Striped Marlin Fishing Charters In Key West

Easily find a Key West fishing guide that fits your needs. Confidently book your next day on the water.

5/5 Average Rating


Experts Available 24/7

Licensed & Insured Guides

100% Weather Guarantee

Recently Booked Striped Marlin Fishing Charters Near Key West, Fl

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Key West

Dawn To Dusk Key West Fishing Trip

100% (2)
43 ft 1 - 6 People From $333 / person

Most Popular Types of Striped Marlin Trips in Key West

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond to provide you an incredible trip, and weā€™ve handpicked every single one. Weā€™re 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

Choose your trip by skill level

Everything to Know About Booking a Key West striped marlin fishing charter

What are the best striped marlin fishing charters in Key West?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 1 striped marlin trip in Key West: Dawn to Dusk Key West Fishing Trip guided by Brad.

Our guides in Key West are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 2408 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 striped marlin guides in Key West? Check out our beginner and family friendly striped marlin guides in Key West.

What types of striped marlin fishing charters are common in Key West?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular for striped marlin in Key West.

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

How much do Key West striped marlin fishing charters cost?

for striped marlin in Key West prices can range anywhere from an affordable $2,000 to $2,000, but the average price for a full day trip for striped marlin in Key West is $2,000.

What month is best for striped marlin fishing in Key West?

The most popular season for striped marlin fishing in Key West is spring, and most anglers book their trips 53 days in advance.

Do I need a Key West fishing license for striped marlin and what are the bag limits for striped marlin in Key West?

Youā€™re in luck! Our fishing tours in Key West donā€™t require you to purchase a fishing license ā€“ your group is covered by your boatā€™s captain. See here for more information on bag limits and fishing season regulations in Key West.

What is striped marlin fishing in Key West all about?

Striped marlin fishing in Key West offers anglers an exhilarating and challenging experience. While striped marlin are not as common in the waters around Key West as other species, they can still be targeted by anglers venturing offshore in pursuit of big game fish. Key West's strategic location at the convergence of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean provides access to deep waters where striped marlin may occasionally roam. The best time to target striped marlin in Key West is typically during the warmer months of late spring through early fall when these migratory fish may pass through the area.

Anglers targeting striped marlin in Key West often employ a variety of techniques to entice these powerful predators. Trolling with large artificial lures or rigged baits is a common method for covering a wide area of water and enticing strikes from marlin. Live bait fishing with bonito, mullet, or other large baitfish can also be effective, particularly when targeting marlin near offshore structures or areas with concentrations of bait. Anglers may also deploy teasers or dredges to attract marlin to the surface, where they can be targeted with pitched baits or lures.

In addition to striped marlin, Key West offers a wealth of other fishing opportunities for anglers to explore. The waters surrounding Key West are home to a diverse range of species, including sailfish, tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo, and more. Whether targeting pelagic species offshore or reef-dwelling species closer to shore, Key West provides anglers with plenty of options for exciting fishing adventures. With its warm climate, clear waters, and abundance of marine life, Key West is a premier destination for anglers seeking unforgettable offshore fishing experiences, including the pursuit of striped marlin.

What are the most popular months to fish for striped marlin fishing in Key West?

In Key West, the striped marlin season typically aligns with the warmer months of late spring through early fall. During this period, the waters around Key West experience higher temperatures, which can attract migratory fish species like striped marlin. These majestic predators are known for their seasonal movements, often following baitfish schools and ocean currents in search of food. Key West's strategic location at the convergence of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean provides an ideal pathway for striped marlin migrating along the eastern seaboard.

The peak season for striped marlin in Key West is usually from June to September, coinciding with the summer months when water temperatures are at their highest. During this time, striped marlin may be more abundant in the offshore waters surrounding Key West, particularly along the edges of the Gulf Stream and over deep-sea canyons and ledges where baitfish congregate. Anglers targeting striped marlin during this season often enjoy favorable weather conditions and calm seas, making it an optimal time for offshore fishing excursions.

While striped marlin may be encountered off the coast of Key West during the peak season, their presence can be sporadic, and successful encounters often rely on factors such as water temperature, currents, and the availability of prey. Anglers planning to target striped marlin in Key West should be prepared to adapt their fishing strategies and remain flexible to capitalize on potential opportunities. Additionally, consulting with local charter captains or fishing guides who are familiar with the seasonal movements of striped marlin can enhance the chances of a successful fishing trip during the peak season in Key West.

What techniques are popular for catching striped marlin in Key West?

Fishing for striped marlin in Key West requires specialized techniques tailored to the behavior and habitat of these powerful predators. One commonly employed technique is trolling with artificial lures or natural bait. Anglers typically use outriggers to spread multiple lines at different depths and distances from the boat, increasing the chances of enticing a marlin strike. High-speed trolling with large, brightly colored lures can mimic the appearance of fleeing baitfish, attracting the attention of striped marlin patrolling the offshore waters.

Another effective technique for targeting striped marlin in Key West is live bait fishing. Anglers often deploy live baitfish such as mullet, mackerel, or bonito rigged with circle hooks and weighted down with sinkers to achieve the desired depth. The live baitfish are typically slow-trolled or drifted near underwater structures, drop-offs, or current edges where marlin are known to hunt. This method allows anglers to present a natural and enticing prey item to striped marlin, increasing the likelihood of a successful hookup.

For anglers seeking a more challenging and exhilarating experience, fly fishing for striped marlin in Key West can provide an adrenaline-pumping adventure. Fly fishing for marlin requires specialized gear, including heavy-duty fly rods, large arbor reels with ample backing capacity, and saltwater-specific fly lines. Anglers cast large, brightly colored flies designed to mimic baitfish or squid patterns, stripping the fly through the water to entice a marlin strike. Fly fishing for striped marlin in Key West requires patience, skill, and precise timing, but the reward of hooking into one of these powerful game fish on the fly is an unforgettable experience for any angler.

What other species are popular in Key West?

Apart from striped marlin, Key West offers a diverse range of fish species for anglers to target, providing ample opportunities for exciting fishing adventures. One popular target species in Key West is the sailfish, known for its spectacular aerial displays and lightning-fast runs. These acrobatic fish are abundant in the offshore waters of Key West, particularly during the winter months when they migrate south in search of warmer waters. Anglers often target sailfish using similar techniques as those employed for striped marlin, such as trolling with artificial lures or live bait fishing.

Another prized species found in the waters around Key West is the mahi-mahi, also known as dolphin fish or dorado. Mahi-mahi are renowned for their vibrant colors, aggressive strikes, and delicious taste, making them a favorite among sport fishermen. These pelagic predators are commonly found near floating debris, weed lines, and offshore structures where they hunt for baitfish and other prey. Anglers targeting mahi-mahi often use a variety of techniques, including trolling with brightly colored lures, live bait fishing, and casting with light tackle.

For anglers looking to test their skills against powerful bottom-dwelling species, Key West offers excellent opportunities for catching grouper and snapper. Species such as red grouper, black grouper, gag grouper, mutton snapper, and yellowtail snapper are abundant on the reefs and wrecks scattered throughout the waters surrounding Key West. Bottom fishing with live or cut bait is a popular technique for targeting these species, with anglers dropping their baits to the bottom and waiting for a bite. These reef-dwelling fish provide exciting action and delicious table fare, making them highly sought after by anglers visiting Key West.

Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

  • ★★★★★
    Everything was top notch, Great communication from start to finish. Capt and 1 Mate were both professional and knowledgeable and put me on fish. Only down side was when I lost a Sailfish šŸ™ but landed this nice Barracuda off a Tripple set of Barracudas šŸ¤·ā€ā™‚ļøšŸ˜‚

    John C. with Thomas D. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Had a fantastic trip with Captain John in July of 2023. Went for a morning trip on our honeymoon, caught tons of fish, had a lot of fun. John and his first mate were very competent, personable, and provided an excellent experience. The boat was well outfitted, John knew several spots with lots of fish, and gave us more time than we'd paid for. Great experience, will absolutely book again next time we're in the keys.

    Clare D. with John G. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Hunter was great , knowledgeable, and well disciplined. Weather did not permit a full day so we will plan another trip with Captain Hunter. Thanks John

    John G. with Hunter L. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great time

    Leo M. with Antonio E. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Kyle was a fantastic guide for us! One of the best fishing trips I have been on and I have fished on a lot of guided trips. Everything was handled great by Captain Experiences on the booking and communication side and Kyle was top notch on the fishing trip. We will definitely use you all again.

    Will B. with Kyle K. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Excellent trip with John. Good guys, on fish all day and had a great time. Definitely would book again!

    Kevin V. with John G. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great fishing trip, memorable experience, would refer John and partner to anyone interested charting fishing trip in KeyWest!

    Rob R. with John G. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Our guide Nick is top notch, he is friendly, knowledgeable and certainly knows great spots to fish. We caught fish all day, brought home three very large muttonā€™s, some other muttonā€™s and good size yellow tail. We caught and released fish all day, hogfish, large groupers and other assorted fishes. Thanks Nick .

    Chris B. with Paul H. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had a fantastic time with captain Brad. We tried different techniques and despite being a rough choppy day we still have out with a lot of fish. We all enjoyed it and highly recommend him to anyone!

    Shai K. with Brad S. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great day! Our captain Hunter was very knowledgeable, and on top of where the fish were and how to catch them. Highly recommend him.

    Michael D. with Hunter L. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great time with captain Hunter on are charter, very professional and friendly. Caught some nice fish and enjoyed his company

    Michael D. with Hunter L. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We really enjoyed our fishing charter with captain Hunter, he knows where the fish are and is very knowledgeable of the industry. I would definitely recommend an excursion with him.

    Michael D. with Hunter L. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain David Larson was nice, professional and best of all, he put us on the fish! I did the 4 hour charter and we caught barracuda, massive bull shark, trigger fish, grouper, and blue fish. By the end of the 4 hours I was happy and exhausted. Captain David was experienced, helpful and a genuine good guy.

    Blake L. with John J. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Thanks for a great time on the water!

    Brad K. with Kyle K. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great fishing trip! Captain Mike and first mate Woody did a solid job of getting us into tuna, mahi, and our day was capped off when my son brought in a large sailfish. Lots of fun and recommend them for an awesome day on the water

    Jason M. with Justin F. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Chris and will were so much fun, they made it fun, comfortable and plain amazing let us catch live bait, and they let us reeel in the fish. The best fishing charter I have been on.

    Jerry H. with Mark B. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great Experience. Worked hard to find fish and make an enjoyable experience for everyone. Successful day fishing! Particularly was good with the children and getting them educated on safety. Highly recommended by us. Heā€™s also a great person to be around and cracks some good jokes.

    Stan R. with Hunter L. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Did not love the trip. We would ask questions and get one word answers. Lots of smoking, and some chewing of tobacco. not enjoyable.

    Linda F. with Chuck T. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had the best time ever! It was my first time to go deep sea fishing and my husband and I both caught a Wahoo and plenty of other fish! mark and Nellā€™s were amazing! We had a local restaurant cook our fish for us that evening. Great trip!!

    Lynda B. with Mark B. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time out , Mark and crew did all they could to get on the fish.Thanks

    Dan C. with Mark B. of Key West, Florida

What's biting in Key West?

View Striped Marlin Fishing Reports from our damn good guides.

Didn't Find What You Were Looking For?

Our guides are Damn Good Guides, which means theyā€™re 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 weā€™re incredibly proud of our 4.9 / 5 average review score. Hit the button below to see more trip options:

See All Striped Marlin Trips in Key West