Fishing Guides, Charters and Services of the Florida Keys
Florida Keys Fishing Charters Explained
Florida Keys fishing charters explained. When I set out to write this article, I was thinking how many times someone has called my office looking for a fishing charter and they have no idea what they’re looking for or why. Maybe this article will clear things up for folks that are prospecting for a great Florida Keys fishing experience. I will try to explain the typical choices of legit fishing charters in no particular order.
Strictly by the numbers our most popular Florida Keys fishing charter. Backcountry fishing charters are typically done on Bay boats that carry up to four persons and are most commonly 24 feet long with single engines. The boats are designed to float relatively shallow, using trolling motors for propulsion to move along. This fishing charter is most popular due to the affordability and the fact the waters are generally always calm, the scenery is beautiful and the fishing can be very active keeping our most impatient, angler busy. Most backcountry fishing guides offer 4, 6, and 8 hour trips. Backcountry fishing trips are very popular from Key Largo all the way to Key West. In Key West this is the best way go Marquesas Keys Fishing. In addition up and down the Florida Keys this is absolutely the most popular way to go tarpon fishing or shark fishing.
Most Affordable Private Charters – Easy Lowest Pressure – Calm Seas – Family Friendly
Backcountry Fishing Pro Tips
- Request photos of the boat you will be going out on. Requesting a bay boat with the bathroom is also possible.
- Be specific on how you would like to fish. Light tackle spin fishing is typical for backcountry fishing, but some guides offer fly fishing as well.
- Ask what is in fishing season while you will be here. If you would like to target Tarpon, please let us know when you call so we can mitigate your expectations.
- The Florida Keys are 130 miles long. Please make sure you are very specific about what Key and area you would like to fish from
Looking for meat this may be your trip. Grouper snapper all sorts of food fish that are targeted on our reef fishing charters. Go fishing within the limits of size and numbers. Most of our captains will filet your catch at the end of the day to prepare it for dinner that night at a local hook and cook restaurant or to be shipped home. These fishing charters are very versatile offering live baiting for sailfish, bottom fishing for grouper, sight casting for other species, trolling the deep waters for pelagics. Fishing in the Atlantic, Florida Bay and the Gulf of America. Most of our reef fishing charters offer 4, 6 and 8 hour trips for up to 6 persons per boat. Some – not all the boats have small bathrooms. All the boats have shade. These charters are mostly conducted in open water and sometimes out of the sight of land.
Can Be Costly – Can Be Rough – Best For Food Fish
Pro Tips For Reef Fishing Charters
- Make sure you are very clear about any extra charges such as fuel, surcharges. Often, Key West reef fishing guides will tack on fuel if headed out towards the Dry Tortugas Fishing
- Learn as much as you can about the boat you will be on all day. Questions like will there be a bathroom how much shade?
- Make sure you are able to spend an entire day offshore without seeing land in moderate shop or see conditions. This trip can be prone to sea sickness.
- If it’s windy, make sure you are OK with the Captain’s backup plan he may want to take you shark fishing just to make the day.
- This trip can be very physical. Make sure you are up for it.
The Deep Blue Water’s off the Florida Keys is where we do our deep sea fishing. Open water often out of the side of land. Chasing Palegic species, such as mahi-mahi, sailfish, tuna, wahoo, marlin, king, Fish, and barracudas. The Fishing seasons change throughout the year. The boats we use for deep sea fishing are generally larger. Sport fishing boats are very popular for their comfort and Fish-ability. Larger center consoles are also very popular for their speed, but lacking some amenities.
Food Fish – Air Conditioned Boats – Can Be Costly – Very Traditional
Pro Tips For Booking Deep Sea Fishing Charters
- Make sure you get the description of the deep sea fishing boat and boat name when booking. To avoid bait and switch.
- Always ask about Fuel surcharges. Get it in writing the full cost of your charter. No hidden fees.
- Understand cancellation policies.
- Get a confirmation with contact info, location and details.
- To save money, you might also want to look into split or shared fishing charters.
Flats fishing was made famous in the Florida Keys most notably Islamorada flats fishing guides helps make that island the sport fishing capital of the world. Flats fishing is a very traditional way to Fish the shallows of the Florida Keys flats in the hunt for species, such as bonefish, tarpon, permit, snook, red fish and barracuda. Traditionally a flat skiff is used. This type of boat will have a polling platform where the flats fishing guide can stand and propel the boat along using a very long push pole. Sight fishing is the name of the game. With keen eyes, the flat Guide will spot the fish and instructor cast. Very popular to use light tackle, spinning gear and fly fishing techniques. Many anglers equate it to bow hunting for turkey. Flats fishing is not typically known to be how many fish you catch but more so the adventure to the one or three fish you did catch. Catch and release was very popular on this fishing charter. These charters offer 4, 6, and 8 hour trips for two persons or less.
One On One Experience – Can Be Intense – High Reward – Very Affordable Private Charter
Pro Tips For Booking Flats Fishing
- When booking a trip, make sure you tell us as much as you can. So we know how to set up your trip.
- If using a traditional flats fishing skiff inquire about stability. Especially if you have a hard time with balance. Technical flats skiffs can be tippy. Technical bay boats much more stable and do the same thing.
- If fly fishing is your desire make sure you explain your level of experience when booking. Please understand the word “double haul”.
Island Genn has been referring Florida Keys fishing charters to her clients for over 25 years. As a local she knows all of her fishing charters and guides personally and is a tremendous resource for information on her blog The KeyWester.
Call her direct 305-292-7212 for free information and referrals to all the great fishing charters.
Fishing The World Inc.
5555 College Rd.
Key West, FL 33040
Office 305-292-7212
info@fishingfloridakeys.com
Fishing Florida Keys is owned by Fishing The World Inc. All rights reserved.
