FAQs

Our experienced captain goes above and beyond to ensure you have the best fishing experience possible. It’s not uncommon for us to travel between 2 to 15 miles away from the shore. We make every effort to keep travel times under one hour so that you can maximize your fishing time. When it comes to depths, we adapt to where the fish are biting. This means we can fish in waters as deep as 120 feet or as shallow as 20 feet. Sometimes, these depths are relatively close to each other. Rest assured, our primary goal is to put you right where the fish are for an exciting and productive fishing adventure.
When bottom fishing with us, you can anticipate a diverse and exciting range of catches. Some of the common species we target include grunts, porgies, yellowtail snappers, mangrove snappers, mutton snappers, hogfish, red and black groupers, mackerel, and sharks. Additionally, our fishing adventures often yield encounters with various exotic reef fish, adding to the excitement of your trip.

It’s important to note that grouper fishing is regulated, and there is a closed season from January 1 to May 1 each year to protect their populations. During this period, we focus on other equally thrilling species to ensure a rewarding fishing experience.
Here’s a revised answer for your FAQ page:

Gulfstream Fishing is well-equipped to ensure you have the best fishing experience. We provide each angler with a Penn Jigmaster 500 or an Okuma 320 reel, equipped with a 30 to 40-pound test line and 3/0-4/0 hooks. Additionally, we offer a mix of 2-4-ounce weights (egg sinkers) to suit various fishing conditions.

While we provide high-quality gear for your convenience, you are absolutely welcome to bring your own fishing equipment if you prefer. We want you to be comfortable and have the gear you’re most familiar with.

For those who prefer not to bring their own gear or are looking to try something new, we offer fishing rod rentals at a nominal fee of $5.00. Our rental rods are well-maintained and suitable for a great day of fishing.

Our crew is knowledgeable about the size and possession limits for fish set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife authorities. We encourage responsible fishing practices, including catch-and-release, to help conserve our natural resources. If you choose to keep your catches, our crew uses a special marking system to keep track of your catch. After the trip, we can assist in cleaning your fish for a small fee, typically ranging from $0.50 to $1 per fish.

Rest assured, we’re committed to providing you with all the gear and assistance you need to make your fishing trip both enjoyable and successful.
You’re in luck! When you join us for a fishing trip with Gulfstream Fishing, you won’t need to worry about obtaining a fishing license. Our boat carries the necessary fishing licenses, covering all anglers on board during the trip.

In Florida, fishing licenses are typically required when fishing from personal boats or fishing from the shore. However, when you’re on one of our fishing charters, you’re covered by our licenses, making it hassle-free for you to enjoy a fantastic day of fishing without any additional paperwork or fees. We’ve got you covered, so all you need to do is focus on the thrill of the catch!
Your catch is your treasure, and there are several options for what you can do with it. Many local restaurants in the area are more than happy to prepare and cook your freshly caught fish for a delicious meal. Just ask our friendly crew for their recommendations on where to enjoy your culinary creation.

If you prefer to savor the taste of your catch at home or share it with friends and family, you can also choose to ship your frozen fish to any U.S. address. You’ll find the necessary supplies for packaging and shipping at all major grocery stores. Popular shipping carriers like FedEx, UPS, and USPS offer reliable shipping services to ensure your fish arrives fresh and ready to enjoy.

So, whether you’re looking for a restaurant experience or want to enjoy your catch in the comfort of your own home, the choice is yours. We’re here to make sure your fishing adventure is memorable from start to finish!
Food & Drink:

We believe in giving you the flexibility to make your fishing trip truly your own. While our galley offers a selection of snacks and beverages available for purchase, we also encourage you to bring your own food and drinks on board.

Here’s why bringing your own can enhance your experience:
- Personalization: Bringing your favorite snacks and beverages allows you to cater to your own tastes and preferences, ensuring a more personalized and enjoyable trip.
- Cost-Effective: Opting to bring your own food and drinks can be a cost-effective choice, as it gives you control over your expenses during the trip.
- B.Y.O.B (Bring Your Own Beer): We don’t sell beer on board, but you’re more than welcome to bring your own. It’s an excellent way to enjoy your favorite brew while you fish.
Additionally, if you prefer alcoholic beverages, please remember to drink responsibly and ensure the safety of yourself and others on board.

So, whether you choose to explore our galley’s offerings or bring your own provisions, the choice is entirely yours. We want to make sure your fishing adventure is exactly how you envision it!
Yes, we encourage you to bring your own gear, or you can rent our rods for a small fee.
No worries at all! Our experienced crew is here to assist anglers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros. Whether you’re new to fishing or just looking for some guidance, our crew will provide expert assistance, including baiting hooks, demonstrating fishing techniques, and offering helpful tips throughout the trip. We’re dedicated to making your fishing adventure enjoyable and successful, regardless of your level of experience. So, come aboard with confidence and get ready to learn and have fun!
Seasickness can affect anyone, and it’s true that you won’t know until you’re out on the water. If you have any concerns about seasickness, we recommend taking a seasick tablet the night before your trip. This proactive approach allows you to sleep through any potential drowsiness side effects while helping to prevent the discomfort of seasickness during your trip. We want you to have the most enjoyable experience possible, and this precaution can help ensure you stay comfortable throughout the journey.
Our boat offers seven stern spots, which are the fishing spots located across the back of the boat. There are no seats back there. These spots are assigned based on the order of reservations received. When you make a reservation, our reservations staff will take your request and make a note in your reservation. However, please note that they do not confirm stern reservations over the phone.

It’s important to understand that the availability of stern spots can vary throughout the year. At certain times, these spots may be booked months in advance, while at other times, there may be no specific requests. We want to emphasize that being on the stern does not guarantee that you’ll catch better, bigger, or more fish. The fishing experience can be equally rewarding from any spot on the boat.

Please also note: Season pass holders receive preference as part of their season pass agreement. It’s important to clarify that no one on the stern receives special treatment as “friends of the crew,” employees, or free riders. Our goal is to provide a fair and enjoyable fishing experience for all our customers.
We appreciate your enthusiasm for your fishing trip! To ensure a smooth and organized boarding process, please do not board the boat without permission, regardless of your arrival time.

For day trips, check-in begins at 9:30 a.m., and for night trips, it starts at 6:30 p.m. Regardless of your arrival time, all passengers board at the same designated time. We recommend following the established check-in process to help us provide a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Your cooperation in adhering to the boarding process is greatly appreciated, and it helps ensure that all passengers have a safe and enjoyable trip.
Reservations are not required but are highly preferred. We take a strategic approach to ensure that each fishing trip has the right number of participants. When you make a reservation, it helps us plan accordingly and make informed decisions to accommodate you.

Not only does booking in advance secure your spot, but it also allows us to provide the best possible experience for everyone on board. Please keep in mind that there are times when our trips are fully booked, so making a reservation ensures you won’t miss out on your preferred date and time.

While walk-ups are welcome when space is available, we recommend booking in advance to guarantee your spot and help us deliver a fantastic fishing adventure for you and all our passengers.
The legal capacity of our boat is 67 passengers, but we prioritize your comfort and experience. Typically, we aim to have no more than 45 people on board, ensuring a more spacious and enjoyable trip for everyone.

During holiday weeks, the boat may be considered “full,” but please rest assured that we do not oversell or overcrowd the boat. Our goal is to provide a great fishing experience while maintaining a comfortable atmosphere.

While we have a standard minimum requirement of 12 passengers to depart from the dock, understand we need to make a living. However, there are days when we may depart with fewer than 12 passengers to accommodate our guests. Our commitment is to provide you with a memorable fishing adventure, and we always strive to find the right balance between ensuring a productive trip and maintaining a comfortable passenger experience. Your satisfaction is our top priority.
We’re proud to offer free parking for our customers. You won’t need to worry about parking fees because we are the only place in Key West that provides complimentary parking. Your convenience is important to us, and we want to make your fishing trip as hassle-free as possible.

FAQs

More questions? Reach us HERE.