Types of fishing

BOTTOM FISHING (PARTY BOAT)

Looking for a relaxing way to spend a day on the water and catch some fish? Join one of our party boats or head boats for bottom fishing! These large boats offer a stable platform for most sea conditions and are popular for their affordable prices - you simply pay for your seat on the boat, rather than chartering the entire vessel. Prices average around $70-$100 and all fishing equipment is provided (some charge a small fee) You'll also have access to onboard restrooms, galleys for drinks and snacks, and helpful mates who are eager to assist you throughout your fishing day. Beginners and experienced anglers can enjoy constant action bottom fishing, catching a variety of edible fish including groupers, snappers, porgies, grunts, mackerel, and even sharks. And if you're planning a large group or private charter, these boats are available for your convenience

FLATS FISHING

We sight fish shallow water (1′-4′ deep) for fish up to 150 pounds.

After a quick ride to the flats we kill the engine and pole calm, clear water in search of bonefish, permit, tarpon, barracuda,shark and more. Success requires an accurate cast (or/and lucky) long enough to reach our target before we are spotted. Spinning or fly with 6-20 lb test is typical. Usually we can see into the water to spot the fish, but when light is poor, we look for surface clues such as: worried water, tails, wakes and of course the rolling of the famous tarpon( their head and back clear surface as they gulp air).

Besides the thrill of hunting fish, we enjoy a tremendous variety of wildlife- birds, turtles, dolphin and more.

An added bonus comes with sight fishing. The fish we fool are a thrill- but- even the ones that refuse our offers are likely to take our breath away.

LIGHT TACKLE FISHING

Light Tackle fishing is one of the hardest types of fishing to describe. The description references the type of fishing not the tackle. If you took a flats boat and an offshore boat and rolled them into one you would come close to the definition of light tackle. Originating as small 20 foot long center console, today’s modern Light Tackle boats have grown to as much as forty feet in length. The larger size has afforded a new level of comfort and speed. The opened, fish friendly, layout allows the angler to fight larger fish on lighter tackle. While the sheer speed allows them flexibility to run further in a short time.

No matter what your experience level light tackle fishing offers the opportunity to learn a variety of fishing techniques. Light Tackle boats don’t carry mates onboard so when the fish start biting it’s you and the captain working as a team. Whether you’re drifting live baits, kite fishing or sight fishing you’re a part of the action. The excitement of fishing offshore for dolphin, wahoo and sailfish is not to be outdone by the thrill of catching tarpon, sharks and permit in near shore shallow waters. The Florida Keys is home to over 600 IGFA World Records, Come join in the action.

OFFSHORE FISHING

The offshore charter boats of Key West’s Historic Charter Boat Row offer a wide range of fishing options. The big boats can fish the gulfstream for Sailfish, Tuna, Wahoo, Marlin, Dolphin or fish the reef for Kingfish, Mackerel, Snapper and Grouper and Barracuda and even fish inshore for Shark or Tarpon. Most boats carry a wide variety of tackle ranging from 50 pound trolling gear to light spinning tackle so no matter what size fish are biting , by matching the tackle to the fish, the action is always great! Because of their size, ranging from 32 to 50 feet, they can take up to 6 people fishing in comfort and provide shelter from the sun and elements while still offering all the amenities needed for a great day on the water. Some of the Big boats have air conditioning and all have enclosed restrooms, cooler space and indoor seating as well as fighting chairs to help you land the “big one”. While Key West is known for its fantastic tropical weather, the seas are not always smooth and a bigger boat reduces the “motion of the ocean” to help keep a day on the water fun.

REEF AND WRECK FISHING

Looking for different styles of fishing adventures? Our reef and wreck fishing offerings will definitely satisfy! The coral reef off Key West is home to an impressive range of species - from snappers, groupers, jacks, and mackerel to barracuda and pompanos - that can be caught using live, cut, or chunk bait. With up to 20 species in a single spot, it's a bonafide fishing paradise. You can also try trolling dead or live baits along the reef for larger snappers, groupers, mackerel, sailfish, mahi-mahi, and tuna. Baitfish are plentiful and attract anglers from all corners of the globe. So, whether you're after that trophy shark or in the mood for some delicious snappers for dinner, the coral reef off Key West promises world-class action.

WRECK FISHING

Wreck fishing in Key West might be just what you're looking for! The Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico around Key West are home to numerous wrecks that hold a variety of fish. The deep Atlantic wrecks in an average of 150-250 feet of water offer amberjacks, large snappers, and grouper, and also attract pelagic fish like sailfish, tuna, mahi-mahi, king mackerel, and wahoo. One of the newest wrecks in the area is the Vandenberg, intentionally sunk in May 2009 in 145 feet of water. This 522-foot-long wreck is now the second-largest artificial reef in the world, with an abundance of fish. In the Gulf of Mexico, wrecks are shallower at depths of 15-100 feet but still hold impressive species such as snappers, groupers, sharks, and permit. Live bait, dead bait, trolling, and jigging are all popular techniques. If you're up for a challenge, you can even try to catch the huge goliath grouper that's common on these Gulf wrecks. Whether you prefer anchored or drift fishing, Key West's wreck fishing will offer you an unforgettable experience.