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Finding the Best Key West Fishing Charters
Key West is known for a lot of things. There are the beautiful coral reefs, Duvall Street, and all of the island’s famous residents, past and present—Harry Truman, Ernest Hemingway, Jimmy Buffett, and so many others. But why did those characters flock to this little island, anyway?
We can’t speak for all of them, but many came for the amazing fishing. Since before the cruise ships started coming and our little island was “discovered,” the Keys have drawn anglers from all over the world. And charter fishing is still a big deal in the Florida Keys.
Let’s look at what makes fishing in Key West so epic and take a look at how to pick the best Key West fishing guides.
Why Take a Key West Fishing Charter?
Why do we go fishing? To catch fish, of course! But the fishing in Key West is exceptional, and there are a ton of other reasons you might be inspired to spend a day on the water.
Let’s start with the fishing and catching, though. One of the coolest things about visiting a town so connected and surrounded by the water is that it seems like the whole town is designed for the love of fish. It’s surrounded by fish you can catch, restaurants serve fresh-caught local fish, and some restaurants will even cook your catch for you!
For the most part, we’re into food fare fishing—we set out in search of dinner. Whether you’re taking it home with you for dinner, grilling for a little beach-side picnic, or you’re going to let one of those world-class restaurants cook it for you, enjoying a meal of your fresh catch is one of life’s greatest pleasures.
Or, if you’d rather have the ultimate fresh-fish experience, our boat is equipped with a grill. Fillet the fish and throw it on right there, and enjoy a snack at sea on your way back to the dock. Ceviche, fish tacos, or just grilled and enjoyed.
Ok, enough about fishing. What if your group wants to divide their time—some want to fish, and some want a little reef snorkel time or to stretch their legs on a beautiful sandbar?
This is one way where taking a private fishing charter in Key West is the right move. Instead of planning three days of activities, work out one epic trip that knocks out all the Key West activities you want to get done. It’s your charter, so you can choose how long you spend doing what. Just let us know, and we’ll work it into the charter!
What Will We Catch Fishing Key West?
There are essentially four types of Florida Keys fishing charters you can choose from. Understanding the differences and picking the right type is the most important step you can do to get the experience you’re looking for.
- Backcountry guides
- Offshore guides
- Party or “head” boats
- Light tackle guides
Backcountry guides use wide, flat skiffs to get into the skinniest water. They typically fly fish and hunt for the fight. They’re after bonefish, permit, and tarpon. These small boats are typically limited to two anglers and a guide.
Offshore guides head into the deeper waters of the Gulf Stream or out into the Gulf of Mexico. They have enormous seaworthy fishing boats or fast and large center consoles. The number of people on the trip means they can carry bigger groups—usually up to six guests per boat, plus a captain and a mate. They’re after the big pelagic stuff, like dolphin (mahi mahi), tuna, wahoo, big billfish, and others. It’s a split between sportfish and food fare.
Head boats are charters where you pay by the head and share the boat with other anglers. These boats are often packed to the gills with light tackle anglers. The boats are designed with open decks so folks can spread out. It’s a little bit more like going to a fishing pier that moves around. They don’t necessarily seek out a particular type of fish, but they often settle on patch reefs where yellowtail snapper, grouper, and jacks might be found. Usually, you’re asked to bring your own gear on a head boat.
Finally, there are light tackle guides like us. We have medium-sized boats (big to us!) capable of targeting any of the species those other charters go after. Our favorites are the eating fish that have made the Keys famous: grouper, snapper, and the occasional dolphin fish (also known as mahi mahi or dorado). Our boat is versatile enough to go into the backcountry, hunt in the mangroves, head offshore for pelagics, or do anything in between.
About Our Florida Fishing Charters
The time of year plays a big part in what species we target. Fish migrate, just like birds do. At certain times various species are “running.” Yet another advantage of having a local guide is having access to the knowledge of where and when to be to find the fish!
That said, when you book a fishing trip with us, we’re here to make your day on the water memorable. Whether you want to head to the reef and bring home dinner, enjoy a quiet day in the mangroves hunting snapper, or spend the day in the Gulf Stream hunting mahi, we can make a custom charter you’ll love.
Our charters are limited to six people, plus the captain. We have all the supplies you might need, including
- Baits including live bait, frozen, and lures
- Rods, reels, tackle
- Gaffs, nets, and everything you need to land yourself dinner
- Even a grill!
What to Bring Charter Fishing Key West
For the most part, all you need to bring are yourselves! But here are a few things you might also want to consider.
- Light-weight clothing for a day in the sun (summer)
- Jacket and clothes for a brisk wind (winter)
- Polarized sunglasses
- Sunblock
- Bottled waters or drinks
- Snorkeling gear, if you’re inspired
- Camera
What's the Best Way to Fish Key West?
There’s no right or wrong answer—fishing Key West is done differently by everyone. But if you’re new to the area, looking to try out a few different things on one charter, or maybe you want to divide your time between fishing, snorkeling, or sandbar hopping, give us a call and book a private trip today!
Key West Fishing Guides FAQs
What to wear on a fishing charter?
The dress code on fishing charters in Key West is pretty lax! That said, wearing something lightweight to keep you cool and the sun off on those hot, tropical days is a good idea. Consider wearing layers to prepare for clouds or sunshine on brisk winter days. As with all fishing charters, it’s best to be ready for anything, including a little blood!
