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You're in good hands

Book your trip with confidence — We only work with the best local guides that know where to put you on fish.

About Your Trip

Water Type

Inshore

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

About Your Trip

Private light-tackle fishing on the patch reefs off Key West, aboard a 30-foot power cabin cruiser with a USCG-licensed local captain. Your group only - up to 6 anglers, no shared boat, no strangers on deck. This is casual, weekend-style fishing, not a tournament or serious-angler boat: 3 rods in the water at a time, and no live bait wells aboard - all bait is fresh or frozen. Choose 4, 6 or 8 hours; the 6- and 8-hour days give the captain room to move if the reef isn't cooperating.

What you'll catch. Yellowtail and mangrove snapper year-round, grouper in season, hogfish over the right bottom, and the occasional mahi when they're running. This is light-tackle patch reef and nearshore fishing, not a bluewater tuna run and not a flats poling trip - which is exactly why it works so well for mixed-ability groups, first-timers and families. Rods, reels, tackle, chum and frozen bait are included, along with an ice chest for what you keep.

How the day runs. We leave every trip from Perry Hotel & Marina on Stock Island - that's our only departure point, ten minutes from Old Town - and fish the patch reefs and nearshore structure the captain likes for that day's tide, wind and water clarity. If the reef is off, the captain adjusts - there's always a protected option in the Lower Keys, and knowing which one is the whole job.

Boat and comfort. Thirty feet, 2019, twin outboards, 400 total horsepower. Covered salon, enclosed marine head aboard, swim platform, Bluetooth stereo, cooler with ice and bottled water, fish finder, kill tank and iced fish storage, nine rod holders (we fish 3 lines at a time). It's a comfortable boat for a long day, which matters more than most people expect at hour five.

Licenses. No one in your group needs to buy a Florida saltwater fishing license for this trip - it's covered by the charter licence of the captain running your date.

Your captain. Mac is the owner of Six Fins - not a fishing guide - and built the operation around a crew of licensed local captains. Fishing trips are run by Captain Dustin Garland, a 50-Ton Master with a six-pack charter fishing license, or Captain Patrick Carter, a 50-Ton Master and certified snorkeling and fishing guide. Both hold the U.S. Coast Guard OUPV license - the federal credential required to carry passengers for hire.

What to bring. Food, drinks and snacks (please no glass), reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a towel and a photo ID. Beer and wine are fine in moderation; the captain stays sober and is responsible for the boat.

Good to know. Kids are welcome - tell us ages and swim comfort and the captain plans life jackets, depth and pace around the family. We also carry snorkel gear if you want a break from fishing. Cancel up to 7 days before the trip for a full credit. If the captain calls it for lightning, unsafe wind or small-craft conditions, you're covered by the weather guarantee - we don't run trips we shouldn't. A 20% tip is recommended and always appreciated.

301+ five-star reviews across our channels. Local Crew - Small Groups - Private Experiences. Beyond boat charters, Six Fins also runs guided jet ski tours.

Amenities

Water Type

Inshore

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Fish Cleaning

This guide will clean your catch for you.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

Boat Restroom

This boat has a restroom.

Location

This guide can be flexible with the departure location.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to small children.

Disability Friendly

This trip can accommodate those with disabilities.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 7 days before the trip.

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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Pricing Matrix

	3 hours	4 hours	6 hours	8 hours	10 hours
1 Person	$1,185.00	$1,420.00	$1,650.00	$2,120.00	$2,590.00
2 People	$1,185.00	$1,420.00	$1,650.00	$2,120.00	$2,590.00
3 People	$1,185.00	$1,420.00	$1,650.00	$2,120.00	$2,590.00
4 People	$1,185.00	$1,420.00	$1,650.00	$2,120.00	$2,590.00
5 People	$1,185.00	$1,420.00	$1,650.00	$2,120.00	$2,590.00
6 People	$1,185.00	$1,420.00	$1,650.00	$2,120.00	$2,590.00
7 People	$1,335.00	$1,570.00	$1,800.00	$2,270.00	$2,740.00
8 People (two boats)	$2,370.00	$2,840.00	$3,300.00	$4,240.00	$5,180.00
9 People (two boats)	$2,370.00	$2,840.00	$3,300.00	$4,240.00	$5,180.00
10 People (two boats)	$2,370.00	$2,840.00	$3,300.00	$4,240.00	$5,180.00
11 People (two boats)	$2,370.00	$2,840.00	$3,300.00	$4,240.00	$5,180.00
12 People (two boats)	$2,370.00	$2,840.00	$3,300.00	$4,240.00	$5,180.00
13 People (two boats)	$2,670.00	$3,140.00	$3,600.00	$4,540.00	$5,480.00
14 People (two boats)	$2,670.00	$3,140.00	$3,600.00	$4,540.00	$5,480.00

Pay 50% of the price as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the trip.

About Your Guide

Mac M.

Outfitter

Talkative

Laid-back

Instructional

Expert Oriented

Adventurous

Quality

About Your Guide

Mac M.

Outfitter

About Six Fins. We're a private day-charter service based in Key West, Florida, operating from Perry Hotel & Marina on Stock Island. Local Crew, Small Groups, Private Experiences. Mac is the owner, not a fishing guide, and built Six Fins around a crew of licensed local captains. He's not on the water running your trip; Captain Dustin Garland (50-Ton Master, Florida native) or Captain Patrick Carter (50-Ton Master, certified snorkeling and fishing guide) will be. We operate a Jeanneau NC 895 Weekender, a 30-foot power cabin cruiser that comfortably fishes up to six guests, with 3 rods in the water at a time and no live bait wells aboard, plus guided jet ski tours.

What kind of fishing is this? We're not a sport-fishing operation. We're a private day-charter where you can fish the patch reefs with a captain who knows them, and snorkel, swim, or hit a sandbar with the rest of your day. Beyond fishing we also run sandbar hopping, patch reef snorkeling, sunset cruises, dolphin watching, eco cruises, and full-day trips to the Marquesas Keys.

What will we catch? Yellowtail snapper, mangrove snapper, mutton snapper, hogfish, porkfish and grunts, and cero mackerel, usually catch-and-release on the shallow patches, with grouper possible depending on the season.

Is this for serious anglers? No, the Jeanneau is built for casual, weekend-style fishing days, not tournament fishing. It's the kind of trip where a first-timer, a kid, or a nervous spouse has just as much fun as an experienced angler.

Do you use live bait? No, the boat doesn't carry live bait wells. We fish fresh cut and frozen bait, which is included.

Do we need a fishing license? No, it's covered by your captain's charter fishing license.

Can we combine fishing with anything else? Yes, snorkel gear is aboard, and many groups add a sandbar stop or a swim break to the day.

Where do you depart from? Perry Hotel & Marina in Key West, that's our only departure point.

Mac first came to Key West as a University of Miami student in 1975 and docked his own boat at Stock Island in 2023. We're proud of our 301+ five-star reviews.

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Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

60 lb Tarpon

If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

Grouper or Mahi Mahi

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

60 lb Tarpon

If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

Grouper or Mahi Mahi

What’s your favorite band?

Allman Brothers

What’s your favorite movie?

5th Element

What’s your favorite sports team?

NY Giants

What’s your drink of choice?

Coffee

What was your last halloween costume?

Cowboy

What do you want for Christmas this year?

Health

How did you get started guiding?

2020

What makes you different from other guides?

Local knowledge

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Start Location & Lodging Options

Your guide can be flexible with your start location.

You can work with your guide after booking to set a more specific start location in the area.

Key West, Florida

Areas Fished

About Your Boat

Boat photo for Private Key West Patch Reef Fishing

1/12

Boat Type: Pilothouse
Boat Manufacturer: Jeanneau
Year Built: 2019
Boat Length: 30'

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Pilothouse
Boat Manufacturer: Jeanneau
Year Built: 2019
Boat Length: 30'
Boat Restroom: Yes
Total Horsepower: 400
Number of Engines: 2
Additional Amenities: The boat amenities include a fish finder, fishing off the stern and bow, kill tank, iced fish storage, bait cutting board, 9-rod holders, full head, covered salon, dining table, bedrooms, all USCG safety equipment, and a licensed local captain.

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Trip Details & Amenities

Water Type

Inshore

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Fish Cleaning

This guide will clean your catch for you.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

Boat Restroom

This boat has a restroom.

Location

This guide can be flexible with the departure location.

Weather

You won't lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to small children.

Disability Friendly

This trip can accommodate those with disabilities.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 7 days before the trip.

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .

View Full Species Seasonality Chart » View Recent Key West Fishing Reports »

Get it while it's HOT!
This species is in play.
You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Techniques

Everything Else to Know

Guests should bring sun protection, food for meals, towels, and any personal favorite fishing gear or tackle. We provide snacks, ice, an ice chest, bottled water, and all fishing tackle and gear. We also have snorkeling gear if you would like to take a break from fishing. Chumb and frozen bait are included. Special requests for live bait may be an additional cost.

You're all set! You don't need to buy a license for this trip.

This trip is managed by an outfitter. Mac will be your point of contact and you will go out with one of their guides.

We use a cashless autopay system. We'll send you a boarding pass, and on the day of the trip, your guide will scan your boarding pass to automatically transfer the remaining balance. The only cash needed is to tip your guide (we recommend 20%).

Cancel for free up to 7 days before the trip and receive credit back to your account. Cancelling within 7 of the trip will forfeit your deposit to the guide. Day-of cancellations and no-shows will be charged the full balance of the trip to their card.

In the event of inclement weather you'll be covered by out 100% Weather Guarantee and will not lose your deposit.

Reviews

5.0

based on 1 review

Geoff

Verified Review

January 3

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

Geoff

Verified Review

January 3

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

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First Time Booking with Us?

Captain Experiences is home to thousands of quality, vetted fishing, hunting, and other outdoor sports guides across the US and beyond. Our mission is to Unlock the Outdoors by making it quick and easy to book the trip of a lifetime every time with our Damn Good Guides.

We vet our guides and only partner with the best of the best. Our guides do their very best to keep you safe, show you a great time, and send you home with a memorable experience shared with family and friends.

Once you've paid your deposit at checkout, we'll send you a QR Code boarding pass. Just show your guide your boarding pass on the day of the trip, they'll scan it, the remaining balance will transfer automatically, and you'll be all set to get out there. Just make sure you bring a cash tip for the guide!

In the event of inclement weather, our guides will check the conditions and make the final call on whether its safe to go on the trip. If they decide the trip needs to be postponed, we'll work closely with you to reschedule or provide a credit for the full deposit, which can be applied to any of our trips in the US and beyond.

Each trip's price is determined by the guide and reflects all associated costs. A significant factor in pricing is often the type of boat and the corresponding fuel expenses. Additional costs may include leases, marina or slip fees, and the expenses involved in providing and maintaining the necessary gear for your trip.

After booking your trip, we'll connect you directly with your guide to discuss additional details. In the meantime, our team is here to answer any questions via email, text, or phone.