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Everything to Know About Booking a Key West deep sea fishing charter
What are the best deep sea fishing charters in Key West?
The best deep sea fishing charters in Key West are:
Why should I book a deep sea fishing charter in Key West with Captain Experiences?
Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 47 deep sea trips in Key West, and the most popular trips in the area are Southernmost Mahi Offshore Fishing guided by Garrett, Key West Offshore Action guided by John, and Key West Nearshore/Offshore Trip guided by Mike.
Our guides in Key West are rated a 4.89 out of 5 based on 3723 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 deep sea guides / fishing lessons in Key West? Check out our beginner and family friendly deep sea guides in Key West.
What types of deep sea fishing charters are common in Key West?
The most commonly sought after species for deep sea fishing are: 1. mahi mahi, 2. mutton snapper, 3. blackfin tuna, 4. sailfish, and 5. yellowtail snapper.
The most common fishing techniques in Key West are bottom fishing, trolling, and light tackle fishing but heavy tackle fishing and jigging are popular as well.
How much do Key West deep sea fishing charters cost?
Prices for deep sea fishing in Key West can range anywhere from about $1,085 to $3,200, but the average price for a half day trip for deep sea fishing in Key West is $1,547. The average price for a full day trip for deep sea fishing in Key West is $2,302.
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 deep sea fishing in Key West?
The most popular season for deep sea fishing in Key West is summer, and most anglers book their trips 31 days in advance.
Do I need a Key West fishing license and what are the bag limits 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 deep sea fishing in Key West all about?
Deep sea fishing in Key West, Florida, is renowned for its exceptional variety and vibrant marine life, making it a top destination for anglers seeking thrilling offshore experiences. Located at the southern tip of the Florida Keys, Key West offers easy access to the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. The area’s diverse ecosystems, including coral reefs, wrecks, and open ocean, provide ample opportunities for targeting a wide range of game fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, Key West’s fishing environment caters to all levels of expertise.
In the spring, Key West becomes an excellent spot for targeting species like grouper and snapper, which are abundant around the offshore reefs and wrecks. As the water temperatures rise, these bottom-dwelling fish become more active, and anglers often use heavy tackle with live or cut bait for successful catches. Additionally, spring heralds the arrival of pelagic species such as sailfish and mahi-mahi, making it a great time for trolling with larger lures or live bait. The warmer waters and increased fish activity provide a thrilling fishing experience.
Summer is the peak season for deep sea fishing in Key West, with its warm waters drawing a variety of big game fish. This is the prime time to pursue larger pelagic species like tuna, marlin, and wahoo, which are found in the deeper offshore waters. Anglers use techniques such as trolling with large lures and live bait, as well as kite fishing to target these powerful fish. The summer months also see an abundance of mahi-mahi, providing ample opportunities for exciting catches. As summer transitions into fall, the fishing conditions remain favorable with cooler temperatures maintaining good opportunities for red snapper, grouper, and continuing pelagic species. Overall, Key West offers a dynamic and rewarding deep sea fishing experience throughout the year.
What are the most popular months to go deep sea fishing in Key West?
Key West, situated at the southern tip of Florida, is renowned for its exceptional deep sea fishing opportunities throughout the year. In the spring, the waters around Key West come alive with the arrival of various species as the temperature starts to warm. This season is particularly good for targeting species like sailfish and mahi-mahi, which are known to migrate into the area. Anglers often use trolling techniques with brightly colored lures or live bait to attract these pelagic fish. The spring also marks the start of the grouper and snapper seasons, making it a versatile time for both big-game and bottom fishing.
Summer in Key West is prime time for deep sea fishing, as the warm waters attract a wide range of species. This season is ideal for targeting larger game fish such as marlin and tuna, which are found in the deeper offshore waters. Anglers can enjoy exciting fishing experiences by using techniques such as trolling with live bait or artificial lures. Additionally, summer is a great time for bottom fishing, with grouper, snapper, and other species being active around the numerous reefs and wrecks in the area. The warm weather also means more stable fishing conditions, making summer a favorite season for many fishermen.
As fall approaches, Key West offers a different set of fishing opportunities. Cooler temperatures lead to the migration of various species, including kingfish and wahoo, which become more active in the Gulf Stream waters. Fall is an excellent time for targeting these fast and powerful fish using trolling techniques. Grouper and snapper fishing continues to be productive as these species remain active in the cooler water. The fall season also brings less crowded waters and more comfortable fishing conditions, making it a great time for both seasoned anglers and newcomers to enjoy the rich fishing opportunities that Key West has to offer.
What techniques are popular for deep sea fishing in Key West?
Deep sea fishing in Key West, Florida, offers a range of techniques to target a variety of exciting species in the warm, crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean. One of the most popular methods is trolling, which involves pulling baited lures or live bait behind a moving boat. This technique is particularly effective for catching pelagic species such as Mahi-Mahi, Sailfish, and Blackfin Tuna. Anglers use a range of trolling lures, including skirted baits and artificial plugs, which mimic the movement of small fish and attract these fast-swimming predators. Trolling allows for covering a broad area and is ideal for locating active fish.
Another widely used technique in Key West is bottom fishing, which targets fish that dwell near the ocean floor. This method involves dropping weighted rigs or jigs to the seabed, where species like Grouper and Snapper are commonly found. Anglers often use live bait, such as pinfish or squid, and heavy tackle to handle the powerful runs of these bottom-dwelling fish. Bottom fishing is particularly productive around underwater structures such as reefs and shipwrecks, where fish seek shelter and food. It requires patience and skill to detect the subtle bites from fish feeding on the ocean floor.
For those looking for a more dynamic and engaging fishing experience, vertical jigging is a popular technique in the deep waters off Key West. This method involves dropping metal jigs straight down into the water column and rapidly jerking them up and down to simulate the movement of injured prey. Vertical jigging is effective for targeting species such as Amberjack and various tuna species. The erratic jigging action can provoke aggressive strikes from these predatory fish. This technique requires a strong rod and reel setup to manage the vigorous fights and deep-water conditions.
What species are popular for deep sea fishing in Key West?
Key West, located at the southern tip of Florida, is a renowned destination for deep sea fishing, offering an impressive array of species for anglers. One of the top catches in these waters is the Mahi Mahi, also known as Dolphinfish. These vibrant, colorful fish are prized for their striking appearance and delicious, mild-flavored flesh. Mahi Mahi are typically found in the warmer waters of the Gulf Stream and are known for their acrobatic fighting skills, making them a popular target for sport fishermen. They are often caught while trolling with lures or live bait.
Another sought-after species in Key West is the Tuna, particularly the Blackfin Tuna. These fast and powerful fish are a favorite among anglers for their energetic fight and high-quality meat. Blackfin Tuna are usually found in deeper waters and are commonly targeted using trolling techniques or live bait. Their robust size and strength provide a challenging and rewarding experience for those looking to test their fishing skills.
Additionally, Key West is known for its impressive population of Billfish, including the Sailfish and Marlin. These majestic fish are renowned for their impressive size and acrobatic displays, making them a coveted catch for deep sea fishermen. Billfish are typically targeted through trolling with live bait or artificial lures, and their elusive nature adds to the thrill of the chase. Catching a Billfish in the waters off Key West is a highlight for many anglers, offering both a memorable experience and a chance to land a truly spectacular fish.
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