WHAT CAN YOU CATCH FISHING IN KEY WEST? (INCLUDING SHARK SPECIES)

From reef to deep sea, here’s a look at what you can catch on a Key West fishing charter—including snapper, mahi, tuna, and even sharks.

One of the best parts about booking a fishing charter in Key West?
You never know what might be on the other end of your line.

From lightning-fast mahi-mahi offshore to tarpon cruising the shallows—and yes, plenty of sharks—Key West offers one of the most diverse fisheries in the world.

Whether you’re booking a half-day reef trip, a shark fishing adventureShark Adventures, or a full day of deep sea sport fishing, here’s a breakdown of what you can catch in Key West, Florida—season by season, trip by trip.

🦈 Shark Species in Key West

If you’re craving an adrenaline rush, shark fishing in Key WestShark Adventures delivers. These apex predators are caught year-round in both inshore and offshore waters.

Common shark species we catch:

• Bull Sharks – Big, aggressive, and powerful

• Lemon Sharks – Common in inshore, shallow waters

• Blacktip Sharks – Fast and feisty

• Hammerheads – Especially during late spring offshore

• Nurse Sharks – Often sighted in calm backcountry waters

Many shark trips are catch-and-release, especially for protected species. But you’ll get the full thrill—screaming drag, boat-side battles, and epic photos.

Great trip options:

• 3–4 hour inshore shark tripsShark Adventures (family-friendly!)

• 6–8 hour reef & wreck trips with shark stops

• Full-day offshore shark huntShark Adventuress (combine with tuna, wahoo, etc.)

🎣 Other Species You Can Catch by Trip Type

🚤 Offshore Fishing Key West FLAll Activities

• Mahi-Mahi (Dolphin Fish) – Bright colors, tasty, and acrobatic

• Blackfin Tuna – Fall and winter favorite

• Wahoo – Speedy and strong

• Sailfish – A true trophy fish, especially in winter/spring

• Blue Marlin – Peak summer, deep runs

Perfect for: Full day or 10–12 hour charters, or high-adrenaline sport fishing Key West FloridaAll Activities style trips.

🪨 Reef & Wreck Fishing (Wrecked Charters Key West)

• Yellowtail Snapper – Great eating and action-packed

• Mutton Snapper – Bigger cousins, strong fighters

• Grouper – Seasonal, but epic when in

• Amberjack – The “reef donkeys” of the wrecks

• Barracuda – Fast and fun (watch the teeth!)

These trips are great for group fishing charters Key West FL, with lots of bites and variety.

🌿 Inshore & Backcountry Fishing

• Tarpon – Huge, acrobatic, and a spring/summer bucket-list target

• Mangrove Snapper – Reliable and great for kids or beginners

• Jack Crevalle – Pound-for-pound a wild fight

• Snook – Tough to find but incredible sport

• Smaller sharks – Bull, lemon, and nurse sharks are common

Best on light tackle, these trips are family-friendly and perfect for local fishing charters Key West FLvisitors who want calmer waters.

📅 What’s Biting By Season?

Note: Some species like sharks, snapper, and barracuda are caught year-round depending on conditions.

🛥️ Let’s Match You With the Right Trip

At Cowboy Cowgirl Sportfishing Charters, we offer:

• Deep sea fishing charters Key West

• Inshore shark trips

• Wreck and reef charters

• Family-friendly half day fishing charters Key West FL

• Private & shared fishing charters

We’ll help you pick the right trip based on your crew, target species, and budget—whether you’re after something family-friendly or full-on sport fishing Key West style.

Before you go: Make sure to visit BiteBackBrand and under Local Legends, click on Cowboy Cowgirl Sportfishing to gear up with performance fishing shirts, crew gear, and merch for your Key West adventure.