What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Key West, Florida for the first time?

It was an awesome trip but weather was not nice. Bad weather but we still caught great eating fish. Awesome Captain and Mate. Just bad weather when we went. No fault of crew. They even went out of their way to make sure we caught fish. AWESOME

Take Dramamine one hour prior to departure if winds are high and/or predicted waves are 4' plus. Take some of your catch to one of the wonderful restaurants and let them prepare a feast for you. You will not regret it! Fish with a knowledgeable charter, such as Cowboy Charters. Tip the mate generously, as he works very hard to keep the lines running, bring the fish in and clean and fillet your catch for you.

The best thing to do is find out how the fishing has been. We probably didn’t go at the best time, but with it being our first, it worked out well. We know more now and will prepare better the next time.

Watch the weather. We had just gotten through a cold front, and, not unexpectedly, it took a little hunting to get on the fish. An experienced Captain is a must. Sean O'Keefe at Key West Backwater Fishing knows where to find the fish and how to catch them.

Be ready to catch some fish. By hiring a guide, you have everything you need at your fingertips.... Bait, tackle, water and a nice boat to get you onto the water. Morning fishing is probably the best, as the afternoons can be extra steamy and fish may be sluggish.

Make sure you get the captain that is advertised. Make sure the equipment does not break. Make sure you get the beverages advertised. If new at this make sure the captain understands what you want.

Triple check your booking with the charter and if possible, speak to someone over the phone or in person. I even showed up to the dock and found out when to arrive the next day to be sure. Disaster still occurred.

Book with the Coolcast for a great fishing experience. They are experienced and provided a fun and enjoyable trip. We were able to hook a shark and a Blue Marlin (which was highly unusual for the FL Keys area). Had a great time.

Be prepared for changes in weather and conditions to dictate which type of fish you can target. Offshore winds can make fishing for mahi, marlin, etc more difficult. The benefit of Key West is thast you can switch fishing type on the fly and stay inshore where there is less wind, yet still target great fish like snapper, barracuda, tarpon, jacks, etc.

See what the bite is like and if the weather isn’t great get a charter with someone who can bring you to the shallower sections to have a better shot at some fish.

Spring for a bigger boat with more amenities like AC in a closed in cabin, a head, and a captain's chair.

Be sure to specify what you would like to catch and choose a charter wisely or you will be less likely to enjoy the experience.

Go out of the main docks in Key West. They seemed to catch more fish than we did on the same day of fishing

If you want mahi or tuna wait till may. If you dint care what you catch and just went to have fun, go anytime

Go with a center console boat. You may have to move often to find your targets.

Dont expect to catch a trophy fish on your first trip just try to have fun and the fish will come.

We're coming and using captain Janice very accommodating She has experience for all skill levels

Amazing! Cannot wait to do it again!!! Nothing like fishing the crystal clear waters…

Bring over the counter motion sickness medicine, even if you don’t get motion sickness. We caught fish in the afternoon, but we heard the morning is the best time to fish.

I’d highly recommend going with an experienced crew like the Cora Beth. They know exactly where to go and what to do to guarantee you catch fish!

Check the fishing reports and be flexible. Fishing is usually good but you need a Capt that can adjust to the conditions

I would recommend waiting til after May to fish or to make sure the weather is good and the water is warmer, makes for better fishing.

Make sure you bring hat, sunblock, polarized sunglasses, snacks and your own beer if you want.

Check the weather forecast as it can be somewhat unpredictable in the winter months.

Bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Be ready to work cause they were bitting in June.

Don't be discouraged if you don't catch any fish. ? Sometimes they are biting sometimes they're not.

We had a great experience. We were not after trophy fish. We just wanted to have fun & we definitely did. Afterwards we went to a recommended restaurant where they cooked up our catch.

Know what you want to fish. I have never fished the ocean, just the Great Lakes and wanted a real fight. Do you want quantity, or a quality fight? Know that going into your trip.

It was very hot! Stick with half days or at the most eight hours. We had scheduled extended day and am glad the Captain talked us out of it!

Recommend 1/2 day trips. John our captain was great..very knowledgeable. Will do this again next time we're here. Thanks!