Key West: Private Fishing Charter, Tarpon & Bonefish

Fish the Atlantic and Gulf in one morning, just you and a guide in gin-clear water

You spend the morning in a skiff with a guide in water so clear you watch the fish before you cast. The charter includes all tackle, bait, ice and your fishing license. You can fish the Atlantic side and Gulf side in the same trip. Lunch and drinks happen afterward at the on-site tiki bar, so the whole day stays in one place.

Step-by-step itinerary

Fishing and local dining experience

• Head to lower Florida Keys back-country
• Fish for various species in shallow waters
• Receive personalized guided fishing trip
• Return to original departure point
• Enjoy island eats and tropical cocktails
• Visit gift shop for souvenirs

The experience

You wonder if three hours is enough time to actually catch something, or if you'll just be standing in a boat squinting at water. Turns out the lower Florida Keys backcountry doesn't make you wait long. The boat heads out to depths between two and eight feet: shallow enough that you see the fish moving, which changes everything. Tarpon, bonefish, permit, barracuda, snapper, sea trout. The guide poles the boat in near-silence, spots a fish before you do, and hands you the rod. It's not like fishing from a dock.

The private fishing charter from Ramrod Key keeps the group to three people, which means the guide's attention doesn't split. You get questions answered about the ecosystem, about technique, about why the water here looks like someone poured gin into a bathtub. The shallows and flats around the lower Keys are some of the most fertile fishing grounds in the continental United States, and it shows: the visual experience of stalking fish in water you can actually see through is nothing like the Atlantic coast or the Gulf side alone. This charter lets you fish both in the same outing if you want to, which most people do.

Fishing license, equipment, bait, fresh ice and bottled water are all included, so you show up with sunscreen and a willingness to learn. After the excursion ends and you're back at the departure point on Ramrod Key, the Looe Key Tiki Bar & Grill is right there: the kind of place where locals eat and drink, not tourists pretending. There's a gift shop on the property too if you want to take something home that isn't a fish story.

What’s included

• Fishing license.
• all fishing equipment and bait.
• fresh ice and bottled water.
• personalized guide for up to three people.
• return to departure point on Ramrod Key where food, drinks and a gift shop are available.

Options for this experience

2 options

Guide in EnglishAvailable from 31 Oct · 08:00

Guide in EnglishAvailable from 31 Oct · 08:00

Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

GroupPrivate

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Mile Marker 27 Fishing Charters

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to actually see the fish you're casting at and have a guide who isn't splitting focus between six other anglers. The three-person limit is what makes that possible in water this shallow.

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Top questions

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 can I expect to catch?

Tarpon, bonefish, permit, shark, barracuda, snapper and sea trout are common in the lower Keys backcountry. What you catch depends on the season and conditions on the day you go.

Is the water really that shallow?

Yes. You'll be fishing depths of two to eight feet, which is why you can see the fish and spot them before casting. It's visual fishing, not blind casting.

What's included in the price?

Fishing license, all fishing equipment and bait, fresh ice and bottled water are included. You don't need to bring or rent anything.

How many people go on the charter?

The group is limited to three people maximum, including you. It's a private charter, so it's personalized attention the whole time.

Can I fish both the Atlantic and Gulf side?

Yes. The charter can fish either side or both in the same outing, depending on conditions and what you want to target.

What happens after the fishing ends?

You're brought back to the departure point on Ramrod Key, where the Looe Key Tiki Bar & Grill is located. You can eat, drink and browse the gift shop.

Do I need fishing experience?

No. The guide teaches technique and answers questions about the ecosystem and equipment. Beginners are welcome.

Is there parking at Ramrod Key?

Yes. Public transportation options are also available nearby if you prefer not to drive.