Damn Good Cudjoe Key Fishing Charters

Cudjoe Key, a hidden gem in the Florida Keys, offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities that are often overlooked by tourists. With Cudjoe Key fishing charters, anglers can experience the full spectrum of Florida Keys fishing, without the crowds and bustle of more popular destinations.

The wrecks around Cudjoe Key are home to Grouper, Cobia, Kingfish, and Barracuda, while the reefs hold Yellowtail, Mutton, and Mangrove Snapper. The flats offer a unique challenge for those seeking to quietly stalk elusive Bonefish and Permit, as well as the chance to battle the Silver King. Offshore fishing for Tuna and Billfish is also exceptional in these waters.

Even a short afternoon on the water can be productive at Cudjoe Key, with half-day reef excursions yielding plenty of excellent tasting fish, especially during the summer months. However, those targeting flats species should allow for extra time, as patience is required. Full-day offshore expeditions typically produce the best results.

Cudjoe Key is split into northern and southern portions by US Highway 1, with the majority of development located in the south around Cudjoe Bay. This makes it easy for visiting anglers to find charters and quickly locate their captain for the day, with easy access to any fishing spot desired.

For anglers fishing aboard a charter boat, licenses are covered by the captain. However, those exploring the local flats and inshore waters alone must obtain a Florida fishing license ahead of time to comply with regulations.

With two oceans touching Cudjoe there is no shortage of fish to catch. The keys are known for variety, and that holds true for the inshore fishing here. In the channels and backcountry waters for snook and reds, on the gulf side as well as bonefish on the Atlantic side. Starting in the early spring, bonefish make their way into the flats and bays around Cudjoe Key and stay all summer long. Permit will show up on either side like trout, which will hold up in the grass flats.

A little later in the spring, tarpon swarm the bays and channels around the Island. Tarpon hang out in shallow waters from the backcountry to the bridges where you also have a shot at sharks and grouper. With enough variety for several trips, the inshore fishing in Cudjoe Key is world-class.

Head past the reefs on the Atlantic side and you will be in marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, and blackfin tuna feeding grounds. Mahi-mahi are also commonly caught here and can even be caught closer in. Offshore on the gulf side means catching cobia while trolling or dropping bait for snapper and grouper species. The difference in fish species between the two sides of Cudjoe Key can be confusing but regardless of what side you choose for your trip, this is a magical place to wet lines.

Cudjoe Key fishing charters offer a variety of options for anglers of all levels. The most common types of fishing charters in Cudjoe Key are offshore, reef, and backcountry fishing.

Offshore fishing charters take you out to the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic Ocean, where you can catch big game fish like marlin, sailfish, and tuna. Reef fishing charters take you to the coral reefs near Cudjoe Key, where you can catch snapper, grouper, and other reef fish. Backcountry fishing charters take you to the shallow waters of the Florida Bay, where you can catch tarpon, bonefish, and permit.

Some of the most common fish to catch in Cudjoe Key include tarpon, bonefish, permit, snapper, grouper, marlin, sailfish, and tuna.

Cudjoe Key fishing charters often visit landmarks like the Bahia Honda State Park and the Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary, where you can experience some of the best fishing in the Florida Keys. So, whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, there's a Cudjoe Key fishing charter that's perfect for you.

Cudjoe Key, Florida is a prime destination for fishing enthusiasts. With its crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life, there are plenty of great spots to cast a line. Here are some of the best places to fish in Cudjoe Key, whether you're going on a fishing charter or just casting from shore:

1. The Content Keys - These small islands offer some of the best fishing in the area, with plenty of opportunities to catch tarpon, bonefish, and permit.

2. Sawyer Key - This uninhabited island is a popular spot for fishing charters, thanks to its abundance of snapper, grouper, and other game fish.

3. The Gulf of Mexico - Just a short boat ride from Cudjoe Key, the Gulf of Mexico is home to a wide variety of fish, including redfish, snook, and trout.

4. The Backcountry - With its shallow waters and mangrove-lined channels, the backcountry is a great place to catch tarpon, snook, and other species.

5. The Bridges - The bridges that connect Cudjoe Key to the mainland are popular spots for fishing charters, with plenty of opportunities to catch snapper, grouper, and other game fish.

While Cudjoe Key fishing charters are a popular attraction, there are plenty of other things to do in this Florida city. Take a trip to the nearby Bahia Honda State Park for some stunning views and outdoor activities like snorkeling and kayaking. For a unique experience, visit the National Key Deer Refuge to see the endangered Key deer up close. If you're looking for a bit of history, check out the historic Overseas Highway or the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in nearby Key West. And of course, no trip to Florida is complete without a visit to the beach - head to the nearby Sugarloaf Beach or venture a bit further to the famous Key West beaches.