8-Hour Full Day Fishing Charter in Key West
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday charter targets multiple species from sunrise to sunsetExplores diverse waters around Key West and the MarquesasAccommodates up to 4 guests with Above the Cut Charters
When you're serious about fishing and want to make the most of Key West's legendary waters, this 8-hour charter with Above the Cut Charters is what you've been looking for. We're talking about a full day on the flats and backcountry, from the crack of dawn until the sun starts painting the sky orange. This isn't your typical half-day tourist trip – it's designed for anglers who want to really get after it and experience what makes Key West fishing so special. You'll have time to hit multiple spots, adjust tactics as conditions change, and really dial in on the fish that are biting. With just four anglers max, you're getting personalized attention and plenty of room to work without bumping elbows.
Your day starts early – we're talking first light departure to make the most of those prime feeding windows. The beauty of an 8-hour charter is the flexibility it gives us to read the conditions and move around. Maybe we start working the flats near Key West for some sight fishing, then head out to the Marquesas if the bite is hot there. The backcountry around Key West is a maze of channels, flats, and mangrove islands, each holding different species depending on the tide, time of day, and season. You're not locked into one technique or one spot – we adapt as the day unfolds. Some trips we'll spend hours sight fishing crystal clear flats, other days we might focus on structure and current breaks. The boat is rigged with top-shelf tackle and I've got everything from light spinning gear for finicky bonefish to heavier setups when the sharks show up. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection – you're going to be out there working for it.
Inshore fishing in Key West is all about versatility and reading the water. We'll be sight fishing a lot of the time, which means polarized sunglasses are absolutely critical – I can't stress this enough. You'll be casting to fish you can actually see, whether it's a laid-up tarpon, a cruising shark, or bonefish tailing on the flats. The tackle varies depending on what we're targeting, but expect to throw everything from live pilchards and pinfish to artificials like DOA shrimp, paddle tails, and topwater plugs. When we're after tarpon, we'll bump up to heavier spinning gear or conventional tackle – these fish average 80-150 pounds and they'll test every knot and drag setting. For bonefish and smaller species, we'll scale down to lighter tackle where every fight becomes a real chess match. The boat's equipped with a shallow-water anchor, push pole, and trolling motor so we can work quietly through skinny water without spooking fish. Live bait is key for a lot of our target species, and I keep a well-stocked live well with whatever's been producing.
Tarpon are the undisputed kings of Key West fishing, and these silver giants are what draw anglers from around the world. Peak season runs from April through July, but we see fish year-round in varying numbers. What makes tarpon so special isn't just their size – averaging 80 to 150 pounds – it's their aerial acrobatics. When a tarpon eats your bait and goes airborne, shaking its head and gill plates rattling, you'll understand why they call it the silver king. They're notoriously hard to hook solid due to their bony mouths, so expect some heartbreak along with the victories. We find them laid up in channels during slack tides, rolling and feeding in deeper water, or cruising the flats when conditions are right.
Blacktip sharks bring a different kind of excitement to the mix. These are aggressive, hard-fighting fish that'll test your drag and your arms. They're most active during warmer months and love to cruise the flats looking for schools of baitfish. What's awesome about blacktips is their speed and their tendency to jump when hooked – not something you expect from a shark. They typically run 20 to 60 pounds in our waters, and on the right tackle, they'll give you a fight you won't forget. We often find them mixed in with other species, so you never know when that bonefish eat might turn into a screaming shark run.
Crevalle jacks might not win any beauty contests, but they're pound-for-pound some of the strongest fish in the backcountry. These bruisers are available year-round and they're not picky eaters, making them a reliable target when other species are being finicky. They school up around structure and current breaks, and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. A 15-pound jack will fight like a fish twice its size, making long, powerful runs and using every bit of cover available. They're perfect for testing your tackle and building confidence with the gear.
Lemon sharks are another crowd favorite, especially for their impressive size and surprisingly gentle nature once brought to the boat. These prehistoric predators can reach serious proportions – we regularly see fish in the 100 to 200-pound range. Spring and summer offer the best opportunities, and they're often found in slightly deeper water adjacent to the flats. What makes lemon sharks special is their fighting style – less jumping than blacktips, but more sustained power and endurance. They're also incredibly photogenic if you're looking for that grip-and-grin shot.
Bonefish are the graduate-level course in flats fishing. These spooky, intelligent fish require stealth, accuracy, and patience. They're available year-round but can be extremely selective about what they'll eat and when. Bonefish average 3 to 8 pounds in our waters, but don't let the size fool you – their initial run can strip line off your reel faster than you'd believe. They're found on shallow flats, often in just
Set sail on our 24-foot Edgewater center console, built for serious fishing in Key West's legendary waters. This smooth-riding bay boat packs a 300HP Yamaha engine that'll get you to the hot spots fast, whether you're chasing tarpon in the backcountry or working the flats for bonefish. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 4 anglers without feeling cramped when the action heats up. Your catch stays fresh in the onboard icebox while the fish finder helps locate schools and structure below. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over spooky fish, and GPS navigation ensures you'll hit all the productive spots during your 8-hour adventure. From shallow backcountry channels to deeper inshore grounds, this versatile boat handles Key West's diverse fishing environments with ease. Pack your tackle box and get ready to test your skills against everything from snapper and grouper to the Keys' famous gamefish.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the acrobats of the shark world, averaging 4-5 feet but reaching up to 9 feet. You'll spot them by their signature black-tipped fins and their habit of jumping clear out of the water - sometimes right into the boat! They cruise our shallow reefs and flats in 30-100 feet, feeding on mackerel, sardines, and whatever baitfish are around. Spring through fall gives you the best shots when they're most active. These sharks put up a solid fight with their speed and aerial show, plus they're pretty tasty if you decide to keep one. My tip: use oily bait like mackerel or sardines, and don't be afraid of the chum - blacktips rely heavily on scent and will come running once they smell dinner.
Albula VulpesBonefish are the ghosts of the flats - silver, spooky, and smart as they come. These 16-30 inch fish average 6-8 pounds and live in skinny water, sometimes just inches deep over turtle grass and sand. Around Key West, we fish for them on incoming tides when they move onto the flats to feed on crabs and shrimp. You'll spot them "tailing" - digging head-down with tails breaking the surface. Bones are pure challenge - they spook at shadows and make blistering 100-yard runs when hooked. That's why anglers get hooked on them. We release every one since they're too bony to eat. Best approach: quiet movements, accurate casts, and small jigs or flies. Cast well ahead of cruising fish - spook one and you'll spook the whole school.
Caranx HipposJacks are the bulldogs of the flats - stocky, aggressive fish that average 3-5 pounds but can push 20+ pounds. These golden-sided fighters love shallow grass beds, reefs, and around any structure where baitfish gather. Look for diving birds - that's your jackpot. Jacks push sardines and mullet to the surface while birds attack from above. They're year-round residents here, but summer brings the biggest schools. Guests love them because they fight way above their weight class and hit topwater lures with serious attitude. Silver spoons and fast-moving swimbaits work great. Pro tip: when you find a feeding school, cast past them and rip your lure back through fast - jacks love the chase and aggressive movement triggers the bite.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon sharks are the laid-back cruisers of our shallow waters, typically running 4-6 feet and up to 100 pounds. Their yellow-brown color makes them easy to spot over the sand flats and grass beds in 10-50 feet of water. These sharks love our warm shallows year-round, especially around mangrove creeks and sandy bottoms where they hunt for crabs, small fish, and rays. Spring through fall sees the most action when water temps peak. Lemons fight steady rather than flashy, making long runs and testing your drag. They're curious fish that often approach the boat, giving everyone a good look. Here's what works: fresh cut bait on the bottom with a fish-finder rig. Lemons are bottom feeders, so keep that bait on the sand.
Megalops AtlanticusThe silver king of Key West waters, tarpon average 80-100 pounds but can hit 200+ pounds and 6 feet long. These ancient fish patrol the flats, channels, and harbor year-round, with peak action May through August when they're most active. What makes tarpon special? Their legendary jumps - they'll rocket 10 feet out of water at 35 mph, putting on a show you won't forget. We find them cruising the deeper channels around the smaller keys and along the flat edges. They hit live mullet, pinfish, and crabs best. Here's the key: when you hook one, bow to the fish during those first jumps to keep slack in the line - it prevents them from throwing the hook on their acrobatic display.
Key West