posted by admin on Apr 16

Key West Charter Boat

Don’t miss out on exciting sport fishing in Key West aboard a Key West charter boat. It’s the best way to fish for top species targeted by serious big game fishermen from all over the word. We have tuna, marlin, sailfish, mahi mahi, wahoo offshore, plus grouper, snapper, cero, kingfish closer in near the reef. Actually, go for anything you want while vacationing in the Southernmost City, since there’s a Key West charter boat to suit anyone and everyone. Just take your pick from among dozens lined up at the docks at Garrison Bight, Historic Seaport, and over on Stock Island. Choose from big offshore boats with tall tuna towers and spacious cabins, or go for a day of flats fishing on the Gulf side of Key West.

Choosing a Key West charter boat is easy.  If you know what kind of fishing you want to do,  just show up where the Key West charter boats come in at the end of the day and compare what you see.  Some boats will report lots of sport fish releases, and others may bring in more eating fish like wahoo and mahi mahi.  Talk to the captains and the mates about tomorrow’s trip and if you like what you see and enjoy talking with the crew, you may have found the right Key West charter boat for you.  Book yourself a spot and tomorrow will definitely be the most exciting day of your Key West vacation.

posted by admin on Apr 16

Key West Sport Fishing - typical catch

Key West sport fishing combines the excitement of catching big game species, the pleasure of year-round sunny and mild weather, and the expertise of some of the top fishing guides in the world.   You really can’t go wrong!  And it’s obviously no secret, with thousands of anglers visiting every year, to try their hand at Key West sport fishing.  We have here a perfect combination of events, making this a major destination for salt water fishing vacations.

Key West has the coral reef, the only living coral reef in North America.  It runs from just south of Miami, along the Florida Keys, and on out to the Dry Tortugas, about 80 miles west of Key West.  The abundance and diversity of fish living on the reef can’t be matched by anything else on earth.  There are several species of grouper, snapper, and a locals’ favorite, hogfish, as well as other tasty fish living on the reef.  More sporty fish include the barracuda, which is tons of fun to catch and also used as bait for larger fish.

Key West is close to the Gulf Stream.  Sometimes VERY close!  The Gulf Stream brings large billfish, pelagics like wahoo, tuna and marlin, and mahi mahi as well.  Book a fishing charter on an offshore boat to get to the Gulf Stream for some thrilling Key West sport fishing.

And finally, Key West also has miles and miles of flats surrounding the island.  Also known as the backcountry, this area of shallow water holds several types of fish targeted on Key West sport fishing trips.  Book a backcountry fishing trip to catch bonefish, tarpon, permit and even sharks that ride up on the flats cruising around for dinner.

Can’t decide what type of Key West sport fishing trip to book yourself on?  Try them all!  You can choose half day charters if you’re pressed for time, and some captains run three-quarter day charters, too.  There are evening tarpon trips, and nighttime shark fishing trips, for the ultimate Key West sport fishing adventure.

posted by admin on Apr 16

Key West Fishing Trips on the Flats

What’s the best thing about Key West fishing trips?  It’s hard to choose, but ask most anglers and they’d probably say it’s the possibility of catching some of the hardest fighting sport fish in the world.  Key West fishing trips range from backcountry flats excursions to offshore trolling for billfish and other pelagic fish.  Boats that head out beyond the reef target monsters like tuna, marlin and sailfish.  Hook one of these and get ready for a hard fight with some of the strongest fish you’ll ever encounter.  Or flats fishing in the backcountry gets pretty wild too, with its own version of the big monster, the tarpon.  These big boys give a big pull when you hook ‘em, and you better be ready to hold on to that reel and work hard!

If you’re in town for fishing, head on over to Garrison Bight or Key West’s Historic Seaport.  There, you’ll see offshore boats, flats boats, and everything in between in terms of fishing boats.  There are party boats, or head fishing boats for novices who don’t mind going out with a group of like-minded anglers for a fun half day of fishing on the reef.  These Key West fishing trips specialize in catching yellowtail, grunts, and the occasional grouper.   The captain will be busy running the boat, but the mate will be there to bait your hook, help you bring a big fish, or answer questions.

For more private Key West fishing trips, of course you can hire your own guide.  On flats fishing trips, the captain is the guide, and also the mate, and sometimes the owner of the boat as well.  So when you go fishing in the backcountry with a guide, you’re going to have a lot of interaction with the captain.  This is your chance to pick up some insider tips on catching bonefish, permit, and tarpon from an expert.

posted by admin on Apr 16

Sailfish Fishing in Key West

It’s time again for the Key West Sailfishing Tournament, April 14 to 18 this year.  Officially called the World Sailfish Championship, this is more than just a sailfishing tournanemt.  It’s also events like a concert, drinks each night of the tournament, and dinner all under the big tent at Mallory Square.  If you’re downtown (Old Town, that is) or if you’re cruising by Key West harbor in a boat, you can’t miss the huge conglomeration of tents, one after another, forming one mega tent.  Inside you’ll find all things Sailfish.

Everyone gets super charged up for Sailfishing mainly because this is one very exciting species to hook.  Considered one of the top salt water sportfish, Sailfish run fast and fight hard.  They have been clocked at up to 50 knots, and they’re known for their acrobatics.  You’ll know exactly what we mean once you hook one…they jump amazing heights and give quite a spectacular show.  It’s pretty much one of the most exciting species to catch.

Sailfish aren’t that good to eat, and are released after being caught.  You’ll find that most of the Key West guides will practice catch and release, but especially with sailfish.  They grow fast, at up to several feet per year. Fly fishermen like to target sailfish, and are considered by a lot of fly casters to be the best sport fish possible on fly.

Sailfish fishing in Key West involves close observation of the Gulf Stream.  How close the waters of the Gulf Stream come to Key West figure into how many sailfish you’ll meet that day.  Sailfish like the warm waters of the edges of the Gulf Stream, and Key West is lucky because sometimes the Gulf Stream comes in as close as just two miles from Sand Key light.

Sailfish are pelagic, which means, among other things, they have to keep moving to breathe.  In a strong current, they are more apt to eat more because they don’t have to worry about breathing.  It’s just another reason why Key West has great sailfish fishing:  the Gulf Stream has strong currents.

Some days the Gulf Stream is going to be 20 or more miles south of Key West’s shores.  The big offshore boats available for charter at Garrison Bight or from the docks at Historic Seaport can easily navigate the waters to take you out there for awesome sailfish fishing.  They usually have roomy, comfortable cabins with AC and they’re large enough so you don’t get tossed around too much on the waves.  The captains are very knowledgeable, as are the mates you’ll fish with.   You can visit Garrison Bight or other places in Key West or Stock Island where the offshore boats come in around 4 or 5.  See who brought in a good catch, and talk to the captains or mates.  This is a good way to choose a sailfish fishing charter boat.  You will have a better time if you head offshore with a crew that you like, and who seems to catch a lot of fish.