Private 10-Hour Key West Tarpon Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday customizable charter targets tarpon, permit, and offshore speciesIncludes snorkeling coral reefs and sunset fishing opportunitiesPrivate 24ft Yellowfin boat accommodates up to 5 guests
When you want the full Key West fishing experience without cutting corners, this 10-hour private charter delivers everything the Florida Keys has to offer. Captain and crew aboard the 24-foot Yellowfin know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll craft your day around what you want most—whether that's battling silver kings at sunset, hunting permit on the flats, or loading the cooler with fresh fillets. With just five anglers max, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to work. From sunrise to sunset, this top-rated charter covers more water and more fishing styles than any standard half-day trip.
Your day starts early with offshore action when the fish are hungry and the seas are calm. The 24-foot Yellowfin cuts through the blue water with ease, getting you to productive grounds while other boats are still loading gear. Mid-morning brings a shift to the flats and backcountry where permit and other trophy species cruise the shallows. The beauty of a 10-hour charter is flexibility—if the offshore bite is hot, you stay put. If the flats are producing, you work them hard. Around midday, many captains offer snorkeling stops at pristine coral reefs where you can cool off and explore underwater while the fish settle down during the heat. But the real magic happens as the sun drops low—that's when the tarpon show up to feed, and you get your shot at one of fishing's most legendary battles.
This charter covers every fishing technique Key West is famous for. Early morning offshore means trolling for mahi, kingfish, and whatever's running. The captain will set up a spread of lures and bait that matches current conditions, adjusting based on what the fish are hitting. When you move to the backcountry, it's all about sight fishing—polarized sunglasses become your best friend as you spot cruising permit, bonefish, and other flats species. Live bait, artificials, and fly fishing all come into play depending on what you're targeting. For the evening tarpon bite, expect heavy tackle and fresh bait. These silver kings average 80-150 pounds in Key West waters, so you need serious gear to turn their heads. The boat carries everything you need, from light spinning tackle for smaller species to heavy conventional reels that can handle a tarpon's blistering runs.
Tarpon are the undisputed kings of Key West fishing, and for good reason. These ancient giants migrate through local waters from April through October, with peak season running May through July. What makes tarpon special isn't just their size—it's their attitude. When hooked, they explode from the water in a series of spectacular jumps, shaking their massive heads and gill plates to throw the hook. A single tarpon fight can last 30 minutes to over an hour, testing every bit of your strength and patience. Most anglers practice catch and release with tarpon, knowing these fish can live over 50 years and are too valuable to the ecosystem and tourism economy to keep.
Permit are the holy grail of flats fishing, and Key West offers some of the world's best permit opportunities. These disc-shaped fighters cruise the shallow flats and wrecks, feeding on crabs and small baitfish. Permit are notoriously spooky and selective—they'll inspect your bait or lure for what feels like forever before either eating or spooking. When you do hook one, they make scorching runs toward deep water. A permit over 20 pounds is considered a trophy, and anything over 30 pounds is the fish of a lifetime. They're most active during spring and fall months when water temperatures are ideal.
Mahi-mahi provide consistent offshore action and make excellent table fare. These colorful dolphins (the fish, not the mammal) travel in schools and attack trolled baits with aggressive strikes. Key West's gulf stream position means mahi are present year-round, with peak numbers from spring through early fall. They're perfect for newer anglers since they fight hard but don't require the specialized techniques of permit or the endurance test of tarpon. Plus, fresh mahi fillets are about as good as it gets for a fish dinner back at the dock.
A 10-hour charter represents serious value for serious anglers who want to maximize their Key West fishing experience. You're getting three trips in one—offshore, backcountry, and tarpon fishing—plus the flexibility to adapt as conditions change throughout the day. The 24-foot Yellowfin provides a stable, comfortable platform for the long haul, and with only five anglers maximum, everyone gets their fair share of action. Whether you're a seasoned angler chasing a permit grand slam or a family wanting to experience everything Key West fishing offers, this charter delivers. Book early, especially during peak tarpon season, as these world-class charters fill up fast with repeat customers who know what a full day with Reel Easy Charters brings to the table.
Your Key West fishing adventure starts aboard this nimble 24-foot Yellowfin bay boat, built for serious anglers who demand performance. The 300HP Mercury Verado gets you to the best tarpon spots fast, then throttles down smooth as silk when it's time to present your bait. This boat handles offshore swells like a champ but also sneaks into skinny water where the big fish hide. The GPS keeps you on the money for those secret spots, while the fish finder shows exactly what's swimming below. VHF radio keeps you connected with other boats and the marina. With room for up to 5 anglers, there's plenty of space to work a rod without bumping elbows. The open layout gives everyone a shot at the action whether you're sight-fishing for permit on the flats or battling silver kings at sunset. Perfect for that full-day Key West experience.
Key West