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Recently Booked Bonnethead Shark Fishing Charters Near Key West, Fl
Flats, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Summerland Key
Summerland Key Flats Action
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Other Trips in Key West
Have you ever wanted to catch that once-in-a-lifetime fish, capture that awe-inspiring sunset, or enjoy an unforgettable day with your family on the water? With Captain John, you can do just that. Spend your half, 3/4, full or extended day trip exploring the beautiful flats around Key West as you chase down tarpon, permit, barracuda, sharks, snappers and more. This back country/flats charter is a popular choice for both longtime anglers and families because of its wide range of fishing opportunities. Hop on the 24' Yellowtail and the highly-rated Captain John will take you where you need to be. Your adventure will begin at the dock as Captain John explains what you can expect on your trip. No detail will be left out or question unanswered in order to make your trip exciting, educational, and memorable. Be sure to bring any beverages or snacks you might need, and Captain John will provide everything else. Read More
What sounds better than a quiet chain of islands in the beautiful Florida Keys with world class fishing? With Captain John, you can visit exactly that place. Spend the day exploring the beautiful flats around the Marquesas Keys as you chase down groupers, sharks, snappers and more. A couple dozen miles West of Key West, the Marquesas Keys are a hidden treasure when it comes to Florida fishing. Surrounded by flats, wrecks and reef features, these remote islands are home to some of the best fishing in the world. The journey starts aboard Captain John's 24' Yellowfin in Key West. Expect a bit of a trip to get to these islands, but it is well worth the wait! No detail will be left out or question unanswered in order to make your trip exciting, educational, and memorable. Be sure to bring any beverages or snacks you might need, and Captain John will provide everything else. Read More
Flats, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West
Marquesas Key "Hidden Gem" Trip
What's better than Tarpon fishing in the Florida Keys? Doing it twice in one day! Whether you want to spend a half day or a full day hunting these "Silver Kings," the highly-rated Captain John has you covered. Hop on his 24' Yellowfin and chase the first biters in the morning, and if that's not enough, stick around for more prime-time tarpon fishing at sunset! Tarpons have become the most sought-after game fish in the Florida Keys. This mammoth migrates up and down the coast filling up the bridge passes and backcountry waters. Tides, weather, and moon phases play an essential factor in a Tarpon’s behavior, but these kings are always hungry, biting on both live and artificial bait. We recommend going after these fish between March and August. Your adventure will begin at the dock as Captain John explains what you can expect on your trip. No detail will be left out or question unanswered in order to make your trip exciting, educational, and memorable. Be sure to bring any beverages or snacks you might need, and Captain John will provide everything else. Read More
Have you ever wanted to catch that once-in-a-lifetime fish, capture that awe-inspiring sunset, or enjoy an unforgettable day with your family on the water? With the highly-rated Captain John, you can do just that. Hop on the 24' Yellowfin and enjoy an evening of Tarpon fishing under a beautiful Florida Key sunset, when the tarpon are biting the most! Tarpons have become the most sought-after game fish in the Florida Keys. This mammoth migrates up and down the coast filling up the bridge passes and backcountry waters. Tides, weather, and moon phases play an essential factor in a Tarpon’s behavior, but these kings are always hungry, biting on both live and artificial bait. We recommend going after these fish between March and August. Your adventure will begin at the dock as Captain John explains what you can expect on your trip. No detail will be left out or question unanswered in order to make your trip exciting, educational, and memorable. Be sure to bring any beverages or snacks you might need, and Captain John will provide everything else. Read More
Captain Mark will guide you on a thrilling adventure through the waters of Key West, Florida! You’ll be fishing aboard Captain Mark’s “Cowboy,” a 45 sportfisher is a spectacular boat equipped with two 1100 HP engines that will get you out to your destination quickly and seamlessly. This boat will answer all of your sport fishing goals and interests. She features a large deck and a recently restored, comfortable interior. This boat is also fully air-conditioned, boasts performance-grade tackle, and has a fighting chair on the deck. She can accommodate up to 6 adventurous anglers and has a GPS, fishfinder, live bait well, and ice box. On this 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12-hour trip, you’ll be targeting a wide variety of species, including Billfish, like White Marlin and Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Mutton Snapper, and Amberjack. You might also catch a few sharks. Prepare yourself to feel the intense power of this apex predator as you reel it in. 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
Captain Mark will guide you on a thrilling adventure through the waters of Key West, Florida! You’ll be fishing aboard Captain Mark’s 36-foot sportfisher, which is equipped with two 750 HP engines that will get you out to your destination quickly and seamlessly. She can accommodate up to 6 adventurous anglers and has a GPS, fishfinder, live bait well, and ice box. On this 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12-hour trip, you’ll be targeting a wide variety of species, including Billfish, like White Marlin and Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Mutton Snapper, and Amberjack. You might also catch a few sharks. Prepare yourself to feel the intense power of this apex predator as you reel it in. 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
Captain Mark will guide you on a thrilling adventure through the waters of Key West, Florida! You’ll be fishing aboard Captain Mark’s 40-foot Luhrs sportfisher, which is equipped with two 750-HP Caterpillar engines that will get you out to your destination quickly and seamlessly. She can accommodate up to 6 adventurous anglers and has a GPS, fishfinder, live bait well, and ice box. On this trip, you’ll be targeting a wide variety of species, including Billfish, like White Marlin and Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Mutton Snapper, and Amberjack. You might also catch a few sharks. Prepare yourself to feel the intense power of this apex predator as you reel it in. 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, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West
Key West Deep Sea Run - 40' Luhrs
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
Come experience the Florida Keys on this incredible fishing adventure with Captain Justin! The Keys are a world-renowned fishing destination, and there's no better way to enjoy all that they have to offer than a trip aboard his 24' Sailfish. Captain Justin specializes in calm water, light tackle, “good times” fishing. This is ideal for beginner to intermediate anglers who are looking to bend some rods and hear the drag scream. Target species include Snappers, Groupers, Barracuda, and Shark. These will vary by season and weather, but rest assured—Captain Justin will put you on some awesome fish! You'll be fishing aboard his 24' Sailfish center console, a fast and manueverable boat ideal for fishing nearshore areas. Features include an enclosed head (restroom), large live well, freshwater shower/saltwater rinse down, comfortable seating, T-top for shade, and a JL Audio stereo system with subwoofers. The Sailfish has a variable deadrise hull that offers an incredibly smooth and comfortable ride, powered by a Suzuki 300HP engine with a maximum speed of 45mph. This is the only boat in the fleet that is equipped with LED lighting and offers night fishing and star gazing trips. Being a 24' single mono-hulled center console makes for the perfect fishing & diving platform. The Sailfish is the biggest boat in the shallow back country, and is more than capable of getting to the reef and beyond. Captain Justin will provide everything you need for a successful day out on the water, from rods, reels, and tackle, to ice, water, and fishing licenses. All he recommends you bring are any snacks and drinks and he'll take care of the rest! Dont miss this amazing fishing experience. Read More
Climb aboard with Captain Antonio "Tony" for an epic 4 to 8-hour experience up to 17 miles off the coast of the beautiful Florida Keys. Whether you want to troll the open waters or post up and do some bottom fishing, this luxurious 35' Egg Harbor sportfisher will have you covered! Trolling the open waters can produce hard fighting species like Amberjacks, Sailfish and Mahi. Trolling trips are great because the boat and the knowledge of your captain take care of half the work for you. You get to sit back, relax, enjoy the sweet sea breeze, and rest your arms while you wait for the reel to start screaming and your work to begin. Bottom fishing changes the target species to an entirely different set of fish. You can expect delicious and hard-fighting reef species like Snapper, Grouper, Cobia, Kingfish, and even Sharks! The experienced crew will provide all the fishing gear you need, and they'll even serve up some delicious sandwiches on the 6 and 8 hour trips. All that’s left to do is bring some drinks and sunscreen, and cast off with Captain Tony! Read More
Deep Sea, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West
Offshore Fishing,Reef & Wreck And Sunset
Climb aboard with Captain Mike for an epic half, 3/4, or full-day experience off the coast of the beautiful Florida Keys! Whether you want to spend a half day near-shore, spend some extra time to go off-shore, or even do a little of both, this luxurious 63' custom built sportfisher will meet all your needs. Trolling the open waters can produce hard fighting species like Amberjacks, Sailfish and Mahi. Trolling trips are great because the boat and the knowledge of your captain take care of half the work for you. You get to sit back, relax, enjoy the sweet sea breeze, and rest your arms while you wait for the reel to start screaming and your work to begin! Bottom fishing changes the target species to an entirely different set of fish. You can expect delicious and hard-fighting reef species like Snapper, Grouper and Amberjacks! Captain Mike will provide all the fishing gear you need to catch some picture-worthy fish. All that’s left to do is bring some food, drinks and sunscreen, and cast off with Captain Mike! Read More
Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Stock Island
Key West Nearshore/Offshore Trip
Hop on board with Captain Brad and prepare for a stunning adventure to the waters of Dry Tortugas! His 34' Yellowfin will take up to 4 anglers on this exciting 68-mile trip. The remote Dry Tortuga National Park comes with once-in-a-lifetime views. Home to seven islands and even the massive coastal fortress that is Fort Jefferson, it's a sight to be seen for sure. Fishing in the Dry Tortugas yields many species of fish including all kinds of Snapper, Grouper, Cobia, Amberjack, Kingfish and many more. On this 8-hour trip, Captain Brad will take you on a 68-mile trip from Key West to these remote islands. You'll be using light tackle, bottom fishing and jigging to catch any of these picture-worthy species. Captain Brad is happy to demonstrate proper fundamentals for all techniques. He grew up fishing in the Keys and is sure to put you where the fish are biting! Captain Brad fishes aboard a 34’ Yellowfin center console with a capacity for 4 people. Powered by 2 300 HP Suzuki engines, this well-outfitted vessel is sure to comfortably get you where you need to be in no time. It has a GPS, Fishfinder, Live Bait Well, Outriggers, Ice Box and even a bathroom! Captain Brad will provide all rods, reels, and tackle. All you need to bring is any food or drinks you might want, and a camera is recommended. Climb aboard and go on an adventure! Read More
Everything to Know About Booking a Key West bonnethead shark fishing charter
What are the best bonnethead shark fishing charters in Key West?
Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 4 bonnethead shark trips in Key West, and the most popular trips in the area are Key West Fishing Adventure guided by Justin and Shark Fishing Trip guided by Brad.
Our guides in Key West are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 2545 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 Bonnethead Shark charter include Summerland Key and Ramrod Key.
Looking for kid friendly bonnethead shark guides / fishing lessons in Key West? Check out our beginner and family friendly bonnethead shark guides in Key West.
What types of bonnethead shark fishing charters are common in Key West?
Nearshore fishing is the most popular for bonnethead shark in Key West as well as inshore fishing and flats fishing.
The most common fishing techniques in Key West are light tackle fishing, bottom fishing, and live bait fishing but fly fishing and heavy tackle fishing are popular as well.
How much do Key West bonnethead shark fishing charters cost?
for bonnethead shark in Key West prices can range anywhere from about $390 to $900, but the average price for a half day trip for bonnethead shark in Key West is $571. The average price for a full day trip for bonnethead shark in Key West is $686.
What month is best for bonnethead shark fishing in Key West?
The most popular season for bonnethead shark fishing in Key West is spring, and most anglers book their trips 30 days in advance.
Do I need a Key West fishing license for bonnethead shark and what are the bag limits for bonnethead shark 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 bonnethead shark fishing in Key West all about?
Bonnethead shark fishing in Key West offers anglers an exhilarating and memorable experience. The bonnethead shark, a member of the hammerhead shark family, is abundant in the warm waters surrounding Key West, making it a popular target for both novice and experienced anglers. These sharks are known for their distinctive shovel-shaped heads and relatively small size compared to other shark species, making them manageable and exciting to catch.
The best time to target bonnethead sharks in Key West is during the warmer months, typically from late spring to early fall. During this time, these sharks can be found in shallow coastal waters, flats, and around the edges of channels and mangrove islands. They are known to feed actively during dawn and dusk, making these prime times for anglers to target them. Additionally, bonnethead sharks are more active during periods of tidal movement, so fishing around the incoming or outgoing tide can increase the chances of success.
Anglers can employ a variety of techniques when fishing for bonnethead sharks in Key West. One popular method is using light tackle or spinning gear with live or cut bait, such as mullet, ladyfish, or squid. Bonnetheads are opportunistic feeders and will readily take a well-presented bait. Another effective technique is sight fishing for bonnetheads in shallow waters, where anglers can spot the sharks cruising along the flats or near the surface. Casting artificial lures or flies that mimic baitfish or crustaceans can entice a strike from these sharks. Regardless of the technique used, landing a bonnethead shark can provide anglers with an adrenaline-pumping battle and a memorable fishing experience in the waters of Key West.
What are the most popular months to fish for bonnethead shark fishing in Key West?
In Key West, bonnethead sharks can be found year-round, but their abundance and activity levels vary depending on the season. During the warmer months, particularly from late spring to early fall, bonnethead sharks are more prevalent in the waters surrounding Key West. As the water temperatures rise, these sharks become more active and are often found in shallower coastal areas, flats, and around channels and mangrove islands. Anglers have better chances of encountering bonnethead sharks during this time, as they are more active and feeding actively.
During the cooler months, typically from late fall to early spring, bonnethead shark activity may decrease slightly in Key West. While they can still be found in the area, their movements may be more sporadic, and they may seek deeper waters to maintain optimal temperatures. However, bonnethead sharks are resilient creatures and can adapt to various environmental conditions, so they can still be targeted by anglers even during the cooler months. Additionally, some anglers prefer fishing for bonnethead sharks during the cooler months when other species may be less active, providing an alternative fishing opportunity in Key West.
Overall, Key West offers opportunities for bonnethead shark fishing throughout the year, with the warmer months typically yielding higher catch rates and more active fish. However, anglers visiting Key West during the cooler months can still target bonnethead sharks with success by adjusting their techniques and focusing on areas where these sharks may seek refuge from cooler temperatures. Whether fishing in the peak of summer or the depths of winter, Key West provides anglers with ample opportunities to encounter and catch bonnethead sharks, adding excitement and adventure to their fishing experiences in this vibrant coastal destination.
What techniques are popular for catching bonnethead shark in Key West?
In Key West, anglers have several effective techniques for targeting bonnethead sharks. One popular method is using live or cut bait, such as mullet, pinfish, or ladyfish, presented on the bottom using a variety of rigs. One effective rig for bonnethead sharks is the fish finder rig, which consists of a sliding weight above a swivel, allowing the bait to move freely while keeping it near the bottom. Another rig commonly used is the Carolina rig, which includes a sliding egg sinker above a swivel and leader, offering versatility in adjusting the bait's depth.
Another productive technique for bonnethead shark fishing in Key West is casting artificial lures, such as spoons, jigs, or soft plastic swimbaits. These lures mimic the movement of injured baitfish and can entice strikes from curious bonnethead sharks. Anglers can cast these lures along the flats, around channels, or near structure where bonnethead sharks are known to frequent. Retrieving the lures with a slow and steady retrieve can be effective in attracting the attention of these sharks and enticing them to strike.
Chumming is another effective technique for bonnethead shark fishing in Key West. Anglers can use a mix of ground-up baitfish, fish parts, or commercially available chum to create a scent trail in the water, attracting bonnethead sharks to the fishing area. Once the sharks are drawn in, anglers can present baits or lures to entice them to bite. Chumming can be particularly effective when fishing from anchored boats or stationary positions, allowing anglers to attract sharks to their location and increase their chances of success. However, it's essential to follow local regulations and guidelines when chumming to minimize environmental impact and ensure responsible fishing practices.
What other species are popular in Key West?
Aside from bonnethead sharks, Key West offers a diverse range of fish species for anglers to target. One popular species is the tarpon, known for its impressive size and acrobatic leaps when hooked. Tarpon can be found in the waters around Key West year-round, with peak seasons typically occurring from spring through early fall. Anglers often target tarpon using live bait, such as mullet or crabs, or by casting artificial lures like swimbaits or plugs near bridges, channels, or flats where tarpon are known to migrate.
Another sought-after species in Key West is the permit, prized for its challenging fight and elusive nature. Permit can be found in shallow flats, wrecks, and reefs throughout the area, particularly during the spring and summer months. Anglers often sight-fish for permit, using live crabs or shrimp as bait or casting crab or shrimp imitation flies to entice strikes. Permit fishing requires patience, precision casting, and keen observation to spot these wary fish and present baits or lures effectively.
Key West also offers excellent opportunities for anglers to target a variety of reef fish, including grouper, snapper, and amberjack. These species inhabit the numerous reefs, wrecks, and rock formations found in the area's offshore waters. Grouper, such as black grouper and red grouper, are often targeted using live bait or jigs near structure, while snapper, including yellowtail snapper and mangrove snapper, can be caught using live bait or cut bait presented on the bottom. Amberjack, known for their powerful runs and brute strength, are often targeted using live baitfish or vertical jigging techniques around wrecks and offshore structures. Anglers visiting Key West can enjoy a diverse array of fishing experiences, from battling powerful gamefish to reeling in delicious table fare from the abundant reefs and waters surrounding the island.
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Other Fishing Species in Key West
- African Pompano
- Amberjack
- Atlantic Mackerel
- Barracuda
- Black Grouper
- Blackfin Tuna
- Blacktip Shark
- Blue Marlin
- Bluefish
- Bonefish
- Bonito
- Bull Shark
- Cero Mackerel
- Cobia
- Cubera Snapper
- False Albacore
- Florida Pompano
- Gag Grouper
- Goliath Grouper
- Grunt
- Hammerhead Shark
- Hogfish
- Horse-eye Jack
- Jack Crevalle
- Kingfish
- Lane Snapper
- Lemon Shark
- Lionfish
- Lobster
- Mahi Mahi
- Mako Shark
- Mangrove Snapper
- Mutton Snapper
- Nurse Shark
- Permit
- Queen Snapper
- Rainbow Runner
- Red Grouper
- Red Snapper
- Redfish
- Sailfish
- Scamp Grouper
- Skipjack Tuna
- Snook
- Snowy Grouper
- Spanish Mackerel
- Speckled Trout
- Striped Marlin
- Swordfish
- Tarpon
- Tiger Shark
- Tilefish
- Triggerfish
- Tripletail
- Vermillion Snapper
- Wahoo
- Warsaw Grouper
- White Marlin
- Yellowtail Amberjack
- Yellowtail Snapper
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What's biting in Key West?
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