US Southeast · United States
Fishing in Key West, Florida
The southernmost town in the continental US sits within reach of the Gulf Stream, the Marquesas flats, and the wrecks of the Gulf, giving its big charter fleet more variety than almost anywhere in Florida. Winter sailfishing on the reef edge and the spring tarpon run through the harbor are the headline acts, with permit on the flats a close third.
See live conditions & Bite Score for Key West →Best time to fish
Year-round (sailfish December–April, tarpon March–June)
Where fish hold
The reef edge and Gulf Stream drop-off south of the island, Gulf-side wrecks and towers, and the flats and channels running west toward the Marquesas.
What you can catch in Key West
Tactics & tides
Charters slow-troll or kite-fish live baits along the reef edge for sailfish, drift the harbor and channels with live crabs and pinfish for tarpon, and pole the flats sight-casting to permit and bonefish.
Tarpon feed hardest on moving water in the harbor channels, and flats fishing turns on with a flooding tide pushing fish onto the banks.
Baitful scores all of this for you. It reads the live tide stage, barometric pressure trend, solunar feeding windows, wind and storm-aware weather at Key West and turns them into a 0 to 100 Bite Score with a 72-hour best-window view.
Fishing in Key West: FAQ
What fish can you catch in Key West?
Popular targets in Key West include Sailfish, Tarpon, Permit, Bonefish, and 6 more. The mix shifts with the season and conditions.
When is the best time to fish in Key West?
The prime season is Year-round (sailfish December–April, tarpon March–June). Day to day, the bite is usually best on moving water around dawn and dusk. Tarpon feed hardest on moving water in the harbor channels, and flats fishing turns on with a flooding tide pushing fish onto the banks.
Where should you fish in Key West?
Focus on The reef edge and Gulf Stream drop-off south of the island, Gulf-side wrecks and towers, and the flats and channels running west toward the Marquesas.. Charters slow-troll or kite-fish live baits along the reef edge for sailfish, drift the harbor and channels with live crabs and pinfish for tarpon, and pole the flats sight-casting to permit and bonefish.
How do I know if it's a good day to fish in Key West?
Open Key West, Florida in Baitful to see the live Bite Score, tides, solunar windows, and storm-aware weather, all scored for the day and the next 72 hours.
Fish Key West with a local captain
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