Red Snapper Fishing Charters in Key West, Florida
Nothing says “tropical adventure” like a day spent on the sparkling waters of the Gulf Coast, casting your line for snapper. These colorful, feisty, and tasty fish can be found all over the Caribbean – but finding them and reeling them in still takes skill. That’s where Fish Daily Charters comes in: our skipper, Captain John, draws on five generations of experience to bring you to where the snapper are, and puts you on them…fast!
Our boat, the Heavy Hitter, is outfitted with all the gear, bait and tackle you’ll need for your trip, and our upfront pricing and flexible scheduling options means you know just what you’re getting. We can accommodate up to six guests of all ages aboard, so you can make it a family trip or just a great day on the water with friends. If snapper’s the game, then Fish Daily Charters is the name! Check out our charters on offer and see what works best for your next great Key West fishing experience.
Deposits And Cancellations
A 20% deposit is deducted at the time of booking; In the event of poor weather or at the discretion of our crew, trips may be shortened or canceled. If this happens, we will work with you to reschedule or issue a 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
Snapper
Fishing Charter
Why Choose Our Snapper Fishing Charter?
There are several species of snapper that call the Florida Keys their home, and each one has different habitats and behaviors that make it unique. Fish Daily Charters combines the latest fish-finding gear with good old-fashioned local wisdom to guide you to where these critters like to hide.
We believe in sustainable fishing and good eco-practice, so you can fish knowing that we won’t empty out the ocean – or your wallet. And our crew will professionally clean, filet, and bag anything you catch, so you can take this delicious fish straight off the boat and onto the dinner table.
About The Snapper
The snappers are a family of medium-sized, almond shaped fish that can be found in shallow waters and reefs from Massachusetts to Brazil. Although there are many species, a few have become iconic sports fish due to their plentiful availability, fierce fighting spirit, and delicious flaky flesh.
Some species are only available during certain seasons, and some can be fished year-round. Among the more well-known species in our waters include:
Mangrove Snapper: This very common fish - also called the grey snapper - is found in mangroves and reefs all over the Gulf. It’s known for being very feisty on the line!
Mutton Snapper: This aggressive fish is also common on the grass beds, reefs and inlets all over Key West, and can be reeled in year round.
Cubera Snapper: A large and powerful predator, you will need a 50-pound line or greater to reel one in. But the reward is worth it, as these delicious fish can get up to 100 pounds or more.
Yellowtail Snapper: Huge schools of these energetic fish can be found close to shore, and we can legally bag up to 10 per angler (12 inches minimum length).
Red Snapper: this iconic fish is delicious, beautiful to look at…and unfortunately highly vulnerable due to overfishing. The season for charter fishing only runs from June 1st -July 31st.
…and more!
How We Catch Snapper
Young snapper prefer to stick close to shore and hide in places like mangrove roots and canals, but bigger, more mature individuals move out a bit farther to the reefs and wrecks a few miles offshore. Although some, like yellowtail, will pretty much nip at anything that moves, other species like the mutton snapper require more patience. Generally though, we like to anchor up over a reef or near a mangrove thicket and drop in our live bait - squid, minnows, or any cut bait will do fine. If the action is slow, we’ll chum the water to get things going.
Once hooked, snappers will put up a fight, and it’s amazing watching the reel sizzle as they run out the line. After patiently reeling them in, we can clean, filet and bag it so you’ll be able to enjoy it fresh right off the boat - these flaky fish work great in everything from soup to sushi.
What Else You Can Catch With Us
Snapper isn’t the only thing biting in the waters of the Gulf Coast! Some of the other species you might hook include:
…and more!
Sunset Cruises
Enjoy an unforgettable evening on the water as you experience a tropical Florida sunset – one of the most beautiful scenes in nature. Our Sunset Cruises have the best seat in the house for you.
Specialty Charters
In addition to Snapper, we offer specialty charters going after Mahi Mahi, Grouper, Wahoo and Tarpon. Ask our crew about our charters targeting these iconic game fish.
Shrimp Boat Charter
Our Shrimp Boat Charters follow the iconic Gulf Coast shrimp boats as they haul in their nets, which attracts lots of marine predators for us to hook! Let us help you take advantage of the feeding frenzy.
Dry Tortugas Charter
A seventy-mile boat ride west of the Keys brings you to the historic Dry Tortugas, home to a national park and a Civil War-era fort, as well as dazzling tropical waters teeming with fish. Our Dry Tortugas Charter will let you fish, swim, and explore the history of this amazing island chain.
Testimonials
What reel People are saying about us!
Join us for an unforgettable Snapper fishing charter in Key West!
At Fish Daily Charters, we’ve got a lot of love for the Florida Keys – we know that it’s more than just a fishing trip, but a full experience of sights, sounds, tastes and sensations that you just can’t find anywhere else. Our snapper fishing charters let you maximize your time on the rod and reel by going after this easy-to-find and fun-to-catch fish, so you’ll head home with a cooler full of snapper feeling like a pro.
We are able to book your adventure up to two years out, but act fast – the summer months and the winter holidays are prime snapper-catching seasons, and slots fill up fast! Give us a call or book online and start your next great Key West snapper fishing charter with us today.
Snapper Fishing Charters FAQs
What is the best time to catch snapper?
Most snapper species can be caught year round, but the summer months, May to August, is when they spawn and are more reactive to baits and lures.
How do you catch snapper?
Casting a line with live bait into a mangrove thicket, or deep-dropping onto a reef or shipwreck offshore is usually enough to attract these voracious fish. We can also chum the water to stir things up if it’s slow.
How far offshore do snapper live?
Young snapper tend to hide closer to shore, but mature fish are found on offshore underwater structures – up to several miles in some cases.
Can we catch red snapper?
Yes, although the season is very limited to protect the species. June 1 to July 31st in Florida.
Where are you located?
We’re at the Oceans Edge Resort & Marina, and our mailing address is 5095 Peninsular Ave, Stock Island, Key West FL 33040.
What happens in the event of bad weather?
Safety is our top responsibility at Fish Daily Charters. If poor weather occurs, our captain will reschedule your fishing trip or issue you a full refund.
What is your payment policy?
At booking, a 20 percent deposit (cash or credit card) is taken. The rest of your payment will be charged at the end of your trip.
What does the price of one of your charters include?
A 20 percent upfront deposit is part of every charter, and a 20 percent tip is customary for our hard-working crew.
What is your cancellation policy?
Let us know about any cancellations at minimum 2 weeks ahead of your arrival.
Should I tip my crew after my journey?
Our crew really goes the distance to provide you with a great Key West experience. A 20% tip is just good etiquette.
Are fishing gear and bait included in the charter?
Yes! We have all tackle, bait, and gear you need.
Is a fishing license required for charter guests in Key West?
No need for you to have a fishing license; we cover all those needs for our guests.
What should I bring on my fishing trip?
You ought to bring sunglasses, some sunscreen, a hat, good non-slip shoes, and light layered clothing for any changes in the weather. You can also bring any food or drinks you might enjoy on your trip.
How many people can your boat accommodate?
Our vessel can handle six persons total, plus the crew.
Is it okay if this is my first time fishing?
It’s fine! Our crew is looking forward to showing you the ropes.
What kind of fishing does your crew specialize in?
Reef and wreck fishing is what we excel at, which is great if you’re going after snapper – but we offer deepwater and inshore flats fishing charters as well.
What kind of payments do you accept?
Credit card or cash only, please. 20 percent of the deposit is taken at booking.
Is there parking at your marina?
Yes, parking is free at our location.
Can I bring my service dog with me?
Yes, dogs are okay, but please bring a leash or harness too in case they have to be restrained for safety.
Is your boat handicap accessible?
Call or email us to see about modifying our vessel to suit special needs for your charter.
Are there restrooms aboard the boat?
No bathrooms aboard, so plan accordingly.
What happens if I get seasick?
We can bring the boat back to calmer waters or take you back to shore, but we have to remind you that we can’t do refunds just on account of seasickness.
Should I bring my own fishing gear?
You can bring your own gear if you want, but we have all the stuff you’ll need for your charter.
Am I guaranteed to catch something?
No guarantees in Mother Nature, especially if you’re targeting something specific, but our crew can always find you something big to hook in the Florida Keys!
Do I need to know how to swim?
Not necessary, though we would like to know if you can’t. We have safety equipment and life vests for everyone, and no one has ever gone overboard on our trips.
Are you located on an island?
We sail out of Stock Island, on the western edge of the Florida Keys.
Can you sell any fish that I don’t want to keep?
Sorry, but it’s not legal to sell any fish we catch secondhand.
What times do we leave?
We can embark anytime between 6am to 4pm, depending on your preference! Our Sunset Cruises are slated to get going shortly before sunset.
Are sandals allowed onboard?
Sandals are fine. But no shoes with black soles, please, which might scuff the boat.
What kind of tackle do you use?
Vance’s spinning tackle is what we have aboard, as well as a variety of Accurate, Shimano, and Penn bottom tackles.
Is alcohol allowed on the boat?
Alcohol is permitted for anyone of legal age, but no glass bottles are allowed on board.
Do you provide water on your trip?
Bottled water is stocked on board.
Are snacks provided?
A couple of small snacks are usually on board, but you can bring anything you want to eat or drink on your charter.
How far out to sea do we travel on a trip?
Specialty charters may go farther out, but typically we go up to twenty miles offshore in winter, and not more than five miles out in summer.
Are gas prices included on your specialty trips?
All fuel charges are included up front with the total of your trip; no hidden fees or surcharges.
How fast does your boat go?
We usually cruise at 35 to 38 mph to and from our fishing spots.
Are children allowed on your fishing trips?
Yes, all ages are welcome to come aboard!
How many seats are on your boat?
There are two seats at the bow, and we can throw some bean bags on board for any additional guest seating.
Is there a cooler on board?
Yes, it’s able to store your food and drinks.
What should I NOT bring?
NO illegal drugs, and NO glass containers/bottles.
Can we go for a swim during our charter?
Yes, just ask our crew to stop somewhere for a swim (if the weather cooperates).
Do you have life jackets on board?
Life jackets are provided for all our guests.
How far in advance can I make a reservation?
We are able to book up to two years out, but summer months and winter holidays book fast.
Can we stay out longer than our allotted time?
No problem, although additional charges may be incurred.
Do you offer clothing-optional charters?
Ask us when you’re setting up your booking.
Are my credit card details secure?
Yes. We don’t share your credit card information with any third party.
Do you offer overnight charters?
Sorry, but our boat just can’t take people overnight.