Big fish are closer than you think. On this private Key West charter, you stay with your own group and head 6–16 miles offshore depending on the day’s bite and your chosen time on the water. The goal is simple: put you around the right water and use the right method, with a captain who brings 15+ years of commercial fishing experience.

I love the way the captain and crew tailor the day to what’s happening, from trolling to bottom fishing and wreck work. I also like that you are not stuck figuring out the logistics: gear, lures, bait, and your fishing license are included, and they will clean and filet the fish you keep. One thing to consider is that you are going offshore, so you should be prepared for choppy conditions even if the ride stays smooth.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Private charter for up to 6: no mixing with other groups
• Offshore range of 6–16 miles: you chase the bite without being stuck too close to shore
• Target big-name species: mahi-mahi, snapper, grouper, wahoo, king mackerel, sailfish, and more
• Multiple fishing styles: trolling, live baiting, bottom fishing, wreck fishing, deep dropping
• Crew does the heavy lifting: you fish, then they help clean and filet

Offshore Key West Fishing: What This Private Charter Really Delivers

A Key West fishing trip is one of those things that sounds easy until you realize you need two things to win the day: a good captain and a smart plan for that specific ocean mood. This charter is built around that reality. You do not just “go fishing.” You go with a captain who has been doing commercial fishing for 15+ years and who adjusts when the bite shifts.

The private format matters more than people think. With up to 6 passengers, you get real flexibility without listening to strangers argue about technique. That is especially nice if you’re bringing family, a group of friends, or a couple with different levels of experience. You can fish, ask questions, and feel like the crew is focused on your day.

The fishing setup: Double Wrap and a crew that works nonstop

Your trip runs on the Double Wrap, with a captain and first mate on board to keep lines moving and anglers dialed in. In real-world terms, that means fewer dead moments and more time actually fishing. The reviews back up the pattern: people describe the crew as friendly, helpful, and strongly focused on landing fish.

You also get practical comfort baked in. The crew makes sure safety and fishing equipment are in place, and you are provided what you need for the hunt: gear, lures, bait, and a fishing license. You bring the fun stuff like snacks and drinks, plus things like sunscreen and hats.

The Price and Value: $900 for Up to 6 Passengers

At $900 per group (up to 6), this is priced like a true private charter, not a shared boat deal. If you fill all six spots, you’re effectively paying about $150 per person. If you don’t fill it, the per-person value drops, but the experience stays the same: your group is the only group onboard.

Where the value really shows is in what is included. You are not paying extra for basic fishing supplies or a license. Then there is the payoff: the crew helps clean and filet what you keep. That can save you time and money compared to doing the post-trip work yourself.

Also, the trip length options matter. It’s offered in 4-hour, 6-hour, or 8-hour formats (with the typical overview pointing to about 4 hours). Longer days usually mean more time to try different techniques and locations, which is a real advantage when fish are finicky.

If you’re planning ahead, note that this kind of charter is commonly booked about 48 days in advance on average. In other words: don’t wait until the last minute if you have a specific target date in mind.

Where You Go: 6–16 Miles Offshore and Why That Range Matters

Key West fishing can be either close-to-shore or genuinely offshore. This charter aims for the middle ground that often does the most for your odds: traveling roughly 6–16 miles from shore, depending on the trip length you choose and what the crew finds working that day.

That range is a sweet spot because it gives you access to more reliable fishing grounds without turning the day into a long travel slog. It also means you’re not tied to one tiny area. If the bite changes, the captain has room to reposition and try a different approach.

And yes, offshore can mean choppier water. One review specifically called out choppy seas but still described the trip as smooth. That’s a good reminder: you should pack for the conditions (hat, sunscreen, and water, at minimum), and be ready for the ocean to do ocean things.

What You’ll Fish For: Species Targets That Actually Change by the Day

This charter is designed to chase multiple species, and that’s a big deal. When you’re only targeting one fish, a slow bite can ruin the day. Here, the captain uses whatever the ocean offers.

Depending on season and conditions, the target species can include:

• Mahi-mahi
• Snapper
• Grouper
• King mackerel
• Wahoo
• Sailfish
• And other species as conditions allow

You can also expect the crew to switch tactics. Some days fish respond best to one approach, and other days they need something else. That’s why the charter includes a toolbox of methods rather than a one-technique plan.

In one review, anglers described catching mahi-mahi, king mackerel, and a sailfish measuring 75 inches long. That’s the kind of outcome this charter is built to aim for: a day where you’re not just getting bites, you’re landing fish with variety.

The Fishing Techniques: How the Crew Finds the Bite

The captain and first mate use several techniques to match what’s happening out there. You might see:

• Trolling to cover water and find active fish
• Bottom fishing when structure and depth matter
• Live baiting when fish want a natural presentation
• Wreck fishing when the ocean holds to a familiar pattern
• Deep dropping when the timing calls for it

If you’ve fished before, you’ll appreciate that they’re not acting like a one-size-fits-all operation. They are happy to tailor the trip to your preferences, whether you want a more hands-on style or you just want the best odds of catching.

If you’re new to fishing, this approach is also a win. Instead of feeling lost, you can learn quickly as the crew sets up, explains what’s being tried, and adjusts when something works—or doesn’t.

And since the crew is actively focused on landing fish, you’re less likely to spend the day watching your line sit there. That nonstop effort shows up again and again in the reviews: people describe the crew as continuously working from the morning departure until the return.

Your Time on the Water: A Clear Picture of the Day

This charter is built around fishing time, not a long sightseeing itinerary. Here is the flow you can expect.

Meet at Perry Hotel & Marina (and get your bearings fast)

You start at The Perry Hotel & Marina Key West, 7001 Shrimp Rd, Key West, FL 33040. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not dealing with complicated transfers or a different drop-off location.

Because the charter is private, your group’s timing is simpler. Once everyone is onboard, you focus on the day ahead.

Head out and start matching technique to conditions

After departure, the crew moves offshore within the typical 6–16 mile range. From there, you start fishing with the method that makes sense for the bite. If the day is right for trolling, you’ll cover water. If structure is the key, you shift to bottom or wreck fishing.

The captain and first mate are there to keep the line in the game: setting up, guiding you through the mechanics, and adjusting quickly when fish respond.

The moment that matters: keeping what you catch and getting it handled

When you land fish you want to keep, the charter includes help cleaning and filleting. That’s a practical service, and it often turns a great day on the water into something you can actually enjoy afterward.

You’ll also have a cooler onboard for food and drinks you bring. That small detail is underrated. After you’ve spent hours on the water, having your own snacks and drinks is a big comfort factor.

What to Bring (and What You Don’t Need to Worry About)

The crew provides the core fishing needs: gear, lures, bait, and your fishing license. They also make sure the boat has safety and fishing equipment onboard.

So you can focus your packing list on what actually improves comfort:

• Sunscreen and hats (strong Key West sun is real)
• Snacks and drinks for the cooler
• Anything personal you know you’ll want for a 4- or 6- or 8-hour ocean day

Also consider the fact that seas can get choppy. Even if the ride stays smooth, dressing for movement helps you feel better.

If you’re traveling with a service animal, the charter allows service animals. And since the location is near public transportation, it can be easier to plan without a car if you prefer that setup.

The Crew Factor: Captain Craig, Brett, Riley, and a Style of Fishing That Works

One of the most repeatable themes in the feedback is that the crew is effective and upbeat. Several reviews specifically mention Captain Craig and first mates Brett and Riley, describing them as friendly, knowledgeable, and constantly engaged.

That kind of energy matters because fishing success is often about response time. The captain spots changes sooner, runs the right strategy, and the first mate keeps things moving at the angler level.

If you like low-pressure days where people are clearly doing their jobs, this crew style fits. If you’re picky about technique, it also fits, because the captain is willing to tailor the trip to your preferences.

And if you’re hoping for a “big fish day,” the crew’s track record is the reason to book. Reviews repeatedly call out landing lots of fish and some larger ones, plus a strong feeling that they will put you on the fish.

Who This Charter Fits Best

This is a solid pick if any of these are true for your trip:

• You want a private boat with your own group
• You want a good chance at multiple species, not just one target
• You want an experienced captain who adjusts tactics based on the bite
• You want the included bonus of cleaning and filleting fish you keep
• You’re visiting Key West and want an ocean-focused day that feels like a real activity, not just a short outing

It’s also great for mixed experience groups. Even if you’re not a hardcore angler, you’ll still get a lot out of the crew teaching you what they’re doing as they chase different techniques.

Things to Consider Before You Book

A few reality checks will help you pick confidently.

First, you are going offshore. Choppy conditions can happen. That does not mean the trip is miserable, but it does mean you should dress and plan for ocean movement.

Second, this is priced for a group up to 6. If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, it can still be worth it if you value privacy, but make sure you’re comfortable with the group-rate structure.

Third, the species you catch depends on season and what the bite is doing. This charter is designed to chase multiple options, yet nature still decides the final score.

Should You Book This Private Key West Fishing Charter?

If you want a private, pro-led offshore fishing day with an included license, gear, bait, and a cleanup-and-filet service, I think this is a strong booking choice. The best reason to book is the combination of flexible tactics and a crew that stays active through the whole trip, not just for the first hour.

I’d skip it only if you are set on something very specific and inflexible, like a single species at all costs, or if you know you can’t handle offshore conditions even when the crew does everything right.

If your priority is a high-odds fishing day in Key West with a real captain and a focused crew, this charter makes a lot of sense.

FAQ

FAQ

How many people can you take on this private charter?

The private charter allows up to 6 passengers on board your group only.

What’s the duration of the fishing trip?

The charter is offered in 4-hour (approx.), 6-hour, or 8-hour options.

What fish species are targeted?

Target species can include mahi-mahi, snapper, grouper, king mackerel, wahoo, sailfish, and other species depending on the season and what’s biting.

Are fishing gear and bait included?

Yes. The charter includes the necessary gear, lures, bait, and a fishing license.

Will the crew clean and filet the fish you keep?

Yes. The crew will clean and filet the fish you wish to keep.

What should we bring?

You can bring snacks and drinks, and they can be stored in the cooler. Sunscreen and hats are also recommended.

What if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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