Damn Good Florida Keys Fishing Charters

The best fishing charters in the Florida Keys are:

• Skiff Tales guided by Sam C.
• Mahi Mania Fishing Charters guided by Mark M.
• Captain GW Guide Service guided by Gw D. with 30 years of experience
• Blackwater Charters guided by Eric S. with 30 years of experience
• Key Largo Sportfishing guided by Dustin H.

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 92 trips in the Florida Keys, and the most popular trips in the area are Deep Sea, Wreck And Reef guided by Dan, Key Largo Mix-It-Up guided by Josh, and Key Largo Offshore guided by Pete.

Our guides in the Florida Keys are rated a 4.93 out of 5 based on 8347 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 charters / fishing lessons in the Florida Keys? Check out our beginner and family friendly charters in the Florida Keys.

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular type of fishing in the Florida Keys as well as nearshore fishing, inshore fishing, and flats fishing.

The most commonly sought after species in the Florida Keys are: 1. red snapper, 2. mahi mahi, 3. mangrove snapper, 4. yellowtail snapper, and 5. mutton snapper.

The most common fishing techniques in the Florida Keys are light tackle fishing, live bait fishing, and bottom fishing but artificial lure fishing and heavy tackle fishing are popular as well.

Prices in the Florida Keys can range anywhere from about $750 to $2,580, but the average price for a half day trip in the Florida Keys is $1,195. The average price for a full day trip in the Florida Keys is $1,727.

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.

The most popular season for fishing in the Florida Keys is spring, and most anglers book their trips 35 days in advance.

See here for more information on fishing licenses in the Florida Keys, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in the Florida Keys. When in doubt, your guide will always know all the relevant rules and regulations in the Florida Keys.

Fishing in the Florida Keys is a paradise for anglers, offering some of the most diverse and bountiful waters in the world. The Keys, a string of islands stretching from Key Largo to Key West, provide access to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. This unique location means that anglers can target a wide variety of fish species, from tarpon and bonefish in the flats to sailfish and marlin in the deep blue waters. The clear, warm waters and abundant marine life make fishing in the Keys an unforgettable experience for both novice and seasoned fishermen.

One of the highlights of fishing in the Florida Keys is the opportunity to go flats fishing. The shallow waters around the Keys are home to bonefish, permit, and tarpon, collectively known as the "Big Three" in sport fishing. Flats fishing typically involves sight fishing, where anglers visually spot fish and cast directly to them, making it an exciting and challenging endeavor. The thrill of seeing a bonefish take the bait or a tarpon leap out of the water is unparalleled, and the Keys' extensive flats provide ample opportunities to experience this first-hand.

For those who prefer deep-sea fishing, the Florida Keys do not disappoint. Just a short boat ride from the islands, the deep waters offer excellent conditions for catching mahi-mahi, wahoo, tuna, and various species of billfish, including sailfish and marlin. Charter boats equipped with experienced captains and the latest fishing gear make it easy for anglers to venture offshore and chase these pelagic species. Whether you're trolling for big game fish or bottom fishing for grouper and snapper, the deep-sea fishing in the Florida Keys provides action-packed days on the water and the chance to land some truly impressive catches.

The Florida Keys offer some of the best fishing opportunities in the world, with different seasons bringing a variety of fish species into the spotlight. The winter months, from December to February, are prime time for catching sailfish. As the water cools, these sleek, fast fish migrate through the Keys, providing thrilling action for anglers. Kite fishing, live bait, and trolling are popular methods during this season, and the chance to hook into a sailfish draws many fishing enthusiasts to the area.

Spring, from March to May, ushers in a fantastic period for tarpon fishing. Known as the "Silver King," tarpon migrate in large numbers through the Florida Keys during these months, particularly around the bridges and channels. These powerful fish, often exceeding 100 pounds, are known for their acrobatic fights and are a top target for sport fishers. Live bait, like crabs and mullet, and fly fishing are effective techniques for hooking these impressive fish.

Summer and fall, from June to November, offer a bounty of different species. Mahi-mahi (dolphinfish) are particularly abundant during the summer, providing both exciting fishing and excellent table fare. These colorful fish are usually found offshore, and trolling with ballyhoo or artificial lures can yield great results. The summer months are also excellent for bonefish and permit, with the shallow flats providing perfect conditions for fly fishing or using live crabs and shrimp. Fall sees the return of cooler waters and the arrival of species like kingfish and wahoo, adding to the diverse fishing opportunities in the Florida Keys throughout the year.

The Florida Keys offer a wide range of fishing experiences, each with its unique appeal and challenges. One popular type of fishing in the Keys is flats fishing, which takes place in the shallow, clear waters surrounding the islands. This method is particularly exciting because it involves sight fishing for species like bonefish, tarpon, and permit. Anglers use lightweight tackle and fly rods to cast to these elusive fish, making for a challenging and rewarding experience. The thrill of spotting a fish and watching it take the bait in such a pristine environment is a highlight for many anglers.

Another prominent type of fishing in the Florida Keys is reef and wreck fishing. The coral reefs and numerous shipwrecks in the area create perfect habitats for a variety of fish species, including snapper, grouper, and amberjack. Anglers typically use bottom fishing techniques, dropping baited hooks near the structures to attract these fish. This type of fishing can be done from private boats or on guided charters, offering a productive and enjoyable way to catch some of the Keys' most sought-after fish. The vibrant underwater scenery adds to the overall experience, making each trip memorable.

Offshore fishing in the deep waters of the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico is another major draw in the Florida Keys. Here, anglers target large pelagic species such as mahi-mahi, wahoo, tuna, and various types of billfish like sailfish and marlin. Trolling with artificial lures or live bait is a common technique, allowing anglers to cover large areas of water in search of these powerful fish. The excitement of hooking a big game fish and the subsequent fight make offshore fishing an adrenaline-pumping adventure. With the expertise of local charter captains and the rich fishing grounds just a short ride away, offshore fishing in the Keys is a must-try for any serious angler.

The Florida Keys are a fishing paradise, offering a wide variety of species that cater to all types of anglers. One of the most sought-after species is the tarpon, particularly famous for its incredible size and acrobatic fights. These "Silver Kings" are typically found during the spring months, especially around the bridges and channels. Anglers often use live bait such as crabs and mullet or try their hand at fly fishing to hook these powerful fish.

Another popular target in the Florida Keys is the bonefish. Known for their speed and elusive nature, bonefish are a favorite among fly fishers. They are primarily found on the flats, which are shallow, sandy areas with clear water. The best time to catch bonefish is during the warmer months, and using live shrimp or crabs as bait is a common and effective technique. The thrill of sight fishing for bonefish, watching them take the bait, and then feeling the intense run is an experience many anglers cherish.

Offshore fishing in the Florida Keys can yield impressive catches such as mahi-mahi (dolphinfish), sailfish, and marlin. Mahi-mahi are particularly abundant in the summer and are known for their vibrant colors and energetic fights. Anglers often troll with ballyhoo or artificial lures to attract these fish. Sailfish, another prized catch, are typically found in the winter months when the waters are cooler. These fast and acrobatic fish provide a thrilling challenge and are usually caught using live bait or trolling techniques. Whether you're fishing inshore for the elusive bonefish or heading offshore for big game fish like mahi-mahi and sailfish, the Florida Keys offer a diverse and exciting fishing experience year-round.

The Florida Keys are renowned worldwide for their exceptional fishing opportunities, drawing anglers from across the globe to its clear blue waters. Situated at the convergence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, this archipelago offers a diverse range of fishing experiences. From flats fishing for bonefish and permit in the shallow waters to deep-sea excursions targeting marlin, sailfish, and tuna, the Keys cater to anglers of all preferences and skill levels. The unique ecosystem of coral reefs and mangrove islands provides habitat for an abundance of game fish year-round.

One of the most iconic aspects of fishing in the Florida Keys is the chance to pursue the elusive and acrobatic tarpon. Known locally as the "silver king," tarpon migrate through the Keys in large numbers, offering anglers thrilling opportunities for sight fishing and battling these powerful fish. In addition to tarpon, the Keys boast plentiful catches of snapper, grouper, mahi-mahi, and wahoo, making it a paradise for both recreational and sport fishermen alike.

The accessibility of fishing in the Florida Keys is enhanced by its numerous marinas, charter services, and knowledgeable guides who are eager to assist visitors in making the most of their fishing adventures. Whether you prefer casting from shore, wading in the flats, or venturing offshore in pursuit of trophy game fish, the Keys offer a year-round fishing season and an unforgettable experience in one of the world's premier fishing destinations.