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Tarpon Fishing Charters In Key West

Check real-time availability on 40 Key West tarpon fishing trips. Online booking | 4.92 / 5 stars | Guides from $550

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Recently Booked Tarpon Fishing Charters Near Key West, Fl

Fishing in Key West

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West "Flex" Sportfishing

100% (6)
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $650
Fishing in Key West

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Ultimate Action Fishing In Key West

100% (2)
33 ft 1 - 4 People From $1,000
Fishing in Key West

Flats, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Backcountry Classic - 28’ Blue Wave

100% (2)
28 ft 1 - 4 People From $700
Fishing in Key West

Inshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Inshore Trip - 18’ Xplor Flats Boat

100% (1)
18 ft 1 - 3 People From $550
Fishing in Key West

Flats, Inshore, Jetty, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West Silver Kings And More

100% (2)
25 ft 1 - 4 People From $550
Fishing in Key West

Deep Sea, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Morning 1/2 Day Fishing Charter

67% (3)
25 ft 1 - 4 People From $800

Most Popular Types of Tarpon Trips in Key West

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond to provide you an incredible trip, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and about empowering people to find the perfect-match guide for the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

More Tarpon Fishing Charters Near Key West, Fl

Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
trip description for Edge of the Map Trip in Key West

Whether you're looking to hit the backcountry of the Gulf of Mexico, chase fish in Key West Harbor, or rip it out to the reef on the Atlantic side, a half day trip with Captain Spencer offers seemingly endless opportunities. And Captain Spencer is just the man to customize the perfect trip for you! There are tons of different species to target on these half day trips all depending on how you'd like to spend the day. Some of them are; cobia, permit, bonefish, mutton snapper, mangrove snapper, red grouper, black grouper, gag grouper, sharks, barracudas, and jacks but there are many more as well. Captain Spencer is all about customizing your experience, so if there is something specific you'd like to target, just let him know in the days leading up to the trip and he can make it happen! Captain Spencers 25' Pathfinder is extremely versatile in this regard shallow enough to maneuver the backcountry and local grass flats, and sturdy enough to handle the light chop of the open ocean. The vessel also has a full tower which optimizes your fishing opportunities by sighting fish and bait easier. She can accommodate 6 guests, however, Captain Spencer prefers to fish with 4 or less. Captain Spencer can also make accommodations to pick you up from many places around Key West. If you are staying somewhere with water access let us know and Captain Spencer will try to accommodate picking you up from your location. Read More

Flats, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Edge Of The Map Trip

100% (2)
25 ft 1 - 4 People From $650
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
trip description for Key West Tarpon Hunt in Key West

What's better than Tarpon fishing in the Florida Keys? Doing it twice in one day! Whether you want to spend a half day or a full day hunting these "Silver Kings," the highly-rated Captain John has you covered. Hop on his 24' Yellowfin and chase the first biters in the morning, and if that's not enough, stick around for more prime-time tarpon fishing at sunset! Tarpons have become the most sought-after game fish in the Florida Keys. This mammoth migrates up and down the coast filling up the bridge passes and backcountry waters. Tides, weather, and moon phases play an essential factor in a Tarpon’s behavior, but these kings are always hungry, biting on both live and artificial bait. We recommend going after these fish between March and August. Your adventure will begin at the dock as Captain John explains what you can expect on your trip. No detail will be left out or question unanswered in order to make your trip exciting, educational, and memorable. Be sure to bring any beverages or snacks you might need, and Captain John will provide everything else. Read More

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West Tarpon Hunt

100% (1)
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $650
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
trip description for Half-Day Tarpon Trip (Seasonal) in Key West

Have you ever wanted to catch that once-in-a-lifetime fish, capture that awe-inspiring sunset, or enjoy an unforgettable day with your family on the water? With the highly-rated Captain John, you can do just that. Hop on the 24' Yellowfin and enjoy an evening of Tarpon fishing under a beautiful Florida Key sunset, when the tarpon are biting the most! Tarpons have become the most sought-after game fish in the Florida Keys. This mammoth migrates up and down the coast filling up the bridge passes and backcountry waters. Tides, weather, and moon phases play an essential factor in a Tarpon’s behavior, but these kings are always hungry, biting on both live and artificial bait. We recommend going after these fish between March and August. Your adventure will begin at the dock as Captain John explains what you can expect on your trip. No detail will be left out or question unanswered in order to make your trip exciting, educational, and memorable. Be sure to bring any beverages or snacks you might need, and Captain John will provide everything else. Read More

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Half-Day Tarpon Trip (Seasonal)

100% (1)
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $650
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
trip description for Key West on Light Tackle & Flies in Key West

There is something about a flats boat in the keys that just feels right. Being poled around the endless maze of gin clear flats and mangrove riddled backcountry, stalking up on unsuspecting Bonefish, Permit, and Redfish, hooking into monster Tarpon in the summertime are what Florida Key's inshore fishing is all about! So head out to explore the beautiful tropical waters the Florida Keys are known for with Captain Jamie down in Key West to catch the bug! You'll chase bonefish and permit on the flats, and redfish, trout, jacks, and snapper back in the backcountry. Either way, Captain Jamie will be there to lend expert advice as he quietly poles you into schools of fish. Possible Species: Snook, Jack Crevalle, Tarpon, Spotted Sea Trout, Bonefish, Permit, Sharks, Ladyfish, Sheepshead, Black Drum, Redfish, Goliath Grouper, Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, and others Read More

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West On Light Tackle & Flies

100% (1)
17 ft 1 - 2 People From $600
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
trip description for Marquesas Key "Hidden Gem" Trip in Key West

What sounds better than a quiet chain of islands in the beautiful Florida Keys with world class fishing? With Captain John, you can visit exactly that place. Spend the day exploring the beautiful flats around the Marquesas Keys as you chase down groupers, sharks, snappers and more. A couple dozen miles West of Key West, the Marquesas Keys are a hidden treasure when it comes to Florida fishing. Surrounded by flats, wrecks and reef features, these remote islands are home to some of the best fishing in the world. The journey starts aboard Captain John's 24' Yellowfin in Key West. Expect a bit of a trip to get to these islands, but it is well worth the wait! No detail will be left out or question unanswered in order to make your trip exciting, educational, and memorable. Be sure to bring any beverages or snacks you might need, and Captain John will provide everything else. Read More

Flats, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Marquesas Key "Hidden Gem" Trip

NEW
24 ft 1 - 5 People From $1,200
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
trip description for Key West Fishing Expedition in Key West

Come experience the Florida Keys on this incredible adventure with Captain Justin! The Keys are a world-renowned fishing destination, and there's no better way to enjoy all that they have to offer than a trip aboard his 35' Carolina Classic. There options are endless, whether you want to enjoy a half-day, a 3/-4 day, or a full-day trip! Captain Justin specializes in calm water, light tackle “good times” fishing. This is ideal for beginner to intermediate anglers who are looking to bend some rods and hear the drag scream. Target species include Maho, Snapper, Grouper, Tarpon, Barracuda, and Shark. These will vary by season and weather, but rest assured—Captain Justin will put you on some awesome fish! You'll be fishing aboard his 35' Carolina Classic sportfisher, which was tested in the rough waters off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina and is built for speed and comfort. She features room for up to six, an air-conditioned cabin, and a nice bathroom. Beyond the comforts are the electronics. She is outfitted with top of the line RayMarine chart plotter, thru-hull sonar, and HD color radar. This modern-day electronic set-up is the ultimate “fish finder”. Finally, the JL audio-stereo with subwoofers brings your music to another level. Once the fish are found, our tackle is nothing short of top tier. For light tackle such as snapper, and pitch baits; we use all Esky custom rods. Once you use an Esky, all other rods seems sub-par. For the heavyweights out there we supply a variety of combinations from TLD 20w to 80w Tiagras, Deep Drop reels include 2-speeds, and 12-volt electric reels. Captain Justin will provide everything you need for a successful day out on the water, from rods, reels, and tackle, to ice, water, and fishing licenses. All he recommends you bring are any snacks and drinks and he'll take care of the rest! Dont miss this amazing fishing experience. Read More

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West Fishing Expedition

100% (2)
35 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,300
See All Tarpon Trips in Key West

Everything to Know About Booking a Key West tarpon fishing charter

What are the best tarpon fishing charters in Key West?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 40 tarpon trips in Key West, and the most popular trips in the area are Key West "Flex" Sportfishing guided by John, Ultimate Action Fishing in Key West guided by Paul, and Backcountry Classic - 28’ Blue Wave guided by Alex.

Our guides in Key West are rated a 4.92 out of 5 based on 2680 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 Tarpon charter include Cudjoe Key and Summerland Key.

Looking for kid friendly tarpon guides / fishing lessons in Key West? Check out our beginner and family friendly tarpon guides in Key West.

What types of tarpon fishing charters are common in Key West?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular for tarpon in Key West as well as inshore fishing, flats fishing, and nearshore fishing.

The most common fishing techniques in Key West are light tackle fishing, live bait fishing, and artificial lure fishing but bottom fishing and drift fishing are popular as well.

How much do Key West tarpon fishing charters cost?

for tarpon in Key West prices can range anywhere from about $550 to $1,300, but the average price for a half day trip for tarpon in Key West is $689. The average price for a full day trip for tarpon in Key West is $1,036.

What month is best for tarpon fishing in Key West?

The most popular season for tarpon fishing in Key West is spring, and most anglers book their trips 26 days in advance.

Do I need a Key West fishing license for tarpon and what are the bag limits for tarpon 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 tarpon fishing in Key West all about?

Tarpon fishing in Key West offers anglers an exhilarating and unforgettable experience. Known as the "Silver Kings" for their impressive size and strength, tarpon are abundant in the waters surrounding Key West, making it a prime destination for avid anglers seeking a thrilling challenge. With their acrobatic leaps and powerful runs, hooking into a tarpon promises an adrenaline-pumping battle that tests both angler skill and equipment.

The tarpon fishing season in Key West typically peaks from April to July, coinciding with their annual migration along the Florida coastline. During this time, anglers have the best chance of encountering large schools of tarpon as they move through the warm, shallow waters of the Florida Keys. However, tarpon can be found in Key West's waters year-round, providing opportunities for fishing enthusiasts to pursue these iconic gamefish at various times of the year.

Anglers employ a variety of techniques when tarpon fishing in Key West, including live bait fishing, fly fishing, and sight casting. Live bait, such as mullet or crabs, is often used to entice tarpon, while fly anglers relish the challenge of presenting the perfect fly to these wary fish. Sight casting to cruising or rolling tarpon in the crystal-clear waters of Key West is a particularly thrilling method, requiring stealth, precision, and quick reflexes to successfully hook and land these majestic creatures. Whether fishing from a boat, bridge, or shoreline, tarpon fishing in Key West offers an unforgettable angling adventure for anglers of all skill levels.

What are the most popular months to fish for tarpon in Key West?

Tarpon fishing seasons in Key West offer anglers distinct opportunities throughout the year to target these prized gamefish. While tarpon can be found in Key West's waters year-round, the peak seasons typically occur from spring through early summer, with April to July marking the prime time for tarpon fishing. During these months, tarpon migrate along the Florida coastline, passing through the warm, shallow waters of the Florida Keys, including Key West. Anglers have the best chance of encountering large schools of tarpon during this period, making it an ideal time to plan a tarpon fishing excursion.

Spring is often considered the optimal time for tarpon fishing in Key West, as warmer temperatures stimulate tarpon activity and trigger their migration. Anglers can expect to find tarpon congregating in channels, flats, and along the edges of the Gulf Stream, providing ample opportunities for hooking into these acrobatic gamefish. As summer approaches, tarpon continue their migration, offering consistent action for anglers eager to test their skills against these powerful adversaries. During the summer months, tarpon can be found in various habitats around Key West, including channels, bridges, and flats, presenting diverse fishing opportunities for anglers of all preferences.

While spring and summer are the peak seasons for tarpon fishing in Key West, tarpon can be targeted year-round in these productive waters. Fall and winter also offer opportunities to encounter tarpon, albeit in fewer numbers compared to the peak seasons. Nonetheless, anglers visiting Key West during the offseason can still enjoy exciting tarpon fishing experiences, especially in areas with warmer water temperatures or during periods of mild weather. Overall, Key West's diverse tarpon fishing seasons provide anglers with ample opportunities to pursue these iconic gamefish and create lasting memories on the water.

What techniques are popular for catching tarpon in Key West?

Tarpon fishing in Key West requires anglers to employ a variety of techniques to entice these powerful gamefish. One of the most popular methods is live bait fishing, where anglers use natural baits such as mullet, crabs, or pinfish to attract tarpon. Live bait is typically presented either under a float or free-lined to mimic the natural movement of prey. This technique allows anglers to cover a wide area and target tarpon in various habitats, including channels, flats, and bridges.

Fly fishing is another popular technique for tarpon fishing in Key West, offering anglers a challenging and rewarding experience. Anglers use specialized fly rods, reels, and flies designed to imitate the prey species that tarpon feed on, such as shrimp or baitfish patterns. Sight casting to cruising or rolling tarpon in shallow, clear water is a thrilling aspect of fly fishing for tarpon in Key West. This technique requires stealth, accuracy, and quick reflexes to present the fly effectively and entice a strike from these wary gamefish.

In addition to live bait fishing and fly fishing, anglers often employ trolling and drift fishing techniques when targeting tarpon in Key West. Trolling with artificial lures or live baits allows anglers to cover large areas of water while searching for active tarpon. Drift fishing, on the other hand, involves drifting with the current while presenting baits or lures to tarpon holding in deeper water or along structure such as wrecks or reefs. By mastering a combination of these techniques, anglers can increase their chances of success when tarpon fishing in the diverse waters of Key West.

What other species are popular in Key West?

In addition to tarpon, Key West offers anglers a diverse array of fish species to target, providing year-round fishing opportunities in its rich and vibrant waters. One popular gamefish found in Key West's waters is the mighty permit. Known for their strength and cunning, permit are prized by anglers for their challenging fights and impressive size. These elusive fish can be found on the flats and around shallow wrecks and reefs, where they feed on crustaceans and small baitfish. Sight casting with small flies or live crabs is a common technique used to hook into permit in Key West.

Another sought-after species in Key West is the bonefish, often referred to as the "gray ghost" of the flats. Bonefish are renowned for their speed, stealth, and elusive nature, making them a prized catch for fly anglers and light tackle enthusiasts alike. Key West's expansive flats provide prime habitat for bonefish, where they can be found tailing and feeding on small crustaceans and baitfish. Sight fishing with lightweight flies or lures is a popular method for targeting bonefish in Key West's shallow, clear waters.

For anglers seeking offshore adventures, Key West offers opportunities to target a variety of pelagic species, including mahi-mahi, tuna, and sailfish. These offshore waters are teeming with life, providing fertile fishing grounds for anglers in search of big game action. Trolling with rigged baits, casting lures, or live bait fishing are effective techniques for targeting pelagic species in Key West's offshore waters. Whether fishing inshore or offshore, Key West's diverse fishery ensures that anglers of all skill levels can enjoy memorable fishing experiences in this iconic destination.

Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

  • ★★★★★
    Great time,Great captain

    David L. with Tyler S. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had a fantastic trip with Robert, he got us into plenty of action including an 80lb Tarpon with a couple other hook ups. We then poled an area and caught some juvenile Tarpon that was a blast. And last but not least, Robert put us on some screaming bonefish, my buddy and I each landed a pair of bones. Thanks for an Awesome trip Robert. Tight linesđź‘Ť

    Thomas M. with Robert H. of Cudjoe Key, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Capt. JJ was great to fish with-knowledgeable, hard working, around fish all day. Will use again.

    Tim S. with John J. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    I had A blast! Anthony put us on Tarpon, we landed & released a 70 lb class fish; Brent & Rod Tag teamed that Monster Thats a strong FISH! We had another 1 on that got off. We ask for a shot at Tarpon CHECK!! Then put us on some good eating fish CHECK! We caught 5 nice snappers. Mission Accomplished.

    Rodrick B. with Antonio E. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Has a great time. We all enjoyed

    Clayton S. with Paul H. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Spencer picked us up as scheduled. Boat was extremely clean and well prepared. We were fishing for tarpon and had a wonderful time. Hooked into multiple fish and had one giant. Spencer was amazing overall and would absolutely do it again. Couldn’t recommend him more.

    Patrick H. with Spencer C. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Tough day lots if wind. Still found fish, had a blast Chandler is an excellent guide coming back for more Tarpon

    Paul G. with Chandler W. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    He gave me the best possible chances to catch fish the whole trip. Some days they just don’t bite. Will most definitely book with him again next year!

    Cody R. with Antonio E. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    My husband and son had nothing but great things to say about their trip! “Best trip ever” per my son. They were able to catch a 40+ lb grouper! They loved every minute and said Spencer was super knowledgeable! Worth every penny for the experience!

    Michelle P. with Spencer C. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Excellent service! Will definitely use again. Very knowledgeable about the area and put us in the fish. Loved every minute of it and highly recommended to anyone who wants to go fishing!

    Jonathan L. with Brandon S. of Summerland Key, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Kyle was a fantastic guide for us! One of the best fishing trips I have been on and I have fished on a lot of guided trips. Everything was handled great by Captain Experiences on the booking and communication side and Kyle was top notch on the fishing trip. We will definitely use you all again.

    Will B. with Kyle K. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Our guide Nick is top notch, he is friendly, knowledgeable and certainly knows great spots to fish. We caught fish all day, brought home three very large mutton’s, some other mutton’s and good size yellow tail. We caught and released fish all day, hogfish, large groupers and other assorted fishes. Thanks Nick .

    Chris B. with Paul H. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain David Larson was nice, professional and best of all, he put us on the fish! I did the 4 hour charter and we caught barracuda, massive bull shark, trigger fish, grouper, and blue fish. By the end of the 4 hours I was happy and exhausted. Captain David was experienced, helpful and a genuine good guy.

    Blake L. with John J. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Thanks for a great time on the water!

    Brad K. with Kyle K. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great fishing trip! Captain Mike and first mate Woody did a solid job of getting us into tuna, mahi, and our day was capped off when my son brought in a large sailfish. Lots of fun and recommend them for an awesome day on the water

    Jason M. with Justin F. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great day fishing with Captain Brandon. We caught a lot of fish, including barracuda, snapper, nurse and lemon shark. Brandon kept moving around to ensure that we stayed on the fish. We've fished with a number of guides over the years and Brandon was one of the best!

    Michael B. with Brandon S. of Summerland Key, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    First off, there was some confusion with the first Capt. we were booked with and he didn’t have us on his schedule. I called the cust service line and Adam took great care of me. He showed genuine concern and was able to get us booked with Capt. Bob. 5 stars for Adam. We enjoyed our trip with Capt. Bob. He was knowledgeable and accommodating, got us into some fish, and coached us on casting. Great guy! I would recommend Capt. Bob for anyone interested in fly fishing the flats.

    Joe M. with Bob B. of Summerland Key, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Brandon was fantastic. We went out on the coldest day of January, 2024 and we still caught fish. Brandon is extremely knowledgeable of the area and how to fish it, informative and extremely patient, especially with a beginning like me. I couldn’t have been happier the way the day turned out. I caught some beautiful Snapper for dinner and then some Barracuda and Sharks for sport. I highly recommend his services and he would be my first choice on a return trip to the Keys. Thank you, Mark Maynard

    Mark M. with Brandon S. of Summerland Key, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    David made it fun and kept me busy. I plan to use him again!

    Jonathan T. with John J. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Our charter with Captain John was fantastic! Despite the windy conditions, he managed to get us on fish in many different spots. John is very knowledgeable and a super fun guy! We will definitely be booking with Captain John again. Shannon & Greg Johnson

    Greg J. with John D. of Key West, Florida

What's biting in Key West?

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