Key West Fishing Guide: Top Catches & Best Times to Reel Them In
Key West is a world-class fishing destination, offering incredible opportunities to catch some of the most sought-after fish species year-round. Whether you’re planning your trip around peak fishing seasons or just curious about what’s biting, this Key West Fishing Calendar will help you determine the best months to reel in your dream catch.
Types of Fishing in Key West
Whether you’re staying close to shore or heading miles into the Atlantic, Key West offers a range of fishing experiences for every angler:
- Deep Sea (Offshore) Fishing: Head beyond the reef to chase big-game species like Sailfish, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, and Blackfin Tuna. These trips take you into deeper waters for thrilling action.
- Reef Fishing: Explore the coral reefs and wrecks surrounding the island to catch Snapper, Grouper, and other bottom species.
- Flats Fishing: Navigate the shallow, crystal-clear waters around Key West’s backcountry for Bonefish, Permit, and Tarpon—perfect for sight casting and fly fishing.
Best Fishing Seasons by Species
The following guide provides peak fishing months for the top 10 most popular and sought-after species in Key West. The visual calendar at the end highlights when each species is most active, so you can plan your fishing adventure accordingly.
- Sailfish: Best Months: December – March
These prized gamefish are known for their acrobatic jumps and high-speed runs. Winter months bring cooler water temperatures, making Key West an excellent spot for Sailfish action. - Wahoo: Best Months: December – February
Fast and powerful, Wahoo are a favorite among anglers. These fish are most abundant in Key West’s offshore waters during the cooler months. - Mahi Mahi (Dolphin): Best Months: April – September
Known for their vibrant colors and incredible fight, Mahi Mahi thrive in the warm waters of Key West during the spring and summer. - Tarpon: Best Months: April – June
Nicknamed the “Silver King,” Tarpon are one of the most exciting catches in Key West. They migrate through the area in large numbers during the late spring. - Bonefish: Best Months: March – October
A prized catch for flats fishing enthusiasts, Bonefish are best targeted in the spring and fall when water conditions are optimal. - Permit: Best Months: March – July
These elusive fish challenge even the most experienced anglers. They are most commonly found on the flats and wrecks. - Blackfin Tuna: Best Months: April – May
These powerful fish are abundant in spring, making for a thrilling offshore fishing experience. - Kingfish (King Mackerel): Best Months: November – March
Known for their long, powerful runs, Kingfish are a staple of winter fishing in Key West. - Snapper (Yellowtail, Mutton, Mangrove): Year-round (Peak: April – June)
A favorite among both sport and table anglers, Snapper species thrive in Key West waters all year. - Grouper (Black, Gag, Red): Best Months: May – September
(Gag Grouper restricted from January – April)
These bottom-dwelling fish are a top target for anglers looking for both a fight and a delicious meal.
Plan Your Key West Fishing Adventure
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a first-timer, there’s no better place to get hooked than Key West. With year-round action and a wide variety of fish species to reel in, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure on the water.
Check out the Key West fishing calendar below to see what’s biting when, and start planning your adventure today!
Ready to Reel in Your Dream Catch?
Don’t pass up the chance to experience some of the best fishing in the Florida Keys! Set where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Gulf of Mexico, Key West offers access to incredible deep-sea, reef, and flats fishing, with waters teeming with life year-round.
Let our concierge team connect you with the perfect charter to match your fishing goals.
Spend your day on the water, then unwind in paradise at our Key West beach resort.
Hook memories that last a lifetime—your Key West fishing adventure starts here. #somolife