The Helm Sportfishing 

4.6
(7 reviews)
 202 William Street, Key West, FL 33040, United States

The Helm Sportfishing 

Key West, FL, United States
43 ft
6
4.6
(7 reviews)

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With over 20 years of commercial fishing experience in the Northeast—first tuna fishing the canyons and later trawling the region—Captain Mike has been running successful charter trips out of Key West since 2007. His deep knowledge of the sea comes from decades spent on the water and translates into productive, well-run trips that anglers come back for year after year.

You'll be fishing aboard a 43' Torres, a commercially built sportfisher designed specifically for this fishery. She's large, comfortable, and fully equipped with top-quality tackle, outriggers, downriggers, and a fighting chair—everything a serious fishing machine needs. The boat also features a restroom and is wheelchair accessible, with space for up to 6 passengers.

Depending on the season, you may target Blue Marlin, Sailfish, Swordfish, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi (Dolphin), Bluefin Tuna, King Mackerel, Amberjack, Yellowtail Snapper, Barracuda, Bull Shark, and more. Trips typically involve trolling and bottom fishing with light or heavy tackle, and Captain Mike can also introduce you to kite fishing.

Families are welcome aboard, and kids are encouraged to join the adventure. If you need a child-sized life vest, just ask ahead of time. Rods, reels, and lures are all provided, and your fishing license is covered—just show up ready to fish. Some species may need to be released due to regulations, and your captain will make sure everything is done by the book.

Trips are run with a First Mate, and a customary tip of 10–20% is appreciated for their hard work. Be sure to bring sunglasses, sunscreen (non-spray), a hat, and bottled water. Snacks are always a good idea. Alcohol is allowed in moderation—please avoid hard liquor and glass bottles.

There's a fish with your name on it in Key West, and The Helm Sportfishing is ready to help you catch it. If you have any questions or want to plan your trip, send Captain Mike a message and get ready for an unforgettable day on the water.

With over 20 years of commercial fishing experience in the Northeast—first tuna fishing the canyons and later trawling the region—Captain Mike has been running successful charter trips out of Key West since 2007. His deep knowledge of the sea comes from decades spent on the water and translates into productive, well-run trips that anglers come back for year after year.

You'll be fishing aboard a 43' Torres, a commercially built sportfisher designed specifically for this fishery. She's large, comfortable, and fully equipped with top-quality tackle, outriggers, downriggers, and a fighting chair—everything a serious fishing machine needs. The boat also features a restroom and is wheelchair accessible, with space for up to 6 passengers.

Depending on the season, you may target Blue Marlin, Sailfish, Swordfish, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi (Dolphin), Bluefin Tuna, King Mackerel, Amberjack, Yellowtail Snapper, Barracuda, Bull Shark, and more. Trips typically involve trolling and bottom fishing with light or heavy tackle, and Captain Mike can also introduce you to kite fishing.

Families are welcome aboard, and kids are encouraged to join the adventure. If you need a child-sized life vest, just ask ahead of time. Rods, reels, and lures are all provided, and your fishing license is covered—just show up ready to fish. Some species may need to be released due to regulations, and your captain will make sure everything is done by the book.

Trips are run with a First Mate, and a customary tip of 10–20% is appreciated for their hard work. Be sure to bring sunglasses, sunscreen (non-spray), a hat, and bottled water. Snacks are always a good idea. Alcohol is allowed in moderation—please avoid hard liquor and glass bottles.

There's a fish with your name on it in Key West, and The Helm Sportfishing is ready to help you catch it. If you have any questions or want to plan your trip, send Captain Mike a message and get ready for an unforgettable day on the water.

Captain Mike Helm
Captain
Captain Mike Helm
35 years of experience
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip availability and prices

Trip date:
Group Size:
September 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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Half Day Trip
Non-refundable
4 hour trip starts at 7:30 AM
Barracuda (Great)
Amberjack
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Wahoo
US $1,200
Entire boat: up to 6 people
3/4 Day Trip
Non-refundable
6 hour trip starts at 7:30 AM
Barracuda (Great)
Amberjack
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
+2
US $1,600
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Full Day Trip
Non-refundable
8 hour trip starts at 7:30 AM
Barracuda (Great)
Amberjack
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
+5
US $2,000
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Marlin Trip
Non-refundable
8 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Marlin (Blue)
US $2,500
Entire boat: up to 6 people
There are 5 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.6
7 reviews
4.4
Boat & equipment
4.7
Captain & crew
4.6
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (4)

All reviews (7)

Showing 15 of 7 reviews
Andrew Anderson
Andrew Anderson
us
Indiana, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
What a GREAT experience!!
3/4 Day Trip on July 18, 20262 adults3 children

Our family had an incredible 6-hour deep sea fishing trip! The captain and crew were outstanding—friendly, knowledgeable, and always ready to help, making the experience enjoyable for everyone. The highlight of the trip was catching some beautiful mahi-mahi! The action kept us excited, and reeling in those fish made for unforgettable family memories. The crew was patient, encouraging, and made sure everyone had a chance to be part of the fun. We had an amazing time, caught great mahi-mahi, and made memories that will last a lifetime. Highly recommend this trip to anyone looking for a fun day on the water with family or friends!

Reported catch:
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Captain Mike Helm
Response from Captain

thanks for playing with us and the kind words. looking forward to our next outing together.

Elise Naify
Elise Naify
Repeat angler
us
New Mexico, US
Member since 2023
3 trips
5.0
Verified
Captain Mike is the master!!!
Half Day Trip on January 26, 20261 adult

Captain Mike of Helm fishing and first mate Kevin took me out for my best day fishing EVER! I shared with them that have been hoping for an opportunity to catch a sailfish for 9 years, and Captain Mike and first mate Kevin REALLY DELIVERED!!! I caught 3 back to back and the largest was 71 inches!!! We also saw an amazing large pod of spotted dolphins! Captain Mike knows his profession well! I found my Captain!!! It’s pretty flipping cool to be able to say to a captain and crew that you want to catch a specific fish and then have it be a trifecta!!! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THEM!!! I will cherish this memory forever! Captain Mike also is just a really exceptional kinda human and I not only have found my Captain, but have also made a lifelong friend!😃👍❤️🎣 🥳

Reported catch:
Sailfish
Captain Mike Helm
Response from Captain

thanks for the kind words an absolute pleasure having you on board. looking forward to our next adventure.

Elissa Steinberg
Elissa Steinberg
us
New York, US
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
Fantastic way to catch lunch
3/4 Day Trip on December 22, 20252 adults

I did a six hour tour with Captain Mike and Mate Kevin. It was awesome. Complete pros even in the choppiest of waters. It took a while but I caught three mahi mahi and a bonus barracuda. I highly recommend for the beginner to the advanced - no better way to spend a day in Key West!

Reported catch:
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Great Barracuda
Justin Mays
Justin Mays
us
Florida, US
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
Best crew ever!
3/4 Day Trip on May 27, 20266 adults

took us out in unfavorable conditions and put us on Mahi! Great people and great charter!

Lou Albano
Lou Albano
us
New York, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
New
Always finding wildlife
Half Day Trip on August 5, 20262 adults

The go to Captain and come back with rewards from the sea

FAQs about The Helm Sportfishing

The Helm Sportfishing offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $1,200 per group - Half Day Trip (4 hours)
  • US $1,600 per group - 3/4 Day Trip (6 hours)
  • US $2,000 per group - Full Day Trip (8 hours)
  • US $2,500 per group - Marlin Trip (8 hours)
When you book a trip with The Helm Sportfishing, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet Electric toilet in bathroom
  • Air conditioning Yes large air conditioned cabin
  • Fighting chair 2 sailfish fighting chairs
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Bed
  • Flybridge
  • Live bait well 75 gallon and 25 gallon
  • Refrigerator Yes for sandwaches
  • Outriggers 36' rupp triple spreader
  • Ice box 220 quart yeti
  • Radar
Trips booked with The Helm Sportfishing include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (We clean, fillet & bag all your fish. All the fish belongs to you)
  • First mate (Yes)
  • Fishing license (One price includes all 6 guests. Which includes person making reservations, children or people who are only coming for the ride and not fishing. Remember 6 is 6. We can absolutely not add a 7th person. Thank you.)
The Helm Sportfishing offers the following types of fishing:
  • Offshore fishing (Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Tuna, Wahoo, Marlin Sword. )
  • Reef fishing (Yellowtail, Mutton, Barracuda and Sharks. )
  • Wreck fishing (Amberjack, Mutton, Grouper, Tuna etc. )
The Helm Sportfishing offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Kite fishing
  • Deep sea fishing
Top targeted fish species with The Helm Sportfishing include:
  • Amberjack
  • Barracuda (Great)
  • Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Marlin (Blue)
  • Sailfish
  • Shark (Bull)
  • Snapper (Yellowtail)
  • Swordfish
  • Tuna (Bluefin)
  • Wahoo

Your captain

Captain Mike Helm
Captain Mike Helm

Key West, Florida, United States

1 Fishing Report
7 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since November 2018

Benefit from Capt. Captain Mike's extensive knowledge of the local fishing areas and ensure a memorable fishing trip for your group in Key West. Explore these waters teeming with Wahoo, Yellowtail Snapper and Amberjack under Captain Mike's expert guidance. For special requests, such as kite fishing, message Capt. Captain Mike.

Captain Mike Helm
Captain Mike Helm
1
reports
7
reviews
2018
member since
~1h
response
Benefit from Capt. Captain Mike's extensive knowledge of the local fishing areas and ensure a memorable fishing trip for your group in Key West. Explore these waters teeming with Wahoo, Yellowtail Snapper and Amberjack under Captain Mike's expert guidance. For special requests, such as kite fishing, message Capt. Captain Mike.

The fish you can target

Amberjack
Amberjack
Great Barracuda
Great Barracuda
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Blue Marlin
Blue Marlin
Sailfish
Sailfish
Bull Shark
Bull Shark
Yellowtail Snapper
Yellowtail Snapper
Swordfish
Swordfish
Bluefin Tuna
Bluefin Tuna
Wahoo
Wahoo
Amberjack
Amberjack
Great Barracuda
Great Barracuda
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Blue Marlin
Blue Marlin

Real catches by this captain

  • Fantastic way to catch lunch
    Elissa S.
    Elissa S.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Sportfishing boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
43 ft
Year built
1992
Boat manufacturer
43 ft. Key West Custom
Boat type
Sportfishing
Engine model
Lugger 6140
Powered by
2 x 630HP
Max cruising speed
24 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Offshore Fishing
Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Tuna, Wahoo, Marlin Sword.
Reef Fishing
Yellowtail, Mutton, Barracuda and Sharks.
Wreck Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Kite Fishing
Deep Sea Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet
Electric toilet in bathroom
Air conditioning
Yes large air conditioned cabin
Fighting chair
2 sailfish fighting chairs
GPS
Fishfinder
Bed
Flybridge
Live bait well
75 gallon and 25 gallon
Refrigerator
Yes for sandwaches
Outriggers
36' rupp triple spreader
Ice box
220 quart yeti
Radar
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
We clean, fillet & bag all your fish. All the fish belongs to you
First mate
Yes
Fishing license
One price includes all 6 guests. Which includes person making reservations, children or people who are only coming for the ride and not fishing. Remember 6 is 6. We can absolutely not add a 7th person. Thank you.

How cancellations work

Deposit non-refundable

If it is unsafe to travel, you may still cancel free of charge or change the date(s) of your booking.

More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup not included

Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.

Child friendly
Well behaved children are welcomed.
No smoking
No smoking in the cabin.
You keep catch
Catch and release allowed
Disabled accessible
Yes ramp and floating dock

How you can pay

Book with 30% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 30% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

 Cash

 Visa

 Mastercard

 American Express

When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3.5% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Key West right now

AmberjackAmberjack
Barracuda (Great)Barracuda (Great)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Marlin (Blue)Marlin (Blue)
SailfishSailfish
Shark (Bull)Shark (Bull)
Snapper (Yellowtail)Snapper (Yellowtail)
SwordfishSwordfish
WahooWahoo

Compare similar fishing charters

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The Helm Sportfishing
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4.6
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Fish 1
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+9
4 hour trip • 6 persons
US $1,200