Damn Good Key West Fishing Charters

Check real-time availability and compare rates on Key West fishing trips. Deep Sea, Nearshore, Inshore, Flats, and Jetty trips available.

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Recently Booked Fishing Charters In Key West, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Wreck & Reef Fishing - 29’ Sea Vee

100% (3)
29 ft 1 - 6 People From $900
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Jetty, Flats Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West Silver Kings And More

100% (8)
25 ft 1 - 4 People From $600
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Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West Fishing Slam

95% (20)
36 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,050
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Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore, Jetty Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West Offshore - '27 CC

100% (33)
27 ft 1 - 12 People From $700
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Key West

The Florida Keys Inshore Experience

100% (2)
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $700
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Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Offshore Fishing,Reef & Wreck And Sunset

100% (33)
35 ft 1 - 12 People From $900

Top Types of Trips in Key West

Top Species for Fishing in Key West

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Target Species in Key West

View Full Species Seasonality Chart »
  • Get it while it's HOT!
  • This species is in play.
  • You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
  • Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

More Fishing Charters In Key West, Fl

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Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West Sportfishing Trip

95% (20)
45 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,200
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Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West Sportfish Trip

95% (20)
37 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,150
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Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West Family Fun Fishing

100% (22)
30 ft 1 - 6 People From $750
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Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West Mixed Bag Trip

100% (11)
43 ft 1 - 6 People From $950
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Inshore Trip - 18’ Xplor Flats Boat

100% (3)
18 ft 1 - 3 People From $550
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West "Flex" Sportfishing

100% (13)
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $650
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Everything to Know About Booking a Fishing Charter in Key West

What are the best fishing charters in Key West?

Why should I book a fishing charter in Key West with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 126 trips in Key West, and the most popular trips in the area are Key West Offshore - '27 CC guided by , The Florida Keys Inshore Experience guided by , and Offshore Fishing,Reef & Wreck and Sunset guided by .

Our guides in Key West are rated a 4.95 out of 5 based on 4361 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Looking for kid friendly charters / fishing lessons in Key West? Check out our beginner and family friendly charters in Key West.

What types of fishing charters are common in Key West?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular type of fishing in Key West as well as nearshore fishing, inshore fishing, and flats fishing.

The most commonly sought after species in Key West are: 1. mutton snapper, 2. yellowtail snapper, 3. black grouper, 4. blackfin tuna, and 5. mahi mahi.

The most common fishing techniques in Key West are light tackle fishing, bottom fishing, and trolling but live bait fishing and artificial lure fishing are popular as well.

How much do Key West fishing charters cost?

Prices in Key West can range anywhere from about $715 to $2,990, but the average price for a half day trip in Key West is $1,261. The average price for a full day trip in Key West is $2,054.

Is booking a fishing guide worth the money?

Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a fishing guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.

Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear and tackle, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.

Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your home waters, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.

What month is best for fishing in Key West?

The most popular season for fishing in Key West is spring, and most anglers book their trips 26 days in advance.

Do I need a Key West fishing license and what are the bag limits in Key West?

See here for more information on fishing licenses in Key West, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in Key West. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in Key West.

Key West Fishing Charter Overview

Key West, located in Florida, is a prime destination for sportfishing enthusiasts. Positioned between the Gulf and the Atlantic, Key West offers a diverse range of fish species, making it a tropical paradise for anglers of all ages and experience levels.

The flats and mangroves of Key West are home to popular fly fishing species such as Bonefish, Tarpon, and Permit. These fish can be found from spring through fall, along with Mangrove Snapper. Half-day trips are available for those seeking a quick fishing excursion, while full-day trips offer the opportunity to target all three species for an Inshore Grand Slam.

For those seeking tasty fish, the reefs of Key West are a must-visit. 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.

For a more challenging experience, offshore trolling for Tuna and Mahi Mahi, as well as Blue Marlin in summer or Sailfish in winter, is available. These trips require a full day and advanced skills to maximize the experience.

For competitive anglers, the Del Brown Permit Tournament and Key West Marlin Tournament take place in July. However, Key West offers great weather and a variety of fish species year-round.

Fishing licenses are included on all saltwater charters in Florida, both private trips and party boats. It is important to note that most Groupers are protected from January to April, and Permit are catch-and-release only from April through July. It is recommended to ask the captain for the most up-to-date information on seasons and limits.

Key West Inshore Fishing Charters

Inshore fishing in Key West is one of the main reasons people visit the island. Just pull up a map of Key West to see the endless bays, basins, islands, flats, and backcountry fishing Key West offers. Legendary Key West flats fishing charters target some of the most coveted inshore species in the world (and if you want a change of pace, another hidden gem of an activity is Key West lobster charter snorkeling and spearfishing trips).

The "Grey Ghost", or Bonefish, can be found cruising these flats in pursuit of crabs and other tasty morsels. The best season to catch these elusive creatures is from April to October, but Bonefish fishing can also be great in warmer periods between cold fronts in the winter.

Tarpon, or "The Silver King", make their yearly migratory stop in Key West as the water warms up in late spring. Of course other inshore species inhabit these waters as well, like Redfish, Snook, Mangrove Snapper, Permit, Jacks, and Speckled Trout. You can expect to cast for these species in the backwater channels, flats or bays around Key West.

Key West Fly Fishing Guides

For the fly fisherman, there is no better place to sight fish for your bucket list species than Key West. Our Damn Good Key West fishing guides have the local knowledge required to catch the Key West Slam - Tarpon, Bonefish, and Permit - all in a single day.

Key West Deep Sea and Offshore Fishing

In Key West, the quality of fishing doesn't end when you head further out to sea. Deep sea fishing Key West offers ample reefs, wrecks and other seafloor structure for a lifetime of fishing.

Offshore trips can expect to take a center console boat out 10+ miles to catch Mahi-Mahi, Wahoo, Tuna, and Kingfish. Shark fishing near Key West is also fantastic and can be a blast on nearshore and deep sea trips.

Key West has plenty of fishing charters for the deep sea angler: equipped with all the amenities needed for a half day or more on the water, large Key West sport fishing boats are the bread and butter of Key West deep sea fishing charters.

Prized sport fish like Marlin, Sailfish, and other elusive pelagic species like Swordfish are often caught on these trips. They are generally found from the Gulfstream to the east and south to Dry Tortugas. Increase your odds at sizing up the fish of a lifetime with an overnight night fishing trip out of Key West.

Whether you want to bounce around reefs and wrecks to fill up the freezer with delicious meat like red snapper, or go marlin fishing to hook into a Grander that will drag the boat like Hemingway in The Old Man and the Sea, our Key West offshore and deep sea charters have you covered!

View All Key West Deep Sea Fishing Charters

Popular Types of Fishing In Key West, FL

The most common types of Key West fishing charters are deep sea fishing, flats fishing, and reef fishing. Deep sea fishing is perfect for those looking to catch big game fish like marlin, sailfish, and tuna. Flats fishing is ideal for those who want to catch bonefish, tarpon, and permit in shallow waters. Reef fishing is great for those who want to catch snapper, grouper, and other reef fish.

Some of the most common fish to catch in Key West include mahi-mahi, wahoo, yellowtail snapper, and kingfish. Key West fishing charters often visit landmarks like the Dry Tortugas National Park and the Marquesas Keys for some of the best fishing spots in the area. So, whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, there's a Key West fishing charter that's perfect for you.

The Best Places To Fish In Key West, FL

Key West, Florida is a paradise for fishing enthusiasts. With its crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life, it's no wonder that it's a top destination for fishing charters. Here are some of the best places to fish in Key West:

1. The Marquesas Keys: This remote chain of islands is a prime spot for fishing charters, with its shallow flats and abundant tarpon, bonefish, and permit.

2. The Gulf of Mexico: The Gulf of Mexico is home to a variety of fish species, including grouper, snapper, and kingfish. Fishing charters in this area often target wrecks and reefs for the best catch.

3. The Backcountry: The Backcountry is a maze of mangrove islands and shallow flats that are perfect for fly fishing. It's also a great spot for catching tarpon, bonefish, and permit.

4. The Atlantic Ocean: The Atlantic Ocean is a deep-sea fishing paradise, with opportunities to catch sailfish, marlin, and tuna. Fishing charters in this area often venture out to the Gulf Stream for the best catch.

5. The Key West Harbor: The Key West Harbor is a great spot for fishing charters, with its abundance of tarpon, snook, and redfish. It's also a convenient location for those who want to stay close to shore.

Other Things To Do In Key West, FL

While Key West fishing charters are a popular attraction, there are plenty of other things to do in this vibrant city. Take a stroll down Duval Street and explore the unique shops and restaurants, or visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum to learn about the famous author's life. For a taste of history, check out the Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters Museum. If you're looking for adventure, take a jet ski tour or go parasailing. For a more relaxed experience, head to the beach and soak up the sun at Smathers Beach or Higgs Beach. Don't forget to catch a sunset at Mallory Square and watch street performers put on a show. With so much to do, Key West is the perfect destination for any traveler.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    Great guide and all around good guy!

    Caleb M. | April 14, 2025

    Trip: 4-6 hour spearfishing/Lobster

  • ★★★★★
    We had a wonderful Experience , great communication even with rescheduling for weather and had a wonderful trip experience. We would use again.

    Stephanie S. | April 8, 2025

    Trip: Key West Sportfishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time on the water with captain Tony! He led us right to the fish! He is absolutely an expert in his craft! We would definitely fish with him again!

    Jessica N. | April 2, 2025

    Trip: Key West Offshore - '27 CC

  • ★★★★★
    Justin was great! Lots of fish and a fun time. We will definitely be back!

    Louann H. | April 1, 2025

    Trip: The Florida Keys Inshore Experience

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time with billy. He took the time to show us a few things, and tell us about the keys. He is a very cool guy and I would recommend booking with him. I plan on doing this again and if I do, I will be trying to get billy again. We had a blast and caught a handful of fish. He knew where to go and what bait to use. I cant say enough of the great time and what a great guy he is,I could not thank him enough.

    Gregory C. | March 27, 2025

    Trip: Key West Wreck Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Very professional and knowledgeable!

    Slate F. | March 26, 2025

    Trip: Summerland Key Flats Action

  • ★★★★★
    Really good time. Even tho the fishing was a little slow, captain didn’t give up really did his best to put me on fish and it ended up paying off with a few good ones at the end. Also had a few big ones break off. But hey that’s fishing.

    Riley R. | March 25, 2025

    Trip: Key West "Flex" Sportfishing

  • ★★★★★
    awesome trip, polite friendly, clean would recommend and will be calling again

    Carol T. | March 24, 2025

    Trip: Key West Offshore - '27 CC

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time with mason-fun day on the water

    Blaine W. | March 19, 2025

    Trip: Dry Tortugas fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great day on the water with Capt. Tony

    Chris S. | March 19, 2025

    Trip: Key West Offshore - '27 CC

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great trip with Torre, we went to a few different sites lobstering and he provided helpful and always friendly tips to us as beginners! He reached out already before the trip re weather to expect, gear needed etc. which was helpful us. I can 100% recommend.

    Marcel S. | March 17, 2025

    Trip: 4-6 hour spearfishing/Lobster

  • ★★★★★
    We really enjoyed our trip brad was very knowledgeable and helpful as was his deckhand very easygoing and professional I will be back soon to book with him again

    John D. | March 15, 2025

    Trip: Key West Mixed Bag Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip with Zach. He really knows the waters around the Keys! We had a blast and would highly recommend!

    Taylor T. | March 13, 2025

    Trip: Big Pine Key Fly or Light Tackle - Skiff

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time with Tyler. He was a lot of fun to hang out with. Caught a bunch of different species of fish. Good time!

    Taylor T. | March 10, 2025

    Trip: Marquesas Key Run

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome and very knowledgeable guide. Highly recommended!

    Matthew D. | March 7, 2025

    Trip: Keys Flats and Back Country Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Alex and mate Brooks were terrific!! We were on the fish for the entire trip. Caught tarpon, jack fish, barracuda, grouper and red snapper. I would highly recommend these guys!!

    Gary S. | March 7, 2025

    Trip: Backcountry - 24’ Shearwater

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome day! The Fish had no chance! The Yellowtail and Mahi wore us out reeling them in. Great Captain, great fish, great experience! We will be booking again on our next visit.

    Christopher K. | March 6, 2025

    Trip: Offshore Fishing,Reef & Wreck and Sunset

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great trip out with Alex! He took us to various spots to fish and see what was biting. He made sure the likes always had fresh bait, gave tips on how to use the equipment, identified the fish we saw in the water (and some sharks too!) and what we were catching. He was informative about the area, fishing there, etc. He recommended a great little place where we could take our catch to have it cooked immediately after- was very good!! We had a great experience!

    Kelly T. | March 4, 2025

    Trip: Backcountry - 24’ Shearwater

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time fishing with Spencer. He is a great guy and knows his stuff with putting you on the fish! We caught all kinds or species. It was a great trip !

    Jeff F. | March 4, 2025

    Trip: Edge of the Map Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip! The bite wasn’t great, but we were able to catch a few and got our targeted Mahi Mahi!

    April C. | March 3, 2025

    Trip: Key West Offshore Experience

Top Fishing Techniques in Key West

Top Types of Fishing in Key West

How are fishing conditions in Key West?

View Key West Fishing Reports from our damn good guides.

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The proof is in the pudding, and we’re incredibly proud of our 4.9 / 5 average review score. Hit the button below to see more trip options:

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