Damn Good Tarpon Fishing Charters In Key West

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Recently Booked Tarpon Fishing Charters In Key West, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West Tarpon Hunt

100% (12)
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $650
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Inshore Trip - 18’ Xplor Flats Boat

100% (3)
18 ft 1 - 3 People From $550
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West "Flex" Sportfishing

100% (12)
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $650
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West On Light Tackle & Flies

100% (2)
17 ft 1 - 2 People From $600
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Key West

Backcountry - 24’ Shearwater

100% (7)
24 ft 1 - 8 People From $700
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Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Tarpon Fishing (seasonally)

100% (30)
27 ft 1 - 12 People From $350

Top Types of Tarpon Trips in Key West

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Target Species in Key West

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  • Get it while it's HOT!
  • This species is in play.
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More Tarpon Fishing Charters In Key West, Fl

Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Key West

Private Patch Reef & Flats Fishing

100% (1)
30 ft 1 - 12 People From $1,195
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Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore, Jetty Fishing Charter in Key West

Ultimate Action Fishing In Key West

100% (4)
33 ft 1 - 12 People From $800
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Key West

The Florida Keys Inshore Experience

100% (1)
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $700
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Jetty, Flats Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West Silver Kings And More

100% (8)
25 ft 1 - 4 People From $600
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Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West Offshore Fishing Expedition

100% (8)
35 ft 1 - 12 People From $1,300
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Morning 1/2 Day Fishing Charter

88% (8)
25 ft 1 - 4 People From $800
See All Tarpon Trips in Key West

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Everything to Know About Booking a Key West tarpon fishing charter

What are the best tarpon fishing charters in Key West?

Why should I book a tarpon fishing charter in Key West with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 48 tarpon trips in Key West, and the most popular trips in the area are Inshore Trip - 18’ Xplor Flats Boat guided by , Key West Tarpon Hunt guided by , and Backcountry - 24’ Shearwater guided by .

Our guides in Key West are rated a 4.95 out of 5 based on 4106 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 tarpon guides / fishing lessons in Key West? Check out our beginner and family friendly tarpon guides in Key West.

What types of tarpon fishing charters are common in Key West?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular type of fishing for tarpon in Key West as well as nearshore fishing, inshore fishing, and flats fishing.

The most common fishing techniques in Key West are light tackle fishing, bottom fishing, and trolling but live bait fishing and artificial lure fishing are popular as well.

How much do Key West tarpon fishing charters cost?

Prices for tarpon in Key West can range anywhere from about $603 to $3,200, but the average price for a half day trip for tarpon in Key West is $1,216. The average price for a full day trip for tarpon in Key West is $1,933.

Is booking a fishing guide worth the money?

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.

What month is best for tarpon fishing in Key West?

The most popular season for tarpon fishing in Key West is spring, and most anglers book their trips 26 days in advance.

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

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 fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in Key West.

What is tarpon fishing in Key West all about?

Tarpon fishing in Key West offers anglers an exhilarating and unforgettable experience. Known as the "Silver Kings" for their impressive size and strength, tarpon are abundant in the waters surrounding Key West, making it a prime destination for avid anglers seeking a thrilling challenge. With their acrobatic leaps and powerful runs, hooking into a tarpon promises an adrenaline-pumping battle that tests both angler skill and equipment.

The tarpon fishing season in Key West typically peaks from April to July, coinciding with their annual migration along the Florida coastline. During this time, anglers have the best chance of encountering large schools of tarpon as they move through the warm, shallow waters of the Florida Keys. However, tarpon can be found in Key West's waters year-round, providing opportunities for fishing enthusiasts to pursue these iconic gamefish at various times of the year.

Anglers employ a variety of techniques when tarpon fishing in Key West, including live bait fishing, fly fishing, and sight casting. Live bait, such as mullet or crabs, is often used to entice tarpon, while fly anglers relish the challenge of presenting the perfect fly to these wary fish. Sight casting to cruising or rolling tarpon in the crystal-clear waters of Key West is a particularly thrilling method, requiring stealth, precision, and quick reflexes to successfully hook and land these majestic creatures. Whether fishing from a boat, bridge, or shoreline, tarpon fishing in Key West offers an unforgettable angling adventure for anglers of all skill levels.

What are the most popular months to fish for tarpon in Key West?

Tarpon fishing seasons in Key West offer anglers distinct opportunities throughout the year to target these prized gamefish. While tarpon can be found in Key West's waters year-round, the peak seasons typically occur from spring through early summer, with April to July marking the prime time for tarpon fishing. During these months, tarpon migrate along the Florida coastline, passing through the warm, shallow waters of the Florida Keys, including Key West. Anglers have the best chance of encountering large schools of tarpon during this period, making it an ideal time to plan a tarpon fishing excursion.

Spring is often considered the optimal time for tarpon fishing in Key West, as warmer temperatures stimulate tarpon activity and trigger their migration. Anglers can expect to find tarpon congregating in channels, flats, and along the edges of the Gulf Stream, providing ample opportunities for hooking into these acrobatic gamefish. As summer approaches, tarpon continue their migration, offering consistent action for anglers eager to test their skills against these powerful adversaries. During the summer months, tarpon can be found in various habitats around Key West, including channels, bridges, and flats, presenting diverse fishing opportunities for anglers of all preferences.

While spring and summer are the peak seasons for tarpon fishing in Key West, tarpon can be targeted year-round in these productive waters. Fall and winter also offer opportunities to encounter tarpon, albeit in fewer numbers compared to the peak seasons. Nonetheless, anglers visiting Key West during the offseason can still enjoy exciting tarpon fishing experiences, especially in areas with warmer water temperatures or during periods of mild weather. Overall, Key West's diverse tarpon fishing seasons provide anglers with ample opportunities to pursue these iconic gamefish and create lasting memories on the water.

What techniques are popular for catching tarpon in Key West?

Tarpon fishing in Key West requires anglers to employ a variety of techniques to entice these powerful gamefish. One of the most popular methods is live bait fishing, where anglers use natural baits such as mullet, crabs, or pinfish to attract tarpon. Live bait is typically presented either under a float or free-lined to mimic the natural movement of prey. This technique allows anglers to cover a wide area and target tarpon in various habitats, including channels, flats, and bridges.

Fly fishing is another popular technique for tarpon fishing in Key West, offering anglers a challenging and rewarding experience. Anglers use specialized fly rods, reels, and flies designed to imitate the prey species that tarpon feed on, such as shrimp or baitfish patterns. Sight casting to cruising or rolling tarpon in shallow, clear water is a thrilling aspect of fly fishing for tarpon in Key West. This technique requires stealth, accuracy, and quick reflexes to present the fly effectively and entice a strike from these wary gamefish.

In addition to live bait fishing and fly fishing, anglers often employ trolling and drift fishing techniques when targeting tarpon in Key West. Trolling with artificial lures or live baits allows anglers to cover large areas of water while searching for active tarpon. Drift fishing, on the other hand, involves drifting with the current while presenting baits or lures to tarpon holding in deeper water or along structure such as wrecks or reefs. By mastering a combination of these techniques, anglers can increase their chances of success when tarpon fishing in the diverse waters of Key West.

What other species are popular in Key West?

In addition to tarpon, Key West offers anglers a diverse array of fish species to target, providing year-round fishing opportunities in its rich and vibrant waters. One popular gamefish found in Key West's waters is the mighty permit. Known for their strength and cunning, permit are prized by anglers for their challenging fights and impressive size. These elusive fish can be found on the flats and around shallow wrecks and reefs, where they feed on crustaceans and small baitfish. Sight casting with small flies or live crabs is a common technique used to hook into permit in Key West.

Another sought-after species in Key West is the bonefish, often referred to as the "gray ghost" of the flats. Bonefish are renowned for their speed, stealth, and elusive nature, making them a prized catch for fly anglers and light tackle enthusiasts alike. Key West's expansive flats provide prime habitat for bonefish, where they can be found tailing and feeding on small crustaceans and baitfish. Sight fishing with lightweight flies or lures is a popular method for targeting bonefish in Key West's shallow, clear waters.

For anglers seeking offshore adventures, Key West offers opportunities to target a variety of pelagic species, including mahi-mahi, tuna, and sailfish. These offshore waters are teeming with life, providing fertile fishing grounds for anglers in search of big game action. Trolling with rigged baits, casting lures, or live bait fishing are effective techniques for targeting pelagic species in Key West's offshore waters. Whether fishing inshore or offshore, Key West's diverse fishery ensures that anglers of all skill levels can enjoy memorable fishing experiences in this iconic destination.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip with Zach. He really knows the waters around the Keys! We had a blast and would highly recommend!

    Taylor T. | March 13, 2025

    Trip: Big Pine Key Fly or Light Tackle - Skiff

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time with Tyler. He was a lot of fun to hang out with. Caught a bunch of different species of fish. Good time!

    Taylor T. | March 10, 2025

    Trip: Marquesas Key Run

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome and very knowledgeable guide. Highly recommended!

    Matthew D. | March 7, 2025

    Trip: Keys Flats and Back Country Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Alex and mate Brooks were terrific!! We were on the fish for the entire trip. Caught tarpon, jack fish, barracuda, grouper and red snapper. I would highly recommend these guys!!

    Gary S. | March 7, 2025

    Trip: Backcountry - 24’ Shearwater

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great trip out with Alex! He took us to various spots to fish and see what was biting. He made sure the likes always had fresh bait, gave tips on how to use the equipment, identified the fish we saw in the water (and some sharks too!) and what we were catching. He was informative about the area, fishing there, etc. He recommended a great little place where we could take our catch to have it cooked immediately after- was very good!! We had a great experience!

    Kelly T. | March 4, 2025

    Trip: Backcountry - 24’ Shearwater

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time fishing with Spencer. He is a great guy and knows his stuff with putting you on the fish! We caught all kinds or species. It was a great trip !

    Jeff F. | March 4, 2025

    Trip: Edge of the Map Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Tyler was great. We caught lots of fish. Tyler really helped each person catch fish. We would use him again.

    Robert S. | February 8, 2025

    Trip: Stock Island Flats and Backwater

  • ★★★★★
    Unbelievable trip! Tarpon, cobia, jacks and sea trout! Captain Alex was great! Can’t say enough about the entire experience!

    Ron R. | February 7, 2025

    Trip: Backcountry - 24’ Shearwater

  • ★★★★★
    Fantastic trip, caught 8 different species of fish and many of them

    Richard E. | February 6, 2025

    Trip: Edge of the Map Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Anthony was awsome. Educated me and my wife on tarpon and ways to catch them, very entertaining with his stories and made the fishing trip memorable. Would definitely recommend.

    Robert B. | February 3, 2025

    Trip: Tarpon Fishing (seasonally)

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Anthony was awesome! Great with the kids and adults alike. The weather wasn't cooperating on our trip but he still managed to put us some fish even if wasn't our target for the day. I would fish with Captain Anthony again anytime!

    Jb H. | January 7, 2025

    Trip: Ultimate Action Fishing in Key West

  • ★★★★★
    We had a wonderful afternoon. Our guide was very knowledgeable and professional.

    Geoff C. | January 7, 2025

    Trip: Private Patch Reef & Flats Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    This Captain delivers! We caught at least 30 fish in 4 hours including a variety of Snappers, Groupers and a 5 foot Lemon Shark. You won’t be disappointed!

    Mark L. | December 29, 2024

    Trip: The Florida Keys Inshore Experience

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great time fishing w Chandler under tough windy and tide conditions. Worked his butt off to put us into fish. Would love to fish w him again.

    Gary R. | December 9, 2024

    Trip: Marquesas Atoll Light Tackle

  • ★★★★★
    I thought he did a great job. We caught a lot of fish and he was kind to my family. My 8 yr old daughter had a blast.

    Keith L. | November 28, 2024

    Trip: Key West Backcountry Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Had an all day adventure with Capt Tyler today and it did not disappoint! Started off the day with a big Jack and I lost a tarpon too. Caught fish all day long and capped it off with 5 bonefish to finish up. I will book with Tyler again! Added bonus, he's pretty dang funny!

    Mischelle R. | November 26, 2024

    Trip: Targeting Tarpon in Key West

  • ★★★★★
    Capt Jamie explained how, then coached me thru how to target Tarpon quite well. Followed by using his knowledge to get me on fish right away. Thank you for teaching this old dog new tricks!

    Scott N. | October 3, 2024

    Trip: Key West on Light Tackle & Flies

  • ★★★★★
    Captain David did an amazing job I asked for an out of season Tarpon trip . He got hooked up after a few spots. Then we went to deep water and caught a nice Mutton Snapper.

    Larry F. | September 3, 2024

    Trip: Key West Tarpon Hunt

  • ★★★★★
    My families trip with Captain John was awesome. John is a humble, hardworking, easy going, chill, dude and fit right in with our families vibe. He was great with our 5 year old son and answered all of his many fishing questions. John made it clear that between the time of year and conditions that day we would have to really work at it to get anything. That’s exactly what we did and we ended up catching a good amount of fish. Most importantly our 5 year old son, who is obsessed with fishing, had the time of his life and caught fish he’s never seen before. 5 stars, highly recommend. If you have a small group this is the charter to go on!

    Jacob D. | August 25, 2024

    Trip: Full Day Private Fishing Charter

  • ★★★★★
    Kyle was incredible! We had a bucket list trip and will definitely call him next time we are in the area!

    Tyler R. | August 3, 2024

    Trip: Key West Backcountry Fishing

What's biting in Key West?

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