Damn Good Cobia Fishing Charters In Key West

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Recently Booked Cobia Fishing Charters In Key West, Fl

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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% (32)
27 ft 1 - 12 People From $700
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Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Offshore Fishing,Reef & Wreck And Sunset

100% (32)
35 ft 1 - 12 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

Inshore, Nearshore, Jetty Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West Inshore, Nearshore, Jetty Trip

100% (32)
27 ft 1 - 12 People From $700
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Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Key West

Private Patch Reef & Flats Fishing

100% (1)
30 ft 1 - 12 People From $1,195
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West Exotic Reef Fishing

NEW
34 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,000

Top Types of Cobia Trips in Key West

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Target Species in Key West

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More Cobia Fishing Charters In Key West, Fl

Damn Good
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
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Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore, Jetty Fishing Charter in Key West

Ultimate Action Fishing In Key West

100% (4)
33 ft 1 - 12 People From $800
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Key West

The Florida Keys Inshore Experience

100% (1)
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $700
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

RideOut Charters Key West

NEW
30 ft 1 - 12 People From $900
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West Offshore Action

89% (9)
33 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,000
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Legendary Fishing In Key West

100% (8)
55 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,100
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Everything to Know About Booking a Key West cobia fishing charter

What are the best cobia fishing charters in Key West?

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

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 36 cobia trips in Key West, and the most popular trips in the area are Key West Offshore - '27 CC guided by , Offshore Fishing,Reef & Wreck and Sunset guided by , and Key West Silver Kings and More guided by .

Our guides in Key West are rated a 4.94 out of 5 based on 4219 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 cobia guides / fishing lessons in Key West? Check out our beginner and family friendly cobia guides in Key West.

What types of cobia fishing charters are common in Key West?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular type of fishing for cobia 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 live bait fishing and artificial lure fishing are popular as well.

How much do Key West cobia fishing charters cost?

Prices for cobia in Key West can range anywhere from about $900 to $2,990, but the average price for a half day trip for cobia in Key West is $1,474. The average price for a full day trip for cobia in Key West is $2,185.

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 cobia fishing in Key West?

The most popular season for cobia fishing in Key West is spring, and most anglers book their trips 38 days in advance.

Do I need a Key West fishing license for cobia and what are the bag limits for cobia 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.

What is cobia fishing in Key West all about?

Cobia, also known as ling or lemonfish, are a prized catch among anglers in Key West for their impressive size, fighting ability, and delicious flesh. These powerful and predatory fish can be found in the nearshore and offshore waters around Key West, particularly around wrecks, reefs, and other structures where they prey on baitfish and crustaceans. Cobia are known for their distinctive appearance, with a broad, flattened head, elongated body, and dark lateral stripe running along their sides.

Fishing for cobia in Key West typically involves targeting them around wrecks, reefs, or other offshore structures where they are known to congregate. Anglers often use live bait such as crabs, pinfish, or mullet rigged on heavy tackle to entice strikes from cobia. Additionally, trolling with large lures or jigs in areas where cobia are likely to be found can also be effective for enticing strikes. Cobia are known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights once hooked, providing anglers with thrilling battles that make for memorable fishing experiences.

While cobia can be encountered year-round in Key West, they are most abundant during the warmer months, from spring through fall. During this time, cobia are more active and readily feed in the nearshore and offshore waters, making them easier to locate and catch for anglers. Whether targeting cobia for their impressive fights or their delicious flesh, Key West offers anglers a thrilling and rewarding fishing experience in pursuit of these formidable game fish.

What are the most popular months to fish for cobia in Key West?

In Key West, cobia can be found throughout the year, but their abundance and behavior can vary depending on the season. Generally, the prime seasons for targeting cobia in Key West occur during the warmer months, spanning from late spring through early fall. During these months, cobia are more active and readily feed in the nearshore and offshore waters around Key West, making them easier to locate and catch for anglers.

Spring and summer are particularly favorable seasons for cobia fishing in Key West due to the warmer water temperatures and increased prey availability. These months coincide with the spawning and migration patterns of cobia, leading to higher concentrations of these predators in the area. Anglers can expect to encounter cobia around wrecks, reefs, and other offshore structures, where they congregate to feed on baitfish and crustaceans, providing ample opportunities for successful fishing trips.

While cobia can be caught year-round in Key West, they may be less abundant or more scattered during the cooler months of fall and winter. However, with their migratory patterns and the influence of ocean currents, cobia can still be found in nearshore waters throughout the year, providing anglers with opportunities for thrilling catches. Whether targeting cobia for their impressive fights or their delicious flesh, Key West offers anglers a variety of techniques and seasons to pursue these formidable game fish.

What techniques are popular for catching cobia in Key West?

Fishing for cobia in Key West requires employing various techniques tailored to the behavior and habitat of these powerful predators. One effective method for targeting cobia is sight fishing, which involves scanning the surface of the water for cobia cruising nearshore or around structures such as wrecks, buoys, or channel markers. Anglers often use polarized sunglasses to enhance visibility and spot cobia, then cast live bait such as crabs, pinfish, or mullet towards the fish to entice strikes. This technique requires patience, keen observation, and precise casting to effectively present the bait to the cobia.

Another popular technique for cobia fishing in Key West is bottom fishing, which involves anchoring or drifting near wrecks, reefs, or other offshore structures where cobia are known to congregate. Anglers use heavy tackle with live or cut bait such as crabs, squid, or fish to target cobia near the bottom. Deploying baits at varying depths can help anglers target cobia at different water levels, increasing their chances of enticing strikes. Additionally, chumming the water with baitfish or oily substances can attract cobia to the area and encourage feeding activity.

Trolling is also an effective technique for targeting cobia in Key West, particularly in offshore waters where cobia may be found patrolling along reef edges, drop-offs, or areas with baitfish concentrations. Anglers troll with large lures or rigged baits at varying speeds and depths to cover a wide area and locate feeding cobia. Using downriggers or planers can help anglers present their baits at different depths and increase their chances of attracting strikes. Whether sight fishing, bottom fishing, or trolling, Key West offers anglers a variety of techniques to target cobia and enjoy thrilling angling experiences in pursuit of these formidable game fish.

What other species are popular in Key West?

Aside from cobia, Key West offers anglers a diverse array of species to target, ensuring exciting fishing opportunities year-round. One popular catch in Key West's waters is the tarpon, often referred to as the "silver king" for its impressive size, acrobatic leaps, and powerful fights. Tarpon can be found in the shallow flats, channels, and backcountry waters around Key West, particularly during the warmer months. Anglers targeting tarpon often use live bait such as mullet or crabs, as well as artificial lures such as swimbaits or topwater plugs, to entice strikes from these formidable game fish.

Another prized species in Key West's waters is the mahi-mahi, known for its vibrant colors, delicious flesh, and aggressive strikes. Mahi-mahi, also known as dorado or dolphin fish, are often found around floating debris, weed lines, or offshore structures where they feed on small fish and crustaceans. Anglers targeting mahi-mahi typically use trolling techniques with brightly colored lures or natural baits such as ballyhoo or squid, as well as casting with artificial lures or live bait fishing with offerings such as pilchards or small jigs, to entice strikes from these acrobatic game fish.

Additionally, Key West offers opportunities to target a variety of other species, including grouper, snapper, sailfish, and more. Whether fishing from a private boat, charter vessel, or the shoreline, anglers can enjoy thrilling angling experiences while exploring the city's scenic coastal waters. With its diverse marine ecosystem and abundance of fishing opportunities, Key West provides anglers with endless possibilities for memorable fishing outings and unforgettable catches.

Recent Reviews

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

    Carol T. | March 24, 2025

    Trip: Key West Offshore - '27 CC

  • ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    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 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

  • ★★★★★
    Can’t say enough great things about Captain Torre! He put us on the fish quickly and made the trip a blast for both our kids and the non-fishy people in the group. He’d be the first one I’d call when we are next down this way

    Jessica B. | February 20, 2025

    Trip: 4-6 Hour Fishing Trip (inshore fishing)

  • ★★★★★
    We had an amazing trip with Captain Tony. He was super knowledgeable, kind and patient with a new young angler. He put us directly on fish and specifically the tuna we wanted. We will fish with Tony again for sure. If you are looking for guide, Tony is the man and knows the Key West waters and area well being born and raised in Key West.

    Britt B. | February 18, 2025

    Trip: Offshore Fishing,Reef & Wreck and Sunset

  • ★★★★★
    We had a wonderful afternoon fishing with Antonio and Tony!! Very pleasant and attentive, constantly moving to find us the best spots. Went above and beyond to ensure we caught fish, even on a slow day. Would highly recommend

    Rodney G. | February 9, 2025

    Trip: Offshore Fishing,Reef & Wreck and Sunset

  • ★★★★★
    Tony is a great young man who worked tirelessly to find us some tuna. Great manners, boat etiquette, and fishing acumen. Enjoyed the trip tremendously!

    Randy S. | February 7, 2025

    Trip: Key West Inshore, Nearshore, Jetty Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Fantastic trip, caught 8 different species of fish and many of them

    Richard E. | February 6, 2025

    Trip: Edge of the Map Trip

  • ★★★★★
    If you want to catch and not just “fish” - Tony is your guy! Highly recommend and we plan to use him in the future. Thanks for a fun trip Tony!

    Paul D. | January 23, 2025

    Trip: Key West Inshore, Nearshore, Jetty Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great trip with Brad. He was prompt and polite, but most importantly, a very attentive and experienced captain. He gave us many options for our outing and let us determine the course of our day. Highly recommend!

    Curtis C. | January 10, 2025

    Trip: Key West Mixed Bag Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Anthony was awesome! Great with the kids and adults alike. The weather wasn't cooperating on our trip but he still managed to put us some fish even if wasn't our target for the day. I would fish with Captain Anthony again anytime!

    Jb H. | January 7, 2025

    Trip: Ultimate Action Fishing in Key West

  • ★★★★★
    We had a wonderful afternoon. Our guide was very knowledgeable and professional.

    Geoff C. | January 7, 2025

    Trip: Private Patch Reef & Flats Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    This Captain delivers! We caught at least 30 fish in 4 hours including a variety of Snappers, Groupers and a 5 foot Lemon Shark. You won’t be disappointed!

    Mark L. | December 29, 2024

    Trip: The Florida Keys Inshore Experience

  • ★★★★★
    Brad and his first mate were first class. Helped us fish for all different kinds of fish. We even caught a 6 foot sailfish! Our family had a very nice time and highly recommend Captain Brad!

    Michael V. | December 25, 2024

    Trip: Key West Mixed Bag Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Tony was a fantastic guide who knew the right places to fish. His knowledge of the local waters and species was incredible and we caught 30 fish including a prized huge Mutton! So much fun and we will definitely go with Captain Tony with screaming lines again!!

    Stephen B. | December 24, 2024

    Trip: Key West Inshore, Nearshore, Jetty Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Our trip with Tony was amazing! Our family had such a good time catching all sorts of different species. After catching fish pretty consistently for about four hours, Tony was nice enough to clean our fish for us. We were able to take our filets to the restaurant next to where he picked us up where they cooked them for us. Overall it was a great day and we highly recommend Tony and his services!

    Tyler L. | December 22, 2024

    Trip: Key West Inshore, Nearshore, Jetty Trip

  • ★★★★★
    We had a blast with Joe and Captain Chuck. Will definitely return!

    Yohannes H. | October 28, 2024

    Trip: Legendary Fishing in Key West

What's biting in Key West?

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