Key West Fishing Report (Updated February 2026)

The mild weather and cool breezes of fall bring great Key West fishing action. The last weeks of September generally bring on the transition to autumn down in Key West. We get strong winds, multiple rainy days, and high temperatures that consistently stay below the 90s. This combination lights up the fishing, and October nearly […]

When the late fall to winter transition is in effect here in Key West, water temperatures go down and the schools of baitfish move into the shallows and over the reefs. A nice live well full of fresh pilchards is all that is needed this time of year to guarantee a great day of action […]

When the fall transition comes on here in the Florida Keys, we get cold fronts moving in from the north every few days. The weather change sparks increased intensity in the Key West fishing action, particularly on the reef and in the Flats and Backcountry waters. In fact Key West October Fishing is some of […]

November is a great time for booking a Key West fishing trip. Key West fall fishing is generally a wonderful experience. Air temperatures hold on around 75 degrees or so, and town is nice and peaceful in a between-season lull. We do get a few windy days in fall, but fortunately there is always some […]

Just like in the upper 47, November is autumn in the Florida Keys. The weather cools off as cold fronts begin rolling through like clockwork. When these waves of cold air drop down across the Keys, some dramatic weather gyrations take place. Although fishermen from northern climes are likely to laugh at dropping temperatures that […]

Do forecasts of another winter full of hard-freezing polar vortex weather already have you dreaming about Key West fishing and the endless summer down here in the southernmost isles? Deep sea fishing Key West is a lot more fun than deep snow shoveling in the Midwest. Although the often calm winds and steady mid-70’s temperatures […]

Other than a few rain showers, the weather in Key West environs generally stays pretty nice throughout the month of October, with fairly stable highs around the mid-80s. As we get closer to November, the Keys often experience a dramatic shift to winter weather patterns. This is particularly true of the last few winters, which […]

Key West gets its share of bad weather as late fall transitions to winter. Cold fronts are normal for this time of year, moving in with strong blows out of the Northeast, rough waters, and falling air and water temperatures. On many days, Key West charter captains are forced to cancel or delay trips due […]

Although the typical fall weather of November brings in some windy and rainy conditions that can make getting on the water tough at times, the changeover also does great things for the fishing. The winds turn the deep water over and stir up the flats. Huge schools of baitfish along with the gamefish that pursue […]

December marks the beginning of a new season of Key West fishing. The blustery weather of November ends and things begin to stabilize with the new cooler air and water temps pushing huge schools of baitfish inshore. That’s where predators like Snapper and Grouper hunt on the wrecks and reefs, Tarpon and other gamefish feast […]

Happy holidays from , and good luck on the water in the New Year. We are in the middle of the two busiest weeks of the year here in Key West as island hotels and fishing charters alike sell out to visitors looking for 72 degrees and sunny instead of the classic white Christmas. December […]

While things freeze up across most of the U.S. mainland, December in Key West usually means temperatures steady in the low 70s along with mild winds. Conditions like this bring on good Key West December fishing conditions, and with the holiday season coming on town is lively and exciting as well. Having cold fronts push […]

There is nothing like spending the December holidays at around 70 degrees. Key West December weather includes a few mid-winter tropical rain showers, but these do little to dampen the tropical holiday spirit of the many visitors in town. Between the good fishing, busy streets, jumping bar & restaurant scene, lighted boat parade and many […]

People tend to think that sub-tropical Key West has no distinct seasons. To some extent, they are correct – you see no colorful leaves or frosted windows in the Keys. There is a definite lack of spring mud under bare trees that will later bud young green leaves as crocus and daffodils push up around […]

In December, the focus around Key West is always on the holiday season. It heralds a big winter tourist rush along the Keys and many festivities around the island city. The Schooner Wharf Bar lighted boat parade is a Key West Christmas staple. This spectacular annual December highlight is enjoyed by large crowds of visitors […]

When the January nor’easters roll in on our neighbors up in New York and Massachusetts, and polar vortexes put the Midwest in a deep freeze, it’s only natural that the Keys should cool off a bit. Maybe it’s in sympathy for those who spend their days shoveling snow in biting winds instead of throwing bait […]