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Rainbow Runner Fishing Charters In Key West

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Recently Booked Rainbow Runner Fishing Charters Near Key West, Fl

Fishing in Key West

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West Exotic Reef Fishing

NEW
34 ft 1 - 6 People $$
Fishing in Key West

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Key West

4 Hour Nearshore Fishing Trip

NEW
34 ft 1 - 4 People $$$

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Other Trips in Key West

Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
trip description for Key West "Flex" Sportfishing 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

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West "Flex" Sportfishing

100% (6)
24 ft 1 - 4 People $$
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
trip description for Marquesas Key "Hidden Gem" Trip in Key West

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

NEW
24 ft 1 - 5 People $$
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
trip description for Key West Tarpon Hunt in Key West

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

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West Tarpon Hunt

NEW
24 ft 1 - 4 People $$
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
trip description for Half-Day Tarpon Trip (Seasonal) 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 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

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Half-Day Tarpon Trip (Seasonal)

100% (1)
24 ft 1 - 4 People $$
Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
trip description for Key West Sportfishing Trip in Key West

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

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West Sportfishing Trip

NEW
45 ft 1 - 6 People $$$
Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
trip description for Key West Fishing Slam in Key West

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

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West Fishing Slam

NEW
36 ft 1 - 6 People $$$
Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
trip description for Key West Deep Sea Run - 40' Luhrs in Key West

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

100% (4)
40 ft 1 - 6 People $$$
Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
trip description for Key West Sportfish Trip in Key West

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

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West Sportfish Trip

100% (1)
37 ft 1 - 6 People $$$
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
trip description for Key West Fishing Adventure in Key West

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

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West Fishing Adventure

100% (2)
24 ft 1 - 4 People $$
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
trip description for Offshore Fishing,Reef & Wreck and Sunset in Key West

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

NEW
35 ft 1 - 6 People $$
Fishing in Stock Island
Fishing in Stock Island
Fishing in Stock Island
trip description for Key West Nearshore/Offshore Trip in Stock Island

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

100% (3)
63 ft 1 - 12 People $$$
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
trip description for 4 Hour Nearshore Fishing Trip in Key West

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

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Key West

4 Hour Nearshore Fishing Trip

NEW
34 ft 1 - 4 People $$$

Everything to Know About Booking a Key West rainbow runner fishing charter

What are the best rainbow runner fishing charters in Key West?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 2 rainbow runner trips in Key West, and the most popular trips in the area are Key West Exotic Reef Fishing guided by Brad and 4 Hour Nearshore Fishing Trip guided by Brad.

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.

Looking for kid friendly rainbow runner guides / fishing lessons in Key West? Check out our beginner and family friendly rainbow runner guides in Key West.

What types of rainbow runner fishing charters are common in Key West?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular for rainbow runner in Key West.

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

How much do Key West rainbow runner fishing charters cost?

for rainbow runner in Key West prices can range anywhere from about $1,060 to $1,710, but the average price for a half day trip for rainbow runner in Key West is $1,000. The average price for a full day trip for rainbow runner in Key West is $1,500.

What month is best for rainbow runner fishing in Key West?

The most popular season for rainbow runner fishing in Key West is spring, and most anglers book their trips 142 days in advance.

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

Rainbow runner fishing in Key West offers anglers an exciting opportunity to target a sleek and fast-swimming species known for its impressive fighting ability and delicious taste. These fish, characterized by their vibrant blue-green dorsal and yellow-orange ventral coloring, are commonly found in the warm waters around Key West, particularly near offshore reefs, wrecks, and ledges. Rainbow runners are often encountered while trolling or drifting in deeper waters, where they hunt for smaller baitfish and crustaceans.

Key West experiences relatively consistent seasons for rainbow runner fishing throughout the year, with peak activity occurring during the warmer months. However, these fish can be found in the area's waters year-round, providing anglers with ample opportunities for successful outings. Summer and early fall tend to be particularly productive seasons for rainbow runner fishing, as these fish are more active in the warmer water temperatures and are often found in larger schools.

Anglers targeting rainbow runners in Key West typically use a variety of techniques to entice these fast-moving fish, including trolling with artificial lures or rigged baits and live bait fishing near underwater structures. Light to medium tackle is commonly used to handle the powerful runs and acrobatic leaps of rainbow runners once hooked. Additionally, fishing around wrecks and reefs where rainbow runners congregate can increase the chances of success. With their thrilling fights and excellent table fare, rainbow runner fishing in Key West offers an exciting and rewarding experience for anglers of all skill levels.

What are the most popular months to fish for rainbow runner fishing in Key West?

Rainbow runners are a prevalent species in the waters around Key West, offering anglers consistent fishing opportunities throughout the year. While these fish can be found in the area's warm waters year-round, their activity levels and abundance may vary depending on the season. In Key West, the best seasons for targeting rainbow runners typically coincide with the warmer months of the year, particularly during late spring, summer, and early fall. During these periods, water temperatures rise, encouraging rainbow runners to become more active and move into shallower waters near reefs, wrecks, and ledges.

During the spring and summer months, rainbow runners in Key West are often encountered in larger numbers, making them easier for anglers to locate and catch. These fish are known for their preference for warmer waters, and as such, they are more commonly found in shallower depths during the warmer seasons. Anglers looking to target rainbow runners during this time can expect exciting fishing experiences and potentially high catch rates, especially when fishing near underwater structures where these fish like to congregate.

While rainbow runner fishing can be productive during the warmer seasons in Key West, these fish can still be caught during the cooler months, albeit with slightly lower activity levels. Even in the winter months, when water temperatures may drop, rainbow runners may still be present in the area's waters, particularly around deeper reefs and wrecks. However, anglers should be prepared to adapt their fishing techniques and strategies to account for the seasonal changes in fish behavior and habitat preferences. Overall, rainbow runner fishing in Key West offers anglers year-round opportunities to enjoy the thrill of targeting these fast-swimming and hard-fighting fish.

What techniques are popular for catching rainbow runner in Key West?

When targeting rainbow runners in Key West, anglers have several effective fishing techniques at their disposal. One popular method is trolling, which involves trailing lures or bait behind a moving boat. Anglers often use colorful lures or rigged ballyhoo to attract rainbow runners, setting their trolling speed to match the fish's preferred swimming pace. Trolling near reefs, drop-offs, and underwater structures can increase the chances of hooking into a rainbow runner, as these areas are known hotspots for this species.

Another productive technique for catching rainbow runners in Key West is bottom fishing. Anglers can anchor their boats near reefs, wrecks, or ledges where rainbow runners are likely to congregate and drop baited rigs to the ocean floor. Using live bait such as pilchards, pinfish, or squid can entice rainbow runners to bite. Additionally, jigging with metal jigs or vertical jigs can be effective, especially when targeting rainbow runners holding near the bottom. This technique involves rapidly lifting and dropping the jig to mimic the movement of baitfish, enticing strikes from predatory species like rainbow runners.

For anglers looking for an exciting challenge, casting topwater lures or fly fishing for rainbow runners can provide exhilarating action. When rainbow runners are feeding near the surface, casting poppers, plugs, or surface flies can elicit explosive strikes. Anglers should focus their efforts during low light conditions, such as early morning or late afternoon, when rainbow runners are more active near the surface. Using light tackle or fly fishing gear adds an extra element of excitement to the fishing experience, as rainbow runners are known for their acrobatic jumps and powerful runs when hooked. Overall, employing a variety of fishing techniques tailored to the specific behavior and habitat preferences of rainbow runners can increase anglers' success rates when fishing for this prized species in Key West.

What other species are popular in Key West?

In addition to rainbow runner, Key West offers anglers a diverse array of species to target throughout the year. One popular option is the mighty tarpon, known for its impressive size, acrobatic leaps, and challenging fight. Tarpon season in Key West typically peaks from April to June, coinciding with their annual migration along the Florida coast. Anglers can target tarpon using a variety of techniques, including live bait fishing, sight casting with lures or flies, and drifting near bridges and channels where tarpon congregate.

Another exciting species to pursue in Key West is the elusive permit, prized for its challenging nature and remarkable speed. Permit fishing season typically runs from late spring to early fall, with peak activity occurring in the warmer months. These wary fish inhabit shallow flats, wrecks, and reefs, where they feed on crabs, shrimp, and small fish. Anglers can target permit using live or artificial crab imitations, presented with finesse and precision to entice these selective feeders.

For anglers seeking fast-paced action and delicious table fare, Key West offers abundant opportunities to catch species like yellowtail snapper, mutton snapper, and mangrove snapper. These reef-dwelling fish can be targeted year-round, with peak seasons varying slightly depending on factors such as water temperature and spawning cycles. Bottom fishing with bait or jigs near reefs, wrecks, and ledges is an effective technique for catching snapper species, with live bait such as pilchards, ballyhoo, or shrimp often yielding the best results. Overall, Key West's diverse marine ecosystem provides anglers with ample opportunities to target a wide range of species, ensuring an exciting and rewarding fishing experience for all skill levels.

What's biting in Key West?

View Rainbow Runner Fishing Reports from our damn good guides.

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See All Rainbow Runner Trips in Key West