Captain Spencer, a true Key West local and proud 5th Generation Conch, was born and raised right here in Key West, FL. With more than three decades of experience navigating and fishing the waters of his hometown, he carries forward a rich family legacy—his great-grandfather, Captain Ted Canova, was the pioneering captain of a charter business in Key West. After graduating from Key West High School, Captain Spencer pursued higher education at Florida State University. He later returned to his beloved hometown to dedicate his life to the water.
Today, Captain Spencer runs his own charter service operating from the Lower Florida Keys. His vessel is a 25-foot Pathfinder Hybrid bay boat, equipped with a full tower and powered by a Yamaha 300 engine. This setup allows for versatile fishing excursions, targeting an array of species on both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean sides of Key West.
Specializing primarily in live bait fishing, Captain Spencer also expertly uses dead and artificial bait to adapt to varying conditions. By closely monitoring fish behavior and weather patterns, he maximizes your chances of landing a prized catch. Whether you're aiming to hook Tarpon during their migration through Key West Harbor or fishing for bottom species like Snapper and Grouper, Captain Spencer is well-versed in all techniques.
Prior to your trip, he will discuss your goals and offer expert advice to ensure you make the most of your time on the water in Key West. Additionally, Captain Spencer offers flexibility with your trip’s start location to accommodate your preferences.
Guests frequently praise their experience with Captain Spencer, sharing stories of catching multiple fish species—including trophy-sized catches—and applauding his excellent communication and patience, especially with children. Many highlight his ability to ensure a memorable and enjoyable fishing adventure for families and anglers of all skill levels. His professionalism and extensive local knowledge consistently deliver rewarding outings, complete with tips on local culture, such as where to find the best Cuban sandwiches.
If you find yourself back in the Keys, booking a fishing trip with Captain Spencer guarantees a top-tier adventure filled with fun, great catches, and expert guidance. His dedication to quality service and memorable experiences shines in every trip he leads, making him a highly recommended guide for your Key West fishing journey.
You can cancel your booking up to 24 hours prior to your scheduled trip and have the amount credited to your account. If you cancel on the day of the trip or fail to show up, the full trip cost will be charged to your payment method.
Included items: food and beverages, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera. Also provided are rods and reels, tackle, bait, as well as water and ice. Fishing licenses are included as well.
Whether you want to explore the backcountry waters of the Gulf of Mexico, fish around Key West Harbor, or venture out to the Atlantic reef, a half-day trip with Captain Spencer provides a wide range of exciting fishing opportunities. Captain Spencer specializes in tailoring the perfect excursion to match your preferences!
There is a diverse variety of fish species you can pursue on these trips, depending on how you want to spend your time. Popular targets include cobia, permit, bonefish, mutton snapper, mangrove snapper, red grouper, black grouper, gag grouper, sharks, barracudas, and jacks, among others. If you have specific species in mind, simply communicate your goals to Captain Spencer ahead of time, and he will customize the outing to meet your wishes.
Captain Spencer’s 25-foot Pathfinder is designed for versatility, capable of navigating shallow backcountry areas and grass flats while being sturdy enough to handle the gentle swells of the open ocean. The boat features a full tower that enhances your ability to spot fish and bait, maximizing your fishing success. Although the vessel can hold up to 6 guests, Captain Spencer prefers groups of 4 or fewer for an optimal experience.
Flexible pickup options are also available. If you are staying in a location with water access around Key West, just let Captain Spencer know, and he will do his best to arrange pickup from your lodging, making the start of your trip as convenient as possible.
