Florida Keys Fishing Charters, Beginner Guide

Why fish the Florida Keys from Islamorada

The Florida Keys run from Key Largo down to Key West, and Islamorada sits right in the middle. From one dock you can fish the reef for snapper and grouper, run offshore to the humps for mahi, tuna and sailfish, or head out at 5 pm for sharks. You go where the bite is that day.

Your boat leaves from Three Waters Resort and Marina at mile marker 84, an easy drive from anywhere in the Upper and Middle Keys:

Never been on a charter? Start here

You do not need to know anything about fishing. The crew handles the hard parts.

The crew teaches you

The mate baits the hooks, sets the lines and shows you how to hold the rod, when to reel and how to fight the fish.

Everything is included

Captain and mate
Rods, tackle and bait
Fishing licenses
Ice and fish cleaning

Calm water if you want it

The nearshore trip on Poppa Bay stays on the reef close to land, where the water is calmer. 4, 6 or 8 hours from $1,050, up to 4.

Short trips to start

The half day is 4 hours, leaves at 7 am and has you back around 11. The evening shark trip is 3 hours and leaves at 5 pm.

Which Florida Keys charter fits your group

Every trip is private and every rate is posted. Pick by how much time you have and what you want to catch.

Trip	Details	Rate
Deep sea half day	4 hours, 7 am start, up to 6 guests	$1,475
Deep sea three-quarter day	About 6 hours offshore	$1,975
Deep sea full day	8 hours, the farthest humps	$2,475
Evening shark trip	3 hours, 5 pm departure	$1,000
Overnight swordfish	Overnight trip	$3,500
Nearshore on Poppa Bay	4, 6 or 8 hours, up to 4 guests	From $1,050
Sunset cruise	About 2 hours on the tritoon	$575
Sandbar trip	Half day on the Islamorada sandbar	$800

Bringing kids? See family fishing charters. Not sure when to come? The fishing calendar shows what bites each month.

Tipping, packing and what to expect

A tip of 15 to 25 percent of the trip price is customary in the Keys. Hand it to the mate at the end of the day, after your fish are cleaned at the dock.

Bring a hat, sunscreen and light long sleeves, closed-toe shoes with grip, a change of clothes and a towel, and snacks you like. Catered meals or charcuterie can be added to any trip when you book.

Morning deep sea trips leave at 7 am and the shark trip leaves at 5 pm. Questions before you book? Call or text (954) 326-7360.

Florida Keys charter questions

Can beginners enjoy Florida Keys charter fishing?

Yes. You do not need any experience. The mate rigs the baits, hands you the rod when a fish bites and coaches you through the fight. The nearshore trip on Poppa Bay and the morning half day are the easiest places to start.

How much should you tip on a Florida Keys fishing charter?

A tip of 15 to 25 percent of the trip price is customary in the Keys. Hand it to the mate at the end of the day.

Do I need a fishing license for a charter?

No. Fishing licenses are included for everyone aboard, along with rods, tackle, bait and ice.

When is the best time to fish the Florida Keys?

Every month has a bite. Winter is sailfish, summer is mahi, fall is wahoo, and blackfin tuna bite all year. The fishing calendar shows what bites in each month.

How many people fit on a charter?

Up to 6 on the Hatteras boats and the Poppa Toon, and up to 4 on Poppa Bay. Every trip is private, so it is only your group aboard.

Where do the trips leave from?

Three Waters Resort and Marina, 84001 Overseas Highway in Islamorada, at mile marker 84. Nearshore trips on Poppa Bay leave from Square Grouper, 80461 Overseas Highway.