| Key West is famous for its world-class fishing! | | | | The term, light tackle fishing, refers more to using |
| Whether your angling style is deep sea or light tackle, | | | | non-trolling techniques. This differentiates them from |
| the perfect Key West fishing experience is yours. It's | | | | the offshore trolling boats. Most captains use a |
| no surprise that Key West anglers hold more than | | | | spinning rod and reel combination and a lighter line to |
| 300 International Game Fish Association world | | | | make fishing more of a challenge. |
| records. | | | | Light tackle fishing is considered by many to be |
| The surrounding waters, warmed by the Gulf stream | | | | unique to Key West...and while our Captains |
| currents just a few miles offshore, support an | | | | developed it, it's become a popular form of sport |
| abundance of species, including; Marlin, Swordfish, | | | | fishing all over the world! |
| Sailfish, Dolphin (mahi mahi), Wahoo, Tuna, Mackerel, | | | | Expect to target: sailfish, tarpon, permit, king |
| Snapper, Grouper, Amberjack, Cobia, Kingfish, Tarpon | | | | mackerel, snapper, yellowfin and blackfin tuna, |
| & Shark. | | | | grouper and sharks. |
| If you're interested in Key West fishing, there are | | | | Key West Flats Fishing Flats boats: 14-21 foot boats |
| almost as many types of charters as fish to catch! | | | | with shallow draft. Max. 2 people |
| Fishing On Party Boats | | | | Shallow water, sight fishing. These small boats are |
| Do you love fishing, but don't have the big bucks for | | | | capable of fishing in extremely shallow water and |
| a private charter? Try a party boat; all the fun at a | | | | sneak up on species such as; Tarpon, Permit, |
| fraction of the cost. | | | | Bonefish, Barracuda and Shark. |
| A Key West Party Boat is usually a 40 to 70 foot | | | | The guide is there to help you spot the fish and then |
| boat that can take large groups of people. | | | | it is up to you to cast to them. This type of fishing is |
| Everyone's fishing over the side for bottom fish. You | | | | challenging and may take practice and experience. |
| get to hold the rod, bait the hook, tie the rigs, and | | | | While the boat is small with no amenities, there is little |
| remove the fish. There are usually mates available if | | | | chance of seasickness! |
| you are a first timer. These boats use chum to bring | | | | Key West Sportfishing Charters 34-50' Fishing Yachts |
| the fish under the boat and you can expect to catch | | | | Max. 6 people |
| yellowtail, grouper, and occasionally mahi mahi | | | | Advantages: Trolling or live bait, all manner of tackle. |
| Providing the fish are legal, most local restaurants will | | | | Toilet, shade, AC, and lots of room for extended and |
| cook your catch. Bait and license are provided, rod | | | | overnight excursions. |
| rental and fish cleaning for an added fee. | | | | Disadvantages: The most expensive. |
| Light Tackle/Backcountry Boats 21-35 foot center | | | | In the past, sport fishing vessels were strictly |
| console boats Max. 4 people. | | | | deep-water trollers. Modern day charter boats offer |
| Lighter tackle means more fun! When you fish for | | | | trolling, live baiting, kite fishing, wreck, reef, Shark, |
| snapper and other offshore species with light tackle, | | | | Sword fishing, extreme deep dropping, Marlin |
| you're fishing with weaker line, and you are in for a | | | | tournaments, night fishing trips, and are capable of |
| fight! These boats are faster, more maneuverable | | | | over-night excursions to the Dry Tortugas, Bahamas, |
| and usually employ live bait techniques. | | | | and Cuba. |