is $811.
What month is best for nurse shark fishing in Key West?
The most popular season for nurse shark fishing in Key West is spring, and most anglers book their trips 16 days in advance.
Do I need a Key West fishing license for nurse shark and what are the bag limits for nurse shark in Key West?
You’re in luck! Our fishing tours in Key West don’t require you to purchase a fishing license – your group is covered by your boat’s captain. See here for more information on bag limits and fishing season regulations in Key West.
What is nurse shark fishing in Key West all about?
Nurse shark fishing in Key West offers anglers a unique and thrilling experience. Nurse sharks are abundant in the warm, shallow waters around the Florida Keys, making them accessible to anglers of all skill levels. These bottom-dwelling sharks are known for their docile nature, making them an excellent species for anglers looking to target sharks without the aggressive behavior often associated with other shark species.
Anglers typically target nurse sharks using a variety of bait, including fresh chunks of fish or squid. These baits are typically deployed on the ocean floor near structures such as reefs, wrecks, or rocky bottoms where nurse sharks are known to frequent. Since nurse sharks are primarily nocturnal feeders, fishing during dusk or nighttime hours can increase the likelihood of success.
Once hooked, nurse sharks provide a formidable fight, using their strength and weight to resist being reeled in. Anglers should use heavy tackle to handle these powerful fish and be prepared for a battle that can last several minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the shark. Catch-and-release is the preferred practice for nurse shark fishing in Key West, as these sharks play a vital role in maintaining the health of the marine ecosystem. Overall, nurse shark fishing in Key West offers anglers an exciting opportunity to encounter these fascinating creatures while enjoying the beautiful waters of the Florida Keys.
What are the most popular months to fish for nurse shark fishing in Key West?
Nurse sharks can be found in the waters around Key West year-round, as they are not migratory and tend to inhabit shallow coastal areas with warmer temperatures. However, certain times of the year may offer better opportunities for nurse shark fishing in Key West. During the warmer months, from spring to early fall, nurse sharks are more active and abundant, as they are drawn to the shallower waters to feed and reproduce. Anglers may have better success targeting nurse sharks during these months when they are more actively feeding and present in higher numbers along the reefs, wrecks, and sandy bottoms.
In Key West, the winter months from late fall to early spring can still provide opportunities for nurse shark fishing, although the cooler water temperatures may result in less frequent sightings and bites. While nurse sharks are known to be more sluggish in colder temperatures, they can still be found in deeper waters or areas with warmer pockets, such as nearshore flats or channels where the water temperature remains relatively stable. Additionally, nurse sharks may seek refuge in deeper water during the cooler months, making them less accessible to anglers targeting them from shore or shallow-water vessels.
Overall, nurse shark fishing in Key West can be enjoyed year-round, with the best times typically coinciding with warmer water temperatures and increased activity during the spring and summer months. However, anglers should be aware that nurse sharks are protected species in Florida and are subject to regulations regarding size limits, bag limits, and gear restrictions. It's essential for anglers to familiarize themselves with these regulations and practice responsible fishing techniques, including catch-and-release, to ensure the sustainability of nurse shark populations in the area.
What techniques are popular for catching nurse shark in Key West?
When fishing for nurse sharks in Key West, anglers employ various techniques tailored to the shark's behavior and habitat preferences. One common method is bottom fishing using heavy tackle and sturdy rigs, as nurse sharks are often found near the ocean floor in shallow coastal waters. Anglers typically use a baited rig with strong hooks and heavy-duty line to target nurse sharks, with popular baits including fresh fish, squid, or cut bait. The rig is then dropped to the bottom and allowed to rest until a nurse shark takes the bait.
Another effective technique for nurse shark fishing in Key West is chumming, where anglers attract sharks to their location by dispersing a mixture of fish parts, blood, and other scent-enhancing substances into the water. Chumming can help draw nurse sharks closer to the boat or shore, increasing the chances of a successful hook-up. Once the nurse sharks are attracted to the scent, anglers can then deploy baited rigs or even cast lines directly to the feeding sharks.
Additionally, some anglers prefer to target nurse sharks using live bait, such as small fish or crustaceans, which can entice the sharks with their natural movements and vibrations. This method requires patience and careful observation, as anglers must wait for the nurse shark to approach and take the bait before setting the hook. Regardless of the technique used, it's essential for anglers to handle nurse sharks with care and respect, using proper gear and techniques to ensure both the angler's safety and the shark's well-being.
What other species are popular in Key West?
Apart from nurse sharks, Key West offers anglers a diverse range of species to target, catering to a variety of fishing preferences and skill levels. One popular option is the tarpon, known for its impressive size and acrobatic leaps when hooked. These powerful fish migrate along the Florida Keys throughout the year, offering anglers ample opportunities for thrilling battles. Tarpon can be targeted using live bait, such as mullet or pinfish, as well as artificial lures like swimbaits and topwater plugs.
Another sought-after species in Key West is the permit, prized for its strength and elusive nature. Permit are known for their challenging behavior and are often found in shallow flats and around wrecks and reefs. Anglers typically use live crabs or shrimp as bait when targeting permit, presenting them on light tackle and using stealthy approaches to entice these wary fish. Permit fishing requires patience and precision, making it a rewarding pursuit for experienced anglers.
For those looking to target reef-dwelling species, Key West offers excellent opportunities to catch grouper and snapper. Species like red grouper, black grouper, and mutton snapper are abundant in the area's coral reefs and rocky structures. Anglers typically use bottom fishing techniques with live or cut bait to entice these species, with larger specimens often requiring heavy tackle to land. Fishing for grouper and snapper in Key West provides both recreational and culinary rewards, as these species are prized for their delicious flesh and challenging fights.
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Other Fishing Species in Key West
- African Pompano
- Amberjack
- Atlantic Mackerel
- Barracuda
- Black Grouper
- Blackfin Tuna
- Blacktip Shark
- Blue Marlin
- Bluefish
- Bonefish
- Bonito
- Bonnethead Shark
- Bull Shark
- Cero Mackerel
- Cobia
- Cubera Snapper
- False Albacore
- Florida Pompano
- Gag Grouper
- Goliath Grouper
- Grunt
- Hammerhead Shark
- Hogfish
- Horse-eye Jack
- Jack Crevalle
- Kingfish
- Lane Snapper
- Lemon Shark
- Lionfish
- Lobster
- Mahi Mahi
- Mako Shark
- Mangrove Snapper
- Mutton Snapper
- Permit
- Queen Snapper
- Rainbow Runner
- Red Grouper
- Red Snapper
- Redfish
- Sailfish
- Scamp Grouper
- Skipjack Tuna
- Snook
- Snowy Grouper
- Spanish Mackerel
- Speckled Trout
- Striped Marlin
- Swordfish
- Tarpon
- Tiger Shark
- Tilefish
- Triggerfish
- Tripletail
- Vermillion Snapper
- Wahoo
- Warsaw Grouper
- White Marlin
- Yellowtail Amberjack
- Yellowtail Snapper
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What's biting in Key West?
View Nurse Shark Fishing Reports from our damn good guides.
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