21 Best Cudjoe Key Fishing Charters – Complete Guide
Cudjoe Key is one of the hidden gems in the Florida Keys for anglers. Nestled between Sugarloaf Key and Big Pine Key, it offers a quieter alternative to the busy waters of Key West and Marathon. Whether you’re a seasoned offshore angler or a family looking for a relaxed day on the reef, Cudjoe Key fishing charters deliver variety, expertise, and memorable experiences.
21 Best Cudjoe Key Fishing Charters
Below you’ll find a curated list of the 21 best Cudjoe Key fishing charters, organized for clarity and easy scanning. Each entry highlights boat size, capacity, rating, pricing, and specialties so you can quickly compare options and choose the right trip for your group.
| Charter | Location | Boat Size | Capacity | Rating | Price (From) | Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Held Fast Charters | Cudjoe Key | 16 ft | 2 | ⭐ 4.9 (71) | US $900 | Reef trips |
| Goliath Charters Summerland | Cudjoe Key | 25 ft | 4 | ⭐ 4.8 (90) | US $400 | Affordable offshore |
| Salt Therapy Charters | Summerland Key (7 min) | 32 ft | 6 | ⭐ 4.8 (93) | US $1,600 | Offshore big game |
| Lower Keys Offshore Adventures | Little Torch Key (11 min) | 26 ft | 6 | ⭐ 4.9 (131) | US $1,100 | Offshore/Wreck |
| Michael O’Brien Charters | Cudjoe Key | 16 ft | 2 | ⭐ 4.8 (46) | US $1,400 | Tarpon |
| TNT Charters | Big Pine Key (12 min) | 25 ft | 6 | ⭐ 5.0 (56) | US $1,200 | Federally permitted |
| Fish’n Fly Florida Keys | Sugarloaf Key (5 min) | 17 ft | 2 | ⭐ 4.9 (30) | US $500 | Fly fishing |
| Big Boii Charters | Big Pine Key (11 min) | 26 ft | 6 | ⭐ 5.0 (63) | US $1,400 | Offshore |
| Sandbar Somewhere Charter | Summerland Key (6 min) | 22 ft | 4 | ⭐ 5.0 (157) | US $1,000 | Sandbar trips |
| Fair Winds Fishing Charters | Little Torch Key (11 min) | 17 ft | 2 | ⭐ 5.0 (29) | US $800 | Angler’s Choice |
| Key West Fishing Connection | Stock Island (22 min) | 22 ft | 4 | ⭐ 5.0 (222) | US $998 | Offshore |
| Conch Queen Charters | Stock Island (23 min) | 26 ft | 4 | ⭐ 4.8 (37) | US $1,400 | Wreck fishing |
| Talking Dog Fishing Key West | Stock Island (21 min) | 22 ft | 4 | ⭐ 5.0 (41) | US $998 | Meet the Captain |
| Live Action Sportfishing 2 | Stock Island (24 min) | 24 ft | 4 | ⭐ 5.0 (195) | US $1,000 | Offshore |
| Corsair Sportfishing Key West | Key West (27 min) | 50 ft | 6 | ⭐ 4.8 (539) | US $1,900 | Federally permitted |
| Always Somethin’ Charters | Key West (29 min) | 18 ft | 3 | ⭐ 4.9 (751) | US $778 | Family trips |
| Kilo Whiskey Charters | Key West (30 min) | 33 ft | 6 | ⭐ 4.9 (127) | US $1,600 | Federally permitted |
| RideOut Charters | Key West (29 min) | 30 ft | 6 | ⭐ 4.9 (89) | US $1,400 | Offshore |
| Linda D IV | Key West (30 min) | 40 ft | 6 | ⭐ 4.8 (46) | US $2,200 | Angler’s Choice |
| Florida Keys Island Fishing Charters | Big Pine Key (16 min) | 24 ft | 4 | ⭐ 5.0 (24) | US $798 | Family trips |
| Easy Does It | Key West (22 min) | 25 ft | 4 | ⭐ 4.9 (842) | US $1,400 | Offshore |
Types of Fishing Trips
Inshore & Flats
Calm waters around the flats are perfect for light tackle and fly fishing. Expect tarpon, bonefish, and permit. These trips are ideal for beginners or anglers who enjoy sight fishing in shallow waters.
Reef & Wreck
The reefs and wrecks near Cudjoe Key are loaded with snapper, grouper, amberjack, and cobia. Captains often anchor or drift over productive spots, making this a reliable choice for consistent action.
Offshore & Deep Sea
For those chasing big game, offshore charters target mahi‑mahi, tuna, sailfish, and marlin. These trips require larger boats and longer runs but reward anglers with trophy catches.
Family & Kid‑Friendly
Shorter trips with patient captains are perfect for families. These charters focus on safe boats, easy techniques, and fun species like snapper and grunts.
Top Rated Cudjoe Key Fishing Charters – Captain Highlights
Held Fast Charters
- Boat: 16 ft skiff (2 passengers)
- Captain: Known for patient instruction and reef expertise
- Trips: Half‑day reef fishing, tarpon runs in season
- Price: From US $900
- Review Score: ⭐ 4.9 (71 reviews)
- Best For: Couples or solo anglers seeking light tackle action
Michael O’Brien Charters
- Boat: 16 ft skiff (2 passengers)
- Captain: Tarpon specialist with decades of local knowledge
- Trips: Tarpon (80–150 lbs), reef fishing for snapper/grouper
- Price: From US $1,400
- Review Score: ⭐ 4.8 (46 reviews)
- Best For: Anglers chasing trophy tarpon
Salt Therapy Charters
- Boat: 32 ft offshore vessel (6 passengers)
- Captain: Offshore big game expert
- Trips: Full‑day offshore for mahi‑mahi, tuna, sailfish
- Price: From US $1,600
- Review Score: ⭐ 4.8 (93 reviews)
- Best For: Groups seeking offshore adventure
Lower Keys Offshore Adventures
- Boat: 26 ft center console (6 passengers)
- Captain: Experienced in wreck and offshore fishing
- Trips: Amberjack, grouper, mahi offshore runs
- Price: From US $1,100
- Review Score: ⭐ 4.9 (131 reviews)
- Best For: Families or groups wanting variety
Fish’n Fly Florida Keys
- Boat: 17 ft flats skiff (2 passengers)
- Captain: Fly fishing specialist, patient with beginners
- Trips: Bonefish, permit, tarpon on fly tackle
- Price: From US $500
- Review Score: ⭐ 4.9 (30 reviews)
- Best For: Fly anglers or light tackle enthusiasts
Comparison Table – Cudjoe Key Charters
| Charter | Boat Size | Capacity | Rating | Price (From) | Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Held Fast Charters | 16 ft | 2 | ⭐ 4.9 (71) | US $900 | Reef trips |
| Michael O’Brien Charters | 16 ft | 2 | ⭐ 4.8 (46) | US $1,400 | Tarpon |
| Salt Therapy Charters | 32 ft | 6 | ⭐ 4.8 (93) | US $1,600 | Offshore |
| Lower Keys Offshore Adventures | 26 ft | 6 | ⭐ 4.9 (131) | US $1,100 | Offshore/Wreck |
| Fish’n Fly Florida Keys | 17 ft | 2 | ⭐ 4.9 (30) | US $500 | Fly fishing |
Pricing Guide
- Half‑day trips: US $400–$900
- Full‑day offshore: US $1,200–$1,600
- Specialty tarpon trips: US $1,400+
- Budget options: Small skiffs for 2 anglers
- Premium offshore: Larger boats with advanced gear
Pros & Cons of Cudjoe Key Fishing
Pros
- Quieter than Key West
- Diverse fishing styles (inshore, reef, offshore)
- Family‑friendly captains
- Easy access to reefs and wrecks
Cons
- Smaller fleet compared to Key West
- Offshore trips can be expensive
- Weather dependency for deep-sea runs
Booking Guide
- How to book: Online or by phone with local captains
- What’s included: Licenses, bait, tackle, rods, reels, and fish cleaning
- Cancellation policies: Weather cancellations are common; most captains offer flexible rescheduling
- Tips for choosing: Match charter size to your group, decide target species, and set a clear budget
Fishing Calendar
- Spring – Tarpon migration, reef snapper
- Summer – Mahi‑mahi, tuna offshore
- Fall – Grouper, amberjack, wreck fishing
- Winter – Sailfish, kingfish, family reef trips
Conclusion
Cudjoe Key fishing charters combine the charm of a quiet island with access to some of the best fishing grounds in the Florida Keys. Whether you’re chasing tarpon on the flats, snapper on the reef, or mahi offshore, there’s a trip tailored to your style. With experienced captains and family‑friendly service, Cudjoe Key is a destination worth adding to your fishing bucket list.
FAQs
Q: What species can I catch in Cudjoe Key?
A: Tarpon, bonefish, snapper, grouper, amberjack, mahi‑mahi, tuna, and sailfish.
Q: Are charters safe for kids?
A: Yes, many captains specialize in family‑friendly trips with patient crews.
Q: Do trips include gear and licenses?
A: Absolutely, bait, tackle, rods, reels, and licenses are included.
Q: How much should I tip the crew?
A: A standard tip is 15–20% of the trip cost.
Q: Is Cudjoe Key better than Key West for fishing?
A: Cudjoe Key is quieter and less crowded, while Key West offers a larger fleet.