Fishing Charters in Florida
Browse fishing charters in Florida that can help you catch bonito.
Nauti Girl Sportfishing
Palm Bay, FL
Captain Scott has been fishing Sebastian Inlet and the Space & treasure Coast since he moved here in 2002. But this is how his story started out, he saw the movie "Jaws" in June 1975 and found his calling, He started fishing along the Carolina coast and Gulf Stream at the age of 13. He fished around the world for 12 years in the US Navy, where he earned his 100 ton USCG Masters License. In 1993 in Port Aransas, Texas he was mentored by Captain Reese Green of Bill Buster's Sportfishing and he later went on to win some of the biggest fishing tournaments in the world. Island Mooring Pro Billfish Tournament 1993 and 1994 1997 Watermelon Classic Billfish Tournament 1997 Poco Bueno Blue Marlin Classic Texas Invitational Fishing Tournament 1995 Texas Women’s Anglers Tournament 1998 & 1999 Sharkey’s Pro Big Shark Tournament 1997-2000 Port Aransas Boatman “Deep Sea Round Up” 1997, 1999 and 2000 2007 Orange Beach Pro Billfish Tournament 2008 North Carolina Wahoo Shoot-Out He started Pure Pleasure Fishing in 1995 and ran it until 2003, when he moved to Melbourne, Florida and honed his skills on fishing Florida’s East Coast. Captain Scott is one of the world's top big shark fishing captains, having caught huge great whites, tiger sharks, mako sharks, bull sharks, hammerheads, blacktips, spinners and many more species. Captain Scott has caught 8 different species of billfish around the world, loves trolling and tuna fishing, bottom fishing, jigging and deep dropping. Captain Scott has caught 4 grander fish in his life (black marlin, mako shark, tiger shark and a great white). He has over a thousand + fish greater than 100 pounds boated under his skillful watch from wahoo, to blue and yellowfin tuna, thousands of sharks and many a blue marlin. Captain Scott is just missing a spearfish for his bucket list. Scott is a power production electrical engineer University of Texasand proud Long Horn. He works US Government civil service for the USAF with a TS-SCI Clearance and is retiring soon to pursue his love of fishing one last time. We are a veteran-owned company and offer Veteran and Military discounts
Hammer Down Sportfishing
Clearwater, FL
Island Baby Islamorada
Tavernier, Florida
Flying Thief Charters
Big Pine Key, Florida
Key West Tarpon Fishing with Flying Thief Charters. Let us be your guide to the best Bonefish Spin Fishing, and excellent Flats Fishing in the Florida Keys.
Fat Cat Charters
Big Pine Key, Florida
Sea Glass Excursions
Cudjoe Key, Florida
Sea Glass Excursions offers offshore and inshore fishing, snorkeling, sandbars, sunset cruise, or just a ride, I’m your guide. My Name is Captain Brian and I live in the Lower Florida Keys.
Double O Fishing Charter
Cudjoe Key, Florida
Tarpon Trips
Summerland Key, Florida
Shane Wood Fishing
Summerland Key, Florida
Shane Wood Fly Fishing Guide - Rates and Information. Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit Photo Gallery. Book your fishing charter now.
Stock Island Fishing Charters
Naval Air Station Key West, Florida
Stock Island fishing charters at the entrance to Key West. Many different charters offered for all types of anglers and vacationers.
Captain Eddie Griffiths Charters
Key West, Florida
Dry Tortugas fishing trips with Andy Griffiths charters out of Key West, Florida. Overnight fishing to Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortugas and Marquesas Keys. Enjoy fishing and diving on your private charter, 2 or 3 day fishing charters for snapper, grouper, mahi mahi, wahoo and more. Best reef and wreck fishing available year round in the Florida Keys and west of Key West near the Dry Tortugas National Park.
Captain Bill Lowman Anna Maria Sportfishing
Holmes Beach, Florida
Anna Maria Island Charter Fishing Guide
Best Time to Catch Bonito
Peak season: May, June. Also good: April, July, August. Right now in April, activity is good.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Bonito
Key West offers thrilling opportunities for bonito, also known as little tunny, especially for anglers looking for a challenging fight. These powerful fish are abundant in the waters surrounding the island, particularly during their migration periods. Spring and fall are prime times to target them as they follow schools of baitfish. One of the best strategies is to look for surface activity – diving birds and schools of baitfish being chased by bonito are dead giveaways. A local tip: try fishing near the numerous wrecks and artificial reefs that are scattered throughout the area. Bonito are often found schooling around these structures, providing ample opportunities for anglers. Trolling small lures or casting jigs and spoons into feeding frenzies are effective techniques. Be sure to use strong tackle, as bonito are known for their blistering runs. The waters off Key West are also known for occasionally holding larger specimens, so be ready for a serious battle.
Plan a Trip to Key West
See what's biting in Key West, find top-rated guides, and estimate charter costs.
How to Catch Bonito
Detailed fishing techniques coming soon for Bonito in Key West.
Bonito Fishing Regulations in Florida
Open Season
Year-round
Daily Bag Limit
No limit
Size Limit
No size limit
License Required
Saltwater fishing license
Also known as Atlantic Bonito.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Florida state wildlife agency before fishing.
Related Species in Florida
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best bait to use for Bonito in Key West?
Bonito in Key West respond well to a variety of lures and baits. Many anglers have success with small, shiny spoons, jigs, and live bait like pilchards or small blue runners.
Are there any limits to how many Bonito I can catch in Key West?
No, there are currently no bag or size limits for Bonito in Florida state waters, so you can keep what you catch.
Do I need a fishing license to target Bonito in Key West?
Yes, you'll need a valid Florida saltwater fishing license to legally fish for Bonito and other saltwater species in Key West.
When is the peak season for Bonito fishing around Key West?
While Bonito can be caught year-round, the best time to target them in Key West is generally during the spring and fall when they migrate through the area.
More Bonito Fishing in Florida
Other Species to Fish in Key West
Ready to Catch Bonito in Key West?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.