Key West offshore fishing feels different when you’re not sharing a boat. This private charter takes you out from the Perry Hotel & Marina area and lets the captain chase today’s bite for mahi-mahi, snapper, grouper, king mackerel, wahoo, sailfish, and more. You also get a real crew setup: with an experienced captain and first mates on board, you’ll be fishing multiple techniques like trolling, bottom fishing, live baiting, wreck fishing, and deep dropping.

I especially like two things. First, it’s private for up to 6 passengers, so you can focus on what your group wants without squeezing in around strangers. Second, the trip includes what most first-time anglers end up scrambling for later: gear, lures, bait, and even a fishing license, plus cleaning and filleting for the fish you keep.

One thing to consider: the schedule depends on weather and the day’s bite, and you may head 6–16 miles offshore (depending on duration and conditions). If seas are choppy, you’ll still be out there fishing, but the crew is used to keeping things working smoothly.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Up to 6 people means a true private setup with no other passengers joining your trip
• Captain experience built for results, with 15+ years of commercial fishing background
• Target multiple species (and switch tactics) from trolling to deep dropping
• Real “bring your own” comfort basics: you can store snacks and drinks in the cooler and add sunscreen and hats
• Fish handling included: cleaning and filleting for what you keep
• Double Wrap boat team with Captain Craig plus first mates Brett and Riley mentioned in standout trips

Private offshore fishing from Key West with your own boat

This charter is built around one idea: you and your group fish your day, not everyone else’s. With space for up to 6 passengers, you’re not negotiating deck space, line space, or attention. That matters in the real world, because fishing is part waiting, part action, and part learning what works today. A private setup lets the crew adjust faster for your preferences, your experience level, and the way the bite is behaving.

The vibe comes through in the way the captain and crew keep working from the moment you leave until you head back. In the trips that impressed people most, the message was simple: the crew does not treat the half-day like a casual cruise. They actively hunt fish, and they keep guiding you on what to do next, especially if you’re newer.

You’ll also like the “ask and adjust” approach. The captain is open to tailoring the trip, and the menu of potential species changes based on season and conditions. That flexibility is the difference between a one-note fishing outing and a day that feels like you’re actually making progress.

Picking 4, 6, or 8 hours: what changes offshore and why

You have options: a roughly 4-hour trip, plus longer 6-hour or 8-hour charters. The main practical difference is time on the water to chase moving patterns. Shorter trips mean you’ll likely focus on the most promising areas and techniques for the day. Longer trips give more room to try different methods if the bite shifts.

Another key detail is how far you go from shore: the plan can place you about 6–16 miles offshore, depending on duration and the bite. That range is useful because it implies the captain isn’t locked into one “fixed spot.” When conditions shift, having permission to move offshore increases your chances of finding active fish.

A longer charter is also a better fit if your group wants more variety in target species. The charter’s structure supports it: you can fish techniques like trolling and bottom fishing in the same outing, and you can adapt when one target becomes slow.

If you’re traveling on a tight schedule, the 4-hour option can still be very worthwhile. Just go in with realistic expectations: the crew will try hard, but the clock is the clock.

What you can catch: the species list and what it means for your odds

The promise isn’t just one species. The charter is set up to target a range of fish, with the exact lineup depending on season and conditions. The commonly listed targets include Mahi Mahi, Snapper, Grouper, King Mackerel, Wahoo, and Sailfish, plus other species.

That matters because the waters around Key West can change their “mood” quickly. When you have multiple possible targets, the captain can shift strategy. For example, if you’re trolling and the action leans one way, the crew can pivot toward other techniques to keep the rods moving.

Two species are especially worth noting. Mahi-mahi are often a favorite because they put on a fun fight, and snapper shows up often enough to keep bottom fishing relevant. Sailfish, on the other hand, is described in a way that hints at why it’s such a thrill when it happens: they’re fast and can be elusive. One highlighted trip reported landing a 75-inch sailfish, which tells you that when conditions line up, big-game action can appear.

You’ll also be glad the captain can tailor the trip to your preferences. If your group has a “we really want mahi” mindset, you can ask early and let the crew plan around it. If you’re happy to fish whatever’s biting, you’ll still get a structured attempt at multiple species.

The crew’s game plan: techniques that keep you fishing

The charter is designed to use multiple fishing techniques, and that’s a big deal for your results. Different fish respond differently, and different parts of the trip can call for different methods.

Here are the listed techniques the crew can use:

• Trolling when the bite suggests moving water or surface action
• Bottom fishing when fish are holding lower
• Live baiting to match natural feeding behaviors
• Wreck fishing when structure and current make fish concentrate
• Deep dropping when the pattern points farther down

On standout trips, the captain and first mates were praised for landing lots of fish and for staying active the entire time you’re on the water. That kind of consistency usually comes from a crew that pays attention and keeps switching tactics instead of stubbornly repeating the same thing.

You may also see why the first mate role matters. In the best-known trip mentioned in the feedback, the team included Captain Craig and first mates Brett and Riley. When you have more than one set of hands experienced at boat-side help, it usually means better line handling, faster adjustments, and calmer coaching for anglers who need a bit more guidance.

If you’re new to offshore fishing, this is the kind of day that can teach you quickly. The crew is happy to accommodate both first-timers and avid anglers, which is exactly what you want from a private charter: help without hand-holding all day.

Gear, license, cleaning, and what you should bring

This is one of the most practical parts of the charter: you’re not walking in and realizing you forgot half your setup.

Included elements:

• Fishing gear, lures, and bait
• Fishing license
• Safety and fishing equipment onboard
• Cleaning and filleting for the fish you keep
• A cooler option for your supplies, since you’re encouraged to bring snacks and drinks

What you should bring:

• Snacks and drinks (stored in the cooler)
• Sunscreen and hats
• Anything your group likes for comfort during a few hours offshore

The cleaning and filleting piece is a quiet value boost. If you’ve ever caught fish and then had to figure out what to do with it at the last minute, you know why this matters. It turns your day on the water into a complete payoff: you bring home usable fish, not just a cooler full of weight.

One more small detail that affects your day: you’ll want to dress for being out there for hours. Even if the captain adjusts the plan, you’ll still be exposed to salt air and sun.

From Perry Hotel & Marina to the open water: timing and staying oriented

The charter starts and ends at the Perry Hotel & Marina Key West, 7001 Shrimp Rd, Key West, FL 33040. That round-trip setup is simple and low-stress because you’re not dealing with a complicated pickup ladder in town.

Also, it’s described as near public transportation. If you’re not bringing a car, that helps you plan without too much headache. The mobile ticket also reduces friction. You’re not hunting for paper directions or juggling multiple confirmations once you get there.

In practical terms, I’d treat this as a morning-to-midday (or afternoon) commitment depending on your chosen duration. You’ll want to buffer time to find the meeting spot and settle in before you’re out on the water.

Weather, comfort, and safety on a working fishing boat

Offshore fishing in Key West is weather-dependent, and this charter is upfront about that. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s important because “almost good enough” can still mean rougher seas than you want for a relaxing day.

One piece of feedback sums up the experience well: even with choppy seas, people described a smooth overall trip because the crew ran the day confidently. Translation: don’t expect a calm lake. Expect ocean conditions, and trust that the crew’s job is to fish anyway.

Safety is mentioned directly: quality safety and fishing equipment are on board. That’s what you want to see from any offshore provider.

If you’re sensitive to motion, choose your timing wisely and bring what helps you feel steady. And if your group is excited for the fishing, treat the ride as part of the bargain.

Price and value: $900 per group for up to 6

At $900 per group (up to 6 people), this is a private charter price point. The real question is whether it’s value for your situation.

Here’s why it can feel like good value:

• You’re paying for a private boat and crew, not a shared experience
• The trip includes gear, lures, bait, and a fishing license
• It also includes cleaning and filleting for what you keep
• The captain targets multiple species using multiple techniques, so your time isn’t wasted on a single plan

If you’re splitting the cost among a full group, the per-person impact can look more reasonable than it first seems. Also, the difference between a shared boat and private often comes down to attention and flexibility. Private usually means the crew can spend more time with your group’s needs rather than juggling multiple groups of anglers.

Where the price can feel steep is if your group is small and you’d be paying for mostly unused seats. But if you’ve got 4–6 people who genuinely want a hands-on fishing day, this charter lines up well.

One more timing note: this kind of charter is typically booked around 48 days in advance on average, so if you have a specific window in mind, start early.

Who this charter fits best (and who might want something else)

This charter fits best if you:

• Want a private experience for up to 6 people
• Have a mixed group of anglers, from first-timers to experienced fishers
• Prefer a captain who will tailor the day to your goals
• Care about coming home with cleaned and filleted fish

It’s also a smart pick if you’re in Key West but want the offshore day to feel like a real plan, not a random gamble. The structure supports changing tactics, so you’re not stuck doing one technique the whole time.

If your group wants a calm sightseeing cruise first and fishing second, this may feel too focused on catching. If you want pure relaxation with no expectation of offshore movement, you may prefer a different style of charter.

Should you book this Key West private fishing charter?

I’d book it if your group wants a true private offshore fishing day and you care about results and fish-handling. The combination of experienced commercial fishing background, a crew that keeps working throughout the trip, and the included gear, bait, license, and cleaning makes it feel built for convenience and payoff.

You should think twice if you’re only going for a quick sampler session and your group would be paying for a private charter with lots of empty seats. And if seas are usually an issue for your group, plan for weather and motion with realistic expectations.

If you’re flexible on the target species and you’re ready to fish hard for a few hours, this is exactly the kind of Key West experience that can turn into a repeat tradition.

FAQ

How many people can go on this private fishing charter?

The charter is private and can accommodate up to 6 passengers.

How long is the fishing trip?

The duration is approximately 4 hours, with options also available for longer trips (6 hours or 8 hours).

Where do we meet for the charter?

You meet at The Perry Hotel & Marina Key West, 7001 Shrimp Rd, Key West, FL 33040, USA, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

What fish are targeted on this charter?

Targets can include Mahi Mahi, Snapper, Grouper, King Mackerel, Wahoo, Sailfish, Tuna, and many other species, depending on season and the bite.

How far offshore will the boat travel?

Depending on the trip length and the day’s bite, the boat travels about 6–16 miles from shore.

Is fishing gear and bait provided?

Yes. The charter provides necessary gear, lures, and bait.

Do we need a fishing license?

Yes, but the charter provides the fishing license.

Is the fish cleaned and filleted?

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

What should we bring?

You can bring snacks and drinks that will be stored in the cooler, along with sunscreen and hats.