Wild Bill Sport Fishing

Wild Bill Sportfishing runs offshore fishing trips out of Key West. Whether you want to explore the Gulf waters or the Atlantic side of Florida coast, you got it. Will Bill Sportfishing is exactly the type of charter you need to scout around these fisheries. With an experienced captain, a stable big boat, and rich waters around reefs and further out, your day will be a spot on.

At the helm of the Wild Bill Sportfishing you will find Captain Art. He started fishing at the age of three, and has been exploring the waters of Key West for over 18 years. Wild Bill has been cruising and running fishing trips for over a decade. Capt. Art has tested the waterways from Alaska to Costa Rica in his sport fishing career. He and his First Mate Stevie have worked together for over 13 years, catering to anglers of all skillsets, from novices to accomplished professionals.

Wild Bill is a 34’ Crusader powered by 350HP Cummins engine with a maximum passenger capacity of six anglers. The boat is furnished with standard navigational and fish finding technology, including a Garmin GPS, fish finder and VHF radio. It features a toilet on board, as well as outriggers, a live bait well, and a fighting chair.

Depending on the season, you’ll be able to target a variety of offshore forage, including Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Tuna, Marlin, Sailfish and many others.

The local reefs and wrecks also provide lots of sportfishing potential, dominated by Barracuda, Mackerel, Jacks, sharks and a large Snapper and Grouper variety. Shark fishing trips can also be made available per request.

The captain will supply all the necessary gear. On board tackle mainly consists of rods and reels by Penn International, Shimano as well as Ugly Stick, with several custom rods available as well. Artificial bait as well as live bait (if available) are included in the price, along with bottled water and a complimentary filleting of the fish you catch. Bring a camera, pack snacks and food, and come for a fun day out.



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    3 Hour Trip – Inshore (AM)
    In demand! Last booked: 6 days ago
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    3 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $750
    This 3-hour trip is great for families with kids. If you want to have a relaxing time on the water, try some fishing and see whether you like it, this trip is the one to book. You will stay around the inshore waters. The captain will provide the license and the fishing gear. You may want to bring some snacks and drinks. Also, pack sunblock, a cap, sunglasses, comfortable clothes, and footwear. You can target some Sharks, and have a casual day out to enjoy the day and time on the water.
  • Private trip
    3 Hour Trip – Inshore (PM)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    3 Hour Trip, starts at 12:30 PM
    US $750
    This 3-hour trip is great for people looking for a relaxing, casual day on the water. You will target some Sharks, and maybe Snapper. It's great for families or rookie anglers. The captain will supply the license and the fishing gear. You should pack snacks and drinks. Also, pack sunblock, a cap, sunglasses, comfortable clothes, and footwear. The accent is on having fun on these calm waters and try out some moves. Bring your young ones, and enjoy.
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip (AM)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 7:30 AM
    US $900
    This half-day trip is a great way to spend your morning. If you're a novice angler, start with this one. You will go after Grouper, Snapper, King, Spanish, and Cero Mackerel, as well as a variety of Shark, including Blacktip, Hammerhead, Lemon, Tiger, Blacknose). The crew will provide the fishing gear, license, bait if available, bottled water, and will clean your catch. You will want to bring a camera, sunblock, a cap, non-marking shoes, food and beverages.
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip (PM)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 12:00 PM
    US $900
    Wild Bill is inviting all rookie anglers to come and explore the rich Florida fisheries! You'll be targeting numerous species of Shark, including Blacktip, Hammerhead, Lemon, Tiger, and Blacknose. You can also go after Grouper, Snapper, King, Spanish, and Cero Mackerel. The captain will supply the fishing gear, license, bait if available, bottled water, and he'll also clean your catch. You should bring a camera, sunblock, a cap, non-marking shoes, food and beverages.
  • Private trip
    3/4 Day Trip
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 7:30 AM
    US $1,100
    This 6-hour trip gives you a bit more time for fishing, and you can still get back in time to run some errands. Target species include Shark (many species including Blacktip, Hammerhead, Lemon, Tiger, Blacknose). Grouper, Snapper, King, Spanish, Cero mackerel. The crew will supply the fishing gear, license, bait if available, bottled water, and will clean your catch. Bring a camera, sunblock, a cap, non-marking shoes, food and beverages.
  • Private trip
    Full Day Trip
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 7:30 AM
    US $1,500
    This full-day trip is great for more experienced anglers. You will have plenty of time to target the likes of Shark (many species, including Blacktip, Hammerhead, Lemon, Tiger, Blacknose), as well as Grouper, Snapper, King, Spanish, and Cero Mackerel. The crew will provide the fishing gear, license, bait if available, bottled water, and will clean your catch. You should pack a camera, sunblock, a cap, non-marking shoes, food and beverages.
There are 11 people looking at this charter.

FAQs about Wild Bill Sport Fishing

Wild Bill Sport Fishing offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $750 per group - 3 Hour Trip – Inshore (AM) (3 hours)
  • US $750 per group - 3 Hour Trip – Inshore (PM) (3 hours)
  • US $900 per group - Half Day Trip (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $900 per group - Half Day Trip (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $1,100 per group - 3/4 Day Trip (6 hours)
  • US $1,500 per group - Full Day Trip (8 hours)

When you book a trip with Wild Bill Sport Fishing, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet
  • Fighting Chair
  • GPS Garmin
  • Fishfinder
  • Flybridge
  • Live Bait Well
  • Outriggers
  • Radio

Trips booked with Wild Bill Sport Fishing include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle (Shimano, Penn International, Ugly Stick)
  • Live Bait (if available)
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Drinks (bottled water)
  • First Mate
  • Fishing License

Wild Bill Sport Fishing offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore Fishing
  • Nearshore Fishing
  • Offshore Fishing
  • Reef Fishing
  • Wreck Fishing

Wild Bill Sport Fishing offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling
  • Jigging
  • Popping
  • Fly Fishing
  • Kite Fishing
  • Deep Sea Fishing

Top targeted fish species with Wild Bill Sport Fishing include:
  • Barracuda (Great)
  • Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • Sailfish
  • Shark (Hammerhead)
  • Snapper (Mutton)
  • Snapper (Yellowtail)
  • Tuna (Blackfin)
  • Wahoo

Meet the Captain

Art Duplessis
Key West, Florida, United States
3 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
168 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since May 2015
Angler's Choice
The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.
Captain Art is a veteran guide that took his passion for fishing from Alaska all the way down to Costa Rica. He considers himself not old enough to be grumpy, yet young enough to do all he can to ensure a fun and memorable trip for Wild Bill's guests.

About this listing

Targeted species

Barracuda (Great) Great Barracuda
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi) Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Sailfish Sailfish
Shark (Hammerhead) Hammerhead Shark

Boat specs

Crusader (Sportfishing) originally built in 1981, and restored in 2005. Powered by a 350HP cummins engine, with a maximum cruising speed of 20 knots.

Length
34 ft
Capacity
6 persons

Types of fishing

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Jigging
Popping
Fly Fishing
Kite Fishing
Deep Sea Fishing

Amenities

Toilet
Fighting Chair
GPS
Garmin
Fishfinder
Flybridge
Live Bait Well

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Shimano, Penn International, Ugly Stick
Live Bait
if available
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Drinks
bottled water
First Mate
Fishing License

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 7 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 7 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

Listing policies

Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed

Payment

Book with 20% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 20% 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

Key West Fishing Calendar

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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.8 / 5
out of 5 stars from 168 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (186)
March fishing trip
March fishing trip
March fishing trip
+183
Angler rating
141
19
4
2
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
97%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
96%
Appropriate for children
97%
Satisfied with the boat
98%
Caught fish
92%
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Featured  
Showing:
5 of 168 reviews
Brad K.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Art

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) on July 13, 2023
Brad K. recommends Wild Bill Sport Fishing
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Brad K. recommends Wild Bill Sport Fishing
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful

Carrie M.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Art

VERIFIED   3 Hour Trip – Inshore (AM) on May 25, 2023
Carrie M. recommends Wild Bill Sport Fishing
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Carrie M. recommends Wild Bill Sport Fishing
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Christopher K.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing trip in March

VERIFIED   3/4 Day Trip on March 30, 2023
Christopher K. recommends Wild Bill Sport Fishing
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Christopher K. recommends Wild Bill Sport Fishing
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful

Timothy K.
Tampa, Florida
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Morning Half Day Trip

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) on September 17, 2023
Would 1000% recommend. Went out for a bachelor party and had a blast. Both Capt and Mate were excellent. Both were completely...
Timothy K. recommends Wild Bill Sport Fishing
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Timothy K. recommends Wild Bill Sport Fishing
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Alison D.
Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great fishing experience!!

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) on July 25, 2023
We are a family of 6 with 4 kids 15 and under.  All had a great experience, a chance to catch fish and learned a lot.  Every...
Alison D. recommends Wild Bill Sport Fishing
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Alison D. recommends Wild Bill Sport Fishing
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You found this review helpful