Fishing charters in Key West, FL

Key West fishing charters have easy access to backwater and deep sea fishing grounds.

There are a variety of options for your next fishing trip near Key West. These waters are filled with Mahi Mahi, Mangrove Snapper, Tarpon, Barracuda, and many more.

Inshore fishing charters in Key West

Key West is popular with anglers, who come to explore the calm inshore waters. From the exciting Tarpon fishing to the night Snook fishing trips, there’s something for anglers of all tastes and all ages.

You can land Mangrove Snapper, Tarpon, Mutton Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper, and many more.

Inshore fishing trips are very popular with families, couples, and small groups of friends.

Inshore fishing trip prices

On average, the price for a 4-hour inshore fishing trip is $465 for 2 people. Add $50 for an each additional person. Fishing charters can accommodate 4-6 anglers depending on the size of the vessel.

The most affordable 2-hour inshore fishing trip in Key West costs $200 for 2 anglers.

There are about 41 fishing guides in Key West and nearby cities. It’s easy to find your next fishing adventure in Key West.

Best time for inshore fishing

May, March and October are the best months for inshore fishing near Key West.

Popular inshore fish species

• Mangrove Snapper
• Tarpon
• Mutton Snapper
• Yellowtail Snapper
• Permit

Popular inshore fishing charters

• Flying Fish Charters from $600.00
• Goliath Charters from $600.00
• Kingfisher Backcountry Charters from $500.00
• FUNYET Charters from $750.00

Offshore fishing charters in Key West

Key West offers some of the best offshore fishing in the country. With knowledgeable guides, you'll be sure to have a great time.

Key West fishing charters will help you to land Mahi Mahi, Barracuda, Sailfish, King Mackerel, and many more.

Offshore fishing trips are good for experienced anglers, groups for friends, and those who want to reel in a bigger catch. Be ready to travel into the federal waters miles off the coast.

Offshore fishing trip prices

$770 is the average base price for a private 4-hour offshore fishing charter and 2 anglers. Add $50 for an each additional person. Fishing charters can accommodate up to 6 persons depending on the capacity of the boat.

$595 is the lowest price for a 4-hour offshore fishing trip in Key West.

There are more than 29 fishing companies in Key West and nearby cities. You will have a lot of choices to book your next fishing retreat.

Tip: It’s better to take a 6-hour or 8-hour offshore fishing trip for the best fishing experience. Offshore fishing spots are away from the coast, so you will need some time to get there.

Standard tips are 15-20% of the price you paid for your charter if the crew did a good job.

Best time for offshore fishing

The best time to go offshore fishing in Key West are considered to be May, March and October.

Popular offshore fish species

• Mahi Mahi
• Barracuda
• Sailfish
• King Mackerel
• Wahoo

Popular offshore fishing charters

• Wild Bill Sport Fishing from $900.00
• Sea Clusion from $1100.00
• FUNYET Charters from $1000.00

Family-friendly fishing charters in Key West

Key West family-friendly fishing charters provide trips for anglers of all ages. Local Captains will educate you and your family on how to use the tackle and catch various fish species.

If you choose to be away from the rough seas and stay close to the shore, inshore fishing could be your next choice. Since the waters are calm, your family can focus on relaxing fishing.

Family-friendly fishing trip prices

Select a 4-hour inshore fishing charter if you are planning a trip to Key West. It’s a short trip for a quick outing — perfect for kids because they will learn something new and won’t get tired.

On average, the base price for a private 4-hour family-friendly fishing charter is $436 for 2 anglers. Add $50 for each additional person. Captains can take 4-6 anglers depending on the length of the boat.

Popular family-friendly fishing charters

Shark fishing charters in Key West

Key West waters are home to an abundant population of various shark species. Key West shark fishing charters are committed to providing you with an exciting fishing experience.

You can have an amazing fishing outing and a chance to catch Blacktip Shark, Bull Shark, Nurse Shark, Bonnethead Shark, and many more.

Note: not all shark species can be caught or landed in Florida. Some species are considered prohibited. These sharks have to be released. But don't worry about shark identification. Your Captain will assist you.

Sharks inhabit nearshore waters around river mouths, bays, mangrove swamps, and shallow flats. Deep waters are home to adult sharks, while shallows are a playground for juveniles and pups.

Using dead bait is the most consistent way to catch sharks. The perfect live or dead bait for targeting sharks could be Mullet, Little Tunny, Landyfish, or Blue Runner. Your Captain will provide the proper bait for your shark fishing trip.

Shark fishing trip prices

$522 is the average price for a 4-hour shark fishing trip and 2 guests. Add $50 for an extra angler. Fishing charters can accommodate 4-6 anglers depending on the size of the vessel.

In Key West and nearby cities, there are about 13 shark fishing charters. You will have a lot of choices to book your next fishing retreat.

Best time for shark fishing in Key West

Sharks are active all year round. The best months for targeting sharks in Key West are from March through October.

Popular shark species

• Blacktip Shark
• Bull Shark
• Nurse Shark
• Bonnethead Shark
• Shortfin Mako Shark

Popular shark fishing charters

Tarpon fishing charters in Key West

Tarpon are one of the top species you can target in Key West waters. Many local charters specialize in putting anglers on Tarpon. They will show you all the spots, techniques, and provide you with the best bait.

Tarpon inhabit waters around river mouths, bays, mangroves, and shallows. The go-to bait for Tarpon fishing would be shrimps, pinfish, mullet, and crabs.

Note: The best practice is never to bring your catch in the boat because Tarpon is a catch-and-release-only fishery. Tarpon over 40 inches must stay in the water. So be careful with your trophy, take a photo of a lifetime, and let it go.

Tarpon fishing rates

On average, the base price for a 6-hour Tarpon fishing charter is $580 for 2 anglers. An extra angler fee is $50.

In Key West and nearby cities, there are around 15 fishing guides specialized in Tarpon fishing.

Best time for Tarpon fishing in Key West

Tarpon fishing season in Key West is late spring through summer. The perfect months are October, September, and June.

Popular Tarpon fishing charters

FAQ

What is included in the price?

Most trips are all-inclusive. You will have everything you need for a fishing trip: rods, reels, tackle, lures, and cooler with ice. Usually, Captains clean the catch for free.

The trip price includes a saltwater fishing license. It covers all the anglers on the boat.

A Fishing charter has to have a federal permit if you are planning to fish in the federal waters.

What to bring on a fishing charter trip?

Depending on the weather, Captains recommend bringing sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, long sleeve shirt, hat, windbreaker, waterproof jacket, waterproof pans, appropriate non-skid footwear, gloves, your medicines, bug bite cream, sanitizer, drinks, and snacks.

Bring your freshwater license if you are planning to fish in the freshwater.

Some Captains don’t recommend bringing spray sunscreen, liquor, weapons, fireworks, and inappropriate footwear.

How to book a fishing charter trip?

You can make a reservation with a 10-30% deposit.

The remaining balance has to be paid directly to the Captain on the day of your trip or upon arrival.

The majority of the fishing charter deposits are refundable if you can cancel before the cancellation deadline. It's usually within 2-14 days of your trip date. Keep in mind that some of the bookings could be non-refundable.

What are the closest boat ramps and marinas to Key West?

Popular public boat ramps and marinas near Key West are:

• Key West City Marina - Boat Ramp, 1801 N Roosevelt Blvd — 2 mins from Key West
• Murray Marine, 5710 Overseas Hwy — 8 mins from Key West
• City Marina At Garrison Bight, 1801 N Roosevelt Blvd — 2 mins from Key West