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Recently Booked Rainbow Runner Fishing Charters Near Key West, Fl
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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.
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
- Mahi Mahi
- Mako Shark
- Mangrove Snapper
- Mutton Snapper
- Nurse Shark
- Permit
- Queen Snapper
- 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
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What's biting in Key West?
View Rainbow Runner Fishing Reports from our damn good guides.
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