Damn Good Goliath Grouper Fishing Charters In Key West

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Recently Booked Goliath Grouper Fishing Charters In Key West, Fl

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Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

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

Key West Offshore Or Inshore

100% (22)
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

Key West Mixed Bag Trip

100% (8)
43 ft 1 - 6 People From $950
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Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

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

Ultimate Action Fishing In Key West

100% (3)
33 ft 1 - 12 People From $800
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Key West

Southernmost Mahi Offshore Fishing

100% (3)
29 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,200
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
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Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Wreck & Reef Fishing - 29’ Sea Vee

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

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Key West

Marquesas Key "Hidden Gem" Trip

100% (12)
24 ft 1 - 5 People From $1,200

Top Types of Goliath Grouper Trips in Key West

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Target Species in Key West

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More Goliath Grouper Fishing Charters In Key West, Fl

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

Key West Sport Fishing Experience

NEW
30 ft 1 - 12 People From $900
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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.
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Fishing in Destin
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Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West To Dry Tortugas Charter

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Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Key West

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89% (9)
33 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,000
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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.
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Fishing in Destin
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Inshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Second Generation Bay Boat

100% (2)
25 ft 1 - 6 People From $800
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Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Key West

Dry Tortugas Smash

89% (9)
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Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Key West

4 Hour Nearshore Fishing Trip

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

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

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

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 26 goliath grouper trips in Key West, and the most popular trips in the area are Key West Offshore or Inshore guided by Antonio, Key West Mixed Bag Trip guided by Brad, and Wreck & Reef Fishing - 29’ Sea Vee guided by Garrett.

Our guides in Key West are rated a 4.92 out of 5 based on 3806 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 goliath grouper guides / fishing lessons in Key West? Check out our beginner and family friendly goliath grouper guides in Key West.

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

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular type of fishing for goliath 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 heavy tackle fishing but trolling and jigging are popular as well.

How much do Key West goliath grouper fishing charters cost?

Prices for goliath grouper in Key West can range anywhere from about $875 to $3,025, but the average price for a half day trip for goliath grouper in Key West is $1,417. The average price for a full day trip for goliath grouper in Key West is $2,041.

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 goliath grouper fishing in Key West?

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

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

In Key West, Florida, the goliath grouper, also known as the jewfish, is a colossal and iconic species that captures the attention of anglers seeking an exhilarating challenge. These massive fish can reach weights of up to 800 pounds or more and are renowned for their impressive size and strength. Goliath grouper are primarily found in nearshore waters around reefs, wrecks, and other structure-rich areas, where they lie in wait to ambush passing prey.

Fishing for goliath grouper in Key West offers anglers a thrilling and memorable experience. Due to their protected status as a critically endangered species, goliath grouper are strictly catch-and-release only in Florida waters. Anglers can target goliath grouper using heavy tackle and stout rods, as well as large live or dead baits such as mullet, jack crevalle, or large fish heads. Once hooked, goliath grouper put up a formidable fight, often requiring considerable skill and determination to bring them to the boat.

While goliath grouper fishing in Key West is primarily a catch-and-release activity, anglers can still enjoy the thrill of hooking into these massive fish and experiencing the raw power they possess. Additionally, encountering a goliath grouper in its natural habitat provides anglers with a deeper appreciation for the importance of conservation efforts to protect these majestic creatures. Whether fishing from a charter vessel or the shoreline, anglers in Key West can immerse themselves in the thrill and excitement of targeting goliath grouper against the backdrop of the city's stunning coastal scenery.

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

In Key West, Florida, goliath grouper can be found in the area's waters year-round, but certain seasons offer more favorable conditions for targeting these massive fish. Generally, the best time to encounter goliath grouper in Key West is during the warmer months, from late spring through early fall. During this time, goliath grouper are more active and can be found inhabiting nearshore reefs, wrecks, and other structure-rich areas where they feed and seek shelter.

Spring marks the beginning of the goliath grouper season in Key West, as warming water temperatures stimulate the movement and feeding behavior of these colossal fish. As the weather warms, goliath grouper become more active and venture into shallower waters, making them more accessible to anglers. During this time, anglers can target goliath grouper using a variety of techniques, including bottom fishing with large live or dead baits near structure.

Fall sees another peak season for goliath grouper fishing in Key West, as cooling water temperatures trigger increased activity among these massive fish. During this time, goliath grouper can be found feeding aggressively in the nearshore waters, providing anglers with ample opportunities to target them. Whether fishing from a boat, kayak, or the shoreline, anglers in Key West can enjoy the challenge and excitement of targeting goliath grouper against the backdrop of the city's stunning coastal scenery.

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

Fishing for goliath grouper in Key West, Florida, requires specialized techniques due to the sheer size and strength of these massive fish. One effective method is bottom fishing using heavy tackle and stout rods. Anglers typically anchor near structure-rich areas such as reefs, wrecks, or bridge pilings where goliath grouper are known to inhabit. Large live or dead baits, such as mullet, jack crevalle, or large fish heads, are then deployed near the bottom using heavy-duty rigs. Once a goliath grouper takes the bait, anglers must be prepared for a powerful and intense battle to bring the fish to the boat.

Another successful technique for targeting goliath grouper in Key West is using vertical jigging with heavy metal jigs or large soft plastic lures. Anglers drop the jig or lure to the bottom and then jig it vertically in an up-and-down motion to mimic the movements of injured prey. Goliath grouper are ambush predators and are often attracted to the commotion created by the jigging action. This method can be particularly effective when fishing near wrecks or other submerged structures where goliath grouper are known to congregate.

Goliath grouper fishing in Key West can also be productive using live bait suspended mid-water column or near the surface. Anglers can deploy large live baits such as mullet or blue runners using float rigs or balloons to keep the bait at the desired depth. This technique allows anglers to cover different parts of the water column where goliath grouper may be actively feeding. Whether bottom fishing, vertical jigging, or suspending live bait, anglers in Key West can enjoy the challenge and excitement of targeting these massive and formidable fish against the backdrop of the city's stunning coastal scenery.

What other species are popular in Key West?

Key West, Florida, offers anglers a diverse range of species to target aside from goliath grouper, providing ample opportunities for exciting and memorable fishing experiences. One popular catch is the yellowtail snapper, prized for its delicate flavor and vibrant coloring. Yellowtail snapper can be found inhabiting reefs, wrecks, and other structure-rich areas in both nearshore and offshore waters. Anglers targeting yellowtail snapper often use light tackle and small hooks baited with shrimp, squid, or small fish to entice strikes from these tasty fish.

Another sought-after species in Key West's waters is the blackfin tuna, known for its speed and powerful fights. Blackfin tuna can be found in offshore waters around weed lines, floating debris, and offshore structures, where they feed on small fish and squid. Anglers targeting blackfin tuna often use trolling techniques with small lures or rigged baits, as well as live bait such as pilchards or small fish, to attract strikes from these powerful predators.

In addition to yellowtail snapper and blackfin tuna, Key West offers opportunities to target a variety of other species, including king mackerel, cobia, and wahoo. Whether fishing from a private boat or charter vessel, anglers can enjoy thrilling angling experiences while exploring the city's scenic coastal landscapes. 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

  • ★★★★★
    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 Offshore or Inshore

  • ★★★★★
    We had such a great time and our guide was fun, knowledgeable, and put us on the fish all trip! We will be going back for sure.

    Rae S. | October 6, 2024

    Trip: Key West Offshore Action

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Steve and mate Stan are the best they put us on the fish and we will definitely be back

    Jason R. | September 25, 2024

    Trip: Key West Sportfishing Adventure

  • ★★★★★
    We had an amazing time! We had a special interest in Mahi and captain brad and his first mate made it happen. It was great, they made us feel super comfortable and confident. We were able to score Mackerel, Yellowtail and we latched on 3 Mahi’s at the very very last second! Super lucky. Brad and his first mate made it happen! We were able to leave with 2 mackerels and 2 Mahi Mahi’s! Thank you! You won’t regret booking with them. Special experience.

    María A. | September 2, 2024

    Trip: Key West Mixed Bag Trip

  • ★★★★★
    My families trip with Captain John was awesome. John is a humble, hardworking, easy going, chill, dude and fit right in with our families vibe. He was great with our 5 year old son and answered all of his many fishing questions. John made it clear that between the time of year and conditions that day we would have to really work at it to get anything. That’s exactly what we did and we ended up catching a good amount of fish. Most importantly our 5 year old son, who is obsessed with fishing, had the time of his life and caught fish he’s never seen before. 5 stars, highly recommend. If you have a small group this is the charter to go on!

    Jacob D. | August 25, 2024

    Trip: Full Day Private Fishing Charter

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Brad and his first mate were amazing. It was my first time fishing off of a boat and I'm glad it was with them! They were both very patient, helpful, and made it an unforgettable experience. We caught snapper and grouper and even hooked an eel! Thanks to both of you for a fantastic time on the water. Highly recommend

    Karen E. | August 19, 2024

    Trip: Key West Mixed Bag Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great time, went with captain David Larson, caught some snapper and a shark. Would 100% go out and do it again. I am not knowledgeable of fishing but the captain helped, taught very well, and was very professional.

    Trey H. | July 29, 2024

    Trip: Key West "Flex" Sportfishing

  • ★★★★★
    Guys were awesome !! They were all ready to go when I got to the boat Tony and Tony Sr absolute gentlemen and worked very hard and got me mahi, tuna, and barracudas definitely go out with again

    Paul M. | July 22, 2024

    Trip: Key West Offshore or Inshore

  • ★★★★★
    We had an absolutely amazing time deep sea fishing with Captain Anthony! He is a fun and knowledgeable fisherman with LOTS of experience and great stories (ask him about how he’d dive for lobsters to impress his dates). He does all the work but lets you learn and participate as much or as little as you want. We knew we had an expert when we heard the radio chatter of all the other guides complaining that nothing was biting, while we pulled in six (only four mahi in pic). The other two were a small tuna and a ~32” barracuda). We highly recommend Kilo Whiskey Charter & Captain Anthony!

    Dan W. | July 18, 2024

    Trip: Ultimate Action Fishing in Key West

  • ★★★★★
    Absolutely the highlight of our trip. Mike and his crew were fantastic teachers, patient and focused on helping all of us catch terrific fish. They are great with kids of all ages - 5 years to 16 years. Everyone had a great time and we caught a lot of fish.

    Vicki L. | July 16, 2024

    Trip: Key West Nearshore/Offshore Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Tony was great. We'd definitely book again.

    Houston H. | July 9, 2024

    Trip: Key West Offshore or Inshore

  • ★★★★★
    The family had an absolutely phenomenal time with Captain Mike and his crew. We caught plenty of fish. The crew was very helpful to the family. The boat was great. I will 100% recommend them to anyone looking for a great trip.

    Tommy L. | June 25, 2024

    Trip: Key West Nearshore/Offshore Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Brad and his deck hand Dennis was awesome given the weather and seas where not very good they still put us on fish and took care of us perfectly. Boat was very nice clean had lots of room (perfect set up) . Would highly recommended Captain Brad !!!!

    Johnny E. | June 23, 2024

    Trip: Key West Mixed Bag Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Mike and his crew were amazing!! We went out with 5 kids all under the age of 16 and they all caught fish and had a blast!!

    Fred S. | June 17, 2024

    Trip: Key West Nearshore/Offshore Trip

  • ★★★★★
    We had an incredible day with Antonio and Russia. They led us to the fish and we caught 9 Mahi Mahi. They were great company and took good care of us!

    Maggie B. | June 9, 2024

    Trip: Key West Offshore or Inshore

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome day on the water today - Capt Steve put us on the fish and Stan kept us reeling with many triple hookups. Wore my boys out. Appreciate all the knowledge they shared too. Tight lines!

    Danny C. | June 8, 2024

    Trip: Key West Sportfishing Adventure

  • ★★★★★
    Mason was phenomenal. Easy to talk to, engaging, great at teaching, and fun to be with… we got Mahi-Mahi and an exotic. We had a blast and will go fishing with Mason again soon!!!

    Patrick C. | May 27, 2024

    Trip: Key West to Dry Tortugas Charter

  • ★★★★★
    Second Generation fisherman Rob was absolutely the best. He knew where to go close to the Harbor to put us on the fish. Highly recommended.

    Robert H. | May 21, 2024

    Trip: Second Generation Bay Boat

  • ★★★★★
    We had a fantastic trip with Robert, he got us into plenty of action including an 80lb Tarpon with a couple other hook ups. We then poled an area and caught some juvenile Tarpon that was a blast. And last but not least, Robert put us on some screaming bonefish, my buddy and I each landed a pair of bones. Thanks for an Awesome trip Robert. Tight lines👍

    Thomas M. | May 3, 2024

    Trip: Big Pine Key Action

  • ★★★★★
    Has a great time. We all enjoyed

    Clayton S. | May 1, 2024

    Trip: Ultimate Action Fishing in Key West

What's biting in Key West?

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