Key West is the jewel in Florida’s sportfishing crown. Sitting between the warm shallows of the Gulf and the deep blue of the Atlantic, it’s a tropical paradise with an unbeatable mix of fish. Key West fishing charters make the most of this, tailoring trips for anglers of any age or experience level.
Key West’s flats and mangroves are full of fly fishing favorites like Bonefish, Tarpon, and Permit. Wet your toes on a half day trip or stay out longer and target all three for an Inshore Grand Slam! You can find these fish spring through fall, along with plenty of Mangrove Snapper.
If it’s tasty fish you’re after, you’ve got to visit the reefs. Bottom fish for year-round residents like Snappers and Groupers, as well as Cobia and King Mackerel in winter and spring. Even beginners can fill their coolers on these trips, making them particularly popular on Key West party boats.
Then there’s the bluewater bite. Troll offshore for delicious Tuna and Mahi Mahi, as well as Blue Marlin in summer or Sailfish in winter. These are serious sportfishing adventures, and you need a full day and some decent skills to get the most out of them.
Feeling competitive? Take on other inshore anglers in the Del Brown Permit Tournament or speed into the blue for the Key West Marlin Tournament. Both of these events take place in July, but whenever you visit, you’ll find great weather and a ton of tasty fish. That’s what Key West is all about.
Rules & Regulations
Fishing licenses are included on all saltwater charters in Florida, both private trips and party boats. Bear in mind that most Groupers are protected January–April here, while Permit are catch-and-release only from April through July. Ask your captain for the most up-to-date information on seasons and limits.