Charter Fishing Key West with Captain Dan
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private inshore fishing charters with Captain Dan Cramer in Key WestTarget Black Drum, Redfish, Seatrout, and Pompano on flexible tripsHalf-day to full-day options with light tackle and bottom fishing
Captain Dan Cramer knows these Key West waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some seriously good fish. Whether you're looking for a quick half-day trip or want to go all-out with a full 8-hour charter, this top-rated fishing experience delivers the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back year after year. We're talking about targeting some of the most sought-after inshore species in South Florida – Black Drum, Redfish, Spotted Seatrout, Pompano, and Sheepshead – all within the crystal-clear flats and channels that make Key West a world-class fishing destination. With flexible departure times starting at 9:00 AM and a maximum of just 2 guests, you'll get the personalized attention that makes the difference between a good day and an epic day on the water.
This isn't your typical crowded party boat experience. Captain Dan runs an intimate operation where every cast counts and every angler gets their shot at glory. You'll launch into some of the most productive inshore waters in the Florida Keys, where shallow flats meet deeper channels and the fish are always moving. The boat is rigged with quality tackle and Captain Dan brings decades of local knowledge to every trip. He'll read the tides, watch the wind, and position you where the fish are feeding – not where they were yesterday or last week. The vibe is relaxed but focused, perfect for serious anglers who want results and newcomers who need guidance. Expect to cover water efficiently while learning the subtle art of reading these productive inshore environments. The 4 to 8-hour window gives you real flexibility to match your schedule and fishing goals.
Captain Dan's arsenal includes bottom fishing, light tackle work, popping, and spinning – basically every technique you need to match the conditions and target species. Bottom fishing with natural baits puts you in the game for Black Drum and Sheepshead around structure, while light tackle spinning with artificials lets you work the flats for Redfish and Seatrout. When the Pompano are running, expect to see some finesse techniques that really separate the pros from the weekend warriors. The popping game comes into play when fish are feeding aggressively in shallow water – there's nothing quite like watching a Redfish blow up on a topwater lure in two feet of crystal-clear water. All gear is provided, but if you've got favorite lures or tackle, Captain Dan welcomes experienced anglers to bring their own setup. The key here is versatility – conditions change fast in these waters, and having multiple techniques dialed in means you stay on fish regardless of what Mother Nature throws at you.
African Pompano are the crown jewel of Key West inshore fishing, and when you hook into one, you'll understand why. These silver bullets can push 20+ pounds and fight like fish twice their size, making blistering runs that'll test your drag and your patience. They show up best during the warmer months, often around structure or in deeper channels where they ambush baitfish. The beauty of targeting African Pompano is their unpredictability – you might catch one on a bottom rig intended for Grouper, or watch one crush a surface lure meant for Tarpon. They're not easy to pattern, which makes every hookup feel like winning the lottery.
Black Drum are the bulldogs of the flats, and Key West holds some真 monsters. These fish can exceed 40 pounds and provide the kind of sustained, head-shaking fight that'll leave your shoulders burning. Peak season runs from late winter through early summer, when they move into shallow water to spawn. They're suckers for fresh crab and shrimp, and once you find a school, you can often pick off multiple fish. Black Drum are smart, though – they'll test your knots, wrap you around structure, and generally make you earn every fish. Landing a big Black Drum on light tackle is one of those experiences that defines a great day of fishing.
Sheepshead might look goofy with those human-like teeth, but they're legitimate trophies and fantastic table fare. Key West Sheepshead grow fat and sassy around docks, bridges, and rocky structure, where they pick off crabs and barnacles with surgical precision. Winter months are prime time, when cooler water concentrates these fish around structure. They're notorious bait stealers, so expect Captain Dan to break out some specialized rigs and techniques. A 5-pound Sheepshead is a solid fish anywhere, but down here, 8+ pounders are always possible. They fight harder than their reputation suggests and taste even better than they fight.
Sea Trout, particularly the Spotted Seatrout, are the bread and butter of Key West inshore fishing. These beautiful fish are available year-round, though spring and fall offer the most consistent action. They love grass flats, channel edges, and anywhere baitfish congregate. Seatrout hit artificials with aggression and provide excellent light-tackle sport. The "gator" trout – those 20+ inch specimens – are what every angler dreams about, and Key West consistently produces these trophy-class fish. They're also one of the best eating fish in these waters, making them a customer favorite for obvious reasons.
Redfish are simply legendary, and Key West offers some of the most diverse Redfish fishing in Florida. From schooling juveniles in shallow water to massive bull Reds in deeper channels, these copper-colored fighters define inshore fishing in South Florida. Peak season varies, but spring and fall typically offer the most consistent action. Redfish hit everything from live bait to topwater plugs, and their fighting ability is the stuff of legend. Watching a big Red blow up in skinny water is a sight that'll stay with you forever. They're also perfectly suited to the light-tackle approach Captain Dan specializes in, making every hookup a memorable battle.
Captain Dan Cramer's 23-foot center console is built for serious Key West fishing. This nimble boat cuts through inshore waters with ease, getting you to the best fishing spots where Black Drum, Redfish, and Spotted Seatrout are biting. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working structure, while the GPS and fish finder help locate fish holding areas. All your gear is covered - quality rods, reels, tackle, and live bait are ready to go. Whether you're bottom fishing for Sheepshead or spinning for Pompano, this boat handles it all. Child life vests are on board for young anglers. With room for two guests, you'll have plenty of space to fight fish and move around the deck. The center console design gives Captain Dan clear sight lines to spot fish and navigate the flats safely.
Alectis CiliarisThese silvery jack family members are some of the most exciting fish you'll encounter out here. African Pompano typically run 15-30 pounds but can hit 50+ pounds - the current world record length came right from Key West waters. You'll find them in 30-250 feet, often near structure or drop-offs where they hunt crustaceans and smaller fish. They're built for speed and put up an amazing fight once hooked. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at finding them, especially when baitfish are thick. These jacks are attracted to shiny, moving lures - jigs and live bait both work great. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse it. They'll make several blistering runs, and that's when most people lose them. The meat is excellent eating with a firm, white texture.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, and they're built like tanks. Most of what we catch runs 5-30 pounds, but these fish can push 90 pounds if you're lucky. They love shallow, muddy flats and oyster beds where they crush shellfish with those powerful jaws. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater during spring spawning season - that's when they school up and fishing gets red-hot. They're tough fighters that use their weight and that big tail to wear you down. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Bigger ones get tough and stringy. Best bait is fresh crab - blue crab, fiddler crab, or peeler crab work perfect. Here's the key: get your bait right on the bottom and be patient. These fish take their time deciding whether to eat.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the gold standard of Key West inshore fishing. These copper-colored beauties average 20-35 inches and typically weigh 5-25 pounds around here. What makes them special is that distinctive black spot near their tail and their love for super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. You'll find them on flats, around mangroves, and near oyster bars in 1-4 feet of water. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall brings the best action when they school up. Guests love the visual aspect - you can often see them cruising or tailing in shallow water. They're strong fighters that make long runs and taste great with firm, sweet meat. The key is staying quiet and making accurate casts. Here's what works: sight-fish with topwater lures early morning, then switch to gold spoons or soft plastics as the sun gets higher.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Seatrout are one of our most popular inshore targets, and for good reason. Most run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, with a beautiful spotted pattern along their silver sides. They love grass flats, sandy bottoms, and shallow bays in 2-8 feet of water. Night fishing can be phenomenal, especially around lights that attract baitfish. Fall and spring offer the most consistent action when water temps are comfortable. What guests love is their willingness to hit topwater lures - those explosive surface strikes are hard to forget. The meat is delicate and flaky white with a mild flavor that's perfect for the table. Artificial lures work great - try soft plastics, spoons, or topwater plugs. Here's a local secret: when the bite gets tough, switch to live shrimp under a popping cork and work it slowly over the grass beds. The cork sound draws them in from a distance.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of Key West - those black and white stripes make them unmistakable. Most run 1-8 pounds, but we catch 20-pounders around the right structure. They've got human-like teeth for crushing barnacles and crabs off pilings, docks, and bridges. That's exactly where you'll find them - glued to structure in 5-30 feet of water. Spring brings the best action when they spawn around bridges and offshore structure. What makes them special is they're notorious bait thieves with incredible table fare - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. They're also challenging to catch, which keeps things interesting. The trick is getting as close to structure as possible without spooking them. Use fiddler crabs or shrimp, keep your bait tight to the bottom, and set the hook hard the moment you feel weight. They'll steal your bait if you hesitate.
Montgomery