Feel the Excitement of Florida Keys Tuna Fishing
Are you on the hunt for the most thrilling tuna fishing experience in Key West? Searching for an expert fishing charter that will put you on the fish without draining your wallet? You’ve found the right crew with Fish Daily Charters! A local staple of the Gulf since 2008, we draw on local expertise as well as the latest in fishing gear to take our guests out to where the tuna are plentiful. Our charters are suitable for all ages, so you can bring your friends and loved ones along for the adventure, and our convenient location near Key West International Airport means that you spend less time traveling and more time angling.
Several distinct species of tuna call the Florida Keys their year-round home, and each one gives great sport on the reel. But where to start? These fast and strong game fish have huge ranges, and finding them isn’t always easy. But Fish Daily Charters has the inside knowledge on where to find them and how to hook them, and once you set sail with us you’ll be reeling in monsters in no time!
Deposits And Cancellations
A 20% deposit will be taken at the time of booking; In the event of bad weather or at the discretion of the crew, trips may be canceled or shortened. If this occurs, our captain will work with you to reschedule or issue a full or partial refund.
$1000+
- Duration: 4,6, or 8 Hours
- Passengers: Up to 6
- Start Time: Your choice! 6am - 4pm
- Equipment: All Provided
- Deposit: 20%
Deposit due today:
- 4 hour: $200
- 6 hour: $260
- 8 hour: $320
Tuna
Fishing Charter




Why Choose Our Tuna Fishing Charter?
As a fifth-generation local, our skipper Captain John knows the waters of the Florida Keys like the back of his hand, and is eager to show our guests the magic, the memories, and the one-of-a-kind thrills of Key West tuna fishing. Our vessel, the Heavy Hitter, is outfitted for trolling with live bait and lures, which is the preferred way of luring in these speedy predators. And our upfront pricing and flexible cancellation policy means you won’t be stuck with any hidden fuel charges or fees, so you can focus on the fishing while we take care of the rest.
Whether your target is bonito, yellowfin, blackfin, or skipjack, you’ll find what you’re after faster with Fish Daily Charters. Take a look at our pricing and charter options and find out which adventure suits you best!
About The Tuna Species
Yellowfin: Less commonly found than other tuna species, this big strong fish can get up to 100 pounds or more! Found in deep water offshore and near floating debris and buoys, this is known as one of the “fightingest” of game fish, so if you hook one…hold on!
Blackfin: The smallest of the tuna family, these fish usually range from 7 to 30 pounds and are the most common tuna we catch. Strong population numbers mean that even with a recent bag limit introduced by Florida Fish & Game, there’s plenty to go around!
Bonito: These medium-sized tuna travel in huge, fast schools and are known for their fighting spirit once hooked. We usually find them while trolling near big baitballs far offshore.
Skipjack: This beautiful fish is the tuna you’re most likely to find canned in supermarkets. Down in the Keys, they school far offshore, sometimes traveling with other tuna species.
Bonita (False Albacore): Another medium-sized tuna, these often get confused with bonito due to their similar size and coloration. But these “little tunnys” are harder to hook - and even more sporty on the line!
How We Catch Tuna
No matter the species, the tuna family is known for its incredible speed, strong bodies, and stamina. Tuna prefer the deep waters far offshore, so we may have to travel up to 30 miles out to get to where they’re at. Once we arrive, we look for signs of their schooling (flocks of seabirds gathering over a baitball of small fish is always a good sign!), and employ our fish finding gear to scan deeper down the water column.
Once found, we can entice tuna to come nearer to the surface with live bait or “chunks” as we put our hooks in the water, then employ a trolling method with lures or live bait to get them chasing us. Once hooked, tuna fight for their lives no matter their size, and larger species can give you a real workout, so be ready! PROTIP: once landed, these fish should be bled out immediately due to the high amount of oxygenated blood in their systems from fighting on the line. This will give the flesh a cleaner, fresher taste - perfect for ceviches, sushi or poké!
What Else You Can Catch With Us
Tuna aren’t the only things biting in the waters of the Florida Keys! Some of the other species you might reel in include:














…and more!
Other Fishing Charters We Offer In Key West

Sunset Cruises
We have the best seat in the house for one of Nature’s most spectacular views – a tropical Florida sunset! Let us take you on a relaxing and private cruise through the waters of the Gulf as the sun sets over the Keys.

Specialty Charters
In addition to tuna, we offer specialty charters going after Tarpon, Shark, Swordfish and Sailfish. Ask our crew about our charters targeting these legendary game fish.

Shrimp Boat Charter
The fleet of Gulf Coast shrimp boats hauling in their catch attracts a horde of marine predators from swordfish to seagulls. Our Shrimp Boat charters take advantage of the feeding frenzy and bring you close to the action so you can land something truly epic!

Dry Tortugas Charter
The Dry Tortugas island chain, only seventy miles west of the Florida Keys, is a historic island chain with a Civil War-era fort and a national park, not to mention crystal-clear waters rich with marine life. Our Dry Tortugas charter can take you you there to fish, swim, and absorb the history of this beautiful spot.
Testimonials
What reel People are saying about us!
Mark Burk Jr.Verified Boatload of fish John and Steven are the best around Key West. Been out with lots of people and these are guys are the best I have seen. AmyBVerified Look No Further! Captain John is the Man of the Keys! Been chasing a bull shark for 12 years, several guides and thousands of dollars. Captain John made it happen. Exceptional customer service and knowledge. If you're looking to make your dream catch happen hes just the man to do it! ***** Jeff SVerified You will NOT be disappointed What a great couple days of fishing. We are from Wisconsin and fish charters quite often. John is knowledgeable, catches fish, and just a fun guy to be around. We caught our limit of snapper and some yellow tail and the next day we did some sport fishing and caught a tarpon!! Thanks John, we will be back. Dave GVerified Fantastic Fishing!! We were struggling to find a charter we could trust. Some of the websites wanted us to give them our credit card and then they would tell us, after we paid, who our Captain was! Finally someone we trusted said go with John and they were right. He's professional, he put us on fish, he limited the catch to preserve the future which is a rare quality in Charter Captains these days, and he gave us all two great days on the water. I cannot recommend him strongly enough. We're definitely coming back. Racheal WVerified Fantastically Memorable!! We had a fantastic time fishing with Captain John! He and his first mate, Blake, went out of their way to try and help us catch as many fish as possible! They were knowledgeable and a LOT of fun! The only recommendation we have is to make sure you book either a 6-hour or full day charter. You will NOT regret it!! We say 5+ stars!!! James VVerified Phenomenal trip Communication was great, John wasn’t able to take us out because his wife and he were having a baby (congratulations) but John called his partner Zack to take us out on Sunday because weather was horrible Saturday. Zack was waiting on us at the dock we loaded our items and away we went. My wife and I fish more than most people so we were no strangers to being on the water, but we have never caught what we were searching for, Zack assured us that he would try his best to find our species. Sure enough we followed the birds offshore and by the grace of Fish Gods we spotted i floating log!!!!!! That was the blessing that captain Zack was searching for!!! Zack set out our trolling rigs and with in minutes they were hooked up and my wife had caught her first ever mahi dolphin!!! After that we caught fish after fish and I even caught the biggest Mahi of the year on this boat a 15lber?. We headed in and captain Zack had our dolphin all cleaned in bags and on ice! Captain Zack is a hard core true captain that works his tail off for his clients! I highly recommend these guys for your boating experience. Amanda CVerified Great Experience! Great way to experience several different types of fishing while in Key West. Guide is very knowledgeable. Highly recommended! alpha37Verified "Top Notch!" Top Notch.....professional, experienced, knowledgeable... Capt John and 1st Mate Steve, made the trip! I think even if we didn't catch a mountain of fish (Bull Shark's, Mutton's, Barracuda's, Mahi-mahi's, Spade's, a ton of bait-fish, oh and an Moray eel) the trip would have been a success. At one point myself and all three of my Boy's where reeling in Mahi-mahi. Thanks for the memories guy's cant wait to do it again! Eric CVerified Great time, great crew My friends and I really enjoyed our fishing trip! Captain John and Steve were fun, professional and very happy to help make sure our trip was memorable and exciting. We hit up a few different spots and tried several fishing styles. We caught plenty of fish and had a truly wonderful experience. Highly recommend Johnny HVerified Amazing time ! Captain John and his first mate were absolutely amazing. Super knowledgeable and made my first deep sea fishing trip truly something to remember. Caught a ton of dolphin and had a great time. I will definitely plan another trip and would highly recommend him to everyone.
Join us for an unforgettable Key West Tuna Fishing Charter!
Whether you’re new to the world of sport fishing or a seasoned angler, going after Florida Keys tuna is a can’t-miss experience. The sun, the waves, the thrill of the chase and the feeling of freedom on the open ocean – these are the sensations that we love sharing with our guests. And our commitment to sustainable fishing practices means that you can fish with confidence knowing we won’t be wasteful with your time or your money.
Fish Daily Charters is ready to put you on the fish, so give us a call or book online today and start your journey towards the tuna fishing adventure of a lifetime!
Tuna Fishing Charter FAQs
What is the best time to catch tuna?
Most of the species in our waters can be caught year round, but the best time to catch large mature fish is probably June through August.
How do you catch tuna?
Luring them up the water column with chunks or live bait, then trolling with lures at a slow steady speed is our preferred method for hooking tuna.
How far offshore do tuna live?
It varies with the seasons, but generally tuna can be found between 5 and 40 miles offshore, anywhere between surface-level to 330 feet of water.
Where are you located?
We operate out of the Oceans Edge Resort & Marina! Mail us at: 5095 Peninsular Ave, Stock Island, Key West FL 33040.
What happens in the event of bad weather?
Safety is key at Fish Daily Charters. If bad weather happens, our captain will issue a refund or help you reschedule your fishing trip.
What is your payment policy?
A 20% deposit will be charged at booking (cash or credit card only). The remainder of your payment will be charged at the conclusion of your charter.
What does the price of one of your charters include?
A 20% upfront deposit is part of every booking, and a 20% tip is customary for our hard-working crew at the conclusion of your trip.
What is your cancellation policy?
We ask that you let us know about any cancellations at least 2 weeks ahead of your arrival.
Should I tip my crew after my journey?
A 20% tip is usually customary in the Keys. The crew works hard to give you an authentic Florida Keys experience!
Are fishing gear and bait included in the charter?
You bet! We have all the tackle, bait, and gear you need.
Is a fishing license required for charter guests in Key West?
Nope, we take care of all licenses for our guests.
What should I bring on my fishing trip?
Definitely bring sunglasses, sunscreen, non-slip shoes, a hat, and some light layers of clothing for any change in the weather. A camera is recommended for capturing memories, and you can bring any snacks or drinks you want!
How many people can your boat accommodate?
Our vessel can take on six persons total (including crew.)
Is it okay if this is my first time fishing?
Sure! Our crew is happy to help out with new anglers.
What kind of fishing does your crew specialize in?
Reef and wreck fishing is what we’re best at, which goes after bottom-dwelling species – but we provide inshore and deepwater charters as well.
What kind of payments do you accept?
Credit card or cash only. We take a 20% deposit at the time of booking.
Is there parking at your marina?
Yes, free parking is offered at our marina.
Can I bring my service dog with me?
Yes, dogs are welcome, but we recommend a leash or harness in case they need to be held for safety.
Is your boat handicap accessible?
Contact us to see about adjusting our boat to suit any special needs for your charters.
Are there restrooms aboard the boat?
Nope. Please plan accordingly.
What happens if I get seasick?
The crew can bring the boat to calmer waters or take you back to shore if you need to, but we remind you that refunds due to seasickness are not possible.
Should I bring my own fishing gear?
We have all the gear and bait you’ll need as part of your charter package, but you’re welcome to bring your own gear if you like.
Am I guaranteed to catch something?
There are no guarantees with Mother Nature, especially if you’re going after a specific species, but not to worry – the Florida Keys are rich with big, sporty game fish, and we can always find something to hook.
Do I need to know how to swim?
It’s not necessary (but let us know if you can’t.) We have life jackets for all our guests, and we’ve never had anyone fall overboard in all our years of operation.
Are you located on an island?
We are based out of beautiful Stock Island out on the western edge of the Florida Keys, ten minutes from Key West International Airport.
Can you sell any fish that I don’t want to keep?
Sorry, but we can’t sell any fish we catch, and neither can you; it’s illegal to do so.
What times do we leave?
We’re able to embark anytime between 6am to 4pm, depending on what works for you! Our Sunset Cruises get underway shortly before sunset.
Are sandals allowed onboard?
Sandals are just fine. But please try not to wear black-soled shoes, which might damage the boat.
What kind of tackle do you use?
At the moment we use Vance’s for spinning tackle, as well as a combination of Penn, Shimano, and Accurate bottom tackles, although we’re always trying out new gear.
Is alcohol allowed on the boat?
Alcohol is permitted for anyone of legal drinking age, but no glass bottles please.
Do you provide water on your trip?
We do provide bottled water for our guests.
Are snacks provided?
Yes, we store some assorted snacks on board. But feel free to bring any food and drinks you might want.
Are gas prices included on your specialty trips?
Yes, any fuel surcharges are included up front with the total; no hidden fees with us.
How fast does your boat go?
We like to go 35 to 38 mph to and from our fishing spots.
Are children allowed on your fishing trips?
Yes, all ages are welcome on our charters.
How many seats are on your boat?
Two seats are in the bow of the boat, and we can bring bean bags for any additional seating.
Is there a cooler on board?
Yes, you are welcome to store any food and drinks you bring in there.
What should I NOT bring?
NO illegal drugs or glass containers/bottles are allowed on board.
Can we go for a swim during our charter?
If the conditions are good, you’re allowed to ask our crew to stop somewhere for a swim.
Do you have life jackets on board?
Life jackets for all guests and crew are on board.
How far in advance can I make a reservation?
We can book up to two years out, but our charters fill up fast, especially the summer and holidays.
Can we stay out longer than our allotted time?
Yes, although additional charges may be incurred.
Are my credit card details secure?
Yes. We don’t share your financial information with anyone for any reason.
Do you offer overnight charters?
Sorry, but our boat is just not able to accommodate overnight charters.