🎣 Key West, Florida
Key West Fishing Charters
Reef, wreck, offshore or backcountry — you pick the fight, Rio finds the fish.
Captain Rio's Charters runs 100% private fishing charters out of Hurricane Hole Marina in Key West, Florida, for up to 6 guests at a flat rate from $500. Rods, reels, tackle, bait and fish cleaning are all included.
The experience
What the day actually looks like
Every fishing charter with Captain Rio is 100% private — it's just your group on the boat. No sharing the rail with strangers, no rushing back so the next load can get on, no set itinerary you have to squeeze yourself into.
Rio has been fishing these waters his whole life, and he tailors the day around your group. First time holding a rod? He'll rig it, cast it, and coach you through the fight. Been doing this for thirty years? Tell him what you want to catch and he'll go find it.
The reef gives up grouper, snapper, hogfish and yellowtail all year. Drop down on the wrecks for something bigger. Head out into the blue in spring and summer for mahi-mahi, sailfish and wahoo. Or run shallow into the backcountry flats and stalk tarpon, permit and bonefish on the fly.
Year-round on the reef
Grouper, snapper, hogfish and yellowtail are on the chew twelve months a year.
Spring & summer offshore
Mahi-mahi, sailfish and wahoo when the blue water pushes in close.
Fall & winter
Calmer seas and some of the best reef fishing of the whole year.
Backcountry flats
Tarpon, permit and bonefish in water so clear you'll see them coming.
The boat
1998 Stamas 32 · Twin Yamaha 250s
One 32-footer, licensed for six, with a shaded cabin and a bathroom on board. Everything you need and nothing you have to share.
What's included
- All rods, reels and tackle
- Live and cut bait
- USCG licensed & insured captain
- Cabin with seating & shade
- Bathroom on board
- Fish cleaning when we get back in
What to bring
- Sunscreen (reef-safe if you have it)
- Sunglasses and a hat
- Non-marking, soft-soled shoes
- Snacks and drinks — there's a cooler on board
- Seasickness medication if you're heading offshore — take it the night before
Rates
Flat rate. Never per person.
Whether there are two of you or six, the price is the price. That is the whole idea of a private boat.
All rates are flat per boat for up to 6 guests — never per person. Fuel is not included: consumption is tracked on every trip, and the fuel your charter uses is billed on top of the rate. This applies to every trip, inshore and offshore, with no exceptions. Gratuity is not included.
Questions
Key West Fishing Charters FAQ
How much is a Key West fishing charter with Captain Rio?
A half day (4 hours) is $900 and a full day (8 hours) is $1,700. Both are flat rates for up to 6 guests, not per person. A quarter day (2 hours) is $500. Fuel is not included in any of these: consumption is tracked on every trip and the fuel you use is billed on top of the rate. Gratuity is not included either.
Do I need a fishing license?
No. Captain Rio's vessel carries a saltwater charter license that covers every guest on board, so you do not need to buy your own.
What will we catch?
Grouper, snapper, hogfish and yellowtail on the reef year-round. Mahi-mahi, sailfish and wahoo offshore in spring and summer. Tarpon, permit and bonefish on the backcountry flats.
Can we keep and eat our catch?
Yes — anything legal to keep is yours. Rio cleans and bags your fish when you get back to the dock, and plenty of Key West restaurants will cook it for you the same night.
Is this good for kids or first-time anglers?
Very. Because the trip is private, Rio sets the pace around your group. He'll bait hooks, untangle lines and talk kids through their first fish without anyone feeling rushed.
Where do we meet?
Hurricane Hole Marina, 5130 US-1, Key West, FL 33040. Rio confirms your exact departure time when you book.
Also aboard
Combine it with something else
Half and full-day charters can mix any of these into one trip. Just tell Rio what your group is after.
Key West Spearfishing Trips
Go get it yourself. Rio is a competitive spearo and he'll teach you how.
See the trip
Key West Sunset Cruises
Everyone else is elbowing for space at Mallory Square. You'll be out on the water.
See the trip
Key West Snorkeling & Sandbar Tours
The only living coral barrier reef in North America, plus a sandbar all to yourselves.
See the trip
Key West Lobstering & Island Exploration
Dive down, tickle him out, net him. Then eat him. Hard to beat.
See the tripKey West Private Group Charters
Your boat, your people, your day. Tell Rio what you're celebrating.
See the tripReady when you are
Let's get you out on the water
Rio answers his own phone. Call or text him about dates, tides, group size, or what's been biting this week.
Departing Hurricane Hole Marina · Key West, FL · 7 days a week