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Key West Charters

Key West Fish Species

Key West Fishing Glossary

Key West Fishing Calendar

Over the past 15 years, fishing with live bait has become one of the most popular techniques for Key West waters. The careful presentation of a naturally swimming live baitfish draws the attention of many species of fish, and the fishing action is likely to be much faster than it is when trolling dead bait that is rigged to look like it is swimming.

In order to keep live bait in a fresh, lively condition, most captains will catch it on the same day that it is to be used. This is usually done with a cast net or with light hook and line. The live bait is then kept in oxygenated live wells, often separated by species.

Many different fish species are used as live bait depending on the season and the target gamefish. Ballyhoo is one of the most commonly used baitfish as they congregate on the reef in large schools during the fall and winter months and are easily caught. Other live baits include Blue runners, Crabs, Majua, Mullet, Pilchards, Pinfish, and Threadfin Herring.

The idea is to offer the gamefish the bait that they are naturally feeding on. When kept fresh and healthy, live bait can make a major difference in fishing success.

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  • Key West Split Fishing Charters | #1 Service in FL Keys
    Likely to Sell Out
    Likely to Sell Out
    4.8 (493)

    Key West Split Fishing Charters | #1 Service in FL Keys

    Experience Key West offshore fishing at the lowest prices on the island. With Key West Split Fishing Charters, Fish Key West® can get you into

     4 or 6 hours (approx.)  Free Cancellation
    $350
    $200
    $350
    $200
  • Key West Party Boat Fishing Charter (Max 65 Guests)
    4.7 (146)

    Key West Party Boat Fishing Charter (Max 65 Guests)

    Fish Key West® invites you to take the family fishing or grab a group of friends and take advantage of a great value on the

     6 hours (approx.)  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
    Best Rate
    $69.69
    Best Rate
    $69.69
  • Key West Light Tackle Fishing Charter
    Likely to Sell Out
    Likely to Sell Out
    4.9 (35)

    Key West Light Tackle Fishing Charter

    Our Key West Light Tackle Fishing Charter gets you out on some of the world’s best sportfishing water in the place where saltwater light tackle

     4, 6 or 8 hours (approx.)  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
    Best Rate
    $950
    Best Rate
    $950
  • Key West Flats Fishing Charter
    Likely to Sell Out
    Likely to Sell Out
    4.9 (61)

    Key West Flats Fishing Charter

    Key West Flats Fishing makes for unforgettable angling adventure as you hunt trophy game fish and Sharks in the crystal-clear waters of the Keys Backcountry.

     4, 6 or 8 hours (approx.)  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
    Best Rate
    $580
    Best Rate
    $580
  • Private Key West Deep Sea Fishing Charter
    Likely to Sell Out
    Likely to Sell Out
    4.9 (263)

    Private Key West Deep Sea Fishing Charter

    Head offshore with our Key West charter fishing captains to fish the open Atlantic Ocean south and east of Key West. These waters have been

     4, 6 or 8 hours (approx.)  Free Cancellation
    $1,000
    $900
    $1,000
    $900
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