Fish Key West takes you on a fishing trip around one of the most diverse fisheries in the world. The action is great year-round, both inshore and out on the open waters. Based in the Key West, the crew onboard ‘Coolwater II’ knows the hot spots and how the fish bite. These captains have spent hours and years on the local waters. If someone knows how to cater to both novice anglers and more experienced fishermen, it’s these guys.

‘Coolwater II’ is a versatile boat that can take on both inshore species and offshore game. She is a 33’ Sea Vee center console that can take up to six people. Powered by two 300 HP Yamaha engines, ‘Coolwater II’ can reach speeds of up to 45 knots. She features a hardtop with a lookout tower. The boat is fitted with top-notch electronics to help you find your prey. She stores all the gear you need, as well as tackle, bait, license, and ice. There is a bathroom onboard. ‘Coolwater II’ is a top choice whether you want to fish a tournament or hire a charter.

If you go on a full day trip, you could be fishing far offshore, all the way up to the 90-mile mark. Or stay inshore, and scout around the backcountry waters to land Tarpon. ‘Coolwater II’ can get you where you want, with speed and stability. It’s going to be a dry ride, packed with action. We fish anywhere from 3ft to 3000ft of water.

These trips can work with absolute beginners or full pros. Either way, the crew will help out so that you can have an enjoyable day on the water. Depending on the season, you can get Snapper, Grouper, Tarpon, Permit, Cobia, or more exotic fish, like Mahi, Sailfish, Kingfish, and more.

Pack a camera, sunglasses, a cap, sunblock, food, and drinks, and come along. If you can’t find a spot here, just scroll down and click on Capt. Damon’s name to see free spots on the rest of the fleet.



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    Split Charter - Join A Group (AM)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $500
    Come for some nice morning fishing around the Key West. The pricing works like this: one angler or a pair of anglers together pay 450 USD. Then, they're paired with another angler or another pair that also pays 450 USD. The maximum number of people on the boat is four. The captain will furnish the gear, tackle, ice, and bait. Pack a camera, food and drinks, non-marking shoes, sunblock, a cap, and sunglasses. If your group has more than 2 anglers, feel free to book the private half day trip.
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip (AM)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $1,000
    This morning trip lets you explore the rich fisheries of Key West. You can get a variety of fish here, including Tarpon, Permit, Grouper, Snapper, Mackerel, Amberjack, Sailfish, and many more. If you're a less experienced angler, this trip is good starting point. Depending on the season and what you want to get, you could be fishing backcountry waters, or head out. 'Coolwater II' is flexible enough. The crew will provide all the gear, bait, license, tackle, and ice. Pack a camera, sunblock and come along.
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip (PM)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 2:00 PM
    US $1,000
    Afternoon is a great time to go fishing. The sun, the heat, and the variety of fish will make the trip even more exciting. It's good for those with little experience. You can explore the backcountry waters or head a bit further out. Tarpon, Permit, Sharks, Snapper, Grouper, and Sailfish - the list goes on. The crew will bring rods, reels, tackle, bait, license, and ice. You should pack food and snacks, sunglasses, a cap, sunblock, non-marking shoes and a camera.
  • Private trip
    3/4 Day Trip
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $1,300
    On this six hour trip, you will have more time to explore the local fisheries. Depending on the season, you can target Snapper, Grouper, Mackerel, Tarpon, Permit, Sailfish, Amberjack, and more. The crew will bring all the gear. Onboard, you'll also find all tackle, bait, ice, and license. You'll get the fish cleaned. Bring a camera, a cap, sunblock, non-marking shoes, and sunglasses, as well as food and drinks.
  • Private trip
    Full Day Trip
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $1,600
    A full day trip onboard 'Coolwater II' lets you explore the rich waters of the Key West. You could be fishing backcountry waters looking for Tarpon or Permit. Another option is to head offshore, in search of Sailfish and big game, as well as Snapper, Grouper, and Mackerel. The crew will supply all the gear, bait, ice, tackle, and license. You should pack non-marking shoes, a cap, sunblock, sunglasses, food and drinks, as well as a camera. This trips works best for more experienced anglers.
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FAQs about Fish Key West – The Coolwater II

Fish Key West – The Coolwater II offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $500 per group, additional US $500 per person after 2 guests - Split Charter - Join A Group (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $1,000 per group - Half Day Trip (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $1,000 per group - Half Day Trip (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $1,300 per group - 3/4 Day Trip (6 hours)
  • US $1,600 per group - Full Day Trip (8 hours)

When you book a trip with Fish Key West – The Coolwater II, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Radio

Trips booked with Fish Key West – The Coolwater II include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live Bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Fishing License

Fish Key West – The Coolwater II offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore Fishing
  • Nearshore Fishing
  • Offshore Fishing
  • Flats Fishing
  • Backcountry Fishing

Fish Key West – The Coolwater II offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling
  • Jigging
  • Popping
  • Fly Fishing
  • Handline
  • Deep Sea Fishing

Top targeted fish species with Fish Key West – The Coolwater II include:
  • Amberjack
  • Cobia
  • Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • Permit
  • Sailfish
  • Snapper (Mutton)
  • Snapper (Red)
  • Snapper (Yellowtail)
  • Tarpon
  • Wahoo

Meet the Captain

Damon Santelli
Key West, Florida, United States
45 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
934 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since June 2014
Capt. Damon Santelli runs fishing trips out of the rich Florida Keys. Damon spent a decade working as a commercial fisherman in the Key West. During that time, he learnt a great deal about fishing, using rod and reel to make a living. Having earned a lot of experience and skills, Capt. Damon went on to become a captain of his own charter. He now has a fleet of boats and along with his team takes out numerous customers each year. The decision to leave behind his office career and become a captain proved to be the right one. Capt. Damon is patient and likes taking both novice anglers and seasoned fishermen out on the water. Damon has landed many commercial fishing records, such as 1232 lbs of Yellowtail Snapper. You don't want to miss a trip with him. It's going to be pure action!

About this listing

Targeted species

Amberjack Amberjack
Cobia Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi) Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Permit Permit

Boat specs

Sea Vee (Center console) originally built in 2015. Powered by 2 300HP Yamaha engines, with a maximum cruising speed of 45 knots.

Length
33 ft
Capacity
6 persons

Types of fishing

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Flats Fishing
Backcountry Fishing

Fishing techniques

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

Amenities

Toilet
GPS
Fishfinder
Radio

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
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

Pay online in full

Pay online in full through FishingBooker and save on credit card fees at the dock.

No additional fees.
Book with 25% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 25% 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 238 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (197)
Fishing trip in June
Fishing with Damon
Fishing with Damon
+194
Angler rating
208
20
5
2
1
Anglers claimed
Good experience
94%
Friendly captain
99%
Recommend this charter
95%
Appropriate for children
90%
Satisfied with the boat
99%
Caught fish
87%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 238 reviews
Justin C.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing trip in June

VERIFIED   Split Charter - Join A Group (AM) on June 22, 2023
Justin C. recommends Fish Key West – The Coolwater II
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Justin C. recommends Fish Key West – The Coolwater II
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Tj J.
Rockville, MD
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Full day with Capt Joey!!!

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip on April 22, 2023
I’ve fished the Keys for years, young Capt Joey (a true conch) is one of THE most knowledgeable, experienced and patient...
Tj J. recommends Fish Key West – The Coolwater II
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Tj J. recommends Fish Key West – The Coolwater II
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James L.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

December fishing trip

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) on December 29, 2023
James L. recommends Fish Key West – The Coolwater II
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James L. recommends Fish Key West – The Coolwater II
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Ben S.
LUTHVLE TIMON, MD
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Damon

VERIFIED   Split Charter - Join A Group (AM) on May 27, 2023
Great half day w capt Noah catching mutton snapper, amberjack, and yellowtail!
Ben S. recommends Fish Key West – The Coolwater II
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Ben S. recommends Fish Key West – The Coolwater II
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Fred L.
Hendersonville, NC
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Damon

VERIFIED   Split Charter - Join A Group (AM) on May 8, 2023
Fred L. recommends Fish Key West – The Coolwater II
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Fred L. recommends Fish Key West – The Coolwater II
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