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Everything to Know About Booking a Fishing Charter in Duck Key
What are the best fishing charters in Duck Key?
Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 119 trips in Duck Key, and the most popular trips in the area are Ocean Thrills with Captain Don guided by Don, Epic Islamorada Inshore guided by Ron, and Marathon Premier Fishing guided by Brad.
Our guides in Duck Key are rated a 4.89 out of 5 based on 2692 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.
The most popular cities to book a charter in are Islamorada, Marathon and Tavernier.
Looking for kid friendly charters / fishing lessons in Duck Key? Check out our beginner and family friendly charters in Duck Key.
What types of fishing charters are common in Duck Key?
Deep Sea fishing is the most popular in Duck Key as well as inshore fishing, nearshore fishing, and flats fishing.
The most commonly sought after species in Duck Key are: 1. tarpon, 2. mangrove snapper, 3. mahi mahi, and 4. yellowtail snapper.
The most common fishing techniques in Duck Key are live bait fishing, light tackle fishing, and artificial lure fishing but bottom fishing and heavy tackle fishing are popular as well.
How much do Duck Key fishing charters cost?
in Duck Key prices can range anywhere from about $600 to $1,600, but the average price for a half day trip in Duck Key is $778. The average price for a full day trip in Duck Key is $1,177.
What month is best for fishing in Duck Key?
The most popular season for fishing in Duck Key is spring, and most anglers book their trips 30 days in advance.
Do I need a Duck Key fishing license and what are the bag limits in Duck Key?
See here for more information on fishing licenses in Duck Key, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in Duck Key. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in Duck Key.
What is fishing in Duck Key all about?
Fishing in Duck Key is a delightful experience for both seasoned anglers and beginners. Located in the beautiful Florida Keys, Duck Key offers a variety of fishing opportunities, from deep-sea adventures to serene flats fishing. The surrounding waters are teeming with diverse marine life, including tarpon, bonefish, and snapper, making it a prime location for catching trophy fish. The clear, warm waters and abundant sea grass beds provide an ideal habitat for these species, ensuring that every fishing trip is both exciting and fruitful.
One of the great appeals of fishing in Duck Key is the accessibility to different types of fishing experiences. Offshore fishing charters take enthusiasts out into the Atlantic Ocean, where they can target larger species like sailfish, marlin, and mahi-mahi. For those who prefer staying closer to shore, the shallow flats and mangroves around Duck Key are perfect for fly fishing and light tackle fishing. These areas are especially popular for catching bonefish and permit, which require skill and patience but offer a rewarding challenge.
Duck Key is not just about the fishing; it's also about the community and the environment. Local guides and charters are passionate about sustainable fishing practices, ensuring that the natural beauty and resources of the area are preserved for future generations. After a day on the water, anglers can enjoy the charming atmosphere of Duck Key, with its quaint accommodations, excellent seafood restaurants, and friendly locals. Whether you're looking for a peaceful escape or an exhilarating fishing adventure, Duck Key offers the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement.
What are the most popular months to fish in Duck Key?
Duck Key, located in the heart of the Florida Keys, offers a dynamic fishing environment where the seasons greatly influence the types of fish you can catch. During the spring months, from March to May, the waters around Duck Key come alive with activity. This is an excellent time for catching sailfish, as they migrate through the area. Anglers can also target mahi-mahi, which are abundant and often found in large schools, providing thrilling action and a chance for a hefty catch.
Summer, from June to August, brings warmer waters and a different set of opportunities. Mahi-mahi remain plentiful, and the fishing for wahoo becomes particularly exciting. Additionally, this is a great time for tarpon fishing in the backcountry waters around Duck Key. Known for their incredible strength and acrobatic jumps, tarpon are a prized catch for any angler. The summer months also see an increase in the variety of reef fish, with snapper and grouper being common targets for bottom fishing.
As the weather cools down in the fall and winter months, from September to February, the fishing scene in Duck Key shifts yet again. Sailfish become a primary target during the winter, as they are more active in the cooler waters. This is also an excellent time for catching kingfish and blackfin tuna, which provide both a challenge and a rewarding catch for anglers. Reef fishing continues to be productive, with species like hogfish, snapper, and grouper available throughout the winter months. Each season in Duck Key offers a unique and exciting fishing experience, ensuring that anglers can enjoy a diverse range of species year-round.
What types of fishing are popular in Duck Key?
Duck Key offers a rich variety of fishing experiences catering to different interests and skill levels. One of the most popular options is offshore fishing, where anglers head out into the deep waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Here, the goal is to catch larger, more powerful fish such as marlin, sailfish, and mahi-mahi. The thrill of battling these big game fish is unparalleled, and the expansive ocean views add to the allure. Charter services in Duck Key provide everything needed for a successful offshore expedition, including experienced guides and high-quality equipment.
For those who prefer staying closer to the shore, flats fishing presents a fantastic alternative. The shallow waters around Duck Key are ideal for targeting species like bonefish, permit, and tarpon. This type of fishing often involves fly fishing or using light tackle, requiring precision and skill. The calm, clear waters make for a serene fishing experience, and the sight of a bonefish tailing in the flats is a unique and exciting sight. Flats fishing is particularly enjoyable in the early morning or late afternoon when the fish are most active.
Another great fishing option in Duck Key is reef fishing. The nearby coral reefs are home to a variety of fish species such as snapper, grouper, and yellowtail. This type of fishing is accessible to anglers of all ages and skill levels, making it a family-friendly activity. The reefs are vibrant and teeming with life, providing both an excellent fishing spot and a beautiful underwater landscape to enjoy. Many local charters offer half-day or full-day trips to the reefs, supplying all necessary gear and guidance to ensure a productive and enjoyable outing. Whether you’re looking for the excitement of offshore fishing, the challenge of flats fishing, or the accessibility of reef fishing, Duck Key has something to offer every angler.
What species are popular in Duck Key?
Fishing in Duck Key offers the opportunity to catch a wide range of fish species, making it a prime destination for anglers. One of the most sought-after species in this area is the tarpon, known for its impressive size and acrobatic fights. Tarpon fishing is particularly popular during the spring and early summer months when these fish migrate through the Keys. Catching a tarpon, often referred to as the "silver king," is a thrilling experience due to their powerful runs and leaps out of the water.
Another prized catch in Duck Key is the bonefish, especially favored by those who enjoy flats fishing. Bonefish are known for their elusive nature and require a combination of skill and patience to catch. They are often found in the shallow, sandy flats around Duck Key, where they feed on small crustaceans. Anglers typically use fly fishing or light tackle techniques to pursue these fish. The challenge of spotting and casting to a bonefish in clear, shallow waters is a highlight for many fishing enthusiasts.
In addition to tarpon and bonefish, Duck Key’s waters are rich with other species like snapper and grouper, commonly targeted during reef fishing expeditions. Snapper, such as the yellowtail and mangrove varieties, are popular for their abundance and great taste. Grouper, including the goliath and black grouper, provide a robust fight and are highly prized for their culinary value. The coral reefs and rocky outcrops around Duck Key create the perfect environment for these fish, making reef fishing trips both productive and enjoyable. Whether targeting the mighty tarpon, the elusive bonefish, or the plentiful snapper and grouper, Duck Key offers an exceptional fishing experience for all types of anglers.
Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences
Top Targeted Fishing Species in Duck Key
- African Pompano
- Almaco Jack
- Amberjack
- Atlantic Mackerel
- Barracuda
- Bigeye Tuna
- Black Drum
- Black Grouper
- Blackbelly Rosefish
- Blackfin Tuna
- Blacktip Shark
- Blue Marlin
- Bluefin Tuna
- Bonefish
- Bonito
- Bonnethead Shark
- Bull Shark
- Cero Mackerel
- Cobia
- Cubera Snapper
- Florida Pompano
- Flounder
- Gag Grouper
- Goliath Grouper
- Hammerhead Shark
- Hogfish
- Jack Crevalle
- Kingfish
- Ladyfish
- Lane Snapper
- Largemouth Bass
- Lemon Shark
- Lionfish
- Lobster
- Mahi Mahi
- Mangrove Snapper
- Mutton Snapper
- Nurse Shark
- Permit
- Queen Snapper
- Red Grouper
- Red Snapper
- Redfish
- Sailfish
- Scamp Grouper
- Sheepshead
- Skipjack Tuna
- Snook
- Snowy Grouper
- Spanish Mackerel
- Speckled Trout
- Stingray
- Strawberry Grouper
- Swordfish
- Tarpon
- Tilefish
- Triggerfish
- Tripletail
- Vermillion Snapper
- Wahoo
- White Marlin
- Yellowtail Amberjack
- Yellowtail Snapper
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