Key West Permit Fishing Charters

Key West Permit Fishing Charters

Best Permit Fishing Charters in Key West

Key West: 49 fishing charters available
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(24 reviews)
Key West
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $550
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(106 reviews)
Key West
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $500
Excellent
4.5 / 5
(120 reviews)
Key West
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $1,100
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(113 reviews)
Stock Island
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $500
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(238 reviews)
Key West
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $500
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(138 reviews)
Stock Island
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $500
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(75 reviews)
Stock Island
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $650
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(87 reviews)
Key West
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $500

Permit Fishing in Key West

Permit
  • Size 10 to 30lbs
  • Food Value Good
  • Game Qualities Excellent
  • Habitats Inshore, Nearshore, Reef, Flats, Backcountry

(Trachinotus falcatus)

Discover the “Permit capital of the world” with a Key West Permit fishing guide. At the southernmost point of the US, the warm, shallow waters are ideal for Permit. Head to the inshore flats or beyond to “The Lakes” and Marquesas Island Toll and discover some of the best Permit fishing in the world.  

What to Expect

Permit put up an incredible fight but catching their bite isn’t straightforward. These spooky fish need a lot of attention, skill, and carefulness to land.
 
While Permit eat a range of different crustaceans, they’ll flee at the hint that they’re being hunted. Fishing enthusiasts will love this game of cat and mouse, while beginners may not find it to their taste.
 
You want a light vessel with a shallow hull for these flats. A skiff or a flats boat will do the job. Light and agile, your captain will pole you along. This will get you on top of the spooky fish without causing a disturbance.
 
The beauty of fishing out of Key West is that it's right there! Within minutes, you’ll be on the productive flats, casting away. Even on a four-hour trip, you’ll still get to test your angling skills.
 
On six and eight-hour trips, you’ll explore a range of fishing grounds. Head to “the lakes” and Marquesas Island Toll, where you’ll find some of the largest Permit around. Along the sand flats and grassy-bottomed shallows, you’ll sight cast for the tailing fish. You can also try fly fishing here!
 
You could combine a trip to target Permit with hunting Tarpon and Bonefish to complete the inshore “Grand Slam.” Take a Key West Permit fishing guide from early spring through summer and for the best chance of the prize.

How to Prepare

Key West Permit fishing guides will have everything set up ready for you. There’s no need for a fishing license, and all rods and reels will be provided. Just check with your captain if he provides live bait. If you fancy going fly fishing, then you may also need to bring your own gear. 
 
Bottled water may be provided, but you should bring your own drinks and snacks. Stay refreshed and make the most of your time on the crystal clear waters. Get ready to battle it out with prized Permit in Key West, and see why this is one of the best spots in the world!
 

Key West Permit Fishing Seasons

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Seasonality

Permit fishing in Key West varies moderately throughout the year. High season is April to October. Low season is January. There is no closed season.
Key West
Excellent
4.6 / 5
Based on 28,443 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

What anglers said about Permit Fishing in Key West

Get hooked up with Captain Blake. He knows the waters can confidently navigate you to the catch.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Get hooked up with Captain Blake. He knows the waters can confidently navigate you to the catch.
Key West Charter Fishing
Key West Charter Fishing
Be flexible and prepared to switch up the plan if game fish are not hitting.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be flexible and prepared to switch up the plan if game fish are not hitting.
Reef Runner Charters Key West
Reef Runner Charters Key West
LOL....I guess it was good. Everyone was catching fish...which puts it in at least the "Good" realm!
Excellent
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
Cora Beth Fishing
The afternoon charters are nice because you will enjoy the sunset on your ride back to the dock.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
The afternoon charters are nice because you will enjoy the sunset on your ride back to the dock.
Second Nature Charters
Second Nature 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!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
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!
Boa Vida Charters โ€“ Jazmine
Boa Vida Charters โ€“ Jazmine
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 youโ€™re looking for.
Excellent
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 youโ€™re looking for.
Reel Easy Charters
Reel Easy Charters
Absolutely. Wonderful trip with amazing crew. Canโ€™t say thanks enoughโ€ฆ
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Absolutely. Wonderful trip with amazing crew. Canโ€™t say thanks enoughโ€ฆ
Corsair 2 Sportfishing Key West
Corsair 2 Sportfishing Key West
Find a captain that matches your personality. Donโ€™t go chasing the big catch. Just enjoy the trip.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Find a captain that matches your personality. Donโ€™t go chasing the big catch. Just enjoy the trip.
Jolly Roger II
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.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
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.
Easy Does It
Easy Does It
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.
Excellent
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
Corsair 2 Sportfishing Key West
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.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
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.
Cora Beth Fishing
Cora Beth Fishing
Do the 6hr rather than just a 4hr this gives you time to make moves if youโ€™re not catching
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Do the 6hr rather than just a 4hr this gives you time to make moves if youโ€™re not catching
Reel Easy Charters
Reel Easy Charters
Not sure what to recommend since this was my first time. Maybe motion sickness medicine.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Not sure what to recommend since this was my first time. Maybe motion sickness medicine.
Capt. Conch Charters - Stella Blue
Capt. Conch Charters - Stella Blue
Donโ€™t go if youโ€™re above average afraid of getting sea sick. If you get sick, the whole boat kind of suffers.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Donโ€™t go if youโ€™re above average afraid of getting sea sick. If you get sick, the whole boat kind of suffers.
Gulfstream IV Party Fishing Boat
Gulfstream IV Party Fishing Boat
We were in Key West for the last week in February. We had super sunny days all under 80 degrees and about 30-40 percent humidity. We had light jackets and went barefoot on the boat. The captain provided all equipment and was busy baiting our lines and going back and forth to the live-well constantly. Best experience ever.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
We were in Key West for the last week in February. We had super sunny days all under 80 degrees and about 30-40 percent humidity. We had light jackets and went barefoot on the boat. The captain provided all equipment and was busy baiting our lines and going back and forth to the live-well constantly. Best experience ever.
Good Times Key West โ€“ 19'
Good Times Key West โ€“ 19'
It can get really windy and a bit chilly this time of year. If the forecast is windy and under 70 degrees, highly recommend dressing in layers and prepare for a bit of a rougher ride on the water.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
It can get really windy and a bit chilly this time of year. If the forecast is windy and under 70 degrees, highly recommend dressing in layers and prepare for a bit of a rougher ride on the water.
Easy Does It
Easy Does It
Have fun whilst enjoying the splendid scenery! Captain Scott was very professional and an experienced captain. Once we got to our spot he put us on some beautiful fish. We even got to have some fun catching the apex predators of the limitless gulf. 4 hours felt like 30 minutes the amount of fun we had! Thank you Captain Scott for making it a great experience for a first time fisher!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Have fun whilst enjoying the splendid scenery! Captain Scott was very professional and an experienced captain. Once we got to our spot he put us on some beautiful fish. We even got to have some fun catching the apex predators of the limitless gulf. 4 hours felt like 30 minutes the amount of fun we had! Thank you Captain Scott for making it a great experience for a first time fisher!
Too Lethal Charters
Too Lethal Charters
Weather changes are not controlled be any person so check weather before you go out. Mother nature plays a big part in how well your day goes.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Weather changes are not controlled be any person so check weather before you go out. Mother nature plays a big part in how well your day goes.
Boa Vida Charters โ€“ Jazmine
Boa Vida Charters โ€“ Jazmine
Book Corsair 2. These guys have the local knowledge needed to succeed out here.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Book Corsair 2. These guys have the local knowledge needed to succeed out here.
Corsair 2 Sportfishing Key West
Corsair 2 Sportfishing Key West
Go with Captain Cory & Crew on the Cora Beth. They will explain everything there is to know about boat safety & reef fishing. They will also help everyone on the boat with setting up lines and making sure everyone is catching fish!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Go with Captain Cory & Crew on the Cora Beth. They will explain everything there is to know about boat safety & reef fishing. They will also help everyone on the boat with setting up lines and making sure everyone is catching fish!
Cora Beth Fishing
Cora Beth Fishing

Fish Species Similar to Permit in Key West