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Recently Booked Fishing Charters Near Key West
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Everything to Know About Booking a Fishing Charter in Key West
What are the best fishing charters in Key West?
Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 90 trips in Key West, and the most popular trips in the area are Key West Nearshore/Offshore Trip guided by Mike, Key West "Flex" Sportfishing guided by John, and Key West Fishing Slam guided by Mark.
Our guides in Key West are rated a 4.91 out of 5 based on 2677 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 Key West, Naval Air Station Key West and Cudjoe Key.
Looking for kid friendly charters / fishing lessons in Key West? Check out our beginner and family friendly charters in Key West.
What types of fishing charters are common in Key West?
Deep Sea fishing is the most popular in Key West as well as nearshore fishing, inshore fishing, and flats fishing.
The most commonly sought after species in Key West are: 1. mutton snapper, 2. yellowtail snapper, 3. mahi mahi, and 4. blackfin tuna.
The most common fishing techniques in Key West are light tackle fishing, bottom fishing, and trolling but heavy tackle fishing and live bait fishing are popular as well.
How much do Key West fishing charters cost?
in Key West prices can range anywhere from about $600 to $2,000, but the average price for a half day trip in Key West is $885. The average price for a full day trip in Key West is $1,420.
What month is best for fishing in Key West?
The most popular season for fishing in Key West is spring, and most anglers book their trips 25 days in advance.
Do I need a Key West fishing license and what are the bag limits in Key West?
See here for more information on fishing licenses in Key West, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in Key West. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in Key West.
What is fishing in Key West about?
Fishing in Key West offers anglers an unparalleled experience amidst the vibrant marine ecosystem of the Florida Keys. Situated at the southernmost tip of the continental United States, Key West boasts a diverse range of fishing opportunities, from inshore flats fishing to deep-sea offshore adventures. One of the hallmark attractions of Key West fishing is the chance to target a wide variety of species, including bonefish, permit, and tarpon in the shallow flats, as well as mahi-mahi, sailfish, and marlin in the deep blue waters offshore.
Inshore fishing in Key West is particularly popular, with anglers drawn to the island's expansive flats and mangrove-lined shorelines in search of prized game fish like bonefish and permit. Known for their elusive nature and lightning-fast runs, these species present a thrilling challenge for fly fishermen and light tackle enthusiasts alike. Additionally, the waters surrounding Key West are teeming with tarpon during the spring and summer months, offering anglers the opportunity to test their skills against one of the most powerful and acrobatic game fish in the world.
For those seeking offshore excitement, Key West offers access to some of the most productive deep-sea fishing grounds in the Atlantic Ocean. From trolling for pelagic species like mahi-mahi and wahoo to bottom fishing for grouper and snapper on the abundant wrecks and reefs, anglers can enjoy a wide range of fishing experiences just a short boat ride from shore. With its year-round warm weather, crystal-clear waters, and world-class fishing opportunities, Key West stands out as a premier destination for anglers looking to embark on the fishing adventure of a lifetime in the heart of the Florida Keys.
What are the most popular months to fish in Key West?
Fishing seasons in Key West offer a dynamic and ever-changing array of opportunities for anglers throughout the year. Springtime marks the beginning of prime fishing season in Key West, with warming waters signaling the arrival of many prized game fish species. Anglers can expect to encounter tarpon, permit, and bonefish in the shallow flats, providing thrilling opportunities for sight fishing and fly casting. Additionally, spring brings the start of the mahi-mahi migration offshore, as well as the chance to target sailfish, wahoo, and tuna in the deeper waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
As the temperatures rise and summer settles in, Key West continues to offer abundant fishing opportunities both inshore and offshore. The summer months are characterized by consistent action on the flats, with tarpon remaining a popular target for anglers seeking the ultimate challenge. Offshore, mahi-mahi fishing reaches its peak, with schools of these colorful and acrobatic fish congregating around floating debris and weed lines. Moreover, summer is prime time for targeting billfish species like sailfish and marlin, as well as reef-dwelling species such as grouper and snapper.
As the summer transitions into fall, Key West experiences a shift in fishing patterns as cooler temperatures begin to prevail. This time of year sees the return of migratory species like sailfish and wahoo, as well as the onset of the annual blackfin tuna run offshore. Inshore, bonefish and permit fishing remains productive, with the cooler weather making for comfortable conditions on the flats. Additionally, fall offers excellent opportunities for bottom fishing on the abundant wrecks and reefs surrounding Key West, with grouper, snapper, and amberjack providing plenty of action for anglers seeking a deep-sea challenge. Overall, Key West's fishing seasons provide anglers with a diverse range of opportunities to enjoy the thrill of the catch amidst the stunning natural beauty of the Florida Keys.
What types of fishing are popular in Key West?
Key West offers anglers a diverse range of fishing experiences, catering to a wide variety of preferences and skill levels. One of the most popular methods of fishing in Key West is flats fishing, where anglers wade or pole shallow, clear waters in pursuit of elusive species like bonefish, permit, and tarpon. With its pristine flats and abundant marine life, Key West provides an ideal environment for sight fishing, allowing anglers to spot their targets before making precise casts with fly or light tackle. Flats fishing in Key West is not only a thrilling angling experience but also an opportunity to immerse oneself in the stunning natural beauty of the Florida Keys.
For anglers seeking offshore excitement, Key West offers access to some of the richest deep-sea fishing grounds in the Atlantic Ocean. Deep-sea fishing charters depart daily from Key West, venturing out to the expansive reefs, wrecks, and blue waters beyond the island's shores. Here, anglers can target a wide variety of pelagic species, including mahi-mahi, sailfish, marlin, and tuna, using a range of techniques such as trolling, bottom fishing, and live baiting. Whether battling a trophy-sized billfish or reeling in a delicious mahi-mahi for dinner, offshore fishing in Key West promises adrenaline-pumping action and the chance to hook into some of the ocean's most prized catches.
In addition to flats and offshore fishing, Key West offers opportunities for a variety of other angling experiences, including reef fishing, backcountry fishing, and bridge and pier fishing. Anglers can explore the island's extensive reef systems in search of grouper, snapper, and amberjack, or venture into the backcountry to target species like snook, redfish, and mangrove snapper. For those without access to a boat, fishing from Key West's bridges and piers provides a convenient and accessible way to enjoy the island's fishing bounty, with species like tarpon, snapper, and jack crevalle commonly caught from these structures. Overall, Key West's diverse range of fishing options ensures there's something for every angler to enjoy amidst the picturesque landscapes and warm tropical waters of the Florida Keys.
What species are popular in Key West?
Key West, renowned for its rich marine biodiversity, offers anglers a treasure trove of fishing species to target year-round. One of the most sought-after catches in Key West's waters is the mighty tarpon, known for its impressive size, acrobatic leaps, and formidable fighting prowess. These silver kings migrate through the area's flats, channels, and bridges, especially during the spring and summer months, offering anglers the chance to test their skills against one of the most iconic game fish in the world. Moreover, Key West's crystal-clear waters provide excellent visibility for sight fishing, adding an extra layer of excitement to the pursuit of these majestic creatures.
Another prized species to target in Key West is the bonefish, revered by anglers for its elusive nature and lightning-fast runs. Bonefish inhabit the island's shallow flats and sandy bottoms, making them a popular target for fly fishermen and light tackle enthusiasts. With their keen eyesight and skittish behavior, bonefish present a challenging yet rewarding angling experience, requiring stealthy approaches and precise presentations to entice a strike. Key West's flats provide ideal conditions for sight fishing for bonefish, allowing anglers to spot these silver ghosts gliding gracefully through the clear, shallow waters.
In addition to tarpon and bonefish, Key West is home to a plethora of other fish species, including permit, barracuda, snapper, grouper, and mahi-mahi, to name just a few. Whether targeting trophy-sized game fish offshore, stalking elusive flats species inshore, or bottom fishing on the abundant reefs and wrecks surrounding the island, anglers visiting Key West can expect a diverse and exciting fishing experience. With its warm climate, pristine waters, and world-class fishing opportunities, Key West stands out as a premier destination for anglers seeking an unforgettable fishing adventure in the heart of the Florida Keys.
Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences
Top Targeted Fishing Species in Key West
- African Pompano
- Almaco Jack
- Amberjack
- Atlantic Mackerel
- Barracuda
- Black Grouper
- Blackfin Tuna
- Blacktip Shark
- Blue Marlin
- Bluefin Tuna
- Bluefish
- Bonefish
- Bonito
- Bonnethead Shark
- Bull Shark
- Cero Mackerel
- Cobia
- Cubera Snapper
- False Albacore
- Florida Pompano
- Gag Grouper
- Goliath Grouper
- Grunt
- Hammerhead Shark
- Hogfish
- Jack Crevalle
- Kingfish
- Ladyfish
- Lane Snapper
- Lemon Shark
- Lionfish
- Lobster
- Mahi Mahi
- Mako Shark
- Mangrove Snapper
- Mutton Snapper
- Nurse Shark
- Permit
- Queen Snapper
- Rainbow Runner
- Red Grouper
- Red Snapper
- Redfish
- Sailfish
- Scamp Grouper
- Skipjack Tuna
- Snook
- Snowy Grouper
- Spanish Mackerel
- Speckled Trout
- Stingray
- Strawberry Grouper
- Striped Marlin
- Swordfish
- Tarpon
- Tiger Shark
- Tilefish
- Triggerfish
- Tripletail
- Vermillion Snapper
- Wahoo
- Warsaw Grouper
- White Marlin
- Yellowtail Amberjack
- Yellowtail Snapper
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