Key West: Private Fishing Charter with Experienced Captain

The best part of this Key West charter is the private boat. You and up to five companions fish with Captain Craig and his crew aboard the Double Wrap, rather than sharing deck space with strangers. Depending on your trip length and the day’s bite, you may run 6 to 16 miles offshore and switch between trolling, bottom fishing, live bait, wreck fishing, and deep dropping.

I like the small group size and the practical service. The crew supplies rods, tackle, bait, lures, and fishing licenses, then cleans and filets the fish you keep. I also like the location at The Perry Hotel & Marina, which is convenient if you are staying near Key West. The main consideration is the sea itself: choppy water is possible, and fish are never guaranteed, even with an experienced captain.

Key points before you book

• Up to six people share the whole boat, making the $900 group price more attractive for families or friends.
• Captain Craig has more than 15 years of commercial fishing experience, with Captain’s mates Brett and Riley also assisting on some trips.
• You can choose four, six, or eight hours, with longer trips allowing more time to reach offshore grounds.
• The target list is broad, from snapper and grouper to mahi mahi, wahoo, tuna, king mackerel, and sailfish.
• Fishing gear, bait, lures, licenses, and fish cleaning are included, so you have fewer extras to arrange.
• The charter leaves from The Perry Hotel & Marina, at 7001 Shrimp Road, and returns there after the trip.

Leaving Key West from The Perry Hotel & Marina

Your trip begins at The Perry Hotel & Marina on Shrimp Road. This is not a pickup service around the island, so you will need to make your own way to the marina. The location is near Key West and public transportation, which helps if you are not driving.

The marina setting gives you a clear start and finish. You meet the crew, board the Double Wrap, and get ready for a private run offshore. Since the activity ends back at the same place, you do not need to arrange a second pickup at another dock.

I would arrive with enough time to locate the marina and settle in before departure. The supplied information does not give a precise check-in time, so confirm the meeting details after booking. Bring snacks, drinks, sunscreen, and a hat. Drinks and food can be kept in the cooler, but the charter provides the fishing equipment rather than a full meal service.

Choosing four, six, or eight hours on the water

The standard description presents this as a four-hour charter, while the available trip choices include four, six, and eight hours. That matters because time on the water controls how far the boat can travel and how many fishing methods the crew can try.

A four-hour trip is a sensible choice if you want a taste of offshore fishing without giving up most of your day. It may suit a family with mixed interests, a first fishing outing, or anyone fitting the charter between other Key West plans. You will have less time for a long run offshore, changes in fishing grounds, and several techniques, but the shorter format keeps the commitment manageable.

A six-hour trip gives the captain more room to adjust. If the first spot is slow, the crew can move, try another method, or spend more time working a productive area. An eight-hour trip is the strongest choice for serious anglers or anyone hoping to cover more water, though it also means a longer stretch in open water.

The boat may travel roughly 6 to 16 miles from shore. The distance depends on the trip length and the bite that day, so you should not treat the farthest figure as a promise. Longer does not always mean better fishing, but it gives the crew more options.

Working different fishing methods for different species

This charter is not limited to one kind of fishing. Captain Craig can tailor the outing to your preferences, experience level, and the conditions on the day. That flexibility is useful if one person wants a relaxed introduction while another wants a more active angling session.

Trolling lets the boat cover water while bait or lures trail behind it. This can suit fast-moving offshore fish such as mahi mahi, king mackerel, wahoo, tuna, and sailfish. The excitement comes from a sudden strike, but the timing and luck of the day still matter.

Bottom fishing focuses on species such as snapper and grouper. It offers a different rhythm from trolling and can be a good fit for families or mixed-experience groups because the target is closer to the seafloor rather than constantly moving across a wide area.

The crew may also use live baiting, wreck fishing, and deep dropping. These methods give the captain more ways to respond when conditions change. A slow period does not automatically mean the trip is over. The crew can adjust the technique or move to another area, although no captain can control weather, currents, or the fish.

The target list includes mahi mahi, snapper, grouper, king mackerel, wahoo, tuna, sailfish, and other species. What you catch will depend on the season and the day. If you have a particular fish in mind, tell the captain before leaving so he can explain what is realistic for your chosen duration.

What the crew adds to the experience

Captain Craig brings more than 15 years of commercial fishing experience. That background matters most when the boat needs to choose a method, read the conditions, or decide whether to stay put or move. The captain is also willing to shape the trip around your preferences, which makes this more useful than a one-size-fits-all outing.

Captain’s mates Brett and Riley may assist on the boat. Their work includes helping with tackle, handling fish, and supporting you when a fish is on the line. On a private charter, you get direct help instead of waiting for a crew member to finish with several unrelated groups.

The crew also handles the less glamorous part of the day. If you choose to keep fish, they will clean and filet it for you. That saves you a messy job after returning to shore and lets you make better use of your catch.

I would tell the crew your experience level at the start. First-time anglers are welcome, and experienced anglers can discuss preferred methods. The setup works best when everyone is clear about what they want: a relaxed family outing, a chance to catch dinner, or a serious attempt at larger offshore fish.

The Double Wrap and the feel of a private boat

The boat is identified as the Double Wrap, with quality safety and fishing equipment onboard. The private arrangement means your group controls the pace and does not have to share the boat with other customers. That is a real advantage for families, close friends, or a group with different comfort levels.

You also get more personal attention than on a larger shared charter. If one person has never held a fishing rod, the crew can help without making the rest of the group wait for a separate party. If your group wants to focus on a certain technique, you can discuss that directly with the captain.

The tradeoff is that a smaller boat can make sea conditions more noticeable. One group had choppy seas but still enjoyed the outing and landed mahi mahi, king mackerel, and a 75-inch sailfish. That is an impressive result, but the bigger lesson is practical: open water can be rough, and your comfort may vary with the weather.

Bring sun protection and plan for time outside. Sunscreen and hats are specifically recommended, while snacks and drinks can go in the cooler. The supplied information does not mention a cabin, restrooms, or meals, so ask about any boat facilities that matter to you before booking.

What a successful trip can look like

Fishing results vary, but this charter has the equipment and methods for a wide range of outcomes. A productive half-day can include several snapper and mahi mahi, while a stronger day may bring larger fish or several species.

One reported outing produced five good-sized fish in a short period. Another was described as a fishing grand slam, with the captain and crew working steadily from departure until the return. A family group also had success with plenty of fish and some large catches.

Do not read these examples as a guarantee. Fish may be active or scarce, and conditions can change quickly. The value of the charter is partly in the crew’s ability to keep trying sensible options rather than in a promised catch.

A sailfish is a special possibility on this route. One outing landed a 75-inch sailfish, along with mahi mahi and king mackerel. That is a memorable catch, but it also shows why you should keep expectations flexible. The species list is broad, not a promise that you will catch every fish named.

Is $900 good value for up to six people?

The stated price is $900 per group of up to six people. Split six ways, that works out to $150 per person. For four people, it becomes $225 each, and for two people, the per-person cost is much higher.

The group price makes the most sense when you can fill the boat. A family of six or a group of friends gets a private vessel, captain, crew support, equipment, bait, lures, licenses, and fish cleaning in one booking. You are also paying for flexibility and exclusive use, not only for time holding a rod.

You should confirm how the price applies to the four, six, and eight-hour choices before finalizing the booking. The experience is described with several durations, while the headline price is listed separately. That detail can affect your budget.

For a group that wants a private offshore trip, $900 can be fair value, especially if everyone plans to fish. For a couple or a small group of two, a shared charter may cost less, but it would not offer the same privacy or control.

Who will enjoy this Key West fishing charter?

This is a strong match for families, groups of friends, and anglers who want the boat to themselves. The captain and crew can assist beginners, while the choice of techniques and species gives experienced anglers something to work toward.

It is also useful for groups with different goals. One person can focus on snapper or grouper, while another hopes for mahi mahi, wahoo, or sailfish. Captain Craig can tailor the trip, within the limits of the season, weather, and fish activity.

I would be more cautious if you dislike open water or are uncomfortable with the chance of choppy seas. A fishing charter is not a sightseeing cruise with a guaranteed calm ride. You should also think carefully about duration: four hours is easier for a first attempt, while six or eight hours offers more fishing time but demands more stamina.

Service animals are allowed, and the experience is suitable for most participants. Since the activity is private, your group can discuss needs with the provider before departure.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

You receive confirmation when you book, and the activity is offered with a mobile ticket. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not accepted for a refund.

Weather can cancel the trip. If poor conditions force the provider to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund. That policy is useful in Key West, where wind and seas can affect both comfort and safety.

The charter is often reserved well ahead, with bookings averaging about 48 days in advance. If your dates are fixed, I would not leave this until the last moment, especially if you need space for all six people.

Should you book the Double Wrap?

Book this charter if you want a private Key West fishing trip with a small group, direct help from Captain Craig and the crew, and a real chance to target several kinds of fish. The included gear, bait, lures, licenses, and fish cleaning keep the planning simple.

I would choose four hours for a first try or a busy holiday schedule, six hours for a good balance, and eight hours if fishing is the main event of your day. Fill as many of the six spaces as possible to make the $900 group price work well.

Skip it if you need calm water, a guaranteed catch, or a low per-person price for only one or two people. For everyone else, the Double Wrap offers a focused offshore outing, flexible fishing methods, and a crew that stays involved from the marina departure to the return.

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 activity end?

The activity ends back at The Perry Hotel & Marina, the same location where it begins.

How many people can join the private charter?

Up to six passengers can participate, and only your group will be on the private activity.

How long is the fishing trip?

The options include approximately four, six, or eight hours. The standard experience description refers to a four-hour trip.

What fish might I target?

Depending on the season, you might target mahi mahi, snapper, grouper, king mackerel, wahoo, tuna, sailfish, and other species.

What fishing methods may be used?

The captain may use trolling, bottom fishing, live baiting, wreck fishing, and deep dropping, depending on your preferences and the conditions.

Are fishing gear and licenses included?

Yes. The charter provides fishing equipment, lures, bait, and the necessary fishing license. The crew will also clean and filet fish you choose to keep.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If the charter is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.