Damn Good Yellowtail Amberjack Fishing Charters In Key West

Check real-time availability and compare rates on Key West yellowtail amberjack fishing trips. Confidently book your next day on the water.

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Recently Booked Yellowtail Amberjack Fishing Charters In Key West, Fl

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Key West Sportfish Trip

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Veteran Operated
This trip is managed by a veteran of the US armed forces.
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FL Keys Reefs And Wrecks

NEW
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Target Species in Key West

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Everything to Know About Booking a Key West yellowtail amberjack fishing charter

What are the best yellowtail amberjack fishing charters in Key West?

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

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 4 yellowtail amberjack trips in Key West, and the most popular trips in the area are Key West Sportfish Trip guided by Mark, Laid Back Key West guided by Eric, and Runnin' the Dry Tortugas guided by Eric.

Our guides in Key West are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 3716 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 yellowtail amberjack guides / fishing lessons in Key West? Check out our beginner and family friendly yellowtail amberjack guides in Key West.

What types of yellowtail amberjack fishing charters are common in Key West?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular type of fishing for yellowtail amberjack in Key West as well as nearshore fishing and inshore fishing.

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

How much do Key West yellowtail amberjack fishing charters cost?

Prices for yellowtail amberjack in Key West can range anywhere from about $945 to $2,600, but the average price for a half day trip for yellowtail amberjack in Key West is $1,435. The average price for a full day trip for yellowtail amberjack in Key West is $1,911.

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 yellowtail amberjack fishing in Key West?

The most popular season for yellowtail amberjack fishing in Key West is summer, and most anglers book their trips 15 days in advance.

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

Yellowtail amberjack fishing in Key West is an exhilarating experience for anglers drawn to the challenge of targeting this powerful and hard-fighting species. These fish are known for their strength and resilience, making them a prized catch among both novice and experienced anglers. Key West's abundant offshore waters provide excellent opportunities for yellowtail amberjack fishing, with many charters offering specialized trips targeting these impressive fish.

The seasons for yellowtail amberjack fishing in Key West typically coincide with warmer months, when these fish are more active and abundant in the area's offshore waters. From late spring through early fall, anglers can expect prime conditions for targeting yellowtail amberjack, with water temperatures and weather patterns contributing to their presence in the region. Key West's professional fishing guides are well-versed in the local conditions and can provide valuable insights to maximize the chances of a successful yellowtail amberjack fishing excursion.

When it comes to fishing techniques for yellowtail amberjack in Key West, versatility is key. Anglers often use a variety of methods, including live bait, jigs, and vertical jigging, to entice strikes from these powerful fish. Yellowtail amberjack are known to inhabit deep wrecks, reefs, and other underwater structures, requiring anglers to employ tactics that allow them to reach these depths effectively. Whether fishing from a boat or targeting nearshore reefs, anglers can enjoy the thrill of battling yellowtail amberjack against the backdrop of Key West's stunning coastal scenery.

What are the most popular months to fish for yellowtail amberjack fishing in Key West?

Yellowtail amberjack seasons in Key West generally align with warmer months, spanning from late spring through early fall. During this time, these prized game fish are more active and abundant in the area's offshore waters, making it an ideal period for anglers to target them. Warmer water temperatures and favorable weather conditions contribute to the increased presence of yellowtail amberjack in Key West's rich fishing grounds, enticing anglers to venture out in pursuit of these hard-fighting species.

As the summer months approach, the waters surrounding Key West become prime habitat for yellowtail amberjack, with many charters offering specialized trips tailored to targeting these impressive fish. Anglers can expect excellent opportunities for yellowtail amberjack fishing during this season, with the chance to reel in trophy-sized specimens amidst the picturesque backdrop of Key West's coastal waters. The abundance of underwater structures, such as wrecks and reefs, provides ample habitat for yellowtail amberjack, attracting them in large numbers during peak seasons.

While yellowtail amberjack can be found in Key West's waters year-round, the summer months offer the most optimal conditions for targeting these prized game fish. Anglers can take advantage of the warmer weather and longer days to embark on thrilling fishing excursions, with the opportunity to reel in impressive catches and create lasting memories on the water. Whether fishing from a charter boat or casting lines from shore, Key West's yellowtail amberjack seasons promise exciting angling experiences for enthusiasts of all skill levels.

What techniques are popular for catching yellowtail amberjack in Key West?

Yellowtail amberjack fishing in Key West often involves a combination of techniques tailored to the species' behavior and habitat preferences. One effective method is bottom fishing near offshore structures such as wrecks, reefs, and ledges, where yellowtail amberjack tend to congregate in search of food. Anglers typically use heavy tackle and live bait such as small fish or squid to entice these powerful predators. Dropping baited lines to the ocean floor and allowing them to drift naturally with the currents can yield successful results.

Another popular technique for targeting yellowtail amberjack in Key West is vertical jigging. This involves dropping heavy metal jigs or bucktail jigs vertically through the water column, mimicking the movement of prey fish. Anglers employ a fast, jerking motion to impart action to the jig, enticing strikes from aggressive amberjack lurking below. Vertical jigging is particularly effective in deeper waters and around submerged structures where yellowtail amberjack are known to inhabit.

Trolling is also a productive method for catching yellowtail amberjack in Key West, especially when targeting larger specimens. Anglers troll various lures, such as deep-diving plugs or skirted baits, behind a boat at varying speeds to cover a wide area and locate active fish. Trolling allows anglers to explore different depths and areas of the water column, increasing their chances of encountering yellowtail amberjack. Additionally, trolling can be an exciting way to cover more ground while enjoying the scenic views of Key West's coastal waters.

What other species are popular in Key West?

Aside from yellowtail amberjack, Key West offers a diverse range of species for anglers to target, making it a prime destination for fishing enthusiasts. One popular catch is the mahi-mahi, also known as dolphin fish or dorado. These vibrant-colored fish are abundant in the warm waters surrounding Key West, particularly during the spring and summer months. Anglers often encounter mahi-mahi while trolling offshore, with their striking colors and acrobatic leaps providing an exhilarating angling experience.

Another sought-after species in Key West is the grouper, with various types inhabiting the area's reefs, wrecks, and offshore structures. Species like red grouper, gag grouper, and black grouper are common targets for anglers due to their size, strength, and excellent table fare. Grouper fishing in Key West typically involves bottom fishing with live bait or artificial lures near rocky outcrops and underwater ledges, where these predatory fish lie in wait for their next meal.

For those looking for a challenging and rewarding fishing experience, Key West offers opportunities to target billfish such as sailfish and marlin. These majestic creatures are apex predators that patrol the offshore waters in search of prey. Anglers often employ trolling techniques with rigged baits or artificial lures to entice these powerful fish. Key West's proximity to deep-sea canyons and oceanic currents provides ideal conditions for billfish, making it a hotspot for anglers seeking the thrill of battling these iconic game fish.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    Chris & Will were great. Knowledgeable, professional, engaging and put us on the fish. Would highly recommend this charter.

    Doug B. | September 11, 2024

    Trip: Key West Sportfish Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Was a great trip, while we didn't get all we wanted the crew worked there butt off!!! Would for sure book through them again!!

    Travis Z. | May 29, 2024

    Trip: Key West Sportfish Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great time. Would definitely go out with them again

    Donald H. | May 16, 2024

    Trip: Key West Sportfish Trip

  • ★★★★★
    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. | February 21, 2024

    Trip: Key West Sportfish Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Eric was the best! Very personable and fun. We will do this again.

    Teri H. | December 8, 2023

    Trip: Laid Back Key West

  • ★★★★★
    Nice boat even good in rough sea. Worked hard to find fish.

    Steve G. | November 14, 2023

    Trip: Laid Back Key West

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time! He was great with the kids and put us on the fish! Would go with him again!

    Sean S. | April 4, 2023

    Trip: Laid Back Key West

What's biting in Key West?

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