Key West Charter Fishing Adventures
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private offshore fishing charters with Captain Dan Cramer in Key West watersTarget multiple species including Red Snapper, Grouper, and King MackerelFlexible trip durations from 48 hours accommodating up to 2 guests
Captain Dan Cramer knows these Key West waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish that'll make your buddies back home jealous. Whether you've got four hours to burn or want to make a full day of it, this private charter is built for serious anglers who want to get away from the crowds and into some real action. We're talking nearshore waters where the big boys hang out – those deeper drops and structure that hold the kind of fish that make for good stories and better photos.
This isn't your typical party boat situation. You're looking at a private setup for just two anglers, which means Captain Dan can focus entirely on putting you on fish without worrying about managing a crowd. The boat heads out to prime nearshore spots where the bottom structure and current breaks create perfect ambush points for hungry predators. You'll be fishing in 40 to 120 feet of water, hitting reefs, wrecks, and ledges that most weekend warriors never see. The captain adjusts the game plan based on conditions, tides, and what's been biting lately – that's the beauty of having a local pro at the helm who lives and breathes these waters.
Captain Dan runs a variety of proven methods depending on what's working best. Bottom fishing with heavy sinkers gets you into the snapper and grouper that hug structure, while lighter tackle spinning setups let you feel every head shake from those scrappy cobia and mackerel. Drift fishing over productive bottom lets natural presentation work its magic, especially when the current is moving just right. The boat carries quality rods and reels spooled with fresh line, plus a tackle box stocked with the baits and lures that produce in these specific waters. Live bait, cut bait, and artificials all have their place depending on species and conditions – the captain reads the situation and adjusts accordingly.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of nearshore fishing around Key West, and these ruby-colored fighters are absolutely addictive to catch. They typically run 5 to 15 pounds in these waters, with occasional bruiser fish pushing 20-plus pounds that'll test your drag system. Summer and early fall offer the best action when they're stacked up on rocky bottom and artificial reefs. What makes snappers so special is their combination of hard fighting and incredible table fare – they pull hard on the way up from depth, and few fish taste better on the dinner plate.
Black Drum are the bulldogs of the nearshore scene, with fish commonly reaching 20 to 40 pounds and the occasional monster pushing 50-plus. These copper-colored powerhouses love structure and will give you an arm workout you won't forget. Spring and fall are prime time when they school up in good numbers. Drum fight with pure power rather than flashy jumps – think freight train rather than sports car. They're perfect for anglers who want to feel serious pull and don't mind working for their fish.
Spadefish are the underrated gems that many anglers overlook, but locals know better. These silvery, disc-shaped fish travel in schools around structure and provide fast action when you find them. They typically run 2 to 6 pounds but make up for size with sheer numbers and willingness to bite. Late summer through early fall is peak season when they swarm the reefs. Spadefish are excellent eating and perfect for filling the cooler when the bigger species are being finicky.
King Mackerel are the speed demons that'll scream line off your reel in long, blistering runs. These torpedo-shaped predators commonly range from 15 to 35 pounds, with trophy fish over 40 pounds always possible. They're most active during warmer months when baitfish are thick in the water column. Kings provide some of the most exciting fights you'll experience – multiple long runs, occasional jumps, and enough speed to remind you why your drag system matters. They're also excellent smoked or grilled when prepared right.
Cobia are the chocolate-colored bruisers that many consider the ultimate nearshore gamefish. These fish commonly run 25 to 50 pounds and fight like they're twice that size, using their broad tails and powerful bodies to test every knot and connection. Spring and early summer bring the best cobia fishing when they're cruising structure and following rays. What makes cobia special is their intelligence – they'll inspect baits, follow lures, and sometimes even swim up to the boat to check out what's happening. When they decide to eat, hold on tight because you're in for a battle.
Captain Dan's private charters fill up fast, especially during prime fishing seasons when the bite is hot. This top-rated Key West fishing experience gives you access to productive nearshore waters with a captain who knows exactly where to find fish when others are struggling. Whether you choose the half-day option to sample the action or commit to a full eight-hour adventure, you're looking at world-class fishing with personalized attention that's impossible to get on crowded head boats. The memories and photos from a successful day on these legendary waters are worth every penny – not to mention the fresh fish dinner waiting at the end of the trip.
Captain Dan Cramer's 23-foot center console is built for serious Key West fishing action. This nimble boat cuts through offshore waters with ease, getting you to the prime fishing spots where Grouper, Red Snapper, and King Mackerel are waiting. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you need stealth, while the GPS and fish finder help locate schools below. Everything's provided - top-shelf rods, reels, tackle, and fresh live bait so you can focus on landing fish. Child-sized life vests ensure everyone stays safe while battling those hard-fighting Cobia and Pompano. Whether you're bottom fishing for Snapper or spinning for whatever's biting, this boat handles it all. Perfect for intimate fishing trips with room for two anglers to work the waters comfortably without crowding each other's lines.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, and they'll test your tackle. Most run 5-30 pounds, but giants over 50 pounds cruise our flats. These grey-black bruisers love shallow, muddy areas and oyster beds where they crush shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear their signature drumming sounds underwater. They're brackish water lovers, hanging around creek mouths and estuaries in water from super shallow to 100 feet deep. Keep smaller ones under 15 pounds for the table - the big ones get tough. My go-to trick is fresh blue crab on a circle hook fished right on the bottom. Those barbels help them hunt by feel, so let that bait sit still.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like underwater bulldogs - brown, powerful, and built to fight. These loners average 6 feet and can push 100 pounds, making them one of our most exciting targets. They cruise shallow waters around 30 feet or less, but also hit deeper structure up to 300 feet. Spring migration and summer months are prime time when they move through our waters. You'll find them around buoys, wrecks, and reefs, often just under the surface. What guests love is the sight fishing - spotting that dark shadow cruising by - and the bulldogging fight once hooked. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat. My secret weapon is a bucktail jig in 4-8 ounces. Color doesn't matter much, but getting it right in their face does.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are pure speed demons that'll test your reflexes and tackle. These silvery torpedoes average 20-30 pounds but can hit 90+ pounds, with females growing much larger than males. They cruise 40-150 foot depths along our reefs and wrecks, hunting blue runners, sardines, and squid. Fall through spring brings the best action when water temps stay in that 68-84 degree range. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they're almost as fast as wahoo. The meat's rich and oily, perfect for the grill. Here's my go-to setup: use a stinger rig with two hooks on wire leader since they bite the tail end of baitfish. Troll large spoons or live blue runners, and keep that drag loose - they'll smoke your reel on that first run.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snappers are the ultimate bottom fish around Key West. Most of what we catch runs 1-2 feet and weighs under 10 pounds, but they can push 35+ pounds. These pink-to-red beauties live on structure in 30-200 feet of water, loving ledges, wrecks, and rocky bottom. Spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps hit that 50-70 degree sweet spot. Guests love them because they fight hard and taste even better - that mild, nutty flavor makes them restaurant favorites. They'll run straight for cover when hooked, so be ready. Pro tip: use fresh squid or live pinfish on heavy tackle with multiple hooks, and get your bait right on the bottom where they live.
Chaetodipterus FaberSpadefish are some of the most unique fighters you'll hook around Key West. These disk-shaped silver fish with black stripes average 3-10 pounds and 18 inches, but can reach 14 pounds. They school in huge groups of 500+ around wrecks, reefs, and mangrove areas in shallow to moderate depths. Look for them near structure where they can hide from sharks and rays. Summer months are best when they're most active. What makes them special is their scrappy fight and the way they play dead when threatened - young ones drift like leaves. Guests love their tenacious battle despite their size. Fresh clam on small circle hooks works best, but here's the trick: cast past the school and drag your bait right through the middle of them. They can't resist it.
Montgomery