Seasons and Times
Key West Bully Net Charters operates lobster charters during mini-season (July 24 and 25) and regular season, which runs Aug. 6 through March 31.
Trips depart shortly before dark from the Oceans Edge Resort and Marina fuel dock unless other arrangements are made. Actual departure times vary seasonally and will be discussed before your trip.
We typically bully net for about three hours, although if everyone on board limits out before that, we may go in earlier.
We occasionally run a second trip after returning from the first. If you’re interested in a later trip, please give us a call.
What to Expect on the Water
At the dock, we’ll do a brief introduction and safety discussion before idling out of the marina to the channel. The views from the water just before dark can be incredible.
The ride to our bully netting spot is typically short, less than 30 minutes. On rare occasions, we might need to go as far as 20 miles, but normally we’ll be within 10 miles of the dock.
We stick to protected, nearshore waters, so rough conditions aren’t a concern. On breezy nights, you may get a bit of spray crossing more exposed areas. Where we actually lobster, the water is calm.
At the spot, we’ll go over how to catch lobsters. Normally, two people at a time can net. You’ll be standing up near the bow of the boat as the captain maneuvers the boat slowly over the shallows.
Back at the dock, you can take your catch home whole, or your captain can remove the tails from your lobsters for you if you prefer.
What’s Included & What to Bring
Food and Drinks
We provide a cooler full of ice as well as plenty of bottled water. Feel free to bring your own drinks and snacks to put in our cooler. Space is at a premium on the skiff, so we ask that you don’t bring a large cooler of your own. Alcoholic beverages are fine, but please don’t overindulge or bring glass containers.
Lifejackets
We provide high-quality, inflatable life jackets that you may choose to wear while lobstering. Standing on the edge of a skiff in the dark carries a higher risk of falling overboard than a typical fishing charter. You’re also welcome to bring your own PFD.
Licenses
All necessary licenses are included in the price of the charter.
Seating
We also provide comfortable marine bean bags for seating.
What to Bring
Any drinks or food you want besides bottled water.
Raincoat for everybody on board.
Warm clothing during the cooler months. It’s always colder on the water, especially at night.
Beach towels. Everything on the boat tends to get wet when bully netting, from nets, lobsters, spray and dew. A dry beach towel can be very nice to have.
Rules and Requirements
For safety reasons, charters are limited to no more than 4 people.
We ask that all guests be at least 18 years old.
Absolutely no diving, snorkeling or swimming are allowed.
Each guest may keep no more than their legal limit of 6 lobsters. Every lobster kept must be of legal size, with a carapace length of more than 3”.
Pricing, Deposits, Etc.
Charter Pricing
1 or 2 people: $500
3 people: $550
4 people: $600
Deposits and Cancellations
A $200 deposit is required to reserve a trip. Your deposit is refundable as long as you cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure. If you cancel inside of 24 hours, your deposit will be forfeited.
If your captain cancels a trip because of weather or other unforeseen circumstances, we’ll refund your deposit or work with you to reschedule your trip as soon as possible.
Tipping
Tipping charter captains is by no means required but is customary and deeply appreciated. Tip amounts are similar to those in restaurants — 15 to 20% is standard, and 25% recognizes exceptional service.