Key West Family Friendly Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Familyfriendly 3hour inshore fishing charter departing at 2 PM dailyAll fishing gear, bait, and licenses included with handson captain assistancePerfect for beginners targeting snapper in calm, protected Key West waters
Looking for the perfect way to get your kids hooked on fishing? This 3-hour afternoon charter with Rampage Fishing on Magic hits all the right notes. Departing at 2 PM from Key West's protected waters, you'll cruise the flats and channels where snapper hang out and sharks patrol. The captain keeps things relaxed and educational, making sure everyone from grandparents to first-time anglers feels confident with a rod in hand. With all gear included and fishing licenses covered, you just need to show up ready for some quality family time on the water.
Your captain knows these inshore waters like the back of his hand, navigating the calm channels and grass flats where fish feel safe to feed. The boat stays in protected areas, so you won't deal with rough seas or seasick kids – just steady fishing in waters that rarely get choppy. This isn't a high-speed run to deep water; instead, you'll work the mangrove edges, sandy holes, and coral patches where multiple species cruise throughout the day. The relaxed pace gives everyone time to learn proper casting techniques, understand how different baits work, and actually enjoy the fight when fish bite. Your captain provides hands-on coaching, helping kids learn to set the hook and work fish to the boat without getting overwhelmed.
You'll rotate between three proven methods depending on what's biting and where you're fishing. Spinning gear with live shrimp or cut bait works great along the mangrove shorelines where snapper and smaller sharks hunt. When you hit deeper holes or channel edges, bottom fishing with heavier weights gets your bait down to where grouper and larger snapper hold. If conditions are right and bait schools are active, trolling small lures or rigged ballyhoo can trigger strikes from cruising sharks and hungry snappers. All rods are rigged with appropriate tackle for the target species, and the captain adjusts techniques based on your group's experience level. Kids get lighter setups that won't tire them out, while adults can handle the heavier gear needed for bigger fish.
Bonnethead sharks are the perfect starter shark for young anglers, typically running 2-4 pounds with a gentle fight that won't snap light tackle. These smaller members of the hammerhead family cruise the grass flats year-round, feeding on crabs and small fish. They're curious and often bite readily, giving kids the excitement of catching a "shark" without the intimidation factor of larger species.
Blacktip sharks bring more excitement to the mix, ranging from 10-30 pounds and known for their aerial displays when hooked. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially around dawn and dusk when they move into shallow water to hunt. These sharks fight hard but tire relatively quickly, making them manageable for families while still providing that heart-pumping experience of battling a legitimate predator.
Lemon sharks are the gentle giants of the inshore waters, often reaching 40+ pounds but surprisingly docile once hooked. They prefer sandy flats and channel edges, particularly during warmer months when they move shallow to feed. Kids love the bright yellow coloration, and these sharks provide steady, strong fights without the crazy runs that can overwhelm inexperienced anglers.
Mutton snapper represent the bread-and-butter target for Key West inshore fishing, with fish ranging from 2-15 pounds depending on the spot. They school up around structure and grass beds, feeding heavily on shrimp, crabs, and small baitfish. Summer months produce the most consistent action, and these fish fight harder than their size suggests, making multiple runs and testing your drag settings.
Black grouper are the prize catch of the trip, with juveniles in the 5-10 pound range commonly found around inshore structure. They're ambush predators that hit hard and immediately try to return to their holes, creating intense but brief battles. Winter through spring offers the best opportunities, and landing one of these bottom-dwellers always generates excitement since they're both challenging to catch and excellent table fare.
This family-friendly charter delivers exactly what most parents hope for – kids actually catching fish while learning proper techniques from an experienced captain. The afternoon timing works perfectly with family schedules, the protected waters keep everyone comfortable, and the variety of species ensures action throughout the trip. With all gear provided and fishing licenses included, you're looking at a hassle-free way to create lasting memories on Key West's legendary fishing grounds. Don't forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and plenty of water – the Florida sun reflects hard off the water, even on partly cloudy days.
The Rampage Magic is your floating fishing headquarters for exploring Key West's protected inshore waters. This comfortable motorboat keeps your family cool with air conditioning and a shaded salon while you target snapper and local species in calm conditions. Kids love the spacious layout with leather seating, plus there's a clean restroom and walk-in shower for washing off after handling bait and fish. The full kitchen and refrigerator let you store snacks and drinks, while the ice maker keeps your catch fresh. When little anglers need a break from the action, they can retreat to the private cabin with double beds. The flybridge gives you great views of the water and fishing spots, and the soundproof cabin means you can chat without competing with engine noise. With GPS navigation, your captain easily finds the best fishing holes around Key West's backcountry and flats. This boat handles up to 6 guests comfortably, making it perfect for multi-generational fishing trips where everyone from grandparents to grandkids can enjoy a day on the water together.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack groupers are the bulldozers of the reef - thick, powerful fish that'll test your gear and your arms. Most run 20-30 inches, but they can get massive, over 100 pounds in rare cases. These ambush predators hang around wrecks, reefs, and ledges in 30-300 feet, using structure to surprise their prey. Fall through spring is prime time when they move shallower. Guests love them because they're pure brute strength - no fancy jumps, just a straight-up tug of war. Plus, the meat is outstanding, mild and firm. They'll eat anything you drop down, dead or alive. Here's the key: once you feel that bite, crank hard immediately. Don't let them get back to the rocks or they'll break you off every time. Use heavy tackle - 80-pound braid minimum. These fish don't give up easy.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the jumpers of the shark world - they'll leap clean out of the water when hooked, sometimes 20 feet high. These sleek sharks average 4-5 feet but can get up to 9 feet. You'll find them in our nearshore waters around 30-100 feet deep, especially near reefs and structure. They're actually pretty timid until they get excited, then watch out for feeding frenzies. Fall through spring is prime time when they're most active in our waters. Families love them because they're manageable size but still give that real shark experience. They fight hard and those aerial shows are something kids never forget. Use heavy braid, at least 20-30 pound test, and circle hooks. Pro tip: oily baits like mackerel or sardines work best - pound some into chum to get them fired up.
Sphyrna TiburoBonnetheads are the smallest hammerheads you'll see around Key West, usually running 3-4 feet long with that distinctive shovel-shaped head. They're pretty harmless and actually quite shy compared to other sharks. These guys love our shallow bays and grass flats, especially during fall and winter when they migrate down from the Carolinas. You'll often find them in schools of 10-15, cruising around looking for crabs and small fish. What makes them fun to target is they put up a decent scrap for their size, and they're perfect for families since there's zero danger. When you hook one, expect a good fight on lighter tackle. My tip: use fresh blue crab cut in half with the hook through a leg - they can't resist it.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon sharks are easy to spot with that distinctive yellow-brown color that gives them their name. These are solid fish, typically 6-8 feet long, and they're known for being pretty mellow around people. You'll find them in our shallow waters, mangroves, and grass flats - they love areas under 20 feet deep. Spring through fall is your best bet when water temps are up. What guests really enjoy is they're big enough to feel like a real trophy but docile enough that kids can participate safely. They fight steady and strong without going crazy. The meat's actually pretty good eating too, firm and mild. For tackle, go with at least 30-pound test and circle hooks. Here's the trick: fresh cut bait on the bottom near structure, and be patient - they'll cruise by and pick it up when they're ready.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snappers are some of the prettiest fish we catch - that pinkish color really pops when you bring them up. Most run 15-20 inches, but the big ones can hit 30-plus inches and make your day. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom in 50-200 feet, though we get them shallower during cooler months. They're excellent table fare with sweet, firm meat that's hard to beat. What makes them special is they're smart - you need to present your bait just right or they'll ignore it completely. Use the freshest bait you can get and light sinkers to keep it natural. They fight pretty good for their size and won't quit easy. My go-to trick: let your bait drift naturally in the current with minimal weight. Once you see that pink color coming up through the clear water, you know you've got a keeper.
Key West, FL