Key West Fishing Calendar: 20 of the Most Popular Sport Fish in Key West

Inshore or offshore, Key West’s fisheries are world-renowned. And we have a little secret for you, fishing in Key West is always good. From January through December, we’re taking a look at Key West’s 20 most popular and prized sport fish and the best time to catch them.

It’s important to always check the Key West Fishing Weather Forecast and Florida Fish and Wildlife before fishing. Regulations are always subject to change.

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1. Barracuda

Year-round

You typically see more barracuda in the flats in the winter through early spring. They are a prized sport fish because they are easy to find, super fast, and unpredictable. Some find the barracuda too oily and fishy, while others like the intense, yet mildly sweet flavor.

2. Bluefish

November through March

Bluefish found in Key West waters tend to be five pounds or less. You’ll often find them lingering beneath the dock or easily reachable with a small boat. They love to travel in schools so if you happen upon a bluefish, act fast! If you catch one, give them a try. Many like their oilier, darker meat.

3. Bonefish

Year-round, but peak season in March through October

Bonefish are an angler’s dream for their strength and reel-stressing runs. Taste-wise, they have a mild sweetness with a strong flavor and meaty texture. Their meat has an abundance of small bones, so most seek bonefish purely for sport.

4. Cobia

November through June

Cobia are prized for their firm, white meat. They’re also huge, which makes them a fun fight for anglers. You may even see the fish on menus here on the island. They have a mild buttery taste and flaky texture, perfect for beer-battering or adding them to tacos and sushi.

5. Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)

Year-round, but peak season is May through August

The Mahi Mahi may just be the most sought after fish on the list. They’re bountiful, a blast to catch, and taste delicious. They have a mild sweet flavor, and a firm, “crab-like” meat that is similar to halibut in terms of flakiness.

[Best Fishing Spots in Key West]

6. Grouper (Black, Gag, and Red)

May 1 through December 31, season regulated

Other species of grouper are open for fishing year-round, but the most common one anglers target are the Black, Gag, and Red, which are regulated.

7. Jacks (Rainbow, Crevalle, and Amber)

September through June

Jacks are a blast to catch and can live in relatively shallow water. You’ll find larger Jack Crevalles around deeper reefs. They aren’t particularly favored for their taste, as their flesh is oily and its texture is soft.

8. Key West Pink Shrimp

Year-round, but tastiest November through June

Did you know these pink beauties make up 85 percent of the country’s shrimp harvest? Pinks get their color from feeding on the island’s pink coral sands off the coast and are beloved for their mild flavor and sweetness. Find them on the menu at places like Alonzo’s Oyster Bar, Blue Heaven, and Bo’s Fish Wagon.

9. Mackerel (King, Cero, and Spanish) 

Year-round, but peak season is January through March

10. Marlin

Year-round, but peak season is May through August

You may want to hop on a charter in search of the legendary Blue Marlin. You typically have to seek them way offshore and your rod needs to be very strong - one marlin can exceed 1,000 pounds! Set out in the early morning or setting sun for your best chance.

[A Look at the Florida Coral Reef]

11. Redfish

January through April

Redfish thrive in the warm waters around the island, particularly in the grass flats. They are a good eating fish, with a mild taste and medium texture that many compare to the red snapper.

12. Sailfish

September through June

Another prized billfish, the Atlantic Sailfish is sought after for its beauty and fighting capabilities. They are primarily a release fish, with most anglers choosing to leave the gorgeous fish to be caught by another (local charters may require you to release, due to restrictions).

13. Snapper (Red, Mutton, and Yellowtail)

Red: June through July, closed season; Mutton: Year-round, but peak season is November through spring; Yellowtail: Year-round, but peak season is midsummer

Red snapper recreational fishing is regulated now following declining numbers. You’ll find the red snapper usually in depths more than 240 feet.

14. Snook

March through November

Many believe the snook to be the best tasting fish in the state. The snook’s firm, white meat is complex in flavor and is best grilled with a squeeze of citrus. Ditch the skin, it’s known for its soapy taste.

15. Spiny Lobster

Recreational two-day lobster mini-season is in July before it opens to commercial fishing, regular season is August through March, closed season

Shortly after lobster season kicks off in August, the three-day Key West Lobsterfest follows and is easily one of the tastiest long weekends on the island.

[Best Lobster Dishes in Key West]

16. Stone Crab

October through May, closed season

The crab’s massive black-tipped claws are prized for its meat that tastes more similar to that of a lobster than other crabs. The sweet flesh is usually paired with a tangy mustard sauce. Here’s your guide to stone crab season in Key West.

17. Tarpon

March through June

You’ll see these massive fish often hanging underneath the docks in the marina waiting for fish scraps. Tarpon aren’t caught for their flesh, but for sport (their meat is reported to not taste very good and it contains a lot of small bones).

18. Trout

Mid-October through early March

Trout prefer cooler 65 - 77 degree waters, so you’ll find them around Key West in the winter months hanging out in the seagrass beds. Trout has a mild flavor that’s similar to salmon.

19. Tuna (Blackfin and Yellowfin)

Blackfin: March and May or October and November; Yellowfin: Year-round, but peak season is January through March and November through December

20. Wahoo

Year-round, but peak season is November through February

The wahoo favors the deep warm waters which make them so abundant in Key West. Although you won’t find them on many menus, wahoo are prized for their mild, sweet taste and meaty texture.

24 North Hotel is located in Key West and offers hourly shuttle service to Old Town, where you’ll find the best fishing charters on the island. There, you’ll also discover the renowned Sloppy Joe’s Bar on Duval Street, the Hemingway Home & Museum, the Southernmost Point of the continental United States, and more. Take advantage of our best rates and special offers when you book direct.