Last Minute Fishing Charters in Key West – Your Guide to Same-Day Trips

If you woke up this morning, looked out at that flat blue water and thought,
“We should be on a boat by lunch…”
this page is for you.

Here at Cowboy Cowgirl Sportfishing, we handle plenty of last minute fishing charters in Key West. Families, couples, solo anglers, and bachelor groups all come to us. We’ve seen it all, and we’re ready to help.

Hit play on the sailfish video above to see the kind of action a “let’s just go today” decision can turn into.

Can You Really Book a Last Minute Fishing Charter in Key West?

Short answer: Yes.
Slightly longer answer: Yes… but don’t wait until the boat is leaving the dock.

Key West is a busy fishing town, and the best captains tend to book up in advance. The good news? We run multiple boats with trips going out daily, so if anyone can get you on the water last minute, it’s us.

A few simple rules:

• Booking for tomorrow or later?
  Booking online is usually enough – you’ll get your confirmation and you’re good to go.

• Booking for the next few hours?
  Go ahead and book online, then call us at 305-304-2946 so we can:

  • Make sure we saw your booking

  • Confirm departure time and dock location

  • Let the captain know you’re hustling down

We’re easygoing people… but we take schedules, safety, and your vacation time seriously. If it’s a true last minute trip, that quick call is your best friend.

What Kind of Last Minute Fishing Trips Can You Book?

The nice thing about Cowboy Cowgirl Sportfishing is that we don’t just do one thing. If it swims around Key West, there’s a good chance we have a trip for it.

Here are your options for same-day or next-day fishing:

Offshore Deep Sea – Big Game, Big Laughs

If your dream Key West story starts with, “So we ran out past the reef and hooked into something HUGE…”, this is your trip.

On our offshore deep sea fishing charters, we might be chasing:

• Sailfish, mahi-mahi, tuna, wahoo

• The occasional marlin when they roll through

• Whatever else decides to crash the party

These trips are perfect for groups who want blue water, big drags, and big smiles. No experience necessary – just a willingness to reel.

Reef & Wreck – Steady Action and Great Eating Fish

Want lots of bites and a cooler full of fillets for dinner?

Our reef and wreck trips target species like:

• Snapper

• Grouper

• Mackerel

• Jacks and more

It’s a great choice for families and groups with different skill levels. There is usually steady action, and the fish-cleaning station at the end of the day is always popular.

Inshore & Backcountry – Calm Water, Family Friendly

If you’re more “keep it calm and fun” than “let’s run way offshore,” inshore is your lane.

• More protected water

• Shorter runs

• Great for kids, first-timers, and anyone who prefers a gentler ride

You still get to catch fish, see wildlife, and make memories – just with less wave action and more time actually fishing.

Last Minute Shark Fishing – When You Want a Story

Sometimes people call us and say, “We want something epic. What can we do today?”

Answer: shark fishing.

We offer inshore shark trips and deepwater shark adventures. We can usually find a shark that pulls harder than you. It’s one of the most exciting last-minute trips you can take. You’ll return home with a story that begins with, “You won’t believe this, but…”

Snorkel & Fish Combo – For the “We Want Everything” Crowd

Can’t decide between snorkeling and fishing?
You don’t have to.

Our snorkel & fish combo trips let you:

• Snorkel over beautiful shallow reefs

• Then switch over to fishing

• Or flip the order, depending on conditions and what’s biting

These are fantastic for families and groups where some are hardcore anglers and some just want to swim and enjoy the water.

From Party Boat to Private Charter – Last Minute Options for Every Budget

Not everyone wants – or needs – a full private boat. Sometimes you just want to buy a couple of tickets, hop on, and go fishing with a crowd.

For that, we’re happy to point people to Gulfstream Fishing, one of Key West’s most established and best-priced party boat operations. starting at $69. Their Gulfstream IV party boat has been offering fishing trips for many years. It is known for affordable fishing and a fun, social atmosphere.

So whether you’re:

• Grabbing a party boat ticket for a budget-friendly day

• Booking a shared/split deep sea charter

• Or reserving a full private boat just for your group

…we can help you find the right last minute option.

From “I just want to wet a line” all the way up to “this is our big family vacation trip,” we’ve got you covered.

How Last Minute Booking Actually Works (So Nothing Gets Weird)

To make it easy and family-friendly, here’s how to handle your last minute booking. This will help prevent anyone from running down the dock with a half-eaten sandwich and one flip-flop

1. Check availability online
   Pick your trip type and time – offshore, reef, inshore, shark, or combo.

2. If it’s within the next few hours, call us after you book

   • Confirm we got your reservation

   • Get your exact check-in time

   • Double-check which dock you’re leaving from

3. Show up a little early
   Aim to be there 20–30 minutes before departure.
   That gives you time to park, check in, and say hello to the crew without feeling rushed.

4. Bring the fun stuff, we bring the fishing stuff

   • You bring: sunscreen, drinks, snacks, hats, whatever the kids insist on

   • We bring: rods, reels, bait, tackle, licenses, and a crew that knows what they’re doing

We’re used to handling first-timers, kids, and “I haven’t fished since I was 12” guests. If you show up with a good attitude and a little flexibility, we’ll handle the rest.

Is a Last Minute Trip Right for Your Family or Group?

Last minute fishing charters are perfect if:

• Your schedule is tight

• The weather suddenly turns beautiful

• Your cruise ship gets in and you’ve got a few hours

• Or you just decided today is a “let’s go fishing” day

They’re also ideal for families because:

• You don’t have to plan months ahead

• The kids see the boat and get excited right away

• Everyone gets a break from the crowds on Duval Street

We keep the vibe light and friendly. We’re serious about safety and finding fish, but we’re not serious about judging your casting or how many snacks you packed.

If you want a trip where the kids can ask a million questions, the adults can actually relax, and everyone gets off the boat a little salty and a lot happy – you’re in the right place.

Ready to Go Fishing Today?

If you’re thinking about last minute fishing charters in Key West, don’t overthink it. Make the decision, then let us sweat the details.

Here’s your game plan:

• Step 1: Book online

• Step 2 (if it’s soon): Call us at 305-304-2946 so we can confirm everything

• Step 3: Show up, step aboard, and let’s go find some fish

Whether it’s a party boat, a shared trip, or a full private charter, we’ll help you turn a spontaneous idea into the best story you tell when you get back home.