Key West Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
3hour inshore fishing adventure near Key West watersMorning 7 AM and afternoon 1 PM departure options availableExpert guides assist up to 6 guests targeting local species
Nothing beats getting out on the water around Key West for some serious fishing action. Our 3-hour inshore trips put you right where the fish are biting, whether you're an old salt or picking up a rod for the first time. We run two trips daily - early birds can catch the 7 AM departure when the water's calm and fish are hungry, or sleep in and join us at 1 PM when the afternoon bite gets going. With just 6 anglers max per trip, you're not fighting for elbow room or waiting your turn to get a line wet.
Key West's inshore waters are where the magic happens. We're talking crystal clear flats, deep channels, and structure that holds fish year-round. The beauty of fishing these waters is the variety - one minute you're working the grass beds for snapper, the next you're drifting a channel edge hoping a big cobia cruises by. Our captains know every wreck, reef, and drop-off within range, so we're always putting you on productive water. The boat's rigged with quality gear, but feel free to bring your own setup if you've got favorites. We keep it relaxed but focused - this isn't a party boat where fishing comes second.
Inshore fishing around Key West means adapting to what's working on any given day. We'll be live baiting with pilchards and threadfins when the bite calls for it, or switching to artificials when fish are aggressive. Bottom fishing with cut bait produces solid action on grouper and snapper around structure, while sight fishing gets your adrenaline pumping when we spot cruising fish in shallow water. Our tackle selection covers everything from light spinning gear for finesse presentations to heavier conventional setups when big fish are on the prowl. Circle hooks are standard for live bait to ensure good hooksets and fish survival. The key is reading conditions - wind, tide, and water clarity all factor into where we fish and how we approach it.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of our local waters, and when they're running, the action gets wild fast. These silver bullets typically show up in good numbers from fall through spring, with fish ranging from schoolie kings around 15 pounds up to smoker kings pushing 40-plus. They're suckers for live bait on the troll or slow-pitched jigs around structure. When a king hits, you'll know it - that initial run will test your drag and your grip on the rod.
Greater Amberjack are the bullies of the neighborhood, and they fight like it. These bruisers hang around wrecks and deep structure, often in 60-100 feet of water. A good amberjack will go 30-50 pounds and pull like a freight train heading straight for the bottom. They're not picky eaters - live bait, cut bait, or big jigs all work. The trick is stopping that first dive, because once they get back to structure, you're probably done.
Cobia are the wild cards that make every trip interesting. These brown sharks (they're not actually sharks) cruise around looking for an easy meal, and when one shows up, everything else stops. Cobia are curious fish that will often follow the boat or investigate anything that looks interesting. They're incredible table fare and put up a strong, steady fight. Spring and fall are prime time for cobia, especially around markers, buoys, and floating debris.
Mutton Snapper are the gems of the reef. These beautiful fish with their distinctive red coloration and blue stripes are both challenging to catch and excellent eating. They're spooky around structure, so presentation matters. Mutton snappers typically run 3-8 pounds inshore, with bigger fish possible around deeper reefs. They're year-round residents but seem most active during warmer months.
Black Grouper are the kings of the bottom, and landing one is always satisfying. These fish are ambush predators that sit tight to structure waiting for prey to swim by. Grouper fishing requires heavy tackle and quick reflexes - once hooked, they'll head straight for the rocks. Most of our inshore blacks run 3-10 pounds, but bigger fish are always possible. They're excellent table fare and a favorite target for many anglers.
This is what Key West fishing is all about - consistent action, variety, and the chance to hook something memorable on every trip. Our morning and afternoon departures mean you can fit fishing into your schedule without burning the whole day. With small groups and experienced guides, you're getting personalized attention and local knowledge that makes the difference between a good trip and a great one. The fish are here year-round, conditions are usually fishable, and there's always something biting if you know where to look. Don't spend your Key West vacation wondering what you missed - get out there and see what's pulling back.
Set sail on our classic 34-foot Crusader, a beautifully restored 1982 cruiser that's been given new life with a complete 2020 makeover. This sturdy fishing machine runs on a powerful 350HP Caterpillar engine, cruising smoothly at 14 knots through Key West's productive inshore waters. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to six anglers, with a convenient flybridge that gives you perfect views of the flats and channels where the fish are biting. You'll stay cool with an icebox for drinks, while the GPS and fish finder help locate the hottest spots for snapper, grouper, and whatever else is running. The onboard toilet means no rushing back to shore, so you can focus on what matters - getting your line wet and bringing in the catch of the day in these legendary Florida Keys fishing grounds.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the heavyweight champions of the reef - stocky, powerful fish that'll give you a workout. Most average 20-30 pounds, but they can reach 100+ pounds and live 30+ years. Find them around wrecks, ledges, and coral heads in 30-300 feet depending on season - shallower in winter, deeper in summer. They're year-round targets but bite best during cooler months when they move shallow to spawn. What makes them special is that brute strength fight and excellent table fare with mild, firm meat. These ambush predators aren't picky eaters - live or dead bait works fine. The secret is getting them up fast once hooked. They don't nibble - when you feel that thump, start cranking immediately before they dive back into the rocks and cut you off. Heavy tackle is a must.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of our most prized catches - they fight hard and eat even better. These brown, shark-looking fish typically run 20-40 pounds but can hit 100+ pounds and 6 feet. You'll spot them cruising shallow waters around 30 feet, often near buoys, wrecks, or floating debris. Spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore. What guests love is the sight-fishing aspect - watching that brown shadow glide under the boat before the strike. The meat is phenomenal, firm and mild like a cross between shark and grouper. Since they're usually alone rather than schooling, each fish is a trophy. The trick is getting your bait in front of them quickly when you spot one. Bucktail jigs work great, but any color seems to work fine despite what some folks claim.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjacks are serious fighters that'll test your tackle and stamina. These bruisers average 30-40 pounds but can push 100+ pounds and 6 feet long. Look for them around wrecks, reefs, and offshore structures in 60-200 feet of water. They're most active during spring spawning season (April-May) when they move into shallower areas. What makes them special is that bulldogging fight - they'll pull straight down toward structure trying to cut you off. The meat is excellent eating with firm, white flesh. My go-to technique is dropping heavy jigs or live bait right to the bottom near structure. When you hook one, immediately apply maximum drag and start pumping - don't give them an inch or they'll wrap you around the reef. Bring heavy tackle because these fish don't quit.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are some of the fastest fish in these waters, averaging 20-30 pounds but occasionally hitting 90+ pounds. You'll find them trolling in 40-150 feet around reefs, wrecks, and drop-offs where they hunt smaller fish and squid. Spring through fall gives you the best shots when water temps hit that sweet spot of 68-84°F. These fish are pure speed demons - they'll peel line off your reel like nothing else. The meat is rich and flavorful, though high in oils. When using live bait, always rig two hooks on a wire leader - one through the nose, another in the back. Kings love to hit baitfish from behind, so that trailing hook saves a lot of missed fish. Once hooked, keep steady pressure and watch for their signature long runs.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are beautiful fish with that distinctive pinkish color and blue lines around their eyes. Most run 15-20 inches, but the big ones can hit 30+ inches and 30 pounds. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and sandy areas in 50-200 feet, though they come shallower at times. They're year-round residents but bite best during warmer months. Guests love the challenge - these fish are smart and finicky about bait presentation. The payoff is some of the best eating in the ocean with sweet, flaky white meat. The key is using the freshest bait possible on light tackle. Let it drift naturally in the current with minimal weight. Once you see that pink flash coming up through the clear water, you know you've got a keeper. Keep steady pressure because they'll dive for structure the moment they feel the hook.
Key West, FL