Printable planning kit
Fishing Charter Checklist
For any Key West charter — flats, reef or offshore.
Charter fishing goes well when expectations are settled before the deposit. Most of this checklist is questions rather than gear, because that's where the disappointments live.
Bring less than you think. A good crew supplies the tackle; what they can't supply is your sun protection or your sea legs.
Settle before you pay
- Agreed what water you're fishing (flats, reef or offshore) and why
- Confirmed the trip length dock to dock, including running time
- Asked what's realistic for your dates — and what isn't
- Confirmed whether your party fishes under the boat's license
- Got the weather and cancellation policy in writing
- Asked how gratuity customarily works aboard
If kids are fishing
- Told the captain your children's exact ages
- Confirmed kid-appropriate tackle is aboard
- Confirmed there's a restroom if you need one
- Agreed that heading in early is fine if they're done
- Chose a half-day rather than a full day
Bring aboard
- Reef-safe sunscreen, applied before the dock
- Long-sleeve sun shirt, hat with strap, polarized sunglasses
- Motion-sickness remedy, taken before departure
- Non-marking soft-soled shoes
- Food and drinks if the boat allows a cooler (cans, not glass)
- Dry bag and a towel
- Camera or phone in a leashed waterproof case
The catch
- Asked what's in season and legally keepable
- Confirmed whether the crew cleans your catch
- Found out whether a nearby restaurant will cook it
- Understood if your target species is catch-and-release
Confirm directly with your provider
These depend on the operator and the day. We don't publish them because we can't know them for your booking.
- Whether passengers are covered by the boat's fishing license
- What's included: bait, tackle, ice, cleaning — and what costs extra
- Deposit terms for operator cancellation versus your cancellation
- Whether there's a head, shade and seating out of the sun
Fill this in
- Captain and boat name
- Meeting location and check-in time
- Captain's phone number
- Trip length and target water
Key West Compass is an independent publisher, not an activity operator. We publish no prices, availability, forecasts or travel times, and we don't rank or recommend individual operators. Providers control pricing, scheduling, safety and service — verify material details with them directly.