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Black Grouper Fishing Charters In Key West

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Recently Booked Black Grouper Fishing Charters Near Key West, Fl

Fishing in Key West

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West "Flex" Sportfishing

100% (6)
24 ft 1 - 4 People $$
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Fishing in Key West

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West Fishing Slam

NEW
36 ft 1 - 6 People $$$
Fishing in Key West

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West Offshore Action

86% (7)
33 ft 1 - 6 People $$
Damn Good
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Fishing in Key West

Deep Sea, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West Deep Sea Run - 40' Luhrs

100% (4)
40 ft 1 - 6 People $$$
Fishing in Key West

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West Fishing Adventure

100% (2)
24 ft 1 - 4 People $$
Fishing in Key West

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Wreck & Reef Fishing - 29’ Sea Vee

100% (1)
29 ft 1 - 6 People $$

Most Popular Types of Black Grouper Trips in Key West

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Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

More Black Grouper Fishing Charters Near Key West, Fl

Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
trip description for Key West Mixed Bag Trip in Key West

Join Captain Brad on an exciting fishing adventure in Key West, Florida. Captain Brad is extremely friendly and courteous, and wants to help you reel in your personal best! On these 4, 6, and 8-hour adventures, Captain Brad will help you catch a variety of species, including Mahi Mahi / Dorado, Black Grouper, Goliath Grouper, Red Grouper, King Mackerel / Kingfish, Sailfish, Red Snapper (depending on the season), Yellowtail Snapper, and Wahoo. You’ll be fishing aboard Capt. Brad’s 43-foot sportfisher which is equipped with a large fishing cockpit, a functioning Tuna Tower, and an extra-large live well capacity. On this trip, Captain Brad emphasizes light tackle but is more than happy to accommodate for live bait slow trolling, reef & wreck, dead bait trolling, kite fishing, and blue water fly fishing. Captain Brad will provide Penn, Shimano, and Daiwa rods, reels, tackle, and lures. They will also provide live bait, drinks, fly fishing equipment, and fish cleaning/filleting at no extra cost. A first mate will be on board to help you at all times. Make sure you bring a hat, sunscreen, and some food/snacks for the day! The crew is excited to give you a great fishing trip – it doesn’t matter if you’ve fished a hundred times or whether this is your first time taking the family fishing – there’s something for everyone to enjoy! Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West Mixed Bag Trip

100% (3)
43 ft 1 - 6 People $$
Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
trip description for Key West Sportfish Trip in Key West

Captain Mark will guide you on an action-packed adventure through the waters of Key West, Florida! You’ll be fishing aboard Captain Mark’s 37-foot Contender side console powered by two 250 HP Yamaha engines. She comes with outriggers, downriggers, and a live bait well. She also boasts air conditioning, a multimedia system, TV, refrigerator, and an ice-box. On this trip, you’ll be targeting a wide variety of species, including Black Grouper, Blackfin Tuna, Blue Marlin, Dorado (Mahi Mahi), Yellowtail, Wahoo, and many more. The longer you go, the farther out you can travel, and the farther out you travel, the bigger the fish get! Don’t forget to bring a cooler to take home your day’s catch, food and drinks for the day (no glass), sunscreen, and a hat. Captain Mark will provide all rods, reels, tackle, and fishing licenses. Let go of your daily responsibilities and have some fun fishing with Captain Mark! Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West Sportfish Trip

100% (1)
37 ft 1 - 6 People $$$
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
trip description for Edge of the Map Trip in Key West

Whether you're looking to hit the backcountry of the Gulf of Mexico, chase fish in Key West Harbor, or rip it out to the reef on the Atlantic side, a half day trip with Captain Spencer offers seemingly endless opportunities. And Captain Spencer is just the man to customize the perfect trip for you! There are tons of different species to target on these half day trips all depending on how you'd like to spend the day. Some of them are; cobia, permit, bonefish, mutton snapper, mangrove snapper, red grouper, black grouper, gag grouper, sharks, barracudas, and jacks but there are many more as well. Captain Spencer is all about customizing your experience, so if there is something specific you'd like to target, just let him know in the days leading up to the trip and he can make it happen! Captain Spencers 25' Pathfinder is extremely versatile in this regard shallow enough to maneuver the backcountry and local grass flats, and sturdy enough to handle the light chop of the open ocean. The vessel also has a full tower which optimizes your fishing opportunities by sighting fish and bait easier. She can accommodate 6 guests, however, Captain Spencer prefers to fish with 4 or less. Captain Spencer can also make accommodations to pick you up from many places around Key West. If you are staying somewhere with water access let us know and Captain Spencer will try to accommodate picking you up from your location. Read More

Flats, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Edge Of The Map Trip

100% (1)
25 ft 1 - 4 People $$
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
trip description for Key West Silver Kings and More in Key West

Key West provides the unique ability to target the tarpon migration in Key West Harbor. This trip is offered from (roughly as the migration does fluctuate) March 1- July 31. This trip is centered around fishing-specific times and tides in Key West Harbor and other areas surrounding Key West. If chasing the Silver King is what you're after book know to get out there with the best!! During this trip, there are many other fish that you can catch in the harbor as well. Some of them are; cobia, permit, bonefish, mutton snapper, mangrove snapper, red grouper, black grouper, gag grouper, sharks, barracudas, jacks and many other species. Captain Spencer's 25' Pathfinder is the perfect boat to fight from when doing battle with these overgrown prehistoric minnows. The vessel also has a full tower which optimizes your fishing opportunities to spot and sightfish the Tarpon as they roll, not to mention score bait easier. She can accommodate 6 guests, however, Captain Spencer prefers to fish with 4 or less. Captain Spencer can also make accommodations to pick you up from many places around Key West. If you are staying somewhere with water access let us know and Captain Spencer will try to accommodate picking you up from your location. Read More

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

Key West Silver Kings And More

100% (2)
25 ft 1 - 4 People $
Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
trip description for Morning 1/2 Day Fishing Charter in Key West

Wake up and go fishing! A 4-hour fishing trip is a great way to fish and explore the local waters surrounding Key West. Our half-day trips usually leave the dock around 7:30 a.m. and return around 11:30 a.m. However, this may change depending on the conditions, time of year, and customer preference. Captain John's mission is always to provide the best fishing experience possible with the conditions at hand. His vessel, a 28' center console (built by Latitude Tournament Boats), is a true "hybrid" fishing machine. This means that on a nice day, you can comfortably fish offshore reefs, wrecks, and Gulfstream currents. You also have the option to fish backcountry channels, inshore wrecks, and nearshore patch reefs if the wind picks up. On a full day, we might have the opportunity to target multiple species both in the deep and the shallow. Captain John specializes in light tackle fishing. This means he'll match the rod and reel outfit to the size fish you're targeting to make for the best overall angling experience. If you would like to fly fish, the captain can accommodate you. However, you must bring your own fly fishing equipment. Expect to target Amberjack, Barracuda, Tuna, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, Grouper, and more, depending on the length of your trip. Evening Tarpon trips are also offered. Live bait makes a big difference. Pilchards, pinfish, herring, ballyhoo, and blue crabs are some of the varieties you are likely to find in the livewell. Catching bait is part of the charter, and while it may take some extra time, your captain knows it makes the difference between a fantastic fishing trip and one that's just okay. Your fishing license is included. Bring sunblock (non-spray), sunglasses, a hat, snacks, and drinks. Book your trip and hit the water with Captain John! Read More

Deep Sea, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Morning 1/2 Day Fishing Charter

67% (3)
25 ft 1 - 4 People $$
Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West

Deep Sea, Inshore, Jetty, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Offshore, Inshore , Sandbar, And Sunset

100% (1)
27 ft 1 - 6 People $$
See All Black Grouper Trips in Key West

Everything to Know About Booking a Key West black grouper fishing charter

What are the best black grouper fishing charters in Key West?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 36 black grouper trips in Key West, and the most popular trips in the area are Key West "Flex" Sportfishing guided by John, Key West Fishing Slam guided by Mark, and Key West Offshore Action guided by John.

Our guides in Key West are rated a 4.79 out of 5 based on 2565 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are licensed, insured, and 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.

Other popular cities nearby for booking a Black Grouper charter include Summerland Key, Naval Air Station Key West and Cudjoe Key.

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

What types of black grouper fishing charters are common in Key West?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular for black grouper in Key West as well as nearshore fishing, inshore fishing, and flats fishing.

The most common fishing techniques in Key West are light tackle fishing, bottom fishing, and trolling but heavy tackle fishing and jigging are popular as well.

How much do Key West black grouper fishing charters cost?

for black grouper in Key West prices can range anywhere from about $700 to $1,970, but the average price for a half day trip for black grouper in Key West is $931. The average price for a full day trip for black grouper in Key West is $1,448.

What month is best for black grouper fishing in Key West?

The most popular season for black grouper fishing in Key West is spring, and most anglers book their trips 25 days in advance.

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

You’re in luck! Our fishing tours in Key West don’t require you to purchase a fishing license – your group is covered by your boat’s captain. See here for more information on bag limits and fishing season regulations in Key West.

What is black grouper fishing in Key West all about?

Black grouper is a prized target for anglers visiting Key West, known for its delicious flavor and impressive size. These large, predatory fish inhabit the reefs and wrecks around Key West, making them accessible to both offshore and inshore anglers. Black grouper can be found year-round in the waters of Key West, although they are more commonly targeted during the cooler months when they tend to be more active and congregated in certain areas.

Fishing for black grouper in Key West typically involves bottom fishing near structures such as reefs, ledges, and wrecks where these fish like to hide and ambush their prey. Anglers often use heavy tackle and live bait such as mullet, pinfish, or grunts to entice strikes from black grouper. Additionally, artificial lures like jigs and large swimbaits can also be effective when bounced along the bottom in areas where black grouper are known to inhabit.

Aside from black grouper, Key West offers a wide variety of other species to target, providing anglers with diverse fishing opportunities. From snapper and grouper to pelagic species like tuna and mahi-mahi, Key West boasts an abundance of marine life that attracts anglers from around the world. Whether fishing from a charter boat offshore or casting from shore along the flats, anglers visiting Key West are sure to find a wide range of species to target and plenty of action to keep them hooked.

What are the most popular months to fish for black grouper fishing in Key West?

Black grouper seasons in Key West are relatively consistent throughout the year, as these fish can be found in the area's waters year-round. However, certain times of the year may offer better opportunities for anglers to target black grouper due to factors such as water temperature, migration patterns, and spawning behavior. In general, the cooler months from late fall to early spring tend to be prime times for black grouper fishing in Key West, as the fish are more active and often congregate in larger numbers.

During the winter months, black grouper tend to move into shallower waters closer to shore, making them more accessible to anglers fishing from both boats and shore. Additionally, black grouper may be more abundant around offshore reefs and wrecks during this time, providing anglers with ample opportunities to target these prized fish. As the water temperatures warm up in the spring and summer months, black grouper may move to deeper waters or seek cooler areas, but they can still be caught with the right techniques and fishing strategies.

Anglers targeting black grouper in Key West should be aware of any seasonal closures or regulations that may affect their ability to catch and keep these fish. Fisheries management measures such as size limits, bag limits, and closed seasons are in place to help protect and sustain black grouper populations for future generations. By adhering to these regulations and practicing responsible fishing practices, anglers can continue to enjoy the thrill of catching black grouper in Key West while ensuring the long-term health of the fishery.

What techniques are popular for catching black grouper in Key West?

When fishing for black grouper in Key West, employing the right techniques can significantly increase your chances of success. One effective method is bottom fishing using live or cut bait. Black grouper are opportunistic feeders and are attracted to a variety of baits, including mullet, pinfish, squid, and shrimp. Anglers can use a variety of rig setups, such as fish finder rigs or Carolina rigs, to present the bait effectively on the bottom near structures like reefs, ledges, and wrecks, where black grouper often reside.

Another popular technique for targeting black grouper in Key West is jigging. Jigging involves vertically dropping a weighted jig or lure to the bottom and then quickly jerking it up and down to mimic the movement of prey. This technique can be highly effective for enticing strikes from black grouper, especially when fishing in deeper waters or areas with strong currents. Anglers can use a variety of jigs, including bucktail jigs, butterfly jigs, and vertical jigs, in different colors and sizes to match the conditions and preferences of the fish.

Trolling is another productive technique for catching black grouper in Key West, particularly when targeting larger specimens. Anglers can troll with diving plugs, swimbaits, or natural baits behind a boat at varying speeds to cover a larger area and locate active fish. When trolling for black grouper, it's essential to keep an eye on the depth finder and focus on areas with structure or baitfish concentrations. Additionally, using downriggers or planer boards can help get your baits down to the desired depth and increase your chances of hooking into a trophy-sized black grouper.

What other species are popular in Key West?

In addition to black grouper, Key West offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities targeting various species, making it a hotspot for anglers of all skill levels. One popular species to target is the yellowtail snapper, known for its delicious taste and challenging fight. Yellowtail snapper can be found around reefs, wrecks, and patch reefs throughout the area, making them accessible to both offshore and inshore anglers. Anglers often use light tackle and live bait like pilchards or shrimp to entice these colorful and tasty fish.

Another sought-after species in Key West waters is the mahi-mahi, also known as dolphin fish or dorado. These vibrant and acrobatic fish are typically found in offshore waters near floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks. Anglers often troll with artificial lures or live baitfish to target mahi-mahi, but they can also be caught using casting techniques when sight fishing around weed patches or diving birds. Mahi-mahi provide thrilling fights and are prized for their delicious flesh, making them a favorite among sport fishermen.

For those looking for larger game fish, Key West offers opportunities to target species like sailfish, wahoo, and tuna. These pelagic species are often found in deeper offshore waters, where they patrol the Gulf Stream and other currents in search of prey. Anglers typically troll with large artificial lures or rigged baits to entice these fast-swimming predators, but they can also be caught using live bait or casting techniques when they come closer to shore. These species provide exhilarating battles and are highly prized for their speed, strength, and table fare, making them top targets for offshore anglers visiting Key West.

Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

  • ★★★★★
    My husband and son had nothing but great things to say about their trip! “Best trip ever” per my son. They were able to catch a 40+ lb grouper! They loved every minute and said Spencer was super knowledgeable! Worth every penny for the experience!

    Michelle P. with Spencer C. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Had a fantastic trip with Captain John in July of 2023. Went for a morning trip on our honeymoon, caught tons of fish, had a lot of fun. John and his first mate were very competent, personable, and provided an excellent experience. The boat was well outfitted, John knew several spots with lots of fish, and gave us more time than we'd paid for. Great experience, will absolutely book again next time we're in the keys.

    Clare D. with John G. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Excellent service! Will definitely use again. Very knowledgeable about the area and put us in the fish. Loved every minute of it and highly recommended to anyone who wants to go fishing!

    Jonathan L. with Brandon S. of Summerland Key, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great time

    Leo M. with Antonio E. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Excellent trip with John. Good guys, on fish all day and had a great time. Definitely would book again!

    Kevin V. with John G. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great fishing trip, memorable experience, would refer John and partner to anyone interested charting fishing trip in KeyWest!

    Rob R. with John G. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had a fantastic time with captain Brad. We tried different techniques and despite being a rough choppy day we still have out with a lot of fish. We all enjoyed it and highly recommend him to anyone!

    Shai K. with Brad S. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain David Larson was nice, professional and best of all, he put us on the fish! I did the 4 hour charter and we caught barracuda, massive bull shark, trigger fish, grouper, and blue fish. By the end of the 4 hours I was happy and exhausted. Captain David was experienced, helpful and a genuine good guy.

    Blake L. with John J. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Chris and will were so much fun, they made it fun, comfortable and plain amazing let us catch live bait, and they let us reeel in the fish. The best fishing charter I have been on.

    Jerry H. with Mark B. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great day fishing with Captain Brandon. We caught a lot of fish, including barracuda, snapper, nurse and lemon shark. Brandon kept moving around to ensure that we stayed on the fish. We've fished with a number of guides over the years and Brandon was one of the best!

    Michael B. with Brandon S. of Summerland Key, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    First off, there was some confusion with the first Capt. we were booked with and he didn’t have us on his schedule. I called the cust service line and Adam took great care of me. He showed genuine concern and was able to get us booked with Capt. Bob. 5 stars for Adam. We enjoyed our trip with Capt. Bob. He was knowledgeable and accommodating, got us into some fish, and coached us on casting. Great guy! I would recommend Capt. Bob for anyone interested in fly fishing the flats.

    Joe M. with Bob B. of Summerland Key, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Brandon was fantastic. We went out on the coldest day of January, 2024 and we still caught fish. Brandon is extremely knowledgeable of the area and how to fish it, informative and extremely patient, especially with a beginning like me. I couldn’t have been happier the way the day turned out. I caught some beautiful Snapper for dinner and then some Barracuda and Sharks for sport. I highly recommend his services and he would be my first choice on a return trip to the Keys. Thank you, Mark Maynard

    Mark M. with Brandon S. of Summerland Key, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had the best time ever! It was my first time to go deep sea fishing and my husband and I both caught a Wahoo and plenty of other fish! mark and Nell’s were amazing! We had a local restaurant cook our fish for us that evening. Great trip!!

    Lynda B. with Mark B. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time out , Mark and crew did all they could to get on the fish.Thanks

    Dan C. with Mark B. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    David made it fun and kept me busy. I plan to use him again!

    Jonathan T. with John J. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Our charter with Captain John was fantastic! Despite the windy conditions, he managed to get us on fish in many different spots. John is very knowledgeable and a super fun guy! We will definitely be booking with Captain John again. Shannon & Greg Johnson

    Greg J. with John D. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Our charter with Captain Justin was so much fun! Despite the windy conditions, he managed to get us on fish in many different spots. Justin is a very knowledgeable captain and is a super fun guy! Definitely will be booking with Captain Justin again! Shannon & Greg Johnson

    Greg J. with Justin F. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Fantastic!! Even though the rain got us

    Mark C. with John D. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great day with Captain Spencer. He put us on the fish and even a nice shark! He was very professional and easy going. He went above and beyond for the four of us on our dad-cation. Not only did he put us in the fish he put us in to some great local Cuban sandwiches. If I head back to the keys with my friend or my family I will definitely book Captain Spencer again!

    Walter S. with Spencer C. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great time on the water! Very nice boat with plenty of room. Captain and deck hand were great!

    Jason M. with Brad S. of Key West, Florida

What's biting in Key West?

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