THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Head west from Key West for a full-day, eight-hour chase across shallow flats, mangrove islets, and reef edges. This fast 37' Contender charter accesses some of the least-pressured fishing grounds in the Florida Keys for snapper, grouper, jacks, and seasonal pelagics.
Head west from Key West for a full-day, eight-hour chase across shallow flats, mangrove islets, and reef edges. This fast 37' Contender charter accesses some of the least-pressured fishing grounds in the Florida Keys for snapper, grouper, jacks, and seasonal pelagics.
Book with Cowboy Cowgirl Sportfishing - Knotty Cowgirl
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Operated by Cowboy Cowgirl Sportfishing - Knotty Cowgirl · Key West, Florida
On a clear morning out of Key West, the Ultimate Marquesas Island Fishing Adventure runs west more than twenty miles to a scatter of remote islets that make up the Marquesas Banks, one of the least-visited reaches of the Florida Keys. This full-day, eight-hour charter leaves from Key West and uses a fast 37-foot Contender to cover the long run in comfort while you chase snapper, grouper, jacks, barracuda and seasonal pelagics across shallow flats, mangrove islands and reef edges. The scene changes as you cross the shelf: the boat slices through aquamarine water to a horizon punctuated by low, scrubby mangrove keys and abrupt coral reef ridges. The Marquesas are prized for their relatively light fishing pressure; anglers often find cleaner, fuller fish and clearer water here than closer-to-shore grounds. Key features include broad seagrass flats ideal for sight fishing, jagged reef edges where snapper and grouper stack up, and pocket mangrove islands that concentrate bait and predators. Wildlife sightings are common: rays cruising the flats, turtles surfacing nearby, and coastal birds working the shallows. Your captain guides the trip, choosing tactics from light-tackle flats work to bottom rigs on reef drops depending on conditions and target species. The inclusion of gear, bait, tackle, required licenses, ice and fish cleaning makes the charter straightforward for groups up to six. A fuel surcharge applies because of the long run; start times can be adjusted and the crew can often accommodate special requests such as tarpon or shark-focused outings when seasons and conditions allow. Beyond the fishing, the Marquesas offer an uncommonly remote feel for a trip launched from Key West. The run itself becomes part of the day: high-speed transit, open-ocean views, and the anticipation of reaching one of the Keys' more secretive corners. Practical considerations are straightforward, arrive early, bring sun protection, motion-sickness remedies if you are sensitive to open-ocean runs, and a sense of patience for variable bite windows. For anyone based in Key West who wants to trade crowded inshore marks for wide, clear flats and productive reef edges, this charter is an efficient way to experience big-water fishing without the logistical planning usually required to reach remote banks. It's a trip built on range, speed, and local knowledge, and it highlights why the Marquesas remain a standout, less-pressured fishing destination in the Florida Keys. Reserve early in high season, arrive at the marina at least fifteen minutes before departure, and expect a short safety briefing; whether you sight-fish for snapper on a flats drift or drop bottom rigs on reef edges, the captain's local experience and the Contender's range turn long runs to the Marquesas into a feasible, rewarding day for anglers across skill levels and families.
moderate.
8 hours.
Comfortable on a moving boat and able to step from dock to center-console deck; not physically demanding but expect long periods standing or moving on deck.
This is an eight-hour full-day private charter with flexible start times to suit tides and weather.
Typical targets include snapper, grouper, jacks, barracuda and seasonal pelagics; specific species vary by season and conditions.
Yes—rod and reel combos, bait, tackle, licenses, ice and fish cleaning are included in the charter price.
Up to six guests are included in the private charter capacity.
Yes, a fuel surcharge applies due to the long run to the remote Marquesas Islands; confirm current fees when booking.
Yes; guests of all ages are welcome but participants should be able to move safely on an open center-console deck and follow crew safety instructions.
The Marquesas Banks are among the more remote and least-visited island chains of the Florida Keys, prized historically by local captains for productive, less-pressured fishing grounds.
All fishing follows Florida Fish and Wildlife regulations; practice selective harvesting, use reef-safe sun care, and minimize marine debris to protect the Keys' fragile habitats.
Cowboy Cowgirl Sportfishing - Knotty Cowgirl operates from Key West, Florida, offering offshore deep sea fishing charters aboard two well-equipped vessels. The operation runs trips on the Knotty Cowgirl, a 37 Foot Contender, and the Irish Cowboy, a 40 Foot Luhrs. Both boats are used for offshore trips targeting Mahi, Wahoo, Black Fin Tuna, Sailfish, and Marlin. A professional crew manages each trip, providing expertise in fishing techniques, safety, and locating pelagic species. Trips are customizable with special requests and offer flexible start times to suit angler preferences. Typical outings include full-day and half-day offshore excursions; however, specific trip lengths and schedules are arranged directly with the charter operator. The crew emphasizes responsible fishing practices and aims to create an engaging, educational experience for anglers of all skill levels. Equipment, bait, and tackle information is provided by the operator at time of booking; guests should confirm gear and licensing requirements prior to departure. Operating from Key West positions the charters near deep offshore habitats and seasonal migration routes that produce popular gamefish. The business highlights targeted species like Mahi, Wahoo, Black Fin Tuna, Sailfish, and Marlin on its advertised trips. Safety briefings, local knowledge of fishing grounds, and attention to guest preferences contribute to repeat bookings and positive word-of-mouth among anglers. Reservations are recommended, particularly during peak seasons, and guests can contact the charter directly to discuss trip details, special requests, availability, and any accommodations needed. Pre-trip communication covers safety protocols, tackle recommendations, and specific passenger needs before departure.
Book with Cowboy Cowgirl Sportfishing - Knotty Cowgirl