Key West Lobstering Charters
Spiny lobster season in the Florida Keys, with a day of fishing built in. Snorkel the shallow reefs and ledges for bugs, fish between dives, and head back with dinner. A private boat for up to six. Great for families.
Cancel 48 hours or more before departure for a full refund. All ages welcome. Non-swimmers can fish from the boat while the divers hunt.
Dive for dinner. Fish between dives.
The Keys are Florida's lobster capital. Spiny lobster hide under ledges, sponges and coral heads in clear, shallow water, close enough to the surface for snorkelers. Spot the antennae, ease them out with a tickle stick, and sweep them into the net.
- Mini-season. Two days only: the last Wednesday and Thursday of July. The busiest, most exciting days of the year to be on the water.
- Regular season. Opens August 6 and runs through March 31, with fewer boats and plenty of time to work the reefs.
- Fishing + lobstering. Every trip mixes both. Snorkel the ledges, then drop a line for snapper and whatever else is biting.
Starts at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, ends at midnight Thursday.
Opens at 12:01 a.m. on August 6.
Lobster spawning season. Book now for the opener.
Lobster season at a glance
August opening week and the July mini-season book first. Dates and limits are set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and Captain Phil keeps you current on the rules for your trip.
Snorkel. Spot. Tickle. Net.
Meet at the marina
Your meeting spot in Key West comes with your booking confirmation.
Hunt the ledges
Phil runs to shallow reefs and ledges that hold lobster, and shows first-timers how to spot them and use the tickle stick and net.
Measure and fish
Every lobster is measured before it goes in the cooler. Between dives, drop a line and fish.
Mask, snorkel and fins (or ask what's on board), a swimsuit, reef-safe sunscreen, a towel, and food and drinks for the day.
Not everyone has to get wet. Stay aboard and fish while the divers hunt.
Bring a cooler with ice to carry your lobster and fish home.
Fishing + lobstering, your way
Every trip is private: just your group, up to six aboard. Choose how long you want on the water, pick a date in season, and you're set.
Lobstering, done right
Know the rules
Florida's licensing, permit, size and bag rules all apply to lobster. Captain Phil walks you through them before anyone gets wet.
Measure every bug
A lobster's carapace must be larger than 3 inches, measured in the water. Egg-bearing females always go back.
Great for families
Shallow, clear water and a patient captain. Kids love spotting lobster, and non-swimmers can fish from the boat.
Lobstering questions
When is lobster season in Key West?
Mini-season is the last Wednesday and Thursday of July. The regular season opens August 6 and runs through March 31. Lobster season is closed from April through July, apart from mini-season.
Do I need a license?
Florida requires a saltwater fishing license and a spiny lobster permit for most people who take lobster. Ask Captain Phil when you book what's covered for your trip.
How many lobster can we keep?
Florida sets a daily bag limit per person, and mini-season limits in the Keys differ from the rest of the state. Captain Phil keeps you on the right side of the current FWC rules.
Do I have to snorkel?
No. Lobster live in shallow, clear water that's ideal for snorkelers, but anyone who'd rather stay dry can fish from the boat.
Can kids come?
Yes. Trips are for all ages and up to six guests. The 4-hour trip is a great fit for families with young kids.
Do we fish too?
Yes. Every trip combines lobstering with fishing, so there's something to do between dives and for anyone staying aboard.
Fishing Tampa Bay, too?
Just $150 books your date. Private inshore fishing on Tampa Bay with Captain Phil Pegley, USCG licensed with 25+ years on the water. Pick a morning, afternoon or all-day trip, choose your date, and you're set.
Pick your date and time in the calendar Out early on calm water for redfish, snook and trout, and back with your catch cleaned by midday. The easiest trip to fit around a vacation. $550for 1 or 2 guests+$50 for each additional guest, up to a max of 6$150 to book · balance on pickup Check dates Afternoon trip Afternoon Inshore Charter Afternoon departure
Pick your date and time in the calendar A later start for a slow morning. Fish the afternoon tide on Tampa Bay's flats and mangroves, then head to dinner with a fresh catch. $550for 1 or 2 guests+$50 for each additional guest, up to a max of 6$150 to book · balance on pickup Check dates All-day trip All-Day Inshore Charter Full day on the water
Pick your date and time in the calendar Time to work more spots, follow the tides, and chase bigger fish like tarpon or grouper. The trip for anglers who want the whole day. $750for 1 or 2 guests+$50 for each additional guest, up to a max of 6$150 to book · balance on pickup Check dates Groups & events Business, Nonprofit & Custom Trips Any date
Planned with Captain Phil Client outings, team days, fundraisers, or a trip built around a target species. Call and Captain Phil will plan it with you. Fully customizedCall to plan Call (813) 416-6296
Meeting point. 540 Bahia Beach Blvd., Ruskin, FL 33570. Pickup at Hula Bay, St. Pete Landing, O'Neal's Marina or Hook's Restaurant is available on request; add it in your booking notes.
Pricing. Morning or afternoon: $550 for 1–2 guests, plus $50 per additional guest, up to 6 ($750). All day: $750 for 1–2 guests, plus $50 per additional guest, up to 6 ($950). A $150 deposit books your date; the balance is due at pickup.
Party size. Up to 6 guests aboard. Kids and first-timers are welcome, and Captain Phil coaches everyone.
Good to know. There's no bathroom on the boat, but we're never more than about 10 minutes from one.
Questions? Call (813) 416-6296 or email Captain Phil.
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