Key West Fishing

Key West has the nickname of the Last Resort, the Southernmost Point in the continental United States. It is located closer to Cuba than to Miami, and is a tropical angler’s paradise. With easy access to the back country flats and deep blue water of the Gulfstream, Key West offers many different target species of fish throughout the year, and is indeed one of the top fishing destinations in the world.

One of the most famous residents of Key West was Earnest Hemingway. He traversed the waters in his 38 foot boat named Pilar, and called the Florida Straits “the deep blue river”. His most popular book, The Old Man and the Sea, hints at some of the incredible fishing that offshore Key West has to offer. From Blue Marlin and Sailfish, to many different species of tuna and sharks, offshore fishing Key West can not only be exciting, but rewarding with the catch of a lifetime. The waters are also full of Mahi-mahi and Wahoo, two of the tastiest species of fish.

Known for its many platform reefs and shipwrecks, bottom fishing off of Key West provides many different species of Grouper and Snapper, as well as Amberjack, Barracuda, and King Mackerel. The many uninhabited islands and reefs inshore also allow anglers to target Bonefish, Permit, and Tarpon.

Key West Fishing Prediction

Optimal fishing activity will be between 7 - 11 AM on Thursday.

Target Species of Fish

Based on historical data in Key West, you should target one of the following top 6 species for this time of year:

Recommedations above based on 57 local reports and 11 species of fish for December in Key West.

View full Key West Fishing Prediction to see all species and best lures and colors to use.

Latest Key West Fishing Reports

Fishing with Jason Schratwieser and John O’Hearn
12/11/2018 8:52:24 PM - Before I took the trip to Icast I spent a pair of days fishing with John O’Hearn. We were originally supposed to be joined by Jason Schratwieser for both of them but he was o

Fishing with John and Chad in Early August
12/11/2018 8:52:21 PM - At the beginning of this month (I know I’m behind in these reports) Chad Huff came down for a few days as part of our now annual 2lb permit fishing attempt with John O’Hearn.

Fishing with Kat and Josef Borski
12/11/2018 8:52:19 PM - After the time spent in pursuit of a permit on two pound (before the trip that finally caught it) I had a pair of days booked with Ian Slater. We were interested primarily in

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Top Key West Fishing Charters & Guides

SOUTHPAW Charters
Come charter fishing in Key West with award winning Capt. Brad Simonds aboard his 43′ custom charter fishing boat, SOUTHPAW. We offer Key West Fishing charters for up to 6 anglers. Our highly skilled fishing crew is kid friendly and courteous. Capt

Dream Catcher Charters
Capt. Steven is an accomplished tournament proven fishing guide for all tackle and techniques including fly fishing and light spin fishing in Key West. A tarpon fishing and flats fishing specialist. He has been Fishing in Key West professionally full

Michael O'Brien Flats Fishing Charters
Key West Fishing Guide Fish Key west, FL for Tarpon, Permit, and Bonefish with fly and light tackle. All skill levels welcome.

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Top Key West Bait & Tackle Stores

The Angling Company
Opened in 2009, we are a fly shop located in Key West, Florida. It is our intention to be at the leading edge of fly fishing in the Florida Keys. We have a full selection of rods, reels, fly lines, custom flies and technical clothing and can outfit y

Key West Bait & Tackle
Key West Bait and Tackle offers live bait, frozen bait, tackle, lures and jigs for flats, reef fishing, wreck fishing and offshore fishing.

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Top Key West Marinas

Stock Island Marina Village
Stock Island Marina Village is the largest deep water marina in the Florida Keys, accommodating vessels up to 300’. With 220 slips and brand new floating docks, every type of boater and boat are welcome. Every reservation includes dockage, water, pum

Garrison Bight Marina
Garrison Bight Marina is the only dry storage marina located on the island of Key West, Florida. We offer inside and outside dry storage, as well as wet slips for those customers who prefer to have their boats available at all times. Our location of

Harborside Motel & Marina
Whether you are taking a casual fishing trip with the family for some tasty grouper or sportfishing for marlin, shark or sailfish, Harborside Motel & Marina’s location is in the center of it all. If you have a boat, you’ll be happy to dock right

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