Key West Fishing Calendar: What’s Biting & When to Catch It

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!

We'll cook your catch!

After a day on the water, bring your fresh fish back to The Marker Key West Harbor Resort. Our poolside restaurant, Starboard, will prepare your catch-served family style with fries and a salad, cooked to perfection for a delicious dock-to-table meal.

Ready to Reel in Your Dream Catch?

Book your stay at The Marker Key West Harbor Resort by the Historic Seaport-so you're always close to the next big catch. Need help planning your trip? Our concierge is ready to connect you with the perfect fishing charter.

Plan your stay, cast your line, and taste the adventure. #lovethemarker