(800)223-1629 / (305)296-0700

Hello Anglers!

We at the Saltwater Angler wish you a warm and sunny welcome from our little slice of Key West paradise. Thank you for your interest in our Key West Fishing Report for Fishing in Key West and the lower keys! 

 

The following week will have winds out of the south and south east. The temperatures in the next few days will be in the mid to upper 70’s and then drop in the lower 70’s near the end of the week.

This time of year it is very weather dependent when it come to flats fishing in Key West.  With cold fronts the temperatures on the flats will fluctuate rapidly over night which is something to keep in mind when targeting flats species.

 

TARPON… It is the time of year yet again that we all look forward to. A few small groups of fish starting showing up already in the lower keys. In the upcoming month these amazing fish will start moving their way down in the keys. In return giving anglers an amazing opportunity to try and land the silver king.

 

Permit. As we get closer to April a good amount of fish will start pushing off shore to start spawning. We will still see them on the flats but will not be as predominate. many of the fish we have been seeing are of good size and are looking for a quick bite.  You will want to keep an eye out for a tail tip flashing out of the water and water pushes. Be mindful of the weather conditions, as this cloud cover will make it difficult to see into the water. Instead make sure to double check any suspicious surface disturbance. 

 

A number of guides have reported still seeing some nice Bonefish around, best being sought after on a low tide but being caught throughout the day. They can be found feeding in shallow water eating crabs and shrimp. The Bonefish seem running in groups, mostly smaller schools (4-10 fish) but have also heard reports of larger packs (10-15 fish). If targeting these silver bullets, be ready to make a quick shot on nervous water pushing across a flat and patches of “dusty” or lightly stirred up water as this may be a school of feeding bones. Smaller crab flies and shrimp flies work very well. 

 

With water temperatures cooling, we have started to see many more large Barracuda pushing onto the flats. Check sand holes for these toothy critters, most likely facing into the current and holding their position. Often times there are more than one hanging around one another so don’t be surprised if when fishing to a particular fish, that a different one comes from no-where and eats. Remember if seeking these beast, kind in mind their ability to cut through fluorocarbon leader and consider using a small piece of bite wire or cable. Be prepared for a spectacular fight, with long runs and jumps!

Key West Offshore fishing reports have been good, when the weather permits us to get out. With the coming of the full moon and some cooler water temperatures we expect to start seeing more and more Wahoo. These fish are a blast to catch and make amazing table fare. Still seeing some Mahi-Mahi or “dolphin”.  What a thrill to catch… and and even better eating!

 

 This time of year the fish tend to be on the smaller size with the bigger ones mixed in. We’ve been hearing reports of some sailfish being caught on the reef. Hopefully start seeing some south winds later on this month which will push the bait fish closer to the reefs, making it a shorter run to find theses elusive fish. Trolling skirted ballyhoo and daisy chains are a great way to get them fired up and eating. 

 

The Blackfin Tuna bite has also been pretty decent, especially if going out with a blacked out well of pilchards. Be on the lookout for birds but pay attention to the sounder as well, for any marks between 100-150ft. Don’t forget the chopsticks should you happen to get in on some Tuna action, as these fish are sushi grade! Bleed them quick and get them on ice ASAP for the best tasting fish.

The Key West reef fishing bite has been picking up. Plenty of Red Grouper and Mutton Snapper around. 

 

The Yellowtail Snapper bite has been great as usual, and also makes for good eating. Be on the lookout for the occasional Cobia, especially if you catch a big shark, as they tend to hang around the big toothy critters. Should you happen to have the Cobia come up on the surface, be prepared with a “pitch rod” or a setup the you can quickly rig to throw a piece of cut bait, pinfish , or even a bucktail jig. These fish tend to eat the scraps missed by larger predators and aren’t too picky. 

 

Make sure to let them eat before reeling down on them as they tend to mouth the bait a bit. If you happen to miss the bite, don’t give up! Instead reset and get another bait in their face, they will often hang around looking for what they just missed.

~

December 17, 2020

Hello Anglers!

We at the Saltwater Angler wish you a warm and sunny welcome from our little slice of Key West paradise. Thank you for your interest in our Key West Fishing Report for Fishing in Key West and the lower keys!

The following week will have a bit of wind out of the north and northeast. The temperatures in the next few days will drop to the upper 60’s so dress accordingly.  But by the end of the week the wind should hopefully start to pick right back up to the lower to mid 70’s.

Key West offshore fishing reports have been good, when the weather permits us to get out. With the coming of the full moon and some cooler water temperatures we expect to start seeing more and more Wahoo. These fish are a blast to catch and make amazing table fare.

 

Our Key West fishing captains are still seeing some Mahi-Mahi or “dolphin”. These fish are a thrill to catch and even better eating! This time of year the fish tend to be on the smaller size with the bigger ones mixed in.

We’ve been hearing reports of some sailfish being caught out in the Gulf hopefully start seeing some south winds later on this month which will push the bait fish closer to the reefs, making it a shorter run to find theses elusive fish. Trolling skirted ballyhoo and daisy chains are a great way to get them fired up and eating.

 

The Blackfin Tuna bite has also been pretty decent, especially if going out with a blacked out well of pilchards. Be on the lookout for birds but pay attention to the sounder as well, for any marks between 100-150ft. Don’t forget the chopsticks should you happen to get in on some Tuna action, as these fish are sushi grade! Bleed them quick and get them on ice ASAP for the best tasting fish.

The Key West reef bite has been picking up. Plenty of Red Grouper and Mutton Snapper around. The Yellowtail Snapper bite has been great as usual, and also makes for good eating.

 

Keep in mind and  be on the lookout for the occasional Cobia, especially if you catch a big shark, as they tend to hang around the big toothy critters. Should you happen to have the Cobia come up on the surface, be prepared with a “pitch rod” or a setup the you can quickly rig to throw a piece of cut bait, pinfish , or even a bucktail jig. These fish tend to eat the scraps missed by larger predators and aren’t too picky.

 

Our tip is to make sure to let them eat before reeling down on them as they tend to mouth the bait a bit. If you happen to miss the bite, don’t give up! Instead reset and get another bait in their face, they will often hang around looking for what they just missed.

The Key West reef bite has been picking up. Plenty of Red Grouper and Mutton Snapper around. The Yellowtail Snapper bite has been great as usual, and also makes for good eating.

 

Keep in mind and  be on the lookout for the occasional Cobia, especially if you catch a big shark, as they tend to hang around the big toothy critters. Should you happen to have the Cobia come up on the surface, be prepared with a “pitch rod” or a setup the you can quickly rig to throw a piece of cut bait, pinfish , or even a bucktail jig. These fish tend to eat the scraps missed by larger predators and aren’t too picky.

 

Our tip is to make sure to let them eat before reeling down on them as they tend to mouth the bait a bit. If you happen to miss the bite, don’t give up! Instead reset and get another bait in their face, they will often hang around looking for what they just missed.

saltwaterangler

Key West fishing report for Saltwater AnglerWinter is almost here in the Keys, so our waters have started to cool down. The next 10 days will be tough with our first cold front. Sunny warm days will still bring great flats fishing, but cold fronts will quiet things down. Picking your days will be important.

saltwaterangler

Key West fishing report for Saltwater AnglerWinter - The cooler water temperatures have started bringing the wolf of the flats (Cuda's) into play. More will begin to move into the shallows. The drop in water temp brings an abundance of bait into the shallows, so predator fish like Cudas and Black Tip sharks will be on the hunt

saltwaterangler

Key West fishing report for Saltwater AnglerWinter - The cooler water temperatures have started bringing the wolf of the flats (Cuda's) into play. More will begin to move into the shallows. The drop in water temp brings an abundance of bait into the shallows, so predator fish like Cudas and Black Tip sharks will be on the hunt

saltwaterangler

Key West fishing report for Saltwater AnglerWinter - The cooler water temperatures have started bringing the wolf of the flats (Cuda's) into play. More will begin to move into the shallows. The drop in water temp brings an abundance of bait into the shallows, so predator fish like Cudas and Black Tip sharks will be on the hunt

We wish you tight lines and fish boat side from the staff at The Saltwater Angler!

 

Visit us weekly to get your Key West Fishing Report!

CLICK HERE TO: BOOK A FISHING TRIP OR EMAIL US 

We wish you tight lines and fish boat side from the staff at The Saltwater Angler!

 

Visit us weekly to get your Key West Fishing Report!

CLICK HERE TO: BOOK A FISHING TRIP OR EMAIL US 

Testimonials

Everything you need to wear for your day on the Ocean, all major brand names, Great selection of polarized sunglasses
Key West Fishing with Saltwater Angler Fishing Charters
Jerry W. Burns
Very nice staff and competitive pricing for the location. Good selection of clothing and some angler supplies.
saltwater angler testimonial
Kemper Morris
Location

243 Front Street. 
Key West, FL 33040

Our hours

10:00 AM – 6.00 PM
Monday – Sunday

Contact us

800.223.1629 or 305.296.0700
Email: [email protected]

Let's Get Social! Be in the know!

Wish You Were Here!

Key West, FL
72°
Clear
7:21 am7:42 pm EDT
Feels like: 72°F
Wind: 14mph N
Humidity: 67%
Pressure: 30.04"Hg
UV index: 0
3 am4 am5 am6 am7 am
72°F
72°F
72°F
72°F
72°F
SatSunMonTueWed
79°F / 73°F
79°F / 75°F
82°F / 75°F
82°F / 75°F
84°F / 75°F