Ahoy, fellow anglers and adventure-seekers! Like many others you may be wondering: when is the best time to fish in Key West? Based on our consults with several captains here in keys, we can confidently say that the fishing is great year-round.
From summer to winter, to the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico… visitors can expect a fishing paradise here in Key West. However, the fishing does change with the seasons. While we suggest talking to a Key West fishing charter about what to expect, we put together a quick Key West fishing seasons guide for you in the meantime.
Let’s dive into what types of fish you can expect depending on the season!
Key West Fishing Calendar: Fish Species by Month
We put together this chart to give a high level overview of the Key West fish species you can expect in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico waters… but see below for little bit more detail about each month below!
January: Sailfish & Wahoo Start the Year
If you’re willing to brace the arctic winter temperatures and cold fronts in Key West – ~70 degrees – you will be rewarded with sailfish. Sailfish are in full swing this month due to their migratory patterns and the cooler waters bringing them to shore. Wahoo are also abundant this month, known for their razor sharp teeth. Both are a thrill to catch and if you’re up for the challenge – we recommend it.
Flats: Permit, Sharks, Barracudas, Redfish, Cobia, Jacks
Wrecks Reefs: Yellowtail Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Jacks, Barracudas, Permit, Sharks, Kingfish, Cobia, Cero, Spanish Mackerel
Backcountry: Pompano, Trout, Sharks, Redfish, Bluefish, Snapper, Barracudas, Jacks, Ladyfish, Tarpon, Cobia
Blue Water Deep Sea: Sailfish, Tuna, Wahoo, Mahi mahi ( Dolphin ), Kingfish, Spanish and Cero Mackerel, Bonito
February: Blackfin Tuna & Kingfish
As winter continues on with temperatures slowly warming in Key West, the fishing changes with a big impact especially in the flats and back country. In February you expect to see blackfin tuna and kingfish. Blackfin tunas not only offer a rewarding fight but are also tasty. Kingfish, or king mackerel, are known for their long runs and will put your skills to the test.
Flats: Permit, Sharks, Barracudas, Redfish, Cobia, Jacks
Wrecks Reefs: Yellowtail Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Jacks, Barracudas, Permit, Sharks, Kingfish, Cobia, Cero, Spanish Mackerel
Backcountry: Pompano, Trout, Sharks, Redfish, Bluefish, Snappers, Barracudas, Jacks, Ladyfish, Tarpon, Cobia
Blue Water Deep Sea: Sailfish, Tuna, Wahoo, Mahi mahi ( Dolphin ), Kingfish, Spanish and Cero Mackerel, Bonito
March: Tarpon Roll In
March, which is considered to be the start of the sport fishing season, brings in Tarpon in big numbers. Also known as silver king, Tarpon fishing makes for a challenging and fun experience due to their size and speed. In Key West in March you can expect to continue seeing sailfish and tuna, as well as expect Mahi Mahi, Jack Crevalle and Lemon and Blacktip Sharks!
Flats: Permit, Sharks, Barracudas, Redfish, Cobia, Jacks
Wrecks Reefs: Yellowtail Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Jacks, Barracudas, Permit, Sharks, Kingfish, Cobia, Cero, Spanish Mackerel
Backcountry: Pompano, Trout, Sharks, Redfish, Bluefish, Barracudas, Snapper, Jacks, Ladyfish, Tarpon, Cobia
Blue Water Deep Sea: Sailfish, Tuna, Wahoo, Mahi mahi ( Dolphin ), Kingfish, Spanish and Cero Mackerel, Bonito
April: Peak Tarpon Fishing & Permit Season
With Spring time and warmer weather in full swing, April is a popular and beautiful time for fishing in Key West with calm waters and breezes. April is considered the peak Tarpon season. You can also expect to target permit fish on the flats, making it a great time for fly fishing. We also continue to see the other species this month that we’ve mentioned: Big Mahi Mahi, Kingfish, Tuna, and the mighty sailfish.
Flats: Permit, Sharks, Barracudas, Redfish, Bonefish
Wrecks Reefs: Yellowtail Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Jacks, Barracudas, Permit, Sharks, Kingfish, Cobia, Cero, Spanish Mackerel
Backcountry: Tarpon, Trout, Sharks, Redfish, Barracudas, Jacks, Ladyfish, Snapper
Blue Water Deep Sea: Sailfish, Tuna, Wahoo, Mahi mahi ( Dolphin ), Marlin, Kingfish, Spanish and Cero Mackerel, Bonito
May: Bonefish & Barracuda
May brings in more variety brought in by the warmer waters in Key West, with waters still calm except for occasional storms or monsoons. Bonefish are plentiful in the shallow flats which offers a great technical fishing experience. In May we also start to see barracuda, which offer plenty of excitement due to their explosive strikes.
Flats: Tarpon Permit, Bonefish
Wrecks Reefs: Yellowtail Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Jacks, Barracudas, Permit, Sharks, Kingfish, Cobia, Cero, Spanish Mackerel
Backcountry: Tarpon, Trout, Sharks, Redfish, Barracudas, Jacks, Ladyfish, Snook, Snapper
Blue Water Deep Sea: Sailfish, Tuna, Wahoo, Mahi mahi ( Dolphin ), Marlin, Kingfish, Spanish and Cero Mackerel, Bonito
June: Mahi Mahi Madness
While rain is likely in Key West this month with temperatures in the upper 80s, June brings in many fellow anglers with the waters swarming with fish. June is prime time for Mahi Mahi with large schools congregating offshore. These vibrant, fast-moving fish are everywhere and are a blast to catch. The other fishing staples like Blackfin tuna, Yellowtail snapper, Barracuda, and Wahoo also make it a great month to fish in the Florida keys.
Flats: Tarpon Permit, Bonefish
Wrecks Reefs: Yellowtail Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Jacks, Barracudas, Permit, Sharks, Kingfish, Cobia, Cero, Spanish Mackerel
Backcountry: Tarpon, Trout, Sharks, Redfish, Barracudas, Jacks, Ladyfish, Snook, Snapper
Blue Water Deep Sea: Mahi mahi ( Dolphin ), Marlin, Wahoo, Sword Fish, Deep Drop
July: Summer Fishing Frenzy
The fishing frenzy continues in Key West with the weather as hot as the fishing. Mahi Mahi continue to be present in July with grouper season in motion. It is also a great time for shark fishing if you’re up for the fight. You’ll also see some of the other trophy fish in deeper waters: Sailfish, Blue Marlin and Sword Fish. With the long days and warm waters, July makes for nice long days on the water as well as great snorkeling and swimming.
Flats Fishing: Permit, Bonefish, Tarpon, Baby Tarpon
Wreck Reef Fishing: Yellowtail Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Jacks, Barracudas, Permit, Sharks, Kingfish, Cobia, Cero, Spanish Mackerel
Backcountry Fishing: Tarpon, Trout, Sharks, Redfish, Barracudas, Jacks, Ladyfish, Snook, Snapper
Blue Water Deep Sea Fishing: Mahi mahi ( Dolphin ), Marlin, Wahoo, Sword Fish, Deep Drop
August: Mahi-Mahi & Lobster Season
With the weather still warm in Key West and the cooling ocean breezes, you can expect to still see plenty of anglers on the water. While we can still expect to see Mahi Mahi, lobster are the real star of the show in August. Combining a fishing trip with lobster diving is a fun, unique Key West experience and there’s nothing quite like it. Grouper season is also still here, joined by snapper and the occasional wahoo, offering some nice table fare in the Florida keys.
Flats Fishing: Permit, Bonefish, Tarpon, Baby Tarpon
Wreck Reef Fishing: Yellowtail Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Jacks, Barracudas, Permit, Sharks, Kingfish, Cobia, Cero, Spanish Mackerel
Backcountry Fishing: Tarpon, Trout, Sharks, Redfish, Barracudas, Jacks, Ladyfish, Snook, Mangrove Snapper
Blue Water Deep Sea Fishing: Mahi mahi ( Dolphin ), Marlin, Wahoo, Sword Fish, Deep Dropping
September: Snook & Redfish
As the early fall begins for Key West fishing, September is all about backcountry fishing. You can expect snook, redfish, and sea trout in the shallows and mangroves. It is a great month in Key West for those looking for a more relaxing fishing experience and wanting to enjoy the deeper flats. You can also continue to find grouper and snapper near the reefs and wrecks further offshore and mahi mahi in the deep seas.
Flats Fishing Calendar: Permit, Bonefish, Tarpon, Baby Tarpon
Wrecks Reef Fishing Calendar: Yellowtail Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Jacks, Barracudas, Permit, Sharks, Kingfish, Cobia, Mackerel
Backcountry Calendar: Tarpon, Trout, Sharks, Redfish, Barracudas, Jacks, Ladyfish, Snook, Mangrove Snapper
Blue Water Deep Sea Calendar: Mahi mahi ( Dolphin ), Marlin, Wahoo, Sword Fish
October: Shark Fishing and Lots of Variety
While the weather starts get colder in Key West, the fishing is still hot. Cold fronts bringing in bait fish species to the reefs means you can expect everything from sharks to snapper in the blue waters. You can find cero mackerel and jack crevalle around the reefs. with deep sea fishing in Key West you can continue to expect mahi mahi, swordfish, and the occasional wahoo.
Flats Fishing Calendar: Permit fishing, Bonefish, Tarpon, Baby Tarpon
Wreck Reef Calendar: Snapper, Jacks, Barracudas, Permit, Sharks, Kingfish, Cobia, Mackerel
Backcountry Calendar: Tarpon, Trout, Sharks, Redfish, Barracudas, Jacks, Ladyfish, Snook, Snapper
Blue Water Deep Sea Calendar: Mahi mahi ( Dolphin ), Marlin, Wahoo, Sword Fish
November: Snapper and Grouper Season
If you’re looking for a combination of cooler temps and great fishing in Key West, November is the month for you. November is is typically great for bottom fishing in the Atlantic ocean with grouper and snapper biting well. Offshore you can expect to see sailfish show up and wahoo bite. But experts suggest focusing on the Key West reefs this month to experience the grouper season and other species like snapper, kingfish, cobia, and permit fishing.
Flats fishing: Permit, Barracudas, sharks
Wrecks Reefs: Yellowtail Snapper, Grouper, Mutton Snapper, Jacks, Barracudas, Permit, Sharks, Kingfish, Cobia, Mackerel
Backcountry: Tarpon, Trout, Sharks, Redfish, Barracudas, Jacks, Ladyfish, Snook, Snapper
Blue Water Deep Sea: Wahoo, Sailfish, Blackfin Tunas, King fish, Mahi mahi ( Dolphin )
December: Wahoo and Sailfish Close the Year
As the end of the year comes and winter officially here, you can expect to see Wahoo and Sailfish offshore in Key West. The cooler water temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf, along with cold fronts bring these species closer to shore and make for a thrilling experience. Around the wrecks you can also see schools of Cobia and Sharks, along with Spotted Sea Trout, Barracudas and Redfish in the backcountry. A great way to end the year in the Florida keys.
Flats Fishing: Permit, Barracudas, sharks
Wreck Reef Fishing: Yellowtail Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Jacks, Barracudas, Permit, Sharks, Kingfish, Cobia, Cero, Spanish Mackerel
Backcountry: Tarpon, Trout, Sharks, Redfish, Barracudas, Jacks, Ladyfish, Snook, Snapper
Blue Water Deep Sea: Wahoo, Sailfish, blackfin tunas, King fish, Mahi mahi ( Dolphin )
Key West Fishing Seasons: Summary
Well… we hope this summary was helpful for you all as you figure out when to join us here. There is no going wrong with fishing in Key West year round, and it all depends on what type of experience you’re going for. There are plenty of top notch Key West fishing charters here to choose from and know you’ll have an awesome experience out there. We hope you join us in the Florida Keys!
How to go Fishing in Key west?
To go fishing in Key West, you can book a fishing charter with a local guide, offering trips for inshore, offshore, reef, or backcountry fishing. Most Key west fishing charters provide all the necessary gear, bait, and expertise, making it easy for both beginners and experienced anglers to enjoy a day on the water.
What are the most common fishing Techniques?
The most popular fishing techniques are trolling, bottom fishing, fly fishing, and casting. Trolling drags bait behind a moving boat, bottom fishing targets species near the ocean floor, fly fishing uses lightweight lures in shallow waters, and casting involves throwing bait or lures to attract fish.
