Key West Current Fishing Report

It's a great season here going into the middle of April. Super Tarpon fishing in the harbor and on the flats. We've had some great days of fishing on the flats for tarpon, bonefish and there are even a few permit around still but most of them have moved offshore to spawn.

Sailfishing is heating up and just in time for the World Sailfish Championship here in Key West, FL. This is a great tournament and big prizes are at stake. Mahi dolphin are around but should start to show in larger numbers in the coming weeks.

Please check with us for availability through June and July for great tarpon, permit and bonefishing on the flats and some great offshore fishing too!

If' you'd like a more up to date fishing report, please call or email the Key West Fishing Club.

Key West Fishing - a great fishing variety for every angler

I'm sure you have heard at least someone talk about Key West as if they knew it like the back of their hand. Fond memories of watching the sun dip into the ocean, or partying all night long during Fantasy Fest or Spring Break. But what a fishing trip can do to you on a really good day... take the cake! Here in the Florida Keys we have such a wide variety of fish and fishing grounds that you don't have to make up your mind, you can just try them all!

Visitors have been coming back to the Florida Keys to fish over and over again. It may not be necessarily for the fishing itself, but the ease of getting to Key West as opposed to going through customs and entering another country. It has taken a positive turn for tourism since September 11th that most Americans would rather travel around their own country than try going outside the states. The Florida Keys boast the only Caribbean destination that you can drive to!

Surrounded by the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, along with the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, the Lower Keys have it all within reach as far as fishing goes. From big game sport fishing in 1000ft. of water to backcountry fishing for tailing bonefish in just inches of water, we've got it all.

Flats & Backcountry Fishing in the Keys

Bonefish, permit and tarpon, are abundant in the Florida Keys. Sight casting for the permit and bonefish on the flats is like no other fishing experience. Your guide captains a small skiff that holds 1-2 anglers. This skiff will run in shallow water and when you are at your destination for fishing, the guide will stop the boat and trim the motor up and begin to pole across these shallow water flats. He stands higher above you on a platform above the motor where he can guide the angler and see the fish from a further distance.

Your guide will use a clock system to get you acquainted with where he is seeing fish. Twelve o'clock is directly off the front of the boat, while 10 o'clock would be to your left, and two o'clock would be to your right. He will then guide you by telling you in boat lengths how far the oncoming fish is from the boat. Sometimes you will see the fish easily and sometimes you will wonder how your guide can see what he does see. Guides have an amazing ability to sight fish. He will instruct you to cast and how to retrieve your plug, bait or fly according to how the fish reacts.

Light Tackle Deep Sea Fishing

Light tackle fishing in the Keys can be a very rod bending experience. The species you catch on a light tackle fishing boat are much different than the flats, although some species you will find on the flats and in the deeper water offshore. Most light tackle guides use live bait. And what fish could resist live bait? These guys will castnet thousands of bait fish for a trip to catch tuna, wahoo, sailfish, snapper and grouper.

Offshore Sport Fishing in Key West

World class sport fishing awaits you in Key West. We have so many species of fish, you can most often plan on catching more than one on your Key West fishing trip.

Offshore deep sea sport fishing can be done on a light tackle boat that accommodates four anglers, or on a larger offshore sport fishing boat that can take up to six anglers. Whichever you choose, the fishing is just as fun.

Fishing Variety in the Keys

There is no doubt that Key West and the Florida Keys have the best selection of fishing in the country. Surrounded by the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, along with the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, the Lower Keys have it all within reach as far as fishing goes. From big game sport fishing in 1000ft. of water to backcountry fishing for tailing bonefish in just inches of water, we've got it all.

Tarpon Season in Key West

Anglers of all ages and all abilities have at one time heard of the annual tarpon migration. There are few spots in the world where you can get the amount of opportunities to hook one of these giant silver king fish, Key West is one of the best spots. Fly fishing enthusiasts come from all over to cast to these fish on the flats, while other anglers fish for them on light tackle gear in Key West Harbor.

Sailfish in Key West

One of the best fish fights you may ever remember is a battle with an Atlantic Sailfish. Key West has plenty of them in the winter months and all year long they are caught and released here in the Keys. Sailfish jump madly in the air when hooked and are brilliant blue and purple in color when they are 'lit up'. Captains and guides here in Key West use live bait and also troll for these beautiful sailfish.

Grouper and Snapper Fishing

Key West is known for it's wonderful fresh seafood. Some of the most delectible tastes are the varieties of snapper and grouper found on the wrecks and reefs that surround the Keys. Charters go as far as they Dry Tortugas area to fish for large black grouper and mutton snapper. Many different species of bottom dwelling fish can be found here. Many restaurants in Key West will be happy to cook your catch of the day.

Family Fishing Trips

We have the ability to custom tailor your charter to fit the needs of your entire family. Go bend a few rods and fish with your kids, snorkel and see some beautiful tropical fish, and walk along a deserted sandy beach. You can do it all in one charter, just ask us how!

Key West Fishing Guides

All the guides that fish out of Key West are licensed and have the experience on the water to ensure your day is a fun and productive one. All the guides that are booked with the Key West Fishing Club own and operate their own vessels. Fishing is the main profession of these guides and they pride themselves on owning and operating a friendly and fun fishing business in Key West.