Key West Fishing Charters
Key West fishing charters give anglers quick access to reef edges, Gulf wrecks, and the deep blue water beyond the Keys for nonstop action on snapper, sailfish, tuna, and more.
Top Rated Charters in Key West
TrustedFish connects anglers with proven local captains in Key West, Florida —no commissions, no pay-to-play listings, no BS. Every charter on our platform is invite-only, vetted for skill, local knowledge, and reputation. If they’re listed, they’ve earned it.
Key West, FL Fishing Guide
Key West is one of the most versatile fishing destinations in the country, with year-round action in every direction. Most fishing charters here offer half-day, ¾-day, and full-day trips—everything from a quick run to the reef to deep sea trolling in the Gulf Stream. Launch points are all over the island, but most trips leave from Garrison Bight, the Historic Seaport, or Stock Island.
Inshore fishing around Key West is mostly focused on the backcountry and flats. The flats north of the island and out toward the Marquesas are home to bonefish, permit, and tarpon, especially during the spring and summer migration. Light tackle or fly gear is the standard, with live crabs, shrimp, or well-placed flies doing the trick. Deeper channels and basins in the backcountry hold mangrove snapper, barracuda, sharks, and even juvenile grouper year-round.
Offshore, it’s a short ride to the reef line—usually 6–10 miles. Yellowtail snapper, mutton snapper, and grouper are caught on anchor using live pilchards, ballyhoo, or cut bait. Beyond that, trolling for mahi, blackfin tuna, wahoo, and sailfish becomes the name of the game, especially from late fall through spring when the Gulf Stream moves closer. Deep dropping for tilefish, snowy grouper, and queen snapper is also popular when the current allows.
Whether you’re poling the flats or chasing birds offshore, Key West fishing has something biting in every season. Experienced captains here know how to read the tide, wind, and water clarity to keep rods bent.
Fishing Seasons in Key West
Spring
Spring is prime time for tarpon, especially in the backcountry channels and bridges. Flats fishing heats up for permit and bonefish, while offshore charters find steady mahi action and some of the year’s best sailfishing just outside the reef. Winds can still be up, but there’s plenty of protected water to work with.
Summer
Summer brings slick calm mornings and clear water, perfect for stalking bonefish and permit on the flats. Tarpon are still around early in the season. Offshore, mahi remain the top target, often under weed lines or floating debris 15–25 miles out. Early morning deep dropping can be productive before the heat sets in.
Fall
Fall fishing in Key West is underrated. The crowds thin out, and the bite stays hot. Inshore, snapper and barracuda are reliable, with a chance at resident tarpon. Offshore, wahoo and blackfin tuna start to show up, and reef fishing for yellowtail and mutton snapper is excellent with less pressure on the spots.
Winter
Winter is all about sailfish, blackfin tuna, and king mackerel offshore, especially on live bait drifts near the reef edge. The patch reefs light up for yellowtail, porgy, and grouper. In the backcountry, expect good action on mangrove snapper, jacks, and sharks, with the occasional cold-front push bringing in cobia and bluefish.
Gamefish in Key West
- Tarpon – 40–150 lbs Best March–July in backcountry channels and bridges; caught on live crabs, mullet, or flies on tide shifts.
- Permit – 10–35 lbs Flats and wreck edges; targeted with live crabs or jigs, especially in spring and summ
- Bonefish – 3–8 lbs Shallow flats north and west of Key West; sight-casted with shrimp or flies on calm daysnook (King Salmon) – Available year-round as feeder kings, especially in spring and winter. Average size is 12–25 lbs.
- Sailfish – 30–60 lbs Winter and spring near the reef edge; drifted live baits or slow-trolled pilchards.
- Mahi-Mahi – 5–30 lbs Caught 10–30 miles offshore around weed lines; trolled or cast to with spinning gear and live bait.
- Yellowtail Snapper – 1–4 lbs Anchored on reef in 40–90 feet; chum and use cut bait or small live pilchards.
- Blackfin Tuna – 10–25 lbs Offshore humps and reef drop-offs; trolled feathers or live chummed pilchards.
- Grouper (Black & Red) – 5–30+ lbs Caught on bottom rigs near reefs and ledges; best during cooler months.
- Wahoo – 10–50 lbs Fall and winter offshore; high-speed trolling around structure or ledges.
Key West Fishing FAQs
What types of fishing charters are available in Key West?
Key West offers inshore, reef, and offshore deep sea fishing charters. You can choose from half-day, ¾-day, and full-day trips depending on how far you want to go and what you’re targeting.
Where do most charters in Key West depart from?
Most fishing charters launch from Garrison Bight, the Historic Seaport, or Stock Island marinas. All are within easy reach of the reef and backcountry.
Do I need a fishing license to fish in Key West?
No. When fishing with a licensed charter captain in Key West, your fishing license is included.
What’s the best time of year for tarpon fishing in Key West?
Tarpon season peaks from March through July, with large migratory fish moving through the channels and bridges.
How far offshore are the reefs and Gulf Stream in Key West?
Reefs are about 6–10 miles offshore. The Gulf Stream varies but can be 15–30 miles out depending on conditions.
Is fly fishing popular in Key West?
Yes. Fly anglers target bonefish, permit, and tarpon on the flats. Many local guides specialize in fly-only trips with technical poling skiffs.
What gear is provided on a charter?
Most Key West charters provide all rods, reels, tackle, bait, and licenses. Just bring sun protection, snacks, and drinks.
Are the backcountry trips family-friendly?
Absolutely. Calm waters, short runs, and steady action on snapper, jacks, and sharks make backcountry trips perfect for kids or first-timers.
Can we keep the fish we catch?
Yes—within regulations. Many charters will clean and bag your catch for you to take to a local restaurant or cook at home.
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