Top Rated Fishing Charters in Key West
Year-round temperate weather and a unique, tropical lifestyle combined with a fleet of Key West fishing charters provide you endless enjoyment and opportunity for fishing the Florida Keys. This is a premier fishing destination for all anglers, and the list of fish in the waters is the playbook for your and every fisherman’s must-catch list.
This idyllic chain of islands, whose surrounding waters comprise the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, has long been a prime destination for anglers of all ages and intent. There is amazing inshore, offshore and deepwater fishing that will entertain everyone and challenge the best of anglers. Your Key West fishing charters will put you on the fish of your dreams.
Along the flats and backcountry, you can find numerous prized fish. Expect rod bending action if you are going for the “Grand Slam” of Tarpon, Permit and Bonefish. All three of these fish are feisty and will give you an incredible battle that is so worth it when you finally land one or all of them. The backcountry is also an excellent place for first-timers, not just the experienced. Your Florida Keys fishing charter will take you and your family to the calmer waters to hook up with Sea Trout, Snapper and Redfish frequent these waters and won’t give you as much of a challenge but still give you as much fun.
Whatever way you choose, you’re sure to have a great day of fishing with your Key West fishing charter!
You are in for fun offshore too. Your Key West fishing guide can take you to flourishing reefs and wrecks to target Snapper, Grouper, Amberjack, Cobia, Barracuda and plenty of Sharks. You will have a great day fishing the reefs of Key West, and one of the beautiful things about reef fishing with a professional Key West fishing charter is that you will come back to the dock with a cooler full after a long day. If trophy sport fish are what you are looking for, the Florida Keys is the perfect spot. Going out further than the reefs with your Key West fishing charter, you will find the deep water where the giants live.
Here you will fight it out with Marlin, Sailfish, Swordfish, Mahi Mahi and Wahoo.
With unlimited and abundant fishing and peak seasons that do not vary much, whatever fish you want to hook up with will be in the waters year-round. Your Key West fishing charter will know where the fish you wish to catch are and will specially design the fishing trip of your dreams. Key West is an angler’s fishing heaven.
Frequently Asked Questions About Charter Fishing in Key West, FL
How much does it cost to charter fish in Key West?
The average prices vary depending on what you are looking for
Offshore- 4 hr – $809 for 6 anglers
- 6 hr – $1127 for 6 anglers
- 8 hr – $1416 for 6 anglers
- 4 hr – $640 for 2 anglers
- 6 hr – $740 for 2 anglers
- 8 hr – $975 for 2 anglers
- 10 hr – $1000 for 2 anglers
- 4 hr – $817 for 2 anglers
- 9 hr – $2000
- 4 hr – $900
- 6 hr – $72/adult $65/military, police, fire $54/children
- 4 hr – $1500
- 5 hr – $1750
When is the best time to fish in Key West?
Talk to most fishing captains on the Key West fishing charters, and they will say that spring is the best time for fishing in Key West. The Sailfish are still hitting in the spring, but the season is slowing down. However, the big Mahi Mahi are coming into season. Also, mid-spring marks the beginning of the Tarpon season. Along with these fish, hundreds of more are inshore, on the reefs and wrecks and offshore. While this is the best time of year, it is also the most crowded, so if you want to come down and fish during the spring here in Key West, you need to make a reservation well in advance.
Summer is also excellent for fishing. While the temperatures do get hot, so does the fishing. Summer is the time for Blue Marlin and is also Red Snapper Season for June and July. Again these are also popular tours, so book well in advance.
What should I bring when charter fishing Key West?
Key West fishing charters are primarily all-inclusive, meaning that everything is prepared and included in your price. Top-of-the-line rods, reels, tackle and bait, are on board to make your day as fun and exciting as possible. Also, many charters have coolers for your fish and will clean and prepare them when back at the dock.
Personal items you should bring on your trip are sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, a hat, depending on the weather, long-sleeved shirts or weatherproof jackets and a good camera or video camera for your memories of your time on the water. Water or your favorite beverages and snacks are also recommended. However, many Key West fishing charters do offer water and some snacks. Also, many of the charters allow beer and wine but no hard alcohol. Please check with your Key West fishing charter for all of their rules and policies beforehand.
Do you need a fishing license to go charter fishing in Key West?
If you are fishing with a Key West fishing charter, your license is included in the price. If you want to go it on your own, a fishing license is required. Florida has 3 days, 5 days, and 1-year licenses. All of these licenses are for either saltwater or freshwater.
Also, there are many rules that if you decide to go out on your own, you need to know about seasons and limits and sizes. You will need permits for some fish like Snapper and Grouper on the reefs. One good thing is that one pass covers your entire boat, so not everyone has to have a license.