Key West Fishing Report
Stay up to date with the latest Key West fishing report from Cowboy Cowgirl Sportfishing including seasonal fishing conditions, recent catches, and what species are biting in the Florida Keys.
Cowboy Cowgirl Sportfishing has been working the waters off Key West, Florida for over 60 years. Three generations of the same family have learned these flats, reefs, and blue-water edges — which means when it comes to fishing in Key West Florida, there's very little our captains haven't seen. This Key West fishing report is our way of sharing what we know: which species are active, how current conditions are shaping the fishing, and which trips are most likely to put fish on the deck right now.
We update our fishing intel regularly based on what our crews are seeing out on the water. Whether you're planning a trip this weekend or researching the best time to visit, use this page as your guide to current and seasonal fishing conditions in the Florida Keys. The species we target, the trips we run, and the tactics we use shift with the tides, the water temperature, and the time of year — and we'll walk you through all of it.
If you want to go deeper into a particular trip type, you'll find links throughout this page to our full fleet and charter options, species guides, and recent fishing reports from the dock. And when you're ready to book, our crew is available by phone, text, or online booking.
What's Biting in Key West Right Now
Mahi-Mahi Fishing in Key West
Mahi-mahi (dolphinfish) are the marquee species for offshore fishing Key West from spring through late summer. These fish show up as the Gulf Stream pushes warm blue water close to the reef line, typically from March through October, with peak action in April, May, and June. Our captains find them under floating weed lines, debris, and current edges anywhere from 10 to 40 miles offshore.
Mahi fight hard, jump frequently, and are excellent table fare. They're also schooling fish — when you find one, there are often more below. A half-day or full-day offshore charter is the right trip when mahi are the primary target.
Blackfin Tuna Fishing
Blackfin tuna are present in Key West waters year-round, with the best concentrations in winter and early spring when they stack up on offshore wrecks and humps. They're a serious light-tackle gamefish — fast, powerful, and relentless on the fight. Our captains target them by trolling the reef edge or drifting live baits over structure in 100 to 400 feet of water.
Blackfin tuna are one of the reasons sport fishing Key West Florida draws serious anglers from around the country. A cold front that breaks down the offshore bite elsewhere often drives blackfin schools to the surface near the reef line, making them accessible even on shorter trips.
Sailfish and Offshore Pelagics
Sailfish are the crown jewel of winter fishing in the Florida Keys, with the season typically running from November through April. These billfish are found in 80 to 200 feet of water along the reef edge and in deeper offshore lanes where baitfish concentrate. Kite fishing, slow trolling, and live bait techniques produce the most consistent results.
Blue marlin and wahoo round out the offshore pelagic mix during warmer months. Wahoo are particularly active in fall and winter along the deeper reef edges, and they're one of the fastest fish in the ocean — a single wahoo strike at 50+ mph is an experience you don't forget. These trips require a full-day commitment and our larger, blue-water-capable sportfishing boats.
Snapper and Grouper on the Reef
Yellowtail snapper, mutton snapper, and grouper are among the most targeted species in Key West fishing year-round. They hold on the coral reefs, limestone ledges, and nearshore wrecks that line the Florida Keys reef tract. Depths vary from 20 to 120 feet depending on species and season, and current and tide timing matters as much as location.
Snapper fishing is excellent for families, beginners, and anglers who want consistent action without the physical demands of a long offshore run. Our reef trips are among the best Key West fishing trips for anyone new to saltwater fishing — the fish are plentiful, the action is steady, and the table quality is outstanding. Snapper are best targeted on half-day or three-quarter-day trips close to the reef.
Shark Fishing in Key West
Cowboy Cowgirl Sportfishing helped pioneer shark fishing as a dedicated charter experience in the Florida Keys. We target bull sharks, tiger sharks, hammerheads, lemon sharks, and nurse sharks — with trips ranging from inshore sandbar and channel fishing to deeper reef and offshore shark grounds. Our shark fishing trips run year-round, with summer producing the most active inshore action.
Shark fishing is catch-and-release by design on most of our trips, following Florida's current regulations. These are some of the most exciting trips we run — a bull shark on heavy tackle in the shallows is unlike anything else in sport fishing. We offer inshore shark trips, reef shark trips, and offshore shark trips depending on conditions and the size of sharks you want to target.
Tarpon and Inshore Species
Tarpon fishing in Key West is its own category. The Silver King — some reaching 100 to 200 pounds — migrates through the Florida Keys from April through July, staging on the flats, bridges, and channels before heading to the Gulf. Catching a tarpon on light tackle is a rite of passage for serious anglers, and Key West sits at the center of the world's best tarpon fishery.
Our night tarpon fishing trips target these fish under bridge lights after dark — one of the most visually dramatic fishing experiences in Florida. Cobia, permit, and snook round out the inshore mix during their respective seasons. Inshore trips are shorter, calmer, and ideal for anglers who want to stay close to Key West while still targeting premier gamefish.
Best Fishing Charters for Current Conditions
Matching the right trip to current fishing conditions is something our captains do every day. Not all trips are right for all seasons, and the best charter for your group depends on what's actively feeding, what the weather window looks like, and how far offshore conditions allow us to run.
Offshore and deep sea charters are the go-to when mahi, wahoo, tuna, or sailfish are the target. These trips require calm seas and a longer weather window, but when conditions cooperate, the blue water bite is unbeatable. Visit our Key West fishing charters page for current trip options, pricing, and availability across our full fleet.
Shark fishing trips run in a wide range of conditions because we fish across multiple zones — inshore, reef, and offshore — giving us flexibility to always find fish. If you're specifically interested in shark fishing, our dedicated Key West shark fishing charters page has a full breakdown of trip types, species, and tactics.
Reef and family fishing trips are the most weather-resistant option and produce consistent action year-round. Shorter runs, accessible fish, and beginner-friendly conditions make these the right call when seas are building offshore or when you have younger anglers in the group. Our shared charter options fall into this category as well — a great way to experience Key West fishing at a fraction of the cost of a private booking.
If you're not sure which trip is right for your group, call or text us directly. Our crew reviews current conditions daily and can recommend the trip most likely to produce fish on your specific dates.
Best Time of Year to Fish in Key West
One of the advantages of fishing in Key West Florida is that there is no off-season. The warm subtropical climate, year-round Gulf Stream influence, and diverse species mix mean there's always something worth targeting. That said, different species peak at different times — here's a quick breakdown of what to expect throughout the year.
Winter (December – February)
Winter is prime time for sailfish and blackfin tuna on the offshore grounds. The reef produces excellent yellowtail snapper and mutton snapper action, and shark fishing remains active year-round. Cooler temps mean comfortable conditions on the water and lighter crowds at the marina.
Spring (March – May)
Spring is arguably the best all-around season in Key West. Mahi-mahi begin showing up in force as the Gulf Stream pushes warmer blue water closer to the reef line. Cobia migrate through in late March and April. Sailfish are still running strong, and tarpon start showing on the flats. The fishing calendar is full.
Summer (June – August)
Mahi-mahi, wahoo, and blackfin tuna dominate the offshore picture. Shark fishing peaks in summer heat, and the shallow-water action for tarpon on the flats and bridges is at its best. Snapper and grouper continue to produce on the reef. Early morning departures help beat the afternoon heat.
Fall (September – November)
Fall brings wahoo and kingfish runs along the reef edge and offshore structures. Mahi-mahi remain catchable through October, and the early sailfish season kicks off by November. Fewer crowds, stable weather, and hungry fish make fall one of our favorite times to be on the water.
For a full month-by-month breakdown of species availability, see our Key West fishing calendar.
Recent Fishing Trips from Cowboy Cowgirl Sportfishing
The best way to know what's happening on the water right now is to look at what our crews have been bringing back to the dock. Our captains and mates document recent catches, notable trips, and seasonal highlights through our fishing reports and charter updates — giving you a real-time look at what's fishing well in Key West.
Head over to our In the Bite fishing blog for the latest trip reports, species updates, and on-the-water insights from our captains. Recent reports cover offshore mahi runs, shark fishing highlights, night tarpon trips, and reef fishing action throughout the season.
You can also browse our photo gallery to see recent catches and get a sense of the quality of fishing we're experiencing right now. From bull sharks and sailfish to mahi-mahi slams and snapper limits, the gallery tells the story better than any report.
Want to see a specific species or trip type? Our species hub covers every major gamefish we target in Key West, with guides on best techniques, seasonal timing, and which trips give you the best shot at each species.
Ready to Book Your Key West Fishing Trip?
Our captains are on the water daily. Whether you're chasing mahi offshore, hunting sharks on the flats, or fishing the reef for snapper — we have a trip built for you. Call, text, or book online to get on the water with Cowboy Cowgirl Sportfishing.