%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F14259%2Fimages%2F1711422565419imageedit_14_3645616380.png&w=1200&q=100)
World-Class Key West Tarpon Fishing Charters
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Key West
- $700 - $1,800 price range
Summary
%2F%2Fusers%2F242afb65-3afb-471b-aa31-6666ad77f299%2Fratecard%2F345182922_753949789523444_2021200530292725935_n.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Silver Kings in Action
Fishing Charter In Key West Fl
Child Friendly Trips Key West
Fish Key West Charters
Blue Tuna Fishin Key West
null
Offshore Fishing the Florida Waters
Prawn Catch Key West FL
key west fishing charters
Fishing In Key West
key west charter fishing trips
Fishing Charter In Key West Fl
Child Friendly Trips Key West
Fish Key West Charters
Blue Tuna Fishin Key West
null
Offshore Fishing the Florida Waters
Prawn Catch Key West FL
key west fishing charters
Fishing In Key West
key west charter fishing trips
Fishing Charter In Key West Fl
Child Friendly Trips Key West
Fish Key West Charters
Blue Tuna Fishin Key West
Key West Tarpon Fishing: 4-Hour AM/PM Adventure
Ready to tangle with the silver kings of Key West? Our 4-hour tarpon trips are the real deal, offering both morning and evening runs to put you on some of the most heart-pounding action in the Keys. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time chasing these acrobatic giants, we've got you covered with top-notch gear and captains who know these waters like the back of their hand. Get ready to feel that rod bend and see those massive tarpon launch into the air – it's an experience you won't soon forget.
What to Expect on the Water
Once we shove off from the dock, we'll cruise to the prime tarpon hunting grounds. These fish aren't called the silver kings for nothing – they're big, they're strong, and they put up one heck of a fight. Our captains will get you set up with the right tackle and show you the ropes if you're new to tarpon fishing. We use a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what's working best that day. When a tarpon hits, hang on tight! These fish are known for their spectacular aerial displays, and you'll need all your strength and skill to bring one to the boat. Don't worry if you're not an expert – our crew is there to coach you through every step of the battle.
Tarpon Tactics 101
Tarpon fishing is a game of patience and quick reflexes. We'll likely be doing a mix of sight-casting and drift fishing, depending on conditions. When we spot a rolling tarpon, it's all about making that perfect cast and getting your bait in front of their nose. Once hooked up, it's critical to keep a tight line and be ready for those jumps – that's when a lot of fish shake free. We use circle hooks to make sure we're not harming these catch-and-release giants, and heavy tackle to make sure you can turn these bruisers before they run you into structure. Our boats are rigged with everything you need, from top-of-the-line rods and reels to fish-finding electronics that help us stay on the bite.
What Anglers Are Saying
"Very much enjoyed our 4-hour inland trip. Zane was extremely helpful showing us how to best bring in the fish. Caught mostly sharks. Fought a fish for about an hour before we unfortunately lost it. Never got close enough to see what it was. Learned alot and had a great time." - Victor
Species You'll Want to Hook
Tarpon: The stars of the show, tarpon in Key West can grow to over 150 pounds. These prehistoric-looking fish are all about the fight – they're not good eating, but they're some of the best sport fish out there. Tarpon season peaks from April to June, but we can find them year-round in the Keys. When they jump, it's like someone threw a Volkswagen out of the water. The sheer power and acrobatics of these fish is what keeps anglers coming back year after year.
Goliath Grouper: True to their name, these massive fish can grow to over 800 pounds. While we can't keep them (they're protected), hooking into one is like trying to pull a Mack truck off the bottom. Goliaths hang around structure and wrecks, and battling one is a full-body workout you won't forget. They're most active in the warmer months, but can be caught year-round.
White Grunt: Don't let their size fool you – white grunts are a blast to catch and great eating. These feisty fish put up a good fight for their size and are abundant around Key West's reefs and rocky bottom areas. They're called grunts because of the sound they make when caught – it's like they're complaining about being hooked! Available year-round, they're a great target for anglers of all skill levels.
Red Snapper: One of the most prized eating fish in the Gulf, red snapper are beautiful crimson-colored fish that put up a great fight. They like to hang around reefs and hard bottom areas, and when you hook one, be ready for some strong initial runs. The season for these guys is strictly regulated, but when it's open, they're a top target for their firm, white flesh that's amazing on the grill. Even if we can't keep them, catch-and-release fishing for big reds is always exciting.
Time to Book Your Spot
Look, if you're thinking about giving tarpon fishing a shot in Key West, this is the trip to do it. We've got the know-how, the gear, and the spots to put you on fish. Whether you're looking to cross tarpon off your bucket list or you're a seasoned pro chasing that next big silver king, our 4-hour trips are the perfect length to get in on the action without breaking the bank or eating up your whole day. Morning trips are great for those who like to get an early start and beat the heat, while evening trips often coincide with some of the best tarpon feeding times. Either way, you're in for a world-class fishing experience. Don't wait – spots fill up fast, especially during peak season. Give us a call and let's get you hooked up with some of the best tarpon fishing Key West has to offer. Trust me, once you feel that first tarpon on the end of your line, you'll be planning your next trip before we even get back to the dock.
Customer Review
Shark Hunt Thrills
Victor B
February 13, 2024
Learn more about the species
Goliath Grouper
Goliath Groupers are monsters of the deep, living up to their name at 8 feet long and 800 pounds. You'll find these behemoths lurking around reefs and shipwrecks in waters 30 to 150 feet deep. They're most active in summer and fall. Catching one is a real test of strength - be ready for an intense but quick fight. Their first pull can yank you right off the boat if you're not careful. Use heavy gear - we're talking 50-80 wide reels and 600-pound test line. Circle hooks are a must. The key is anchoring close enough to tempt them out, but far enough to pull them away before they break you off. These fish are protected, so it's catch-and-release only. But man, getting one alongside the boat is a rush you won't forget.
Red Snapper
Red Snapper are prized for both their fight and flavor. These bright red beauties average 1-2 feet long but can grow to over 3 feet and 35 pounds. You'll find them hanging around reefs, wrecks, and oil rigs in 60 to 300 feet of water. Summer is prime time when they move to shallower spawning grounds. Snappers put up a stubborn battle, often making runs back to structure. They're also excellent table fare with a sweet, nutty flavor. We use heavy bottom fishing gear with live bait like cigar minnows or squid. Here's a pro tip: when you feel the bite, reel fast and set the hook hard. These fish have tough mouths and you need to drive that hook home. Once hooked, keep steady pressure to steer them away from snags.
Tarpon
Tarpon are the acrobats of the sea, known for their spectacular leaps and powerful runs. These silver kings can hit 8 feet and 280 pounds, but 4-5 footers are more common. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, around bridges, and in channels. Spring and early summer are prime time when they're migrating. Tarpon put up an incredible fight, often jumping several times their body length out of the water. It's all about the thrill of the chase with these fish - they're not good eating, but the fight is unforgettable. We use medium-heavy spinning gear with live bait like mullet or crabs. My best tip? When a tarpon jumps, drop your rod tip to give it slack. It'll help keep that hook set when it splashes back down.
White Grunt
White Grunts are scrappy little fighters, usually 6 to 12 inches long. You'll find them around reefs, docks, and mangroves in waters up to 100 feet deep. They're year-round targets, but fishing picks up in warmer months. Grunts are fun to catch on light tackle and make great eating with their sweet, flaky meat. They got their name from the grunting sound they make when caught. These fish aren't picky eaters - small pieces of shrimp or cut bait work well. For the best action, try fishing near structure during the last few hours of daylight. Grunts often school up, so when you catch one, there's usually more around. Keep your bait near the bottom and you should stay busy reeling them in.
About the 37’ Torres
%2F%2Fusers%2F242afb65-3afb-471b-aa31-6666ad77f299%2Fvehicle_picture%2Fz2.jpeg&w=1200&q=75)
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Caterpillar
Maximum Cruising Speed: 12
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 580
Very much enjoyed our 4-hour inland trip. Zane was extremely helpful showing us how to best bring in the fish. Caught mostly sharks. Fought a fish for about an hour before we unfortunately lost it. Never got close enough to see what it was. Learned alot and had a great time.