Damn Good Mako Shark Fishing Charters In Key West

The best mako shark fishing charters in Key West are:

• Cowboy Cowgirl Sport Fishing Charters guided by Mark B. with 16 years of experience
• Sundance Sportfishing Florida Keys guided by Bobby B. with 43 years of experience
• All In Fishing Charters guided by Garrett F. with 16 years of experience

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 4 mako shark trips in Key West, and the most popular trips in the area are Key West Shark Trips - 34 Sea Vee guided by Garrett, Key West 47 Ft Hatteras guided by Mark, and Mahi / Offshore Combo guided by Bobby.

Our guides in Key West are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 8347 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 mako shark guides / fishing lessons in Key West? Check out our beginner and family friendly mako shark guides in Key West.

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular type of fishing for mako shark in Key West as well as nearshore fishing.

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

Prices for mako shark in Key West can range anywhere from about $1,600 to $4,400, but the average price for a half day trip for mako shark in Key West is $2,250. The average price for a full day trip for mako shark in Key West is $3,184.

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.

The most popular season for mako shark fishing in Key West is summer, and most anglers book their trips 17 days in advance.

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 guide will always know all the relevant rules and regulations in Key West.

Mako sharks, known for their speed, agility, and impressive leaps out of the water, are a thrilling target for anglers in Key West, Florida. These apex predators can be found in the deep offshore waters of the Gulf Stream, where they roam in search of prey such as fish, squid, and other marine creatures. Fishing for mako sharks in Key West offers anglers an exhilarating challenge and the opportunity to battle one of the ocean's most powerful predators against the backdrop of the city's stunning coastal scenery.

Anglers targeting mako sharks in Key West often use specialized techniques and equipment to handle the strength and speed of these formidable fish. Heavy-duty tackle, including stout rods, large reels, and strong lines, is essential for battling mako sharks, which are known for their powerful runs and aggressive fighting style. Anglers typically deploy large baits such as whole fish or chunks of bonito, tuna, or mackerel to entice strikes from mako sharks, which have voracious appetites and keen senses.

While mako sharks can be encountered in Key West's waters year-round, certain times of the year, such as late spring and summer, are considered peak seasons for targeting these apex predators. During these months, mako sharks migrate through the area in search of food and suitable breeding grounds, providing anglers with ample opportunities to encounter them. Whether fishing from a private boat, charter vessel, or participating in offshore tournaments, anglers in Key West can enjoy the thrill and excitement of pursuing mako sharks and the satisfaction of landing one of the ocean's most iconic predators.

In Key West, Florida, the presence and activity of mako sharks can vary throughout the year, influenced by factors such as water temperature, prey availability, and migratory patterns. Generally, the best time to target mako sharks in Key West is during the warmer months, particularly from late spring through early fall. During this time, mako sharks are more abundant and actively feeding in the offshore waters of the Gulf Stream, where they prey on fish, squid, and other marine creatures.

Late spring and summer are considered peak seasons for mako shark fishing in Key West, as warming water temperatures stimulate increased feeding activity and attract these apex predators to the area. As the weather heats up, mako sharks migrate through the region in search of food and suitable breeding grounds, providing anglers with prime opportunities to encounter them. Anglers targeting mako sharks during this time often venture offshore to deeper waters where these formidable predators are known to inhabit.

While mako sharks can be encountered in Key West's waters year-round, late spring through early fall typically offer the most favorable conditions for targeting these powerful and elusive fish. Cooler months may see a decrease in mako shark activity as water temperatures drop, prompting these predators to migrate to warmer waters or adjust their feeding patterns. Whether fishing from a private boat, charter vessel, or participating in offshore tournaments, anglers in Key West can enjoy the thrill and excitement of pursuing mako sharks against the backdrop of the city's stunning coastal scenery.

Fishing for mako sharks in Key West requires specialized techniques and equipment to handle the strength and speed of these formidable predators. Anglers typically deploy heavy-duty tackle, including stout rods, large reels, and strong lines, to withstand the powerful runs and aggressive fighting style of mako sharks. Wire leaders are often used to prevent the sharp teeth of these predators from cutting through the fishing line during battle. Additionally, anglers may utilize specialized fighting harnesses and rod holders to help manage the intense fights that can occur when hooking into a mako shark.

When targeting mako sharks in Key West, anglers often use large baits such as whole fish or chunks of bonito, tuna, or mackerel to entice strikes. These baits are typically rigged with strong hooks and deployed at various depths in the water column, depending on the location and behavior of the sharks. Chumming techniques may also be employed to attract mako sharks to the vicinity of the boat, increasing the chances of encountering these apex predators.

Mako shark fishing in Key West can be conducted both nearshore and offshore, with anglers often venturing into deeper waters in search of prime feeding grounds. Areas with steep drop-offs, underwater structures, and strong ocean currents are favored spots for targeting mako sharks, as these predators are known to inhabit such areas in search of prey. Whether fishing from a private boat, charter vessel, or participating in offshore tournaments, anglers in Key West can enjoy the challenge and excitement of pursuing mako sharks against the backdrop of the city's stunning coastal scenery.

In addition to mako sharks, Key West, Florida, offers anglers a diverse range of species to target, ensuring an exciting fishing experience for all enthusiasts. One popular catch is the sailfish, known for its acrobatic jumps and impressive speed. Sailfish are commonly found in offshore waters, where they feed on smaller fish and squid. Anglers targeting sailfish often use trolling techniques with artificial lures or rigged baits, as well as live bait such as ballyhoo or mullet, to entice strikes from these majestic predators.

Another sought-after species in Key West's waters is the yellowfin tuna, prized for its fighting ability and delicious flesh. Yellowfin tuna can be found in offshore waters near temperature breaks, floating debris, and underwater structures, where they feed on baitfish and squid. Anglers targeting yellowfin tuna often use trolling techniques with skirted lures or rigged baits, as well as live bait such as small fish or squid, to attract strikes from these powerful and fast-swimming fish.

In addition to sailfish and yellowfin tuna, Key West offers opportunities to target a variety of other species, including mahi-mahi, wahoo, and marlin. Whether fishing from a private boat, charter vessel, or the shoreline, 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.