Key West: Private Fishing Charter with Experienced Captain

Fish are the easy part. The real question is how the day is run. This private Key West charter takes up to six people from The Perry Hotel & Marina, with Captain Craig and his crew adjusting the plan to the season, sea conditions, and your fishing goals. I like the private boat setup and the fact that the price covers fishing gear, bait, lures, licenses, and fish cleaning. You do not need to gather a group of strangers or rent extra equipment.

I also like the flexible fishing methods. Trolling, bottom fishing, live baiting, wreck fishing, and deep dropping give the crew several ways to chase a bite. The main consideration is that fishing is never guaranteed. Choppy seas can also affect comfort, and a four-hour trip may feel short if you want to travel farther offshore.

Key points to know before booking

• Private trips for up to six people: Your group has the boat to itself, which makes this a good fit for families and friends.
• Three trip lengths: Choose approximately four, six, or eight hours, depending on how much time and offshore range you want.
• Potential for many species: Seasonal targets include mahi mahi, snapper, grouper, king mackerel, wahoo, tuna, sailfish, and more.
• Captain with 15-plus years of commercial fishing experience: Captain Craig can tailor the plan to first-time anglers or experienced fishers.
• Convenient Key West departure: The boat leaves from The Perry Hotel & Marina on Stock Island, near downtown Key West.
• Weather protection in the booking terms: Poor weather can lead to a new date or a full refund, while ordinary cancellations require at least 24 hours notice.

Starting at The Perry Hotel & Marina

Your trip begins at The Perry Hotel & Marina, at 7001 Shrimp Road on Stock Island. The location is useful if you are staying around Key West, and one of the strongest practical points is its closeness to downtown compared with some other departure points in the Florida Keys.

The marina setting also keeps the start simple. You meet the captain and crew, board the boat, and return to the same place after fishing. There is no separate transfer between a dock and an offshore vessel, and no need to find your way to a second location at the end of the day.

The boat is called Double Wrap. The available information does not give its exact size or cabin layout, so I would ask about onboard facilities if those details matter to you. The important point is that the trip is private, with only your own party aboard.

That matters more than it may sound. Six people can be a comfortable number for a family group or a circle of friends, but it is still enough people that you should agree on expectations before leaving. Some may want to chase large game fish, while others may prefer steady action with snapper or grouper. Tell the captain what kind of day you want at the start.

Choosing four, six, or eight hours offshore

The shortest option lasts about four hours. This is a sensible choice if you are new to fishing, have children in your group, or want to fit the charter around a full day in Key West. You may also prefer a half-day trip if your party is unsure how everyone will handle open water.

The tradeoff is range and flexibility. Depending on the trip length and the bite, the boat may travel about 6 to 16 miles from shore. A four-hour outing leaves less time for the ride out, the fishing itself, and a change of plan if the first location is quiet.

A six-hour charter gives the crew more room to adjust. If one method is not producing, they can spend more time trying another approach. An eight-hour trip makes the most sense for serious anglers or groups that want the best chance of reaching farther offshore targets.

Still, a longer trip is not automatically better for every person. More time on the water can mean more exposure to sun, wind, motion, and fatigue. If someone in your group is a first-time angler, the four-hour option may create a happier day than an ambitious full-day outing.

What you may catch around Key West

The species list changes with the season and the conditions. Possible targets include mahi mahi, snapper, grouper, king mackerel, wahoo, tuna, sailfish, and other species. That variety gives this charter a broad appeal, but it also means you should not book with one guaranteed catch in mind.

Mahi mahi can offer fast action and bright color, while snapper and grouper appeal to people who want fish that may be prepared for a meal. King mackerel, wahoo, tuna, and sailfish bring a different kind of challenge and may require more patience and effort.

A sailfish catch can be a major moment. One party landed a sailfish measuring 75 inches, along with mahi mahi and king mackerel, despite choppy seas. That does not promise the same result on your date, but it shows the kind of range possible on the water.

The crew may also work toward several species in one trip. One outing was described as a fishing grand slam, with the captain and crew working continuously from departure until the return. If you enjoy variety rather than waiting all day for one specific fish, that approach suits you well.

How the fishing plan changes during the day

The captain may use trolling, bottom fishing, live baiting, wreck fishing, or deep dropping. Each method gives the trip a different rhythm, and the crew can shift tactics as conditions change.

Trolling lets the boat cover water while lines trail behind it. Bottom fishing focuses attention below the boat and may suit snapper or grouper. Live baiting uses bait intended to attract larger fish, while wreck fishing targets areas where fish gather around submerged structures.

Deep dropping takes the line farther down and can add another option when the usual approach is slow. You do not need to arrive as an expert. The captain and first mate can help you handle the equipment and adjust your technique.

This variety is one of the best reasons to choose a private charter instead of a fixed group trip. You can tell the crew if you want a relaxed introduction, steady action, or a stronger push for large fish. The captain has more freedom to shape the day around your group rather than following a one-size-fits-all plan.

Captain Craig and the first mates

Captain Craig is identified as the captain, with Brett and Riley serving as first mates on some trips. The crew has earned especially strong praise for being friendly, helpful, and attentive throughout the outing.

That service matters on a fishing boat. You may need help with bait, rods, reels, landing a fish, or changing methods. The crew also takes care of fish you want to keep by cleaning and filleting them after the trip. That saves you a messy job and makes it easier to enjoy the catch later.

One of the most consistent strengths is the crew’s work rate. People described the captain and first mate as staying active from the morning departure through the return, and as putting the group on several good fish in a short period. That is the kind of practical service you want from a charter: less fuss, more help at the rail.

The tone also appears relaxed rather than formal. A low-key, cheerful crew can be a real advantage when your group includes different skill levels. You can ask questions without feeling that you should already know the routine.

What is included, and what you should bring

The charter provides the necessary fishing equipment, lures, bait, and fishing license. Safety equipment is also onboard. That makes the $900 group price easier to understand, since you are not starting with a low fare and then adding tackle, bait, and permits.

You should bring snacks and drinks for the cooler. Sunscreen and hats are also specifically recommended. These are simple items, but they affect your comfort more than any fancy fishing accessory.

A few practical habits will help:

• Wear clothing that can handle spray, bait, and fish handling.
• Use sunscreen before boarding, then reapply during the trip.
• Bring enough water for the full time on the boat.
• Keep your food simple and easy to store in a cooler.
• Tell the crew early if you are new to fishing or concerned about motion.

The supplied information does not specify whether meals, specialized clothing, or hotel transport are included. Plan on arranging your own way to the marina and bringing your own snacks and drinks.

Is the $900 group price good value?

The price is $900 per group of up to six people. Split six ways, that works out to $150 per person before any separate personal costs. For a family or friend group that would otherwise need to share a boat with strangers, the private format adds real value.

You are also paying for more than time on the water. The price includes equipment, bait, lures, fishing licenses, captain and crew service, and fish cleaning and filleting for fish you keep. The captain’s commercial fishing background and the ability to change tactics are part of the value too.

The cost becomes less attractive if only one or two people are going. In that case, the group rate is spread across fewer anglers. It may still be worthwhile for a special occasion, but you should compare the total price with other private charters before booking.

Trip length matters here. A four-hour charter costs the same stated group rate as the six-hour and eight-hour choices, according to the supplied details. Confirm the exact price for your selected duration before paying, since the basic information lists the group rate but does not break it down by trip length.

Handling rough water and changing conditions

Open-water fishing is not a calm sightseeing cruise every day. One successful outing had choppy seas, yet the group still caught mahi mahi, king mackerel, and a large sailfish. That is encouraging, but it also gives you a clear warning: water conditions can affect comfort even when the fishing is good.

If anyone in your group is prone to seasickness, discuss that before booking and ask the provider any questions you have about the boat and expected conditions. The captain controls the plan, but the sea controls the day.

Weather can also cancel the trip. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. If you cancel for your own reasons, you need to do so at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and the cut-off follows local Key West time.

Who will enjoy this Key West charter most?

I would recommend this trip to families, couples traveling with friends, and small groups that value privacy. The crew can accommodate first-time anglers, while experienced fishers have several methods and species to pursue.

It is also a good choice if you want to keep the catch. Fish cleaning and filleting are included, which removes one practical chore after the boat returns. The marina’s location is helpful if you are spending the rest of the day in Key West.

This may not be the best fit if you want a guaranteed species, dislike open-water motion, or only have a very tight budget. Fishing depends on season, weather, and the bite. Even a skilled captain cannot order up a sailfish or promise a full cooler.

Should you book the Double Wrap?

Book this charter if you want a private, service-focused fishing day with room to change tactics. Captain Craig, Brett, and Riley have received strong praise for friendly help, steady effort, and successful catches, including snapper, mahi mahi, king mackerel, and sailfish.

Choose the four-hour option for a first try or a busy Key West schedule. Pick six or eight hours if your group wants more time offshore and accepts the extra physical demands. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat, then set realistic expectations about the catch.

For six people sharing the $900 price, the private setup and included gear make the cost easier to justify. For a smaller group, think carefully about the per-person total. If that math works for you, this is a practical way to spend a half or full day on the water without giving up your own boat, crew, or fishing plan.

FAQ

Where does the fishing charter begin?

The charter begins at The Perry Hotel & Marina, 7001 Shrimp Road, Key West, Florida 33040.

Where does the trip end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point at The Perry Hotel & Marina.

How many people can join the private charter?

Up to six passengers can join. Only your own group participates in the private activity.

How long is the fishing trip?

You can choose an approximately four-hour, six-hour, or eight-hour fishing charter.

What is included in the price?

The charter provides fishing gear, lures, bait, a fishing license, and onboard safety equipment. The crew will also clean and fillet fish you choose to keep.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the experience is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. For personal cancellations, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.