Key West Private Fishing Charters
Looking for a fishing trip that's built around what you want? Cowboy Cowgirl Sportfishing Charters runs private offshore trips out of Key West that put you on the fish without the crowds. Whether you've got four hours or want to spend the whole day chasing big game, Captain Mark and his crew know these waters like the back of their hands. You'll hit the nearshore reefs for kingfish and mahi, or push out to the deep blue for sailfish and marlin. With up to six anglers on board, everyone gets plenty of rod time and personal attention from a crew that lives to put fish in the boat.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts early at the marina, where you'll meet your captain and get the rundown on the game plan. These guys read the conditions every morning - water temp, current breaks, bait movement - and adjust the strategy accordingly. Half-day trips usually focus on nearshore action where kings and mahi are feeding, while full-day charters give you time to work both the reefs and the blue water. The boat's rigged with quality tackle, and the crew handles all the technical stuff like rigging baits and working the spread. You just focus on fighting fish. Morning trips tend to be more productive for most species, but afternoon slots can be killer when the bite turns on later in the day.
Trolling Tactics & Gear
The bread and butter technique here is trolling - running a spread of lures and baits at different depths and distances behind the boat. The crew sets up everything from surface teasers to deep-running plugs, covering the water column where different species feed. For nearshore work, they'll pull smaller baits and lures that target kings, mahi, and blackfin tuna around structure and current edges. When you head offshore, the spread gets bigger with larger baits designed to attract wahoo, sailfish, and marlin. Live bait fishing comes into play when conditions are right, especially for tarpon and sharks if that's what you're after. The boat carries rods from light spinning gear up to heavy trolling outfits, so whether you want to battle a big fish on light tackle or get it to the boat quick, they've got you covered.
What Anglers Are Saying
"Captain Mark of Cowboy Cowgirl Charters is the best in the business! His knowledge of the local waters and commitment to customer satisfaction are unmatched. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, Mark ensures a successful and enjoyable trip. Highly recommended!" - Cassie
"These guys are so good at what they do!! We did not go fishing - we went CATCHING!! I can't say enough about Captain Pel & 1st Mate John giving us the best experience and showing us all the fishing techniques!!! From departure to return, these guys have it down to an art and know where the fish are!! I can't recommend them enough. If we come back, we know who we are calling!! Thanks Pel & John for the BEST fishing trip and sending us back to TX with a freezer full of fish!! True fishing masters!" - Kelsey
"Captian Chris and mate Will knew right where to go. They were dialed in to the fish and very knowledgeable about the waters. They put us on fish early and often on our 6hr charter. We caught so many mahi we told them to start throwing them back because we already had enough to eat. Will kept the baits fresh and worked the entire trip making sure the gear was ready for the big one. Which Capt. Chris found us in the last hour of the trip, a beautiful Key West sailfish! I would recommend this charter to anyone and will book again next time we are down." - John
Species You'll Want to Hook
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of Key West fishing, and for good reason. These acrobatic billfish put on a show like nothing else when hooked, launching themselves clear out of the water in spectacular jumps. Peak season runs from December through April when cooler water temps bring them close to shore. They typically run 30-60 pounds and prefer live bait or trolled ballyhoo. The fight is pure adrenaline - they'll peel drag on long runs then come up dancing on their tails. Most captains practice catch and release with sails, but the photo ops are worth their weight in gold.
Mahi Mahi, or dolphinfish, are the bread and butter of offshore fishing here. These brilliant gold and green speedsters are aggressive feeders that love structure - floating sargassum, debris lines, or anything that creates a feeding zone. They're great table fare and fight hard with blistering runs and aerial displays. Spring through fall offers the best action, though you can find them year-round. Most fish run 10-25 pounds, but bull dolphins over 40 pounds show up regularly. They school up, so when you find one, there's usually more underneath.
Greater Amberjack are the muscle cars of the reef. These powerful fish live around wrecks and hard bottom in 80-200 feet of water, and when hooked, they head straight for the structure to try to break you off. They're notorious for that first bulldogging run that tests your drag and your arms. Peak season is fall through early spring when they're most active. Most jacks run 20-50 pounds, but the big ones over 60 pounds will give you a workout you won't forget. They're excellent eating when bled properly and put on ice right away.
White Marlin are the smaller cousins of blue marlin but just as exciting to catch. These sleek billfish prefer the deep blue water and are usually caught while trolling for other species. They're more common in summer and early fall when the Gulf Stream pushes closer to shore. Most whites run 40-80 pounds and are incredibly acrobatic fighters, combining the speed of a
5.0(10 Reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Top Rated
Key West, FL
Private charters accommodate up to 6 guests with flexible scheduling
