When you’re ready for a day of fishing adventures on the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, turn to Y Knot Charters Key West! Whether you’re on a vacation or you want to leave your mundane worries behind for a while, Captain Ralph Thoren and his friendly crew are there to take you and your family out.

Capt. Ralph owns and operates Y Knot Charters, a 44’ Bonner powered by twin 225 HP Diesel engines, with enough room on board to accommodate groups of up to 6 anglers per trip. The boat features a complete pilot house and 4 air conditioners on board and has 6 bunks organized in 2 separate staterooms. This is perfectly organized for those multi-day trips when you will be sleeping on the boat.

Among other amenities, the vessel is very much family friendly and sports a bathroom with full shower, and comes outfitted with 2 refrigerators, a microwave, and a stove/oven. A variety of classic navigational and marine technology is present on board, including a GPS, radio, and fish finder. Basically, you get all the comforts of home on the water only with an enjoyable opportunity to cast your line whenever you feel like it.

The Y Knot Charters Key West crew specializes in offshore and reef/wreck fishing, spearfishing, and scuba diving. A variety of game species inhabit these waters, including Tuna, Mahi Mahi, King Mackerel, and even an occasional Wahoo and Sailfish, whereas bottom fishing often produces a variety of Groupers and Snappers.

Each trip includes all the appropriate fishing gear provided by the crew, as well as bait, ice, snacks, and bottled water. When it comes to scuba diving and spearfishing gear, if you want to use it, please let your captain know in advance, so that he can prepare everything for your trip.

Capt. Ralph loves teaching novices and families how to fish and scuba dive and will always go the extra mile for you to have a great time and make wonderful memories, so hop aboard!



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip (AM)
    FREE Cancellation 60 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $850
    Maybe you can't spend your whole day fishing, but if you have a free morning, then you still have time for some early angling fun. Anything from Mahi Mahi and Tuna to Wahoo, Snapper, and Grouper is on the menu so cast your line and get ready to reel as if your life depended on it.
    Types of fishing
    Offshore Fishing
    Reef Fishing
    Wreck Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Deep Sea Fishing
    Bottom Fishing
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip (PM)
    FREE Cancellation 60 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
    US $850
    Make the most out of your afternoon by going on a quick fishing adventure with Capt. Ralph. Four hours on the water is plenty to catch something awesome and have the best time along the way. You'll be targeting Mahi Mahi, Little Tunny, King Mackerel, Amberjack, and more.
    Types of fishing
    Offshore Fishing
    Reef Fishing
    Wreck Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Deep Sea Fishing
    Bottom Fishing
  • Private trip
    3/4 Day Trip
    FREE Cancellation 60 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $1,250
    Enjoy the fishing abundance of the Keys and head out to this 6-hour fishing escapade. Your prey for the day is Mahi Mahi, Skipjack Tuna, King Mackerel, Little Tunny, Amberjack, and so much more.
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Offshore Fishing
    Reef Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Deep Sea Fishing
    Bottom Fishing
  • Private trip
    Full Day Trip
    FREE Cancellation 60 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $1,400
    Spend 8 hours on a trip with Capt. Ralph and enjoy the awesome Key West fishery. Bring your family or angling friends and make a day out of it – soak in some sun, and chase Mahi Mahi, King Mackerel, Tuna, and if you're bottom fishing, then Grouper and Snapper are in the cards too.
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Offshore Fishing
    Reef Fishing
    Wreck Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Deep Sea Fishing
    Bottom Fishing
  • Private trip
    2 Day Trip - Marquesas Keys
    FREE Cancellation 60 days notice
    2 Day Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    Overnight stay, liveaboard
    US $1,600
    Fish in the beautiful waters around Marquesas Keys for 2 days, explore the reefs and wrecks, as well as what offshore fishing has to offer in these parts. On your to-catch list are superstars like Wahoo, Tuna, Little Tunny, Porbeagle Shark, Mahi Mahi, even Sailfish, if the conditions align. Capt. Ralph will provide rods, reels, tackle, and everything else you might need. Bring your own food or talk to the captain to arrange it for you.
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Offshore Fishing
    Reef Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Deep Sea Fishing
    Bottom Fishing
    Trolling
  • Private trip
    3 Day Trip - Dry Tortugas
    FREE Cancellation 60 days notice
    3 Day Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    Overnight stay, liveaboard
    US $1,600
    On this fun trip, you will have 3 days to enjoy top-notch offshore and reef fishing, as well as scuba diving and spearfishing in Key West, Marquesas, and the Dry Tortugas National Park. Chase after Tuna, Wahoo, Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Little Tunny, Barracuda, and whatever else finds your hook irresistible.
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Offshore Fishing
    Reef Fishing
    Wreck Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Deep Sea Fishing
    Bottom Fishing
    Trolling
  • Private trip
    Overnight Trip
    FREE Cancellation 60 days notice
    1 Day Trip, starts at 9:00 AM
    Overnight stay, liveaboard
    US $2,000
    Why Knot spend one whole day fishing? You and your group get 24 hours of fishing, and sleeping accommodation is provided on board. You will be chasing after the greats like Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Sailfish, Tuna, King Mackerel, as well as Grouper and Snapper if you decide to do some bottom fishing. The captain will provide all the fishing gear (and scuba diving gear if you want it), and if you want food on board as well, your guide will provide it for an additional cost.
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Offshore Fishing
    Reef Fishing
    Wreck Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Deep Sea Fishing
    Bottom Fishing
    Trolling
There is 1 person looking at this charter.

FAQs about Y Knot Charters Key West

Y Knot Charters Key West offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $850 per group - Half Day Trip (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $850 per group - Half Day Trip (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $1,250 per group - 3/4 Day Trip (6 hours)
  • US $1,400 per group - Full Day Trip (8 hours)
  • US $1,600 per day per group - 2 Day Trip - Marquesas Keys (2 days)
  • US $1,600 per day per group - 3 Day Trip - Dry Tortugas (3 days)
  • US $2,000 per day per group - Overnight Trip (1 day)

When you book a trip with Y Knot Charters Key West, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet
  • Air Conditioning
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Bed
  • Snorkeling Equipment
  • Live Bait Well
  • Kitchen
  • Refrigerator
  • Multimedia System
  • Outriggers
  • Spearfishing Equipment
  • Ice Box
  • Radio

Trips booked with Y Knot Charters Key West include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live Bait (Frozen or fresh caught)
  • Lures
  • Snacks
  • Drinks (Soft drinks & water)
  • First Mate
  • Fishing License

Y Knot Charters Key West offers the following types of fishing:
  • Nearshore Fishing (when conditions reuire)
  • Offshore Fishing
  • Reef Fishing
  • Wreck Fishing

Y Knot Charters Key West offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spearfishing
  • Deep Sea Fishing

Top targeted fish species with Y Knot Charters Key West include:
  • Amberjack
  • Barracuda (Great)
  • Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • Grouper (Red)
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Little Tunny (False Albacore)
  • Sailfish
  • Shark (Blacktip)
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Tuna (Skipjack)
  • Tuna (Yellowfin)
  • Wahoo

Meet the Captain

Ralph Thoren
Stock Island, Florida, United States
2 Fishing Reports
7 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since June 2014
A fishing and scuba diving aficionado, Captain Ralph has over 15 years of professional chartering experience, operating both diving and liveaboard charter vessels throughout his career. He's been fishing from a very young age, and his dad was the one that hooked him on angling. Capt. Ralph has been fishing in Key West since 2001, and his favorite fish to catch are Mahi Mahi and Wahoo, as well as Yellowtail Tuna and Grouper. On his boat, it's important to have fun, catch fish, and make the most out of your day on the water.

About this listing

Targeted species

Amberjack Amberjack
Barracuda (Great) Great Barracuda
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi) Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Grouper (Red) Red Grouper

Boat specs

Bonner (Sportfishing) originally built in 1985, and restored in 2018. Powered by 2 225HP Detroit Diesel engines, with a maximum cruising speed of 10 knots.

Length
44 ft
Capacity
6 persons

Types of fishing

Nearshore Fishing
when conditions reuire
Offshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing

Fishing techniques

Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spearfishing
Deep Sea Fishing

Amenities

Toilet
Air Conditioning
GPS
Fishfinder
Bed
Snorkeling Equipment

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Frozen or fresh caught
Lures
Snacks
Drinks
Soft drinks & water
First Mate
Fishing License

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 60 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 60 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 agreed upon reservation
Transfer to/from departure site may be available and included in price depending on your location and distance from the dock.
Child Friendly
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed

Payment

Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% 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
PayPal
Bank Transfer

Stock Island Fishing Calendar

Loading Fish Calendar!
Please Wait...

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Very good
3.8 / 5
out of 5 stars from 7 reviews
Boat
Very good
3.7 / 5
Crew
Very good
4.0 / 5
Experience
Very good
3.7 / 5
Photo by reviewers (1)
Full day
Angler rating
1
1
0
1
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
29%
Appropriate for children
50%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
50%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 7 reviews
Jim K.

The captain canceled

VERIFIED   November 14, 2023
The charter operator canceled 15 days prior to the trip date. This is an automated posting.
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

Carolyn W.
Orlando, Florida
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Full day

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip on January 23, 2019
The trip was great. The water the was rough. They say January is not the best months for water. But over all it was great
Carolyn W. recommends Y Knot Charters Key West
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Ralph Thoren Captain replied

Timothy M.
Cicero, IL
Very good
4.0 / 5
Experience:
Very good
4.0 / 5
Boat
Very good
4.0 / 5
Crew
Very good
4.0 / 5
Overall

June fishing trip

VERIFIED   3/4 Day Trip on June 8, 2019
Timothy M. recommends Y Knot Charters Key West
Mark review as helpful
1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Timothy M. recommends Y Knot Charters Key West
Mark review as helpful
1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful

Kate S.

The captain canceled

VERIFIED   March 20, 2021
The charter operator canceled on trip date. This is an automated posting.
Mark review as helpful
1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Mark review as helpful
1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful

Sean J.
Good
2.3 / 5
Experience:
Bad
2.0 / 5
Boat
Good
3.0 / 5
Crew
Bad
2.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Ralph

VERIFIED   3/4 Day Trip on July 9, 2021
Mark review as helpful
2 persons find this review helpful
You and 2 people found this review helpful
Mark review as helpful
2 persons find this review helpful
You and 2 people found this review helpful