Key West Guide Recs

At the suggestion of a couple other OBers we used Reel Therapy Charters, they're on Big Pine Key so it was about a 45 minute drive from Key West to meet up in the morning. It was a bit rough the day we went but we caught a bunch of yellowtail snapper. We had a good time, no complaints. If you don't have a vehicle he offered to pick us up(he lives in Key West), but we had our own vehicle with us.


A couple other cool things if you have time.


While in Big Pine Key go try to find the Key Deer. Turn down Key Deer Blvd and look for them, mind your speed, they're endangered/protected so they're mindful of people speeding and running them over. Go all the way down and in those neighborhoods at the end as well. We found a few that would let us stand right next to them, we couldn't touch them but for the most part they didn't care.






Also, stop at Robbies in Islamorada and hand feed the tarpon.








ETA: Just saw your post on the Travel Board. We were there late September, so similar time.

We thought Louies Backyard was kind of overrated

Santiagos Bodega was the best meal we had

There's a little taco place across from Captain Tonys called Amigos that has great tacos.

Duval is kinda a cleaner version of Bourbon Street. Lots of bars/restaurants do afternoon happy hours so a couple afternoons we'd just bounce from bar to bar grabbing drinks, a bite of food, and chatting with the bartenders.

Hemmingway House was a cooler tour than I expected.

Mel Fisher Maritime Museum is a good stop, its a museum dedicated to a huge treasure that was found in the Keys.

Sunset at Mallory Square was fun, we'd grab a couple drinks at Captain Tonys, walk over, catch a few of the street shows. It gets a bit packed as the sun starts going down, tons of people and tour boats get in the way so that part was kinda meh.

I'm out on the guides, unless you want to go up to islamorada and go with Stanzyck. But please go eat at 7 fish.

Amazing.

Do you want to fly fish?

Thanks for all the information so far.

I will second Reel Therapy and Captain Jim Peabody. I found him recommended through TD as well. My wife and I went Dec 2020 and he and his co-captain were great - very patient and instructive teachers, helping my wife fish.

We went backcountry since a cold front rolled through. Waters were colder than normal, but we were able to find some great holes with spanish mackerel, specks, etc.

If you use Reel Therapy, mention you found him through Tigerdroppings. He didn't fully understand what TD was at first (his co-captain more so), but was blown away and got a good laugh once I explained the message board.

Capt. Jim is a straight up good guide. Been using him since 2012. As mentioned, he is in Big Pine key, and that may be a pain to get up there to fish since OP is in KW. However, IF you do fish with him, he is a workhorse. Could still chase dolphin at that time of the year. I've deep dropped, pelagic chased, reef fished and night fished with Jim. He won't disappoint.

Easy Day Charters is fantastic for snorkeling/secluled beach tour. Capt Tom is top notch,can accommodate almost any need.

DO NOT use Sam Shaw@Showtime Charters... Worst Guide experience I've ever had.

if you really want an experience use Delph Fishing and go to the Dry Tortugas