Imagine the docks of Key West’s historic charter boat row in the early morning. The air is cool, the water calmly laps the pilings, and small fish flip for food on the surface. Few fishermen are on the scene yet; most of the activity consists of captains and mates preparing vessels and gear for another day of Key West deep sea fishing. Marine engines burble, ice crunches into coolers, live-well pumps hum, scattered radio transmissions crackle. Reading the information in the email on your phone, you walk along the dock to your boat. The mate is on deck rigging various terminal setups to the numerous rods lined up in the holders. After a quick “Good Morning”, you hand him your group’s packs and duffels and he invites you to step onboard. You decide to linger on the dock for a few minutes and finish your coffee before getting aboard your fishing boat and settling in for the run out. The few scattered clouds are still pink with dawn, and it looks to be a great day to head offshore and fight big fish in the deep water.
Does this sound like a dream to you? Maybe it’s a fishing show on one of the cable channels? It could easily be a reality, because with a couple of clicks and a few emails and phone calls you could have a Cool Key West Private Key West deep sea fishing charter set up for the sole enjoyment of yourself and whoever you would like to include in your party. Bring the family, invite friends, make a business networking impression, throw a bachelor party, bond with a new son- or daughter-in-law, put on your own fishing tournament, or go out and catch all the fish yourself. It is up to you, because, with a private charter, it is all for you.
Because Cool Key West is Key West’s number 1 online concierge service, with a solid history of bringing reasonably priced fun and adventure to thousands of satisfied island visitors, we have now been selected as an authorized reseller of the legendary charters offered by FishKeyWest.com™. This means we can offer full access to private deep sea fishing charter trips out on the open Atlantic Ocean waters to the east of Key West. These are the Gulf Stream and deepwater offshore sites that have been internationally renowned for trophy big game fishing from the early 1900s onward, with the exploits of celebrity deep sea anglers like Zane Grey, Ernest Hemingway, Bing Cosby, Lee Marvin, and many others propelling dreams of Key West deep sea fishing adventure into the imaginations of fishermen everywhere.
Today, these waters are still home to the mighty, 1000 lb. plus Atlantic Blue Marlin, the most famous of all offshore billfish. Fast, high-jumping Sailfish are abundant as well, and when they move in to savage the huge schools of baitfish along the reef edges and weed lines in the late fall and spring, a fisherman might hook 20 sailfish in a day. Colorful Mahi-Mahi provide fast action and good eating throughout late spring and summer. High-speed, hard hitting predators like Barracuda, Blackfin Tuna, Kingfish, and Wahoo will strip your reel bare and challenge you to stop their runs. Deep-water bait fishing over wrecks and reefs will have you winching up Amberjack, Cobia, Grouper, Yellowtail Snapper, and Sharks including the awesome Hammerhead. When you send the bait deep on a Key West offshore fishing trip, you never know what is going to hit next.
The FishKeyWest.com™ Charter Captains are masters of these waters, and the legendary fishing reported by Hemingway continues as Cool Key West teams with FishKeyWest.com™ to hook fishermen up with the best of Key West Deep Sea Fishing. Our Key West deep sea fishing captains are on the water nearly every day. They are experts in bringing together time, location, technology, and technique to help you catch fish. They use the latest fishing electronics, their own well-honed fishing instincts, and natural indicators like changing water color, diving birds, flowing currents, and floating debris lines to put you on the fish. You might be trolling with lures or cut bait, casting or drop-fishing with live bait, surface-casting artificial plugs and lures, or kite fishing; whatever is going to bring fish over the side of the boat. And on your private deep sea fishing charter, it is all for you. No waiting for a chance in the fighting chair, no taking turns at the best spot on the rail, no struggling to get the mate’s attention when you need a re-bait, a new rig, or have a fish on.
All of our Key West deep sea fishing boats are fully-equipped for your comfort with clean restrooms, comfortable seating, and plenty of cooler space for all the cold drinks, snacks, and lunchtime treats that you want to bring. All necessary bait and tackle will be provided free, with top quality, well-maintained, professional-level fishing equipment standard on every boat. Try out gear built by manufacturers like Abaco, Blackfin, Crowder, Diawa, Ilander, Penn International, and Shimano, and set up by pros who have been hauling fish out of Key West waters for decades. Watch the color displays on the Garmin and Raymarine navigation and fish finding electronics. Check the Loran radar as it sweeps the area for signs of feeding birds. Play your favorite tunes on the sound system or use a variety of ship-to-shore communication facilities. It is all there to make your private Key West deep sea fishing charter a high-end angling adventure you will never forget.
If you are ready to enjoy a premium Key West deep sea fishing experience, you have come to the right place. If you have a particular trophy in mind, check out the FAQ section to see what is biting when. Or just come on down and rely on your captain, because these waters offer up high quality multi-species fishing action all year round. Contact Cool Key West to book your private Key West deep sea fishing charter now. When you book, you will be put in direct touch with your charter captain, and you can work out the details of your private trip in person. Experience the ultimate in offshore fishing with a Cool Key West private Key West deep sea fishing charter trip.
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 Cool 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 info’s safe with Cool 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 Cool 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?
Cool 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 Deep Sea Fishing Charter?
Currently, Cool Key West does not provide transportation to the Key West Deep Sea 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 are we going to be fishing for on a deep sea charter in Key West?
January — Kingfish, Mackerel, Shark, Some Sailfish, Bonito, Snapper, Tuna
February — Kingfish, Mackerel, Shark, Tuna, Bonito, Snapper, Grouper
March — Kingfish, Mackerel, Shark, Tarpon, Spring Run of Sailfish Begins, Bonito, Cobia, Snapper
April — Sailfish, Cobia, Shark, Tarpon, Bonito, Tuna, Spring Run of Dolphin (Mahi-Mahi) Begins, Snapper
May — Some Sailfish, Large Dolphin, Cobia, Shark, Tarpon, Snapper
June — Some Marlin, Some Sailfish, Tarpon, Dolpin, Small Wahoo, Snapper, Some Marlin, Dolphin, Snapper, Bonito, Tarpon
July — Some Marlin, Dolphin, Snapper, Bonito, Tarpon
August — Dolphin, Snapper, Tarpon, Bonito, Shark
September — Fall Run of Sailfish Begins, Tuna, Snapper, Shark
November — Sailfish, Tuna, Shark, Mackerel, Snapper, Wahoo
December — Sailfish, Tuna, Wahoo, Mackerel, Kingfish
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?
Cool 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 Deep Sea 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 Cool Key West are ready with friendly, patient advice and support.
What is the weather cancellation policy?
If the Key West Deep Sea Fishing Charter must be canceled due to bad weather, and you cannot go on another day, you will be issued a full refund by Cool 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 Deep Sea 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 Deep Sea 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 Deep Sea Fishing Charter will be included in your final confirmation email from Cool 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 Deep Sea 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.
