Over 120 party and fishing charters operate in Key West, Florida. Most of them are good, but I typically go with the service with the highest rating and best customer reviews when booking anything. Here are the 9 best party and fishing charters that I could find in Key West.
The 9 best party and fishing charters in Key West, Florida, with the highest rating on FishingBooker, are:
- Fishizzle Sportfishing Charters 30′
- Fishizzle Sportfishing Charters 33′
- Corsair 2 Sportfishing
- Jolly Roger II
- Reel A Salt
- Salty Goat Fishing Charters
- Cora Beth Fishing
- Gulfstream IV Party Boat
- Blind Squirrel Charters
The difference between a party fishing charter and a private fishing charter is lower cost, more people on board (10-65 people), and possibly less attention from the crew. These bigger party boats tend to angle at certain spots only, like reefs, where a private charter has more flexibility.
Private fishing charters also employ a wider range of fishing techniques and typically hunt big game fish. Hence, many of these charters are equipped with fighting chairs. Whichever type you choose, you are bound to catch fish and have an incredible time on the waters of Key West.
1. Fishizzle Sportsfishing Charters 30′
Captain Todd of Fishizzle Sportfishing Charter 30′ owns a 30′ Dorado center console powered by a 260 hp Yanmar Engine. The boat comfortably accommodates six people, and the boat is child-friendly, making it ideal to book when searching for a private family fishing adventure.
The boat is equipped with Fishfinders, modern GPS systems, and radio technology to navigate you to where the fish are. Talking about fish, the captain and yourself, armed with a light tackle, will target the fish of your choosing, which you get to keep, or some of the following species by trolling and spinning:
- Great Barracuda
- Bonnethead Shark
- Tope Shark
- Red Grouper
- Permit
- Yellowtail Snapper
- Mutton Snapper
- Mangrove Snapper
- Lone Snapper
Fishizzle Sportfishing Charter 30′ supplies the following:
- Rods
- Reels
- Tackle
- Lures
- Live Bait
- Fishing License
- Catch Cleaning
- Filleting
- Outriggers
- Downriggers
You are expected to bring:
- Snacks
- Drinks
- Beer
- Sunblock
The following types of fishing are available to you:
- Inshore Fishing
- Backcountry Fishing
- Reef Fishing
- Nearshore Fishing (Atlantic Patch)
The following fishing techniques are used:
- Light Tackle
- Spinning
- Trolling
Prices range from $700-$1,050 depending on the length of the trip booked:
- Half-Day Trip (AM)
- Half-Day Trip (PM)
- ¾ Day Trip
- Full-Day Trip
A recent review onfishingbooker.com:
“Captain David was a great guide, had a blast, put us on fish, caught lots of species, made our trip with the couple of sharks we caught. Weather was amazing, calm, and beautiful! Had lots of fish for dinner and highly recommend this company! Thank you, Captain David and Fishizzle!”
2. Fishizzle Sportsfishing Charters 33′
Fishizzle Sportfishing Charters owns and operates three charter boats, so be sure to look at the other two should this one be booked for your planned date. On this charter, you will be going out on a 33′ Mako boat fitted with three 350 hp Mercury engines, accommodating six people (children welcome.)
Trips aboard this charter focus more on trolling for fish, and going after big game fish species is the name of the game. Expect safety gear, a heavy tackle (training is provided to first-timers), accurate navigational electronics, and trolling gear. The fish being targeted are:
- Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
- Sailfish
- Wahoo
- Blacktip Shark
- Blackfin Tuna
Fishizzle Sportfishing Charters 33′ supplies the following:
- Rods
- Reels
- Heavy Tackle
- Lures
- Live Bait
- Licenses
- Outriggers
- Ice Box
- Catch Cleaning
- Filleting
You are expected to bring:
- Snacks
- Drinks
- Beer
- Sunblock
The following types of fishing are available to you:
- Reef Fishing
- Wreck Fishing
- Offshore Fishing
- Backcountry Fishing
The following fishing techniques are used:
- Trolling
- Bottom Fishing
- Deep-Sea Fishing
- Jigging
- Spinning
- Drift Fishing
- Heavy Tackle
Prices range from $1,050-$1,450 depending on the duration of the trip booked:
- Half-Day Trip (AM)
- Half-Day Trip (PM)
- ¾ Day Trip
- Full-Day Trip
A recent review on fishingbooker.com:
“We had an amazing day! I’ve been on a lot of charters up and down the keys, and I have to say Capt. Kevin put himself at the top of my list. He worked his butt off to put us on a ton of fish. We out fished everyone at the dock that day. Highly recommend booking an all day with Capt. Kevin from Fishizzle Sportfishing Charters. Can’t wait to come back down this summer and chase some Mahi with him.“
3. Corsair 2 Sportfishing
Captain Russ McKinley from Corsair 2 Sportfishing knows all the best fishing spots in Key West. Over 30 years of firsthand fishing experience will grant you some knowledge regarding the great big blue. Join him on his 50′ Hatteras, which runs on twin 550 hp Detroit Diesel engines, and bring five friends with you.
When stepping onto the 50′ Hatteras, you will find a certain level of comfort as it features two private restrooms, a flybridge, a kitchen, beds, and AC. Additional features are safety equipment, a fighting chair, navigational instruments, outriggers, ice boxes, and a live bait tank.
The fast boat will take you up to 25 miles of a full-day trip, stopping at the reefs and providing some amazing deep-sea fishing. The fishing range is between 2-12 miles when booking a half-day trip. Fish that you will be targeting on these respective trips are the following:
- Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
- Red Grouper
- Black Grouper
- King Mackerel (Kingfish)
- Blue Marlin
- White Marlin
- Sailfish
- Yellowtail Snapper
- Mutton Snapper
- Blackfin Tuna
- Wahoo
- Hammerhead Shark
What makes the trip memorable is that you get to catch your own live bait on the way to the best fishing spots. The first mate will assist with cleaning anything that you catch and assisting with anything you need; hence, a 20% gratuity for his services is customary.
Corsair 2 Sportfishing supplies the following:
- Rods
- Reels
- Tackle
- License
- Fighting Chair
- Lures
- Drinks
- First Mate
- Catch Cleaning
- Filleting
- Live Bait Well
- Toilet
- Beds
- Air Conditioning
- Kitchen
- Outriggers
- Flybridge
- Ice Box
You are expected to bring:
- Snacks
- Drinks (Optional)
- Beer
- Sunscreen
The following types of fishing are available to you:
- Offshore Fishing
- Reef Fishing
- Wreck Fishing
The following fishing techniques are used:
- Light Tackle
- Heavy Tackle
- Trolling
- Spinning
- Jigging
- Bottom Fishing
- Kite Fishing
- Deep-Sea Fishing
Prices range between $900-$1,600 depending on the duration of the trip booked:
- Half-Day Trip (AM)
- Half-Day Trip (PM)
- ¾ Day Trip (AM)
- ¾ Day Trip (PM)
- Full-Day Trip
A recent review onfishingbooker.com:
“Had a great fishing trip! Captain Craig was able to get us on the fish and First mate Lewis kept the lines tight! Very knowledgeable crew and made you feel very welcome. I would highly recommend them for a charter!”
4. Jolly Roger II
Join Capt. Joe on the”Jolly Roger II and see firsthand what 37 years of local fishing experience looks like. He is a third-generation fishing charter owner and grew up on the “Jolly Roger II” before he bought the boat from his father and restored it; a 39′ Chu Chu fitted with two 350 hp 3126 Caterpillars.
Book your family and friends on an adventure with Capt. Joe, he will make sure the trip is suitable for the guests according to age and skill level. Onboard is the best navigational instruments, safety gear, a toilet, five fishing chairs, and a fighting chair for when the monster takes your hook, big fish like the following:
- Great Barracuda
- Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
- Goliath Grouper
- King Mackerel (Kingfish)
- Blue Marlin
- White Marlin
- Sailfish
- Cobia
- Amberjack
- Albacore Tuna
- Skipjack Tuna
- Wahoo
Captain Joe’s specialty is the reef to the bluewater trolling method, always putting his clients on fish. Imagine reef fishing and deep-sea fishing 25 miles offshore, and you get the idea. A first mate joins you on the trip to help with proceedings.
Jolly Roger II supplies the following:
- Rods
- Reels
- Tackle
- Lures
- Live Bait
- Licenses
- First Mate
- Catch Cleaning
- Filleting
- Fighting Chair
- Fishing Chairs
- Toilet
- Flybridge
- Ice Box
- Outriggers
You are expected to bring:
- Snacks
- Drinks
- Beer
- Sunscreen
The following types of fishing are available to you:
- Inshore Fishing
- Offshore Fishing
- Reef Fishing
- Wreck Fishing
The following fishing techniques are used:
- Light Tackle
- Heavy Tackle
- Trolling
Prices range between $800-$1,000 depending on the duration of the trip booked:
- Half-Day Trip (AM)
- Half-Day Trip (PM)
- Half-Day Trip (PM) – Later Departure
- ¾ Day Trip (AM)
- ¾ Day Trip (PM)
- Full-Day Trip
A recent review on fishingbooker.com:
“Had an amazing ¾ day on the water with Captain Joe and Joel…truly the best team in Key West!! Within one hour, we (mostly she) landed our first of three Mahi, and we finished with a variety of 9 fish on a day when most boats came back empty. Captain Joe takes pride in his craft & simply knows how to steer the Jolly Roger to the fish! Can work a mean spinning rod from the upper deck too! Joel…honestly not enough open space allowed to put all my compliments for that guy. Sincerely thank you for making the day a personal experience that we will not soon forget! The recommendation of Hogfish Bar & Grill for our fresh catch was also a hit! When booking a charter in Key West, there should be no debate…this is the one! Can’t wait to come back!!”
5. Reel A Salt (Angler’s Choice)
Capt. John Jackson of Reel A Salt is at the steer of the 28′ Blue Wave – fitted with a 350 hp Mercury engine – and he knows all the best spots in Key West. He was born here and raised on the blue waters; fishing is his second nature, and he loves to share his knowledge with you.
Fitted with state-of-the-art navigational instruments and a trusty Fishfinder, Capt. John will take you where you want to go, close to the shore, or 40 miles out to catch Sailfish, Blackfin Tuna, or Wahoo. No fishing trip will be complete without trying to land the famous Tarpon.
Capt. John offers specialized trips for up to six people, where you get to go hunt for Tarpon, and also the following beautiful fish:
- Tarpon
- Blackfin Tuna
- Sailfish
- Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
- Great Barracuda
- Wahoo
- Cobia
- Goliath Grouper
- Yellowtail Snapper
- Amberjack
Reel A Salt supplies the following:
- Rods
- Reel
- Tackle
- Lures
- Drinks
- Fishing License
- Live Bait
- Ice Box
- Catch Cleaning
- Filleting
You are expected to bring:
- Snacks
- Drinks (Optional)
- Beer
- Sunscreen.
The following types of fishing are available to you:
- Inshore Fishing
- Nearshore Fishing
- Offshore Fishing
- Reef Fishing
- Wreck Fishing
- Backcountry Fishing
The following fishing techniques are used:
- Light Tackle
- Heavy Tackle
- Spinning
- Jigging
- Popping
- Drift Fishing
- Bottom Fishing
- Deep-Sea Fishing
Prices range between $650-$1,500 depending on the duration of the trip booked:
- 4 Hour Trip – Tarpon
- 4 Hour Trip (AM)
- 4 Hour Trip (PM)
- 6 Hour Trip
- 8 Hour Trip – Offshore
- 8 Hour Trip – Tarpon
- 10 Hour Trip – Gulf Towers
A recent review onfishingbooker.com:
“Great weather. Captain Hugh was awesome and super friendly. Helped explain things when needed. Boat was clean; equipment was clean and working with no issues. Great price and company to choose for your private charter in Key West!”
6. Salty Goat Fishing Charters
The Salty Goat is a 50′ Markley armed with a turbo-diesel 400 hp Cummins engine, ready to take out over thirty people comfortably into the fish-rich waters of Key West. Fitted with life jackets, EPIRB, and a crew trained in CPR, your safety is paramount to the crew members.
The highly professional crew are happy to assist throughout the whole fishing experience and are happy to:
- Bait Your Hook
- Reel In Your Fish
- Put Catch On Ice
- Clean Catch
- Fillet Catch
- Bag Catch
The crew will also teach you how to fish if you are new to the fishing game, and their goal is to make sure that you have an awesome adventure on the water. The captain will take you to the reefs to fish for:
- Mutton
- Yellowtail
- Mangrove Snapper
- Black Grouper
- Red Grouper
- Amberjack
- Hogfish
- Barracuda
- King Mackerel
- Spanish Mackerel
- Sharks
Please note that all trips are shared. Bring your friends and family to meet like-minded people looking to catch some fish in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Please pay attention when booking a large group; adults and children’s prices differ.
Salty Goat Fishing Charters provide the following:
- Rods
- Reels
- Tackle
- Ice Box
- First Mate
- Catch Cleaning
- Filleting
- Fishing License
- Toilet
You are expected to bring:
- Snacks
- Drinks
- Beer
- Sunscreen
- Cash For Tips
- Cooler To Transport Fish
- Personal Fishing Gear (Optional)
The following types of fishing are available to you:
- Reef Fishing
The following fishing techniques are used:
- Light Tackle
- Bottom Fishing
- Jigging
The price will depend on the number of people booked on a trip.
A recent review on fishingbooker.com:
“My wife and I had a blast. She caught her first ever fish and the crew made the experience a truly fun time. Captain Dan and Darrin are very hands-on and make sure everyone is involved and having fun! They did a great job with cleaning the fish at the end and my wife enjoyed an amazing fresh fish meal at a local restaurant. We can’t wait to go back! We highly recommend Salty Goat!!!”
7. Cora Beth Fishing
Join Capt. Cory of Cora Beth Fishing and his 55′ Yank Marine boat can comfortably host 28 anglers. The boat is powered by two 450 hp Cummins engines, which will quickly take you to the fishing spots, ensuring that you spend maximum time fishing.
The Cora Beth offers you 4-10-hour trips to cater to specific needs and maximum fish. You will use techniques such as bottom fishing, jigging, spinning, with a light tackle targeting the following fish:
- Barracuda
- King Mackerel
- Amberjack
- Cobia
- Grouper
- Snapper
Cora Beth Fishing provides the following:
- Rods
- Reels
- Tackle
- Lures
- First Mate
- Fishing License
- Toilet
- Ice Box
You are expected to bring:
- Snacks
- Drinks
- Beer
- Sunscreen
- Cash For Tips
- Cooler To Transport Fish
- Personal Fishing Gear (Optional)
The following types of fishing are available to you:
- Reef Fishing
- Nearshore Fishing
- Offshore Fishing
- Wreck Fishing
The following fishing techniques are used:
- Light Tackle
- Bottom Fishing
- Jigging
- Spinning
- Deep-Sea Fishing
The price will depend on the number of people booked on a trip.
A recent review on fishingbooker.com:
“Had a great time on the 5-hour trip! Caught plenty and loved how the Capt. knew right where to go to keep them biting! It was a perfect after trip! Marshall was outstanding too helping everyone all around the boat. Then after the trip, they cleaned them and had a great recommendation for a fresh dinner. Thank you for a wonderful time!”
8. Gulfstream IV Party Boat
Book your space on the 60′ Gulfstream IV Party Boat, powered by twin-turbo Detroit 8V92 engines, and join the crew who knows to catch any type of fish found in the stunning Key West. The vessel is also wheelchair-friendly, equipped with state-of-the-art navigational electronics and a Fishfinder.
The Gulfstream IV is rigged to provide all anglers (45 in total) with enough space to be comfortable between casts. There’s an aircon inside the boat and two separate restrooms. The anchoring system keeps the vessel right on top of fish activity.
The helpful crew will assist the newcomers and guide you all the way when trying to land the following fish:
- Yellowtail Snapper
- Mutton Snapper
- Mangrove Snapper
- Spanish Mackerel
- Cero Mackerel
- Red Grouper
- Grunt
- Scup (Porgy)
Gulfstream IV Party Boat provides the following:
- Tackle
- Bait
- Rods ($5 rent)
- Fishing License
- First Mate
- Toilet
- Ice Box
- Kitchen
- Snacks
- Soda
- Water
You are expected to bring:
- Fishing Gear (Optional)
- Additional Snacks
- Additional Drinks
- Beer
- Sunblock
- Cooler To Transport Fish
The following types of fishing are available to you:
- Offshore Fishing
- Wreck Fishing
- Reef Fishing
The following fishing techniques are used:
The price will depend on the number of people booked on a trip.
A recent review on fishingbooker.com:
“Trevis has shown us his talents and skills with working a fishing trip. Very professional and knowledgeable. Polite and on top of his game. The whole crew was very friendly and the captain kept us well informed as to how things were being done and why. It was all about safety and catching fish. Will most definitely book with them again. Thank you, crew.”
9. Blind Squirrel Charters
Captain Mike owns the custom build 63′ The Blind Squirrel, which was built to allow a large group of people (41 in total) to explore all parts of Key West while experiencing a hands-on approach to fishing.
The vessel has ample space for everyone to fish comfortably, is fitted with 12 bunks and a salon to relax and catch some shade, is fully airconditioned, and is fitted with high-end navigational instruments.
The boat is powered by two 980 hp MTU engines that allow for some serious range of fishing trips (from quick morning trips or spending days at sea), hunting some desirable fish, like:
- Great Barracuda
- Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
- Cobia
- King Mackerel
- Blue Marlin
- Sailfish
- Mutton Snapper
- Red Snapper
- Blackfin Tuna
- Wahoo
“The Blind Squirrel” is the only charter fishing boat that is allowed to head offshore with 6 or more passengers on board, giving you a better chance of battling world-renowned big game fish on the fighting chair.
Capt. Mike and his crew will teach you to tie knots, cast your own bait, ultimately hooking fish all by yourself. Teach a man to fish.
Blind Squirrel Charters provides the following:
- Tackle
- Bait
- Rods
- Reels
- Lures
- Live Bait
- Catch Cleaning
- Filleting
- Fishing License
- First Mate
- Toilet
- Ice Box
- Kitchen
- Flybridge
- Outriggers
- Fighting Chair
- Air Conditioner
- Bed
- Tuna Tubes
- Refrigerator
You are expected to bring:
- Fishing Gear (Optional)
- Snacks
- Drinks
- Beer
- Sunblock
- Cooler To Transport Fish
The following types of fishing are available to you:
- Offshore Fishing
- Inshore Fishing
- Nearshore Fishing
- Wreck Fishing
- Reef Fishing
The following fishing techniques are used:
- Light Tackle
- Heavy Tackle
- Bottom Fishing
- Spinning
- Trolling
- Jigging
- Deep-Sea Fishing
- Drift Fishing
- Kite Fishing
The price will depend on the number of people booked on a trip.
A recent review on fishingbooker.com:
“What can I say had an amazing good time on my first fishing trip out of Key West. Capt. Mike was great the boat was top notch first class all the way had plenty of room inside and out. The cabin was amazing was able to get a break from the sun with ice cold AC. We caught several Mahi Mahi and Wahoo would highly recommend if your looking a great fishing and boating experience.”
Recap Of The 9 Best Party And Private Fishing Charters In Key West
If you are a serious angler armed with a bucket list of fish you want to catch, a private fish charter is ideal for you. The captains and their crew tend to cater to your personal needs or fishing requirements, more than you would experience on a fully-loaded party fishing charter.
| Charter Name | Type Of Charter |
| Fishizzle Sportfishing Charters 30’ | Private |
| Fishizzle Sportfishing Charters 33’ | Private |
| Corsair 2 Sportfishing | Private |
| Jolly Roger II | Private |
| Reel A Salt | Private |
| Salty Goat Fishing Charters | Party |
| Cora Beth Fishing | Party |
| Gulfstream IV Party Boat | Party |
| The Blind Squirrel | Party |
Conclusion
If you are planning a holiday trip to Key West, Florida, you have to fish if you can. It’s a magical experience, and Key West is a beloved and highly-rated fishing destination, so do yourself a favor when you visit.
With over 120 fishing charters, it may be hard to choose one. Hopefully, after reading this article, your selection process will be a little easier.
References:
