The cold weather has honestly made fishing on the flats more difficult. Fortunately the barracuda and shark fishing is more resilient to the cooler water temps. Good news is that its warming up again and already in the mid-70s.
The Flats: March offers some of the best permit fishing of the entire year. Permit spend a few weeks in April and May spawning offshore so they chow down on the flats during March to bulk up for the weeks ahead. Some of the permit found on the flats can get into the 30- pound range. Look for some of the best permit fishing on the flats west of Key West.
Offshore: March is just the beginning of some of the finest offshore fishing the Lower Keys has to offer. Sailfish, tuna, mahi-mahi, kingfish, snapper and grouper are just a few of the many species available in our offshore waters. Whether you are wanting to head way offshore in a larger sport fishing boat or fish the reefs and wrecks on a center console boat, there is plenty of action to be had.
For the best fishing experience in Key West call the Key West Fishing Club! Our number is 305-294-3618.
Reef & Wreck Fishing - Great opportunities for Snapper, Grouper, Amberjack, Pompano & Permit
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Saltwater fishing guides Florida Keys
Some of the best saltwater fishing guides spend time in the Florida Keys. Some of them have lived here their whole lives, while others fish the busy season in the Keys then travel up North or out West for other summer fishing opportunities. The guides we have available for fishing are knowledgeable and have been fishing the Key West area for many, many years. We strive to make your trip memorable and offer custom private charters to suit your needs. Whether you are looking for a Florida family fishing tour or a serious angling experience, the Key West Fishing Club can help you.
Vacation Planning
When you're planning your fishing adventure down here to Key West Florida , we have a lot of accommodations to choose from. There are plenty of the standard corporate hotels, we have vacation rentals, and many bed and breakfasts that are really unique and even a historical part of Key West . Old town offers a lot of shopping and nightlife within a short walking distance and this where you'll find the most variety in places to stay as well. New town is mostly name brand hotels. Of coarse our main attraction is being the fishing capital of the world, so your hotel may just be a place to rest your head while not casting.
