Anglers Booking Team
The expert copywriters at Anglers Booking have meticulously crafted this article. Our dedicated team of writers provides valuable insights and information to enhance your angling experience.
15 minutes readEven if you have never read Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea, you surely know the backbone of the story, the angler, the vast waters of Key West, the Blue Marlin, and all the complexities of fishing and its symbolic and metaphysical meaning!
Hemingway certainly did not accidentally choose Key West as the setting for one of the most famous novels in the world; It is the center of Florida's renowned fishing scene and its place like no other!
With picturesque reefs and vast expanses of deep blue sea, fishing opportunities abound wherever you look and go. However, if you are still trying to figure out where to go amid this incredible beauty and wealth, don't panic!
In this ultimate guide to Key West, we'll help you navigate your way in search of the best fish species, locations, and techniques. Key West is one of Florida's premier fishing centers that delivers what it sells! So, to start here and waste more time, let's embark on this adventure together and indulge in the fishing paradise of Key West!
If luxury, exclusivity, and fishing rhyme anywhere, it's definitely in Key West. There are so many fish species, native and migratory, that it is simply impossible to stay without fishing luck here! Below, we will present the most famous fish from both categories!
Bonefish, Snapper, Snook, and many more species call beautiful Key West home. It would be a shame not to meet some of them, so let's go!
In Key West, Bonefish are considered silver bullets. They are fast, with a beautiful silver sheen, elusive, and, most importantly, incredible fighters. They are very picky about their environment and habitat, showing a keen awareness of their surroundings and demanding equally delicate approaches from anglers.
In Key West waters, Bonefish range in size from 3 to 15 pounds, with the occasional specimen exceeding 15 pounds. Although they are not large fish, they are challenging to catch.
Best Time to Catch: Early spring to late fall
Habitat: Shallow flats, sandy bottoms and grassy areas
Preferred Bait: Shrimp, crab, small fish
Fishing Technique: Sight fishing, casting
Difficulty: Moderate
Depth: Shallow to moderate
These fish prefer swimming around shallow flats, sandy bottoms, and grassy areas, enjoying areas with abundant food sources such as shrimp, crabs, and small fish. The best time to pursue them is early spring to late fall, the primary season.
Sight fishing and casting are common in Key West. They are fast, slippery, very aggressive, and whichever technique you choose, arm yourself first with patience.
These are fish that you will encounter quite often in the waters surrounding Key West, and precisely because they are so common, they hold a special place in the hearts of anglers. They have delicious meat, fight fiercely, range from 20 to 35 inches long, and weigh up to 20 pounds. They are common around reefs, wrecks, and rocky structures.
Although they are available year-round, the peak season for Snapper runs from late spring to early fall. It is best to use bait such as live shrimp and sardines and cut bait using bottom fishing gear or jigging techniques.
Best Time to Catch: Early spring to late fall
Habitat: Reefs, wrecks and rocky structures
Preferred Bait: Shrimp, sardines and cut bait
Fishing Technique: Bottom fishing, jigging
Difficulty: Moderate
Depth: Moderate
They have a body with prominent scaly heads and large eyes, which indicate their significant predation. This is underlined by prominent canines, ideal for catching and crushing prey. What more could an angler want from a fish species?
In the tropical waters of Key West, Snook literally and metaphorically feels at home. It is a favorite species, known for its acrobatic jumps and persistent fights. Predatory and elegant, Snook can grow anywhere from a few to over 40 pounds. They like to change habitats, and you can find them in various places, including mangrove banks, grass flats, and tidal creeks. In Key West, their peak season is from spring to late fall.
Best Time to Catch: Spring to late fall
Habitat: Mangrove banks, grass flats and tidal creeks
Preferred Bait: Shrimp, artificial plugs
Fishing Technique: Live bait fishing
Difficulty: Moderate
Depth: Shallow to moderate
The best methods for baits are to use live bait, shrimp, and artificial plugs, display them along the edges, or use techniques like live bait fishing.
In addition, the Snook has a striking appearance, characterized by a sloping forehead, protruding lower jaw, and sideline. The combination of robust power and striking aesthetics makes the Snook an intriguing and attractive species.
Barracuda is a formidable predator with its snake-like body, excellent strength, and impressive speed. And at the end of it all, they have terrible teeth, and when they gape, they look like monsters from a nightmare. But all that together makes them a desirable species for anglers.
They can reach sizes ranging from a few to over 50 pounds and generally patrol around reefs, wrecks, channels, and flats. You should catch them from February to July.
Best Time to Catch: February to July
Habitat: Around reefs, wrecks, channels, and flats
Preferred Bait: Live baitfish, flashy spoons and swimbaits
Fishing Technique: Casting, trolling
Difficulty: Challenging to difficult
Depth: Moderate to deep
Their season is from spring to early fall when they are most active and prolific. To entice them, use live baitfish, flashy spoons, and swimbaits, swinging near structures or trolling.
Hunting for this voracious fish is always a challenge and a beauty, especially of a particular kind. It requires specific caution, approach, and even facing one's demons, which may resemble a vicious Barracuda.
Another native species which has a solid reputation among anglers. The owner of a laterally compressed body, with a striking forked tail and a dorsal fin with a black spot. Their body color varies from silver to gray to blue and green, which allows them to camouflage against the sandy bottom where they live easily.
Best Time to Catch: Late spring and early fall
Habitat: Shallow flat waters, canals, and around sandy bottoms
Preferred Bait: Live crabs, pattern shrimp, and imitation small baits
Fishing Technique: Sight fishing, casting
Difficulty: Challenging
Depth: Shallow to deep
They can grow to over 30 pounds and are often found in shallow flat waters, canals, and around sandy bottoms. They are most active from late spring to early fall when congregating in shallower waters for food.
Anglers fish them with live crabs, pattern shrimp, and imitation small baits, displaying them with delicate presentations and precise casting. Permit is one of those species that are often caught by sight fishing or casting from the shore.
We can guide you if you want to catch some impressive and formidable fish in Key West. This area is known for its abundance of fantastic sea creatures. Whether you have the experience or the desire to do so, we are here to help. We will present some of the most popular and ferocious migratory fish.
The apex predator that made Key West famous is hugely feared and celebrated for its size, power, and epic battles. It has an iconic appearance, a massive, elongated body, a long beak, and a distinctive dorsal fin. Its color varies depending on the species, with shades of blue predominating in Blue Marlin, and White Marlin is the proud owner of a silver-white shade with vertical stripes.
Best Time to Catch: Late spring and early fall
Habitat: Deep sea, coastal canyons
Preferred Bait: Live bait such as ballyhoo or mullet
Fishing Technique: Trolling
Difficulty: Challenging to difficult
Depth: Deep
Specimens migrating through Key West often exceed 1,000 pounds. These beautiful creatures roam the deep coastal canyons following currents and temperature drops. The season in Key West waters runs from late spring to early fall, which coincides with warmer water temperatures and the best feeding conditions.
They are mainly caught using trolling on large artificial baits or live bait such as ballyhoo or mullet. It justifiably has a reputation as the ultimate, elegant fish, shaped by the ocean in its depths, which is a true honor to master.
In the sunny waters of Key West, the Sailfish is a symbol of speed, grace, and beauty that amazes anglers with acrobatic performances time and time again. Of course, the best of the best come to Key West, so it's easy to find specimens that often exceed 100 pounds in weight.
Sailfish are migratory species that follow ocean currents searching for prey, such as flying fish, squid, and small pelagic species. They are most prolific from late winter to early summer, which coincides with their annual migrations.
Best Time to Catch: Late winter to early summer
Habitat: Deep sea, coastal canyons
Preferred Bait: Ballyhoo or mullet, artificial lures
Fishing Technique: Casting with artificial lures
Difficulty: Challenging to difficult
Depth: Deep
Anglers chase them by trolling with rigged baits such as ballyhoo or mullet, placing live bait fish under kites, and casting with artificial lures.
Like the Marlin, they have a long, slender body, a large dorsal fin resembling a sail, and colors ranging from vivid blue to grey. Together with the Marlin, they are one of the most challenging species that always arouses the instincts and boosts the fishing ego of anglers of all ages and levels.
Mahi Mahi are literally and metaphorically dazzling creatures that can grow to over 50 pounds. Their famously robust body is in brilliant shades of green, yellow, and blue, with iridescent spots that shimmer. These colorful creatures cruise around floating debris, weeds, and understory structures.
Best Time to Catch: Late spring to early fall
Habitat: Floating debris, weeds, and understory structures
Preferred Bait: Bright colored lures, rigged lures, soft plastic
Fishing Technique: Casting with artificial lures
Difficulty: Challenging to difficult
Depth: Moderate to deep
Due to their tasty nature, they are often targeted. Their peak season usually extends from late spring to early fall. If you want to catch them, the best thing to do is trolling with bright-colored and rigged lures or casting small lures or soft plastics.
Mahi Mahi is always a symbol of liveliness and joy, and whatever you hunt it for, it will be an exciting battle full of explosive strikes, dazzling jumps, and lively racing.
The cobalt, deep waters of Key West are full of various types of Tuna, such as Yellowfin and Blackfin, which dominate with fantastic speed, strength, and delicious meat. They range in size from 20 to over 100 pounds, and all specimens have streamlined bodies built for fast pursuits through the ocean.
Best Time to Catch: Late spring to early fall
Habitat: Around coastal structures, sea mountains and canyons
Preferred Bait: Metal baits or poppers, sardines or pieces of bonito
Fishing Technique: Casting, trolling
Difficulty: Challenging to difficult
Depth: Moderate to deep
Both species are primarily encountered in schools around coastal structures, seamounts, and canyons. They migrate through Key West throughout the year, with peak season from late spring to early fall.
The easiest way to catch these tasty and beautiful fish is by trolling with lures, casting metal baits or poppers, or using natural bait such as sardines or pieces of bonito.
By its appearance and conflicts with anglers, Tuna brings something of the sea's wilderness and always intriguing inscrutability.
Cobias are known as fish with the body of a warlord and the character of a solitary hunter. They have a broad, flattened head, a prominent lower jaw, and a dark side stripe. With the ability to grow anywhere from 30 to over 100 pounds, they are often targeted. They'll generally roam the coastal waters, searching for crabs, squid, and small fish.
Best Time to Catch: Late spring to early fall
Habitat: Coastal waters
Preferred Bait: Crabs or pinfish, diving plugs or lures
Fishing Technique: Live bait fishing, casting
Difficulty: Challenging to difficult
Depth: Moderate to deep
In Key West, cobia season is late spring to early fall, when they migrate. You can catch them by fishing with live bait such as crabs or pinfish, casting with swimbaits, and trolling with diving plugs or lures.
Cobia are often described as Bulldog fish with incredible punches and brutal looks. It is enough to look at it; you would know that Cobia and easy surrender do not go together.
In a place where great writers like Hemingway and Hunter S. Thompson found a home, fishing for happiness and inspiration, there must be room for everyone! There must be something in the air and water of Key West, and which locations combine that with great fishing? Read below.
The Marquesas Keys are a cluster of uninhabited islands 20 miles from Key West. They are one of the clean, pristine, and highly productive flat fishing areas of the Florida Keys. You can only get here by boat, and if you like seclusion and intimate surrender to fishing and the environment, this is just such a place.
To get here, you can board from various marinas and boat ramps in Key West, such as Key West Historic Seaport or Stock Island Marina Village. It will take about 2 hours, and when you arrive, you will be greeted by shallow canals and mangrove-lined shores in crystal-clear waters.
You can fish for Bonefish, Permit, Snook, and many more here. You can apply any technique, from shore fishing to surf fishing to casting or fly fishing. Everything is possible, and on top of that is the stunning view, which is excellent for taking photos and bragging on social networks.
The Key West Harbor is the soul and heart of Key West, successfully combining recreational and commercial maritime activities. Along with all the noise, charm, and hustle and bustle it brings, it also has surrounding channels where species such as Snapper, Grouper, and Barracuda swim.
Key West Harbor can be accessed from various points along the waterfront, such as Mallory Square and the Historic Seaport. This means you can harness the boat or fish from the dock, the sea walls bordering the port.
There are enough places and shops with the necessary fishing supplies and an unbelievably close queue to watch and gaze at the big blue.
The Edward B. Knight Pier, often called the White Street Pier, is a legendary fishing landmark in Key West. It inspires anglers with the promise of excitement. This is the longest fishing pier in Key West and is a fishing haven. It is located in the western part of Key West and is a hot spot where Tarpon, Snapper, Snook, and even Redfish abound.
The pier looks especially spectacular at dusk and night; night fishing is popular here. You should take advantage of this experience. With its playful design, the dock fits perfectly into the ocean environment and looks natural. Casting and fly fishing are truly heavenly experiences from here.
Powder white sand and turquoise sea characterize Smathers Beach, located along the Atlantic coast. It is a public beach that everyone can access. However, this clear beach is more than ideal for bathing and swimming. Although frequent crowds exist, anglers must treat themselves to rich fish offerings. So here you can fish for Tarpon or Snook, surf, or sight fish.
When the wind strengthens, the water can become cloudy, affecting visibility and potentially altering fish behavior. However, this beach is an easily accessible and affordable spot for a solid catch.
"The Wall" is one of those legendary, mystical locations, beckoning with the promise of epic battles with the Pelagian giants. It is located approximately 20 miles south of Key West and is a dramatic transition where the ocean floor plunges to a depth of 2,000 feet. You'll admit, it's hard to resist such a hearing if you're prone to adventures with a touch of danger.
Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and Swordfish are the species you will quickly encounter here because these depths and cobalt blue waters are their natural environment. You can catch them by trolling rigging or artificial baits.
Although this is a prime spot for angling, you must be aware that navigating these waters to "The Wall" requires planning and vessels capable of handling the sea conditions. Yet for those brave enough to dare, the rewards are unparalleled – the chance to engage in a battle of strength and skill against some of the ocean's most fearsome denizens.
There are enough beautiful locations, fish, and various habitats from the shallows to the incredible depths to practice any technique. Key West welcomes and allows everyone, with respect and possession of all necessary permits.
Bottom fishing is one of the basic techniques in Key West. It is a great choice, especially for deeper water areas and those who like big catches. Angling is practiced for species inhabiting the reef's waters, such as Snapper, Grouper, and Amberjack. Bottom fishing involves placing equipment with bait on the bottom of the ocean or near reefs, wrecks, and similar underwater objects.
They are primarily baits such as squid, shrimp, and cut bait placed on hooks and lowered to the bottom using heavy sinkers. Anglers then wait patiently for bites by following subtle strikes with dragging cues.
Bottom fishing requires a thorough understanding of the correct tackle and equipment for the target species and habitat. These are usually heavy rods, reels, strong hooks, and braided lines.
This is one of the most productive ways to fish, but it also requires experience or at least good leadership and quality equipment that will withstand the waters of Key West.
Trolling is another effective and practical technique targeting Key West's deep water predators. Trolling means dragging rigged or artificial lures behind a moving boat to attract bites from species such as Mahi Mahi, Tuna, Wahoo, Sailfish, and Marlin. Since they are used for deep water, they are mostly needed for heavy-duty trolling rods and reels with high-capacity lines to respond to the acrobatic jumps of pelagic fish.
Specialized outriggers or downriggers are also available to spread more lines and cover a more extensive water surface. The key is to find the right balance between speed and depth and create a strategy that depends on water temperature, currents, and species behavior. The most commonly used lures are lip trolling plugs, diving plugs, feather trolling lures, artificial squid or ballyhoo, mullet, and bonito.
Trolling is quite demanding but simultaneously dynamic and very exciting because it allows the hunting of some of the most vicious fish in the ocean depths.
Live bait fishing is a flexible, versatile, and effective technique that blends gracefully into the many piers and beaches of Key West. You can fish with live bait from a boat, kayak, beach, dock, or wherever possible.
Baits such as sardine, mullets, and pinfish are mainly used to bait species such as Tarpon, Snook, Sailfish, and Tuna. Anglers can also freely catch live bait, which allows them to swim naturally and look more attractive to fish. Some use a float or bobcat to help suspend the live bait at the desired depth or angle.
Fishing with live bait is a very relaxed and natural technique available to everyone; it does not require special equipment or boat ownership. It is smooth and focuses on the direct relationship between the angler, fish, and the environment. The essence is in the selection and presentation of quality, healthy bait.
Jigging is another dynamic fishing technique for bottom or near-dwelling species, often Snapper, Grouper, and Amberjack. It involves a vertical presentation of metal or bucktail patterns near the ocean floor that attracts predatory fish.
This technique is attractive and exciting because it can be used from the sea and the coast, especially for hunting fish species that often visit areas with structures, reefs, wrecks, and other underwater irregularities. Species such as Grouper and Amberjack are mainly targeted by sinking the heavier jigs to the bottom and pulling them up.
To master the technique, you must first master patience and movement control. Jigging requires finesse and skill in manipulation to mimic the natural movements of the fish's prey.
Fly fishing is an excellent technique for the species that inhabit the region's shallow flats and pristine waters. Anglers are armed with light fly rods and meticulous fish such as Tarpon, Permit, Bonefish, and Barracuda. Since the shores of Key West are very generous in the expanses of clear water and vast shoals, fly fisher anglers can enjoy and explore endlessly.
Specialized flies that imitate natural prey, such as shrimp and crayfish, are generally used. The flies must be carefully and delicately tied depending on the target species to match the desired food's size, shape, and color. Fly fishing often combines different casting techniques, including overhead or side casting.
Precision and focus are the core of fly fishing; you become better and calmer with each new swing.
Key West lives fishing on so many levels, and its open-minded spirit allows all interpretations and experiences of fishing. Therefore, it hosts important fishing tournaments. Here are the highlights of those tournaments.
The Key West Fishing Tournament is a year-round tournament that allows anglers to showcase their skills in various offshore and onshore categories. It even has a special junior division. The game runs from December to July and targets Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Tuna, Tarpon, Snapper, and Grouper, among others.
Points are accumulated based on the size and quantity of the catch. In addition to the competitive nature, there is a strong emphasis on preserving the sea, marine life, and biodiversity management. Because of this, catch-and-release practice is often promoted, encouraging anglers to handle their catch carefully and release it back into the wild.
The Key West Marlin Tournament is one of the most famous tournaments hosted by Key West. It gathers the most experienced anglers skilled enough to embark on the quest for the ultimate trophy at sea: Marlin. It is held yearly in the summer, during Marlin season in Key West. The prizes are both monetary and recognition and vary yearly, although, for most, it is the best prize possible for bragging rights among fellow fishermen.
Trolling is preferable to using spreader rods and artificial and natural baits. This tournament always emphasizes the competitive spirit and catch-and-release, which contributes to the fishing industry and the sustainability of Key West's fish world.
The Del Brown Permit Tournament is a tribute to legendary angler Dan Brown while celebrating and showcasing the challenge and appeal of targeting one of the most prized species in fishing: the Permit.
The tournament is held annually in late spring and brings together anglers who venture into the shallow flats around Key West for a test of skill and determination. It's exclusive on fly fishing, celebrating the character and work of Del Brown, who revolutionized the sport with his pioneering techniques and unwavering pursuit of the famous "gray spirit."
Of course, they are primarily top fly fishermen who master and manipulate all the complex levels of Permit hunting using this technique. The tournament nurtures and celebrates fly fishing and the angler who has done a lot to modernize the method and contributes to sports and fair play fishing spirit.
Understanding fishing regulations in an area is crucial for protecting fish populations and ecosystems and promoting responsible angling practices.
Anglers Booking team
If you want to get the most out of your Key West fishing experience, following fishing regulations and having the necessary permits and licenses is imperative. It is the first and fundamental step to ensuring the sustainability of marine resources.
All anglers 16 years of age and older must obtain a Florida Fishing License issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) before engaging in fishing activities, which can be obtained online, through the official website or at local fishing tackle stores.
Regulations often refer to bag, size, and equipment limits. They also often refer to closed seasons and indicate periods in which fishing for certain species is prohibited.
You must understand and comply with fishing regulations, which will help preserve Key West's diverse marine ecosystems.
Key West is a breath-taking mix of tropical allure and fascinating history whose charming contradictions few can resist. Many fell for that charm, but also helped to keep it going. From Harry S. Truman and Hunter S. Thompson to Ernest Hemingway, the island has always been a haven for free spirits and adventurers.
But what truly sets Key West apart from other Florida destinations? The perfect weather, or the magic of the island's fishing scenSomesome elusive alchemical recipe, whose sources are all that we have presented to you in this guide, which ultimately cannot but result in a unique fishing adventure!
Let's assume you're about to start planning your next Key West fishing excursion. While at it, allow yourself to let Key West's past and vibrant present define your trip. We have nothing more to add except to invite you to share your plans, ideas, wishes, photos, and everything you want with us in the comment section! We would love to add your story to the universe novel of Key West fishing adventures!
The expert copywriters at Anglers Booking have meticulously crafted this article. Our dedicated team of writers provides valuable insights and information to enhance your angling experience.
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