When the conditions are right and the bite is on, the waters off Key West offer some of the world’s best multi-species saltwater light tackle fishing. On a typical morning, your captain might pull up on the GPS coordinates of a favorite wreck, or anchor over a productive piece of structure out along the reef edge. While the chum slick is spreading and the mate preps the rods, you look over the side, down through the clear water, to see a swarm of fish gathering in a feeding frenzy. Colorful Snappers hit small chunks of the bait, silver flashes indicate the high-speed passes of Barracuda or Cero Mackerel, and large, shadowy shapes circle gracefully below in the deeper water. Sharks, Amberjack, big Permit, Goliath Grouper – it could be anything down there.
Your pulse quickens as you take the rod, flip the reel to free spool, and let your bait head for the bottom. The mate is starting you out with a little heavier gear, more weight, and a nice fat chunk of bait so you can get down past the milling mass of Snapper and other small table fish to where the real predators are waiting for their chance to eat something big. Sure enough, you don’t even hit bottom before your rod bends almost double and the drag starts screaming. Fish on!
In freshwater, the short definition of light tackle is simply spin-casting or fly fishing gear, with the rod and line being the primary factors in establishing whether a particular set up is medium-heavy, light, or super light. Out on the saltwater, light tackle fishing is characterized by a move away from trolling on a big boat equipped with a Tuna tower, a fighting chair, and a full harness that straps the fisherman to a short, super-stiff rod equipped with a huge reel. Saltwater light tackle angling evolved from freshwater fishing, where ultra-light to medium-heavy spinning and bait casting gear is used to throw artificial lures or bait at species like Large- and Smallmouth bass, Walleye Pike, Trout, Perch, Sunfish and others. When some of the same gear was taken offshore and used on such ocean gamefish species as Bonefish, Permit, Redfish, Striped Bass, Sea Trout, Snook, and Tarpon, fisherman realized that light tackle made the fishing and fights far more challenging, sporting, and exciting.
Saltwater light tackle fishing has boomed in recent years, and tackle manufacturers now use the latest in advanced technology to produce specialty tackle that can stand up to the tough conditions and hard-fighting fish found offshore while still providing the angler with excellent sensitivity and the ability to cast lighter lures and baits when needed. This type of fishing is not a matter of having a gutless, soft-action rod, it is about mastering the art of balancing a minimalist combination of high-performance gear against the type and size of fish you are most likely to hook. On a Fish Key West charter, your guide will outfit you with a professional-grade rod that combines the light weight and extreme sensitivity that make landing smaller fish fun with the powerful backbone and fast action needed to make long, accurate casts and bring bigger, hard-fighting game fish to the boat within a reasonable amount of time.
The Fish Key West light tackle fishing guides use experience and skill to carefully match light tackle rigs to water conditions, target species, and fishing style. And the best thing about Key West Light Tackle Fishing is the opportunity to use a wide variety of fishing styles to target many different sport fish species in all types of water. While Key West inshore waters like the Flats and Backcountry have always attracted light tackle fishermen, advances in rod and line technology now put light gear on open ocean boats. You may be drift-fishing for Mahi-Mahi, Sailfish, Shark, Tuna, and Wahoo, dropping live bait or jigs on the reefs and wrecks for fast action on Amberjack, Cobia, Grouper, and Snapper, or surface fishing the waters above a wreck with live bait or lures to draw awesome top-water strikes from Barracuda, Bonita, and Kingfish.
Travel Marketing, ’s number 1 online concierge service, now has the honor of being an authorized reseller of the legendary FishKeyWest.com™ Private Saltwater Light Tackle Charters. This means we can offer full access to light tackle trips led by the expert captains and guides of Fish Key West. These fishermen are masters of the Key West waters, and decades of experience make them experts in bringing together time, location, technology, and technique to help you catch fish. Their light tackle boats are top-of-the-line craft with powerful, quiet motors, modern fishing and communication electronics, cabins or T-Tops for shade, comfortable seating, clean bathrooms, and coolers for snacks, drinks, and fish. All necessary bait and tackle are provided free, with top quality, well-maintained, professional-level fishing equipment standard on every Fish Key West light tackle boat. Try out gear built by manufacturers like Abaco, Blackfin, Crowder, Diawa, Ilander, Penn International, and Shimano, all set up by pros who haul fish out of Key West waters for a living. And of course, experienced fishermen are always welcome to bring their favorite personal rod and reel.
Whether your party includes expert fishermen or kids holding their first rod, on a Fish Key West Private Light Tackle Fishing Charter, everything is set up for you personally and no one will be going home disappointed. Key West is the birthplace of Saltwater Light Tackle Fishing, and the majority of world record fish recorded in the Keys are caught on light tackle. Contact Travel Marketing today to begin planning the hunt for your own world record on the custom light tackle fishing trip of your dreams.
Are alcoholic beverages allowed on board?
Yes, mild alcoholic beverages like Beer, Cider, Hard Lemonade, Wine, and Wine Coolers are allowed. However, for everyone’s safety, NO GLASS CONTAINERS are allowed on board – metal or plastic containers only, please.
Are gratuities (tip) included in the price?
No. On most Tours of Key West tours and activities with guides, mates, captains, and assistance, tips are not included. Our general recommendation is 18-20% when you enjoy a quality service experience.
Are my credit card details safe?
Your information is safe with Tours of Key West. We take data protection very seriously and have a 100% secure checkout for all transactions.
1) We use SSL to encrypt all data on the website and use a tokenized processing system from Stripe.
2) Stripe has been audited by a PCI-certified auditor and is certified to PCI Service Provider Level 1.
3) Our servers are monitored 24/7 for malicious activity and unauthorized access attempts.
Can I book an activity and leave it open dated?
The majority of travel services provided by Tours of Key West must have a pre-booked date designated in order for the activity to cater for passengers. Exceptions to this are attraction passes, hop on/hop off buses and trolley tours.
Can I book this activity when I get there?
Tours of Key West activities can only be booked online. It is recommended you pre-book your travel service to avoid disappointment as many of our tours and products are popular and can be sold out early. Therefore, visitors are encouraged to pre-book to ensure a satisfying, worry-free vacation.
Do I need to buy a fishing license?
No you do not. We have the required Florida Wildlife Commission charter licenses that cover all anglers fishing on our boats.
Do you provide a shuttle to the Key West Light Tackle Fishing Charter?
Currently, Tours of Key West does not provide transportation to the Key West Light Tackle Fishing Charter.
How long are your charters?
1/2 Day Trips = 4 Hours
3/4 Day Trips = 6 Hours
Full Day Trips = 8 Hours
How many people can go fishing on a charter?
We can handle parties of up to 6 anglers. If you have more than 6 in your group we can split you among two boats, and perhaps even run a mini-competition for you!
I am unable to locate the check-in. What should I do?
If you arrive for your activity start point and you are unable to locate the check-in location, we first recommend calling the local contact phone number found on your confirmation email. If you are unable to reach the local contact, we will be more than happy to help you out.
Is bait provided?
Yes. Whatever the fishing calls for: live bait, frozen bait, cut bait, or chum, our Charter Captains will have plentiful supplies on hand. The same thing goes for artificial bait such as lures, flies, or plugs.
What can I do with the fish after I catch it?
A majority of the local restaurants will cook your fish for you. Prices vary. Ask your crew what they recommend. You can also ship your frozen fish to any US address. Supplies are available at all major grocery stores and shipping through FedEx, UPS or USPS.
What do I need to show at check-in?
Tours of Key West activities accept both printed and electronic vouchers (e-vouchers). You can either print the voucher and present a paper copy on the day of travel. Or, if you travel with a mobile device, simply show your Photo ID and present your voucher on your Smartphone or tablet on the day of travel.
What fishing experience level is necessary?
Our Key West Light Tackle Fishing Charter Guides and Captains can provide fun fishing for every angler from first-timer to expert. Whether you are a veteran sport fisherman looking to fine-tune your game to Key West waters or a beginner just learning how to use a rod and reel, the professional fishing guides of Tours of Key West are ready with friendly, patient advice and support.
What is the weather cancellation policy?
If the Key West Light Tackle Fishing Charter must be canceled due to bad weather, and you cannot go on another day, you will be issued a full refund by Tours of Key West.
What kind of clothing should I bring?
For protection from the hot sun, it is always best to cover yourself as much as possible. Caps or sun hats, bandanas, sunglasses, and of course sunscreen are all necessities. In the winter, it can be quite cool and breezy offshore, so a lightweight jacket may be useful. For winter season early morning trips, a pair of light gloves can also add comfort. Bring a small day pack or duffel bag for your extra clothing, cameras, binoculars, and other necessities.
What kind of shoes should I wear?
Any footwear with closed-toes and non-marking soles will be fine.
When do I need to arrive for check-in?
Unless otherwise noted, please arrive for check-in 30 minutes before your Key West Light Tackle Fishing Charter begins. The exact start time may be based on your chosen options and will be noted on the confirmation you receive after booking.
Where can I park my car?
Detailed parking instructions for Key West Light Tackle Fishing Charter will be included in your confirmation email.
Where is the meeting point for this activity?
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Key West Light Tackle Fishing Charter will be included in your final confirmation email from Tours of Key West. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes it way to you!
Will I get seasick on Key West Light Tackle Fishing Charter?
If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
