Experts Available 24/7
Licensed & Insured Guides
100% Weather Guarantee
Recently Booked Mahi Mahi Fishing Charters Near Key West, Fl
Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West
Legendary Fishing In Key West
Deep Sea, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West
Key West Deep Sea Run - 40' Luhrs
Most Popular Types of Mahi Mahi Trips in Key West
“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond to provide you an incredible trip, and weâve handpicked every single one. Weâre passionate about the outdoors and about empowering people to find the perfect-match guide for the trip of a lifetime, every time.”
Jonathan and Attison | Co-founders | Austin, Texas
More Mahi Mahi Fishing Charters Near Key West, Fl
Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West
Ultimate Action Fishing In Key West
Deep Sea, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West
Morning 1/2 Day Fishing Charter
Deep Sea, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West
Offshore Fishing,Reef & Wreck And Sunset
Deep Sea, Inshore, Jetty, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West
Offshore, Inshore , Sandbar, And Sunset
Everything to Know About Booking a Key West mahi mahi fishing charter
What are the best mahi mahi fishing charters in Key West?
Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 41 mahi mahi trips in Key West, and the most popular trips in the area are Key West Fishing Slam guided by Mark, Legendary Fishing in Key West guided by Chuck, and Key West Deep Sea Run - 40' Luhrs guided by Mark.
Our guides in Key West are rated a 4.86 out of 5 based on 2549 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 Mahi Mahi charter include Naval Air Station Key West, Stock Island and Little Torch Key.
Looking for kid friendly mahi mahi guides / fishing lessons in Key West? Check out our beginner and family friendly mahi mahi guides in Key West.
What types of mahi mahi fishing charters are common in Key West?
Deep Sea fishing is the most popular for mahi mahi in Key West as well as nearshore fishing, inshore fishing, and flats fishing.
The most common fishing techniques in Key West are trolling, bottom fishing, and light tackle fishing but heavy tackle fishing and live bait fishing are popular as well.
How much do Key West mahi mahi fishing charters cost?
for mahi mahi in Key West prices can range anywhere from about $850 to $2,200, but the average price for a half day trip for mahi mahi in Key West is $1,111. The average price for a full day trip for mahi mahi in Key West is $1,629.
What month is best for mahi mahi fishing in Key West?
The most popular season for mahi mahi fishing in Key West is spring, and most anglers book their trips 20 days in advance.
Do I need a Key West fishing license for mahi mahi and what are the bag limits for mahi mahi in Key West?
Youâre in luck! Our fishing tours in Key West donât require you to purchase a fishing license â your group is covered by your boatâs captain. See here for more information on bag limits and fishing season regulations in Key West.
What is mahi mahi fishing in Key West all about?
Mahi-mahi, also known as dolphin fish or dorado, are a highly sought-after species among anglers in Key West. These vibrant and acrobatic fish are known for their dazzling colors, impressive fighting abilities, and delicious taste. Found in the warm, offshore waters of Key West, mahi-mahi can be encountered year-round, with peak seasons typically occurring during the spring and summer months.
Fishing for mahi-mahi in Key West often involves venturing offshore to depths ranging from a few miles to several dozen miles from shore. Anglers target mahi-mahi around floating debris, weed lines, and offshore structures, where these fish congregate in search of prey. Trolling is a popular technique for targeting mahi-mahi, with anglers pulling a variety of lures, baits, and teasers behind the boat to mimic the movement of schooling fish and attract strikes from hungry mahi-mahi.
In addition to trolling, anglers may also employ other techniques such as casting with artificial lures or live bait fishing to target mahi-mahi in Key West's offshore waters. Artificial lures such as skirted trolling lures, diving plugs, and soft plastics can be effective for enticing strikes from mahi-mahi, while live bait such as ballyhoo, pilchards, or squid can also produce excellent results. With its abundance of offshore fishing opportunities and the chance to encounter trophy-sized mahi-mahi, Key West offers anglers an exciting and rewarding experience on the water.
What are the most popular months to fish for mahi mahi in Key West?
In Key West, mahi-mahi can be found year-round, but their abundance and behavior can vary depending on the season. Generally, the peak seasons for targeting mahi-mahi in Key West occur during the spring and summer months, from April through August. During these warmer months, mahi-mahi migrate closer to the surface and congregate around offshore structures, weed lines, and floating debris, providing ample opportunities for anglers to encounter these colorful and acrobatic fish.
Spring and summer are particularly fruitful seasons for mahi-mahi fishing in Key West, as water temperatures rise and baitfish populations increase. Mahi-mahi are known for their voracious appetites and will readily strike a variety of baits and lures, making them an exciting target for anglers of all skill levels. Anglers can expect to encounter schools of mahi-mahi in offshore waters, with the chance to catch fish of various sizes, from juvenile "schoolies" to larger "bull" mahi-mahi.
While mahi-mahi can be caught during other times of the year 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, mahi-mahi can still be found in offshore waters throughout the year, providing anglers with opportunities for memorable catches. Whether trolling with artificial lures, casting with live bait, or fly fishing, Key West offers anglers an exciting and rewarding experience when targeting mahi-mahi.
What techniques are popular for catching mahi mahi in Key West?
Fishing for mahi-mahi in Key West involves employing a variety of techniques to entice strikes from these prized offshore game fish. One popular method is trolling, where anglers pull a spread of baits or lures behind the boat while cruising offshore waters. Trolling allows anglers to cover a large area and mimic the movement of a school of baitfish, enticing mahi-mahi to strike. Anglers often use a combination of skirted trolling lures, rigged ballyhoo, or artificial lures such as diving plugs or soft plastics to attract mahi-mahi.
Another effective technique for targeting mahi-mahi in Key West is casting with artificial lures. Anglers can use lightweight spinning or casting rods to cast lures such as bucktail jigs, swimbaits, or poppers towards floating debris, weed lines, or offshore structures where mahi-mahi are known to congregate. Retrieving the lure with erratic movements can mimic the action of a wounded baitfish, enticing mahi-mahi to strike.
Live bait fishing is also a popular method for targeting mahi-mahi in Key West. Anglers often use live baits such as ballyhoo, pilchards, or small squid rigged on circle hooks or jigs to entice strikes from mahi-mahi. These baits can be deployed around floating debris, weed lines, or offshore structures, where mahi-mahi are likely to be feeding. Whether trolling, casting, or live bait fishing, anglers in Key West can enjoy the thrill of pursuing mahi-mahi against the backdrop of the city's stunning offshore waters.
What other species are popular in Key West?
In addition to mahi-mahi, Key West offers anglers a diverse array of species to target, ensuring an exciting fishing experience for all enthusiasts. One popular catch is the sailfish, known for its impressive size, speed, and acrobatic jumps. Sailfish can be found in offshore waters, particularly along the edge of the Gulf Stream, where they prey on schools of baitfish. Anglers targeting sailfish often use trolling techniques with artificial lures or rigged baits, as well as live bait fishing with offerings such as ballyhoo or mullet.
Another sought-after species in Key West's offshore waters is the wahoo, prized for its speed, strength, and delicious flesh. Wahoo are often found in deepwater areas, where they patrol reefs, wrecks, and offshore structures in search of prey. Anglers targeting wahoo typically use high-speed trolling techniques with lures such as jet heads, diving plugs, or skirted baits, as well as live bait fishing with offerings such as large mullet or bonito. Wahoo are known for their aggressive strikes and powerful runs, making them a thrilling target for anglers in Key West.
In addition to sailfish and wahoo, Key West offers opportunities to target a variety of other species, including tuna, marlin, and swordfish. Whether fishing from a private boat, charter vessel, or the shoreline, anglers can enjoy thrilling angling experiences while exploring the city's scenic offshore 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 of Captain Experiences
Other Fishing Species in Key West
- African Pompano
- Amberjack
- Atlantic Mackerel
- Barracuda
- Black Grouper
- Blackfin Tuna
- Blacktip Shark
- Blue Marlin
- Bluefish
- Bonefish
- Bonito
- Bonnethead Shark
- 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
- 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
Other Featured Cities
- Fishing Charters Near Me
- Aransas Pass Fishing Charters
- Austin Fishing Guides
- Biloxi Fishing Charters
- Cabo San Lucas Fishing Charters
- Cancun Fishing Charters
- Cape Coral Fishing Charters
- Charleston Fishing Charters
- Clearwater Fishing Charters
- Corpus Christi Fishing Charters
- Crystal River Fishing Charters
- Dauphin Island Fishing Charters
- Daytona Beach Fishing Charters
- Delray Beach Fishing Charters
- Destin Fishing Charters
- Fort Lauderdale Fishing Charters
- Fort Myers Fishing Charters
- Fort Walton Beach Fishing Charters
- Freeport Fishing Charters
- Galveston Fishing Charters
- Gulf Shores Fishing Charters
- Hilton Head Island Fishing Charters
- Islamorada Fishing Charters
- Jacksonville Fishing Charters
- Jupiter Fishing Charters
- Key Largo Fishing Charters
- Key West Fishing Charters
- Kona Fishing Charters
- Marathon Fishing Charters
- Marco Island Fishing Charters
- Miami Fishing Charters
- Naples Fishing Charters
- New Orleans Fishing Charters
- Orange Beach Fishing Charters
- Panama City Beach Fishing Charters
- Pensacola Fishing Charters
- Port Aransas Fishing Charters
- Port O'Connor Fishing Charters
- Rockport Fishing Charters
- San Diego Fishing Charters
- San Juan Fishing Charters
- Sarasota Fishing Charters
- South Padre Island Fishing Charters
- St. Augustine Fishing Charters
- St. Petersburg Fishing Charters
- Tampa Fishing Charters
- Tarpon Springs Fishing Charters
- Tulum Fishing Charters
- Venice Fishing Charters
- Virginia Beach Fishing Charters
- Wilmington Fishing Charters
What's biting in Key West?
View Mahi Mahi Fishing Reports from our damn good guides.
Didn't Find What You Were Looking For?
Our guides are Damn Good Guides, which means theyâre licensed, insured and vetted by our team of outdoor experts who know them on a first-name basis. We hand pick our Damn Good Guides, and our network spans all across the country and beyond.
The proof is in the pudding, and weâre incredibly proud of our 4.9 / 5 average review score. Hit the button below to see more trip options: