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Recently Booked Skipjack Tuna Fishing Charters Near Key West, Fl
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Other Trips 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Everything to Know About Booking a Key West skipjack tuna fishing charter
What are the best skipjack tuna fishing charters in Key West?
Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 3 skipjack tuna trips in Key West, and the most popular trips in the area are Key West Mixed Bag Trip guided by Brad, Dawn to Dusk Key West Fishing Trip guided by Brad, and Sportfishing Key West guided by Russ.
Our guides in Key West are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 2565 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.
Looking for kid friendly skipjack tuna guides / fishing lessons in Key West? Check out our beginner and family friendly skipjack tuna guides in Key West.
What types of skipjack tuna fishing charters are common in Key West?
Deep Sea fishing is the most popular for skipjack tuna in Key West as well as nearshore fishing.
The most common fishing techniques in Key West are trolling, light tackle fishing, and heavy tackle fishing but bottom fishing and kite fishing are popular as well.
How much do Key West skipjack tuna fishing charters cost?
for skipjack tuna in Key West prices can range anywhere from about $910 to $1,760, but the average price for a half day trip for skipjack tuna in Key West is $900. The average price for a full day trip for skipjack tuna in Key West is $1,537.
What month is best for skipjack tuna fishing in Key West?
The most popular season for skipjack tuna fishing in Key West is spring, and most anglers book their trips 45 days in advance.
Do I need a Key West fishing license for skipjack tuna and what are the bag limits for skipjack tuna 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 skipjack tuna fishing in Key West all about?
Skipjack tuna fishing in Key West offers anglers an exciting opportunity to target these highly prized game fish in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Skipjack tuna are known for their fast and powerful runs, making them a favorite among sport fishermen. Found in both offshore and nearshore waters, skipjack tuna can be targeted using a variety of techniques, including trolling with artificial lures, live bait fishing, and casting to surface-feeding schools.
One of the most effective methods for catching skipjack tuna in Key West is trolling with small, brightly colored lures or natural bait, such as ballyhoo or squid. Anglers often use outriggers and downriggers to spread their lines and cover more water, increasing their chances of encountering feeding fish. Skipjack tuna are voracious feeders and are attracted to fast-moving lures resembling small baitfish. Anglers should vary their trolling speed and direction to mimic the erratic movements of fleeing bait and entice strikes from hungry tuna.
Another popular technique for targeting skipjack tuna in Key West is live bait fishing. Anglers can catch baitfish like pilchards, cigar minnows, or blue runners using cast nets or sabiki rigs and then present them to skipjack tuna using a variety of methods, including freelining, kite fishing, or drift fishing. Live bait fishing allows anglers to present a natural-looking bait that can be irresistible to hungry skipjack tuna. Additionally, anglers can use chum to attract skipjack tuna to the boat and keep them in the area, increasing their chances of success. Overall, skipjack tuna fishing in Key West provides anglers with an exhilarating experience and the opportunity to catch these powerful and fast-swimming fish in a beautiful and diverse offshore environment.
What are the most popular months to fish for skipjack tuna fishing in Key West?
In Key West, skipjack tuna can be found in the waters year-round, although their abundance may vary depending on the season. These tuna are highly migratory and can be found in both offshore and nearshore waters, making them accessible to anglers throughout much of the year. However, there are certain seasons when skipjack tuna may be more prevalent or actively feeding in specific areas, presenting better opportunities for anglers to target them.
During the spring and summer months, skipjack tuna are often more abundant in the waters around Key West. As the water temperatures warm up, these tuna become more active and can be found feeding closer to the surface. This period coincides with the arrival of baitfish and other prey species, which attract skipjack tuna to the area in search of food. Anglers targeting skipjack tuna during this season may have success using a variety of techniques, including trolling with lures or live bait fishing.
In the fall and winter months, skipjack tuna may still be present in the waters off Key West, but their behavior and distribution may change. Cooler water temperatures and changing weather patterns can influence the movement of skipjack tuna and their prey, affecting where they can be found and how actively they are feeding. During these seasons, anglers may need to adjust their fishing tactics and target areas where skipjack tuna are more likely to congregate, such as around offshore structures, weed lines, or current edges. Despite the potential challenges, skilled anglers can still enjoy success targeting skipjack tuna in Key West during the fall and winter months.
Overall, skipjack tuna fishing in Key West offers opportunities for anglers year-round, with peak seasons typically occurring in the spring and summer when these tuna are more abundant and actively feeding. However, with the right knowledge of their behavior and habitat preferences, anglers can increase their chances of success and enjoy a rewarding fishing experience targeting skipjack tuna in the waters off Key West throughout the year.
What techniques are popular for catching skipjack tuna in Key West?
Fishing for skipjack tuna in Key West can be an exhilarating experience, requiring anglers to employ various techniques to entice these fast and agile fish. Trolling is one of the most common and effective methods used to target skipjack tuna. Anglers typically troll with lures or rigged baits behind the boat at varying speeds to mimic the movement of baitfish. High-speed trolling with skirted lures or feather jigs can be particularly successful in attracting the attention of skipjack tuna, as they are drawn to the fast-moving prey.
Another popular technique for skipjack tuna fishing in Key West is live bait fishing. Anglers use live baitfish such as pilchards, ballyhoo, or small bonito to entice the tuna. Live bait is typically rigged with circle hooks or J-hooks and either slow-trolled or drifted in areas where skipjack tuna are known to feed. This method allows anglers to present a natural and enticing bait that closely resembles the tuna's preferred prey, increasing the chances of a successful hookup.
Vertical jigging is also a productive technique for targeting skipjack tuna in Key West, especially when they are holding near underwater structures or schooling in deeper waters. Anglers use heavy metal jigs that mimic the movement of injured baitfish, dropping them vertically through the water column and then jigging them up and down to entice strikes. This technique requires precise control and timing to effectively mimic the natural movement of prey and trigger the predatory instincts of skipjack tuna. By experimenting with different jigging motions and depths, anglers can often provoke aggressive strikes from these fast-swimming fish.
In summary, skipjack tuna fishing in Key West offers anglers a range of exciting techniques to try, including trolling with lures, live bait fishing, and vertical jigging. Each method has its own advantages and can be effective depending on factors such as water conditions, bait availability, and the behavior of the fish. By experimenting with different techniques and adapting to changing conditions, anglers can increase their chances of success and enjoy an exhilarating fishing adventure targeting skipjack tuna in the waters off Key West.
What other species are popular in Key West?
Aside from skipjack tuna, Key West offers anglers a diverse range of species to target, each providing its own unique fishing experience. One popular species is the mahi-mahi, also known as dolphin fish or dorado. These colorful and acrobatic fish are abundant in the waters around Key West, especially during the warmer months. Mahi-mahi are often found around floating debris, weed lines, and offshore structures, making them accessible to anglers fishing both offshore and nearshore. Anglers can target mahi-mahi using a variety of techniques, including trolling with lures or rigged baits, casting live baits, and even fly fishing.
Another sought-after species in Key West is the wahoo, known for its speed and powerful runs. Wahoo are often found patrolling the deeper offshore waters, where they prey on smaller fish and squid. Anglers targeting wahoo typically use high-speed trolling techniques with artificial lures or rigged baits to cover a large area of water and entice strikes. These fish are prized for their delicious flesh and challenging fight, making them a favorite among experienced anglers looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure.
For those seeking a bottom fishing experience, species like grouper and snapper are abundant in the waters around Key West. Black, gag, and red grouper are commonly found on offshore reefs and wrecks, while lane, mangrove, and yellowtail snapper can be caught in shallower waters closer to shore. Bottom fishing for grouper and snapper often involves using live or cut bait dropped to the bottom and fished near structure. Anglers must employ patience and skill to navigate the rocky terrain and hook these powerful bottom-dwelling fish. Overall, Key West offers an abundance of fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels, with a wide variety of species to target year-round.
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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
- Rainbow Runner
- Red Grouper
- Red Snapper
- Redfish
- Sailfish
- Scamp Grouper
- 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?
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