Key West Fish Species

The dramatic-looking African Pompano is a hard-fighting fish and is considered to be one of the strongest of the Jack family. In Key West, they are often caught around deep wrecks and rocky outcroppings. If you are lucky enough to hook an African Pompano and have the tackle need to keep it on, expect an […]

Almaco Jacks are strong fighters and very good to eat, so they are always a welcome catch among Key West sport fishermen. In fact, mariculture operations in Hawaii raise a fish known as Kampachi that is genetically identical to wild Seriola rivoliana and is prized in Japan and around the world for its flavor and […]

Two types of Amberjack are found in Key West waters – the Greater Amberjack (Seriola dumerili) and the Lesser Amberjack (Seriola fasciata). Greater Amberjack are by far the larger of the two and are the most commonly targeted by sportfishermen. Up to 5 feet long and nearly 200lbs, massive size combined with brutal fighting strength […]

The Atlantic Bonito, also called True Bonito and Northern Bonito, is a fast-swimming open-water gamefish from the Tuna family. When fishing in Key West, Atlantic Bonito are most commonly found when trolling for big gamefish in the coastal offshore Atlantic waters. They exciting to encounter, often seen in large schools working balls of baitfish under […]

The Key West fishing season is headlined by the migration of the legendary Atlantic Tarpon, the giant Florida Keys gamefish also known as the Silver King. The waters around Key West are world renowned for a huge population of big Tarpon, and fishermen come from all over to fish the main run from January to […]

There are 28 recognized species of Barracuda found worldwide, and the two most commonly caught while fishing in Key West are the Southern Sennet (Sphyraena picudilla) and the Great Barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda), the largest of all Barracuda species. Like most members of the genus Sphyraena, Key West Barracuda are predators with an aggressive attitude that […]

Second in line behind the giant Goliath Grouper as the largest Grouper species in the Keys, the Black Grouper is one of the most popular targets for Grouper fishing in Key West. Powerful fighting strength, large size and weight, and delicious eating in a wide variety of recipes make the Black Grouper a welcome addition […]

The Blackfin Tuna is an excellent light tackle species, with good speed and endurance in the fight and high-quality flesh for the table. They are the smallest of the Tuna species, but what Blackfin lack in size, they make up for in numbers and willingness to bite. (Florida Record: 45lbs 8oz)

The Blacktip Shark is possibly the most abundant large shark inhabiting the Gulf of Mexico coastline, and is very common throughout the Keys. Fast, energetic, and known for making spinning leaps while feeding, the Blacktip will also jump when hooked to deliver a serious sportfishing challenge. (Florida Record: 152lbs

The legendary Blue Marlin is one of the world’s greatest game fishes. It is also among the largest fish species, with some females running well over 1,000 pounds. Every year, tournament pros and hopeful amateurs alike come fishing in Key West to chase this ultimate blue water trophy fish. (Florida Record: 1046lbs)

Big, aggressive, and easy to catch from the shore, a pier or jetty, or a boat, the Bluefish is a popular gamefish along Florida’s Gulf and Atlantic coasts. The biggest fish come from Atlantic waters. Bluefish travel in large schools, so once these fish are found, the action is often fast and furious. (Florida Record: […]

Fishing for Bonefish on the shallow water Flats is one of the classic angling experiences of Key West and the tropics. Bonefish (Alectis ciliaris) Introduction (Florida Record 16lb. 3oz.) Bonefish inhabit tropical and temperate waters worldwide. The Bonefish is a slender and round fish, with large specimens being more compressed in shape.

The Bull Shark is a popular game fish in the southeastern US and is often targeted from shore, piers, and bridges. Around Key West, Bull Sharks can be found everywhere, with the deeper Atlantic wrecks and the Gulf wrecks in more than 120 feet of water being especially good for Bull Shark fishing. (Florida Record: […]

Cero Mackerel are fun sportfish. They are good fighters and fast swimmers that can quickly take out more than 100 yards of line when hooked up on light tackle. The Cero’s runs are exciting, and the fish occasionally jumps, showing its bright silver sides. They are a delicious food fish whether broiled, baked, pan-fried, or […]

The Cobia is prized by Key West fishermen for its large size, fighting ability, and firm, delicious meat. It is a curious and aggressive fish so it bites readily when found. It has a shark-like profile and can grow to 6 feet in length. To give an idea of the usual size of this big […]