Key West Fishing Charters

The average price for a private 4 hour Key West fishing trip is US $786, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you US $1,252 based on prices on FishingBooker.com.

Which fishing charters in Key West are good for families?

Fishing charters in Key West that received great reviews from families are:

What are the top fish species I can catch in Key West?

The top 3 fish species targeted on guided fishing trips in Key West are:

What are the top fishing techniques in Key West?

The top 3 fishing techniques in Key West are:

What are the top types of fishing in Key West?

The top 3 types of fishing in Key West are:

Do Key West fishing charters provide rods, reels and tackle?

Many fishing charters in Key West provide rods, reels and tackle. Some of the top rated are:

Who are the best rated captains in Key West?

According to customer reviews on FishingBooker.com, some of the best rated charter captains in Key West are:

Who are the top awarded captains in Key West?

Who are the top awarded captains in Key West?

What fishing trips are offered by fishing charters in Key West?

Some of the fishing trips offered by fishing charters in Key West are:

3-hour fishing trips – US $700
4-hour fishing trips – US $766
6-hour fishing trips – US $1,034
8-hour fishing trips – US $1,311
10-hour fishing trips – US $1,500

Fishing in Key West

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.

Key West

4.8 / 5

Based on 28556 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

Key West Fishing Seasons

January

The weather is changeable, making flats fishing inconsistent. Backwater fishing sees calm waters and steady action. Sailfish and Blackfin Tuna are caught offshore, with occasional Mahi.

February

Windy conditions affect flats and offshore fishing. Sight fishing for Permit on the flats is phenomenal, backcountry fishing is still extremely good, and Cobia can be caught over the wrecks.

March

Warm breezes see the end of Winter in Key West. Permit fishing is still excellent and targeted in the March Merkin tournament. Offshore, big Mahi arrive. Tarpon is heating up in the backcountry.

April

The waters warm up: Permit move to the reef to spawn and Bonefish start to show in the flats. Shark fishing is very good. Offshore fishing is excellent for Sailfish and large Mahi.

May

Winds are light, fishing is amazing. The Tarpon migration is kicking off, with lots of big fish in under 3 ft of water. Go for a Grand Slam: Tarpon, Bonefish, and Permit are all caught on the flats.

June

Conditions are hot, humid and sweaty. The water is very clear on the flats - go for Bonefish, Permit, and Tarpon in one day. Mahi fishing is excellent, with Marlin, Wahoo, and Swordfish also around.

July

Conditions are calm but still hot. Early morning and late evening fishing is recommended for catching Tarpon. Late in the month the lobster season starts for some light hearted fun.

August

Both weather and fishing is hot. Waters are calm: tailing Bonefish and Permit are easy to spot. Offshore, the fish are smaller and less plentiful, but deep dropping and Swordfishing is good.

September

The weather cools and the crowds thin. This is the best time of year to score a Slam on the flats. The weather can be unpredictable with hurricanes, but the fishing makes it worth while.

October

Late fall sees the reefs come alive. Large numbers of baitfish attract delicacies such as Yellowtail Snappers, Groupers, and Mutton Snappers, which then arrive in boats and on the dinner table.

November

Reef fishing is still good but can be windy. Bonefish thins out on the flats but Permit is as good as ever. Sailfish and Tuna are caught over the reefs and backcountry fishing is excellent.

December

Windy conditions offshore and fewer species on the flats make backcountry fishing your best option. If you can get offshore, enjoy the good Grouper bite before the season closes in January.

Key West Fishing Calendar

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Featured photos from Key West

What anglers said about fishing in Key West

Book with Cora Beth!! They are an easy going, fun and helpful crew that will ensure you have a blast (and catch fish!)!!

5.0 / 5

Book with Cora Beth!! They are an easy going, fun and helpful crew that will ensure you have a blast (and catch fish!)!!

Cora Beth Fishing

Not grouper season which was the only bummer. But certainly had nothing to do with our amazing crew!

5.0 / 5

Not grouper season which was the only bummer. But certainly had nothing to do with our amazing crew!

Second Nature Charters

If it's your first time, look for shorter trips on calmer waters. Then you can work your way up towards 4 hour and 8 hour trips! They are all out there and available!

5.0 / 5

If it's your first time, look for shorter trips on calmer waters. Then you can work your way up towards 4 hour and 8 hour trips! They are all out there and available!

ScreamingLines Center Console – 27'

Absolutely. One of the best fishing spots in the whole world. There's such a diverse ecosystem here. Anglers can fish for any type of fish you could possibly imagine.

5.0 / 5

Absolutely. One of the best fishing spots in the whole world. There's such a diverse ecosystem here. Anglers can fish for any type of fish you could possibly imagine.

Key West Charter Fishing – Shallows

These were great for anglers with little to moderate experience with Gulf fishing, and they’d be good for people with more experience. We caught a wide variety of fish and had fun. The 2 captains were a cool twist as both were very knowledgeable and very helpful. I would highly recommend these guys.

5.0 / 5

Corsair 2 Sportfishing Key West

Trust in your captain and mate, they are truly knowledgeable and intuitive in what they are doing!!!

5.0 / 5

Trust in your captain and mate, they are truly knowledgeable and intuitive in what they are doing!!!

Reef Runner Charters Key West

Get hooked up with Captain Blake. He knows the waters can confidently navigate you to the catch.

5.0 / 5

Get hooked up with Captain Blake. He knows the waters can confidently navigate you to the catch.

Key West Charter Fishing

Be flexible and prepared to switch up the plan if game fish are not hitting.

5.0 / 5

Be flexible and prepared to switch up the plan if game fish are not hitting.

Reef Runner Charters Key West

LOL....I guess it was good. Everyone was catching fish...which puts it in at least the "Good" realm!

5.0 / 5

LOL....I guess it was good. Everyone was catching fish...which puts it in at least the "Good" realm!

Cora Beth Fishing

The afternoon charters are nice because you will enjoy the sunset on your ride back to the dock.

4.7 / 5

The afternoon charters are nice because you will enjoy the sunset on your ride back to the dock.

Second Nature Charters

We weee here for a quick weekend with friends, so not really the better time of year for tarpon. Would probably try later in June or July if tarpon are what you’re looking for.

4.7 / 5

We weee here for a quick weekend with friends, so not really the better time of year for tarpon. Would probably try later in June or July if tarpon are what you’re looking for.

Reel Easy Charters

Fishing for some of the other species that we would have liked to catch like Mahi, Sailfish, and Marlin would probably be better in other months. If you are looking to fish for specific species and have the flexibility to schedule your trip and any month, I would recommend just talking with Captain Maryann. She sincerely wants her clients to have great experience, is very easy to talk to and seems very kind and honest!

5.0 / 5

Boa Vida Charters – Jazmine

Fly directly into Key West unless you like 6 hour drives from Fort Lauderdale in our case.

5.0 / 5

Fly directly into Key West unless you like 6 hour drives from Fort Lauderdale in our case.

Reef Runner Charters Key West

Absolutely. Wonderful trip with amazing crew. Can’t say thanks enough…

5.0 / 5

Absolutely. Wonderful trip with amazing crew. Can’t say thanks enough…

Corsair 2 Sportfishing Key West

Find a captain that matches your personality. Don’t go chasing the big catch. Just enjoy the trip.

5.0 / 5

Find a captain that matches your personality. Don’t go chasing the big catch. Just enjoy the trip.

Jolly Roger II

Book a full day trip. Give the captain ample time to take you to mutuple spots and show you various fishing techniques for the various species available in this area. You won't be disappointed. Lastly be sure to have one of the local restaurants cook part of your catch. There is nothing better than freshly caught fish and these restaurants do a wonderful job preparing it.

5.0 / 5

Easy Does It

This is great trip - especially for first timers. Saw a lot of experienced fishermen back for another great trip. Captain and crew are very helpful to make sure even non-fisherman caught fish and had a good time.

5.0 / 5

Cora Beth Fishing

Fishing in early March meant a beautiful sunny day with temps around 80 degrees. However, the seas were rougher than we expected, and a couple in our group got seasick.

5.0 / 5

Fishing in early March meant a beautiful sunny day with temps around 80 degrees. However, the seas were rougher than we expected, and a couple in our group got seasick.

Corsair 2 Sportfishing Key West

Do the 6hr rather than just a 4hr this gives you time to make moves if you’re not catching

4.7 / 5

Do the 6hr rather than just a 4hr this gives you time to make moves if you’re not catching

Reel Easy Charters

Don’t go if you’re above average afraid of getting sea sick. If you get sick, the whole boat kind of suffers.

5.0 / 5

Don’t go if you’re above average afraid of getting sea sick. If you get sick, the whole boat kind of suffers.

Gulfstream IV Party Fishing Boat

How did anglers rate fishing charters in Key West?

Double Down Sportfishing
Fishing charter in Key West

5.0 / 5

(15 reviews)

Had a great time with Captain Brice and Jameson. Jameson made the day one to remember, super informative and explained all the techniques they were practicing! Very friendly and very fun, we caught a ton of fish and were super happy with the experience. Highly recommend this boat, you will not be disappointed!

Kyle D.

Reel Easy Charters
Fishing charter in Key West

5.0 / 5

(819 reviews)

captain zac was awesome.. worked his butt off trying to get us some tarpoon but they didn't wana work with us!! we ended up both landing sharks! definitely will go fishing with him again!!

Jim P.

Jolly Roger II
Fishing charter in Key West

5.0 / 5

(521 reviews)

Just remember fish are not guaranteed but kindness, patience and effort are! As a PNW experienced fisherman I cant believe how much I learned about fishing on this trip. Brian was great. Captain Joe kept us safe and on track

DANIEL K.

Boa Vida Charters – Jazmine
Fishing charter in Key West

5.0 / 5

(207 reviews)

We had a great day with Boa Vida Charters. Sean and Jason were great. They took great care of our party of 4. Within 2 hours of leaving the dock we each had a Mahi in the box. Capt. Maryann was waiting for us at the dock when we came in to meet us and make sure everything went well. We will definitely book another trip with them next year.

Greg S.

Wild Bill Sport Fishing
Fishing charter in Key West

5.0 / 5

(171 reviews)

Captain Art and his first mate Jerry are top notch professionals and very fun,great guys!! My son and I had a great catch- good eating fish as well as a Trophy size Barracuda and Shark!!

John L.

Second Nature Charters
Fishing charter in Key West

5.0 / 5

(30 reviews)

We decided to spend our anniversary with Second Nature and we couldn’t have made a better choice. Capt Zane and Steve were awesome. Laid back, very knowledgeable and friendly. Cool dudes. We told them we didn’t care how or what we caught and they delivered! I think we were fishing 4 different ways at once. Had a fat mackerel fully breach even though he missed our bait lol. Nice yellowtails, a nice dog and mutton, and a stud sail to highlight the day! Would definitely book again.

Dylan H.

Reel Easy Charters
Fishing charter in Key West

5.0 / 5

(819 reviews)

Captain Dave Larson was unbelievable! He consistently put us on fish and helped my wife throughout the trip landing fish all day. I love to fish but I love catching better.

Michael D.

Easy Does It
Fishing charter in Key West

5.0 / 5

(635 reviews)

Captain was skilled at tracking school of Tarpon. Hooked large 150lb tarpon trophy fish. Took an hour to reel in with captains guidance we were able to pull it to the boat, take pictures and revive the Tarpon. Trip on a life time.

Jimmy S.

Corsair 2 Sportfishing Key West
Fishing charter in Key West

4.7 / 5

(340 reviews)

Capt Jeff and his mate were awesome. The put us on fish right away and kept it up through the afternoon despite deteriorating conditions.

Mark P.

Cowboy Charters – Cowboy Since 1965
Fishing charter in Key West

5.0 / 5

(333 reviews)

After several hours of deep trolling with no bites and uncooperative seas, Cap’n Cole changed to shallower trolling for mutton snapper. Everyone caught at least one fish though the groupers had to go back because they weren’t in season. The catch included a 29” 14.8lb snapper which more than made up for the earlier dry spell! Highly recommend!

Lisa C.

Key West Charter Fishing
Fishing charter in Key West

5.0 / 5

(4 reviews)

The captain was great , he truly loves what he does . I recommend if you are beginning or even an experienced. Great conversation and great boat . Very clean . We come to Florida at least twice per year and we will definitely book him again

Angela D.

Jolly Roger II
Fishing charter in Key West

5.0 / 5

(521 reviews)

Joe and Brian were great! It was our first time deep sea fishing and had a really fun time! We caught lots of fish and despite it being windy that day, we still had so much fun!

Emma H.

Second Nature Charters
Fishing charter in Key West

5.0 / 5

(30 reviews)

We had two elderly parents with us and someone who had never fished before. Natalie and Zane were so patient with our group and helped our parents get around the boat. We caught a lot of fish, even a shark!

Ellen S.

Reef Runner Charters Key West
Fishing charter in Key West

5.0 / 5

(74 reviews)

Edward and Evan were absolutely awesome. The two guys that you need to go fishing with. Put us on the fish and kept us there. You can’t beat their knowledge and honestly just two good dudes to fish with!

Jake P.

Corsair 2 Sportfishing Key West
Fishing charter in Key West

4.7 / 5

(340 reviews)

Captian Russ and his mate worked hard to get us into fish despite difficult conditions (rough water, wind, lots of sea weeds).

Mark P.

Second Nature Charters
Fishing charter in Key West

5.0 / 5

(30 reviews)

Great crew! So helpful to our fishing foursome. Caught lots of snapper, which is just what we asked for to stock our freezer. Highly recommend Second Nature!!!

Gretchen L.

Purple Heron Charters
Fishing charter in Key West

5.0 / 5

(113 reviews)

I only had time for a half day. But Capt John gave me plenty of opportunities to catch fish. Looking forward to spending more time fishing with him next time I'm here.

Edward R.

Second Nature Charters
Fishing charter in Key West

5.0 / 5

(30 reviews)

Totally absolutely a blast awesome crew members and awesome time fishing caught big fish and they help you out a lot I would totally recommend them for a fishing trip !!!

Derek D.

Purple Heron Charters
Fishing charter in Key West

5.0 / 5

(113 reviews)

John was knowledgeable about fishing, nature and key west. I was able to catch a lot of different species and have an enjoyable time on the water. I wouldn’t hesitate to go out with John again.

Evan T.

Key West Charter Fishing
Fishing charter in Key West

5.0 / 5

(4 reviews)

A lot of action today with a variety of fish. Captain Blake (key west charter fishing) put us in different spots with plenty of action the entire day.

Dane S.