Key West: 6-Hour Reef Fishing Party Boat & Fish Cleaning

Six hours on the water, reef fish on the line, no experience needed

You board a 58-foot fishing boat at Key West's historic Charter Boat Row, motor to the reef grounds, and spend six hours catching grouper and snapper with a captain and mate who help with baiting and technique. Your fishing license is included, fish cleaning is available for a small fee, and you can keep or release your catch. The boat holds up to 45 people, has restrooms and shaded seating, and returns to the dock by early afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Key West party boat fishing trip

• Arrive at Historic Charter Boat Row
• Board the 58-foot Gulfstream IV boat
• Travel to fishing grounds
• Anchor and start reef fishing
• Use provided bait and tackle assistance
• Keep or release your catch
• Optional fish cleaning for fee
• Enjoy snacks and drinks onboard
• Return to dock after 6 hours

The experience

You step onto the Gulfstream IV at Charter Boat Row in Key West, and the boat's twin Detroit engines fire up. The 58-foot vessel has been running this same route since 1947 (longer than any other party boat fishing charter in the Keys), and it shows in how the crew moves. Forty-five passengers max, which means you're not packed shoulder-to-shoulder, and the boat gets to the fishing grounds fast enough that you're actually fishing by mid-morning instead of still traveling. The captains and mates know how to read the water and they know how to read you: first-timer or someone who's caught a hundred reef fish, they'll bait your hook and keep you in the action.

Once anchored, the boat has what you need: men's and women's restrooms, shaded seating so you're not cooking in the sun for six hours, and a small galley with snacks and drinks. Bring your own cooler and food if you want. Nobody stops you. The fishing itself is steady reef work: grouper, snapper, and smaller species that bite reliably. You can keep what you catch or throw it back. Fish cleaning is available for a small per-fish fee if you want to take dinner home, or you can haul them whole in your cooler. The whole day runs six hours, and your fishing license is included. You don't have to sort that out beforehand.

The boat is Coast Guard-inspected twice a year, wheelchair accessible, and fine with infants in a stroller or service animals. Free parking is available at Charter Boat Row, and if you're using public transit to get there, the docks are reachable that way too. This isn't a luxury experience. It's a working fishing boat full of people who came to catch fish, and the crew treats everyone the same whether you've fished before or you're holding a rod for the first time.

What’s included

• Six-hour fishing trip on a 58-foot Coast Guard-inspected boat.
• fishing license.
• captain and mate assistance with baiting, technique, and line management.
• use of fishing tackle and bait.
• restrooms and shaded seating.
• small galley with snacks and drinks.
• fish cleaning available for a per-fish fee.
• free parking at Charter Boat Row.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Infant (under 5)

GroupUp to 45

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Gulfstream Fishing, Inc

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to fish the Key West reefs without arranging a license, renting gear separately, or figuring out where to go: the boat, the crew, and the fishing grounds are all handled, and you show up ready to cast.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years); Infant (under 5).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What fish do you typically catch on this trip?

Reef fish including grouper and snapper. The catch varies by season and water conditions, but the crew targets steady-biting species.

Is the fishing license included?

Yes, your fishing license is included in the trip price.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Yes, coolers and your own food and drinks are allowed. The boat also has a small galley with snacks and drinks available.

How much does fish cleaning cost?

Fish cleaning is available for a small per-fish fee. You can also take your catch whole if you prefer.

How many people go on each trip?

The boat carries up to 45 passengers per trip.

Is the boat accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes, the boat is wheelchair accessible.

Is parking available?

Yes, free parking is available at Charter Boat Row.

How long is the trip?

The trip is six hours total, including travel to and from the fishing grounds.