Key West Is the Fishing Capital of the World
The Key Wish fishing experience is next to none, which is why people from all over the world make the trip down to Florida to find out for themselves.
The Florida Reef is the only living coral barrier reef in the US and is why Key West has such amazing fishing. The island is a favorite vacation spot for thousands of avid anglers who visit for their chance to reel in some prized fish and get a tropical holiday out of it.
This American slice of the Caribbean offers vast opportunities to anyone looking to have some fun. Its uniqueness leaves everyone breathless, and the fishing is considered the best in the world.
Offering every type of saltwater fishing under the sun, Key West offers unparalleled access to the Gulf of Mexico. On the other side, you have the depths of the Atlantic, and Cuba is only 90 miles away if you’re looking for a real adventure!
Top Catches in the Florida Keys
It’s everything! Everything is a top catch in the Florida Keys. Sinking a line anywhere in these waters will yield some great results, as the area is rich both in species and numbers. Read on to find out more about what you can target in this abundant natural environment.
Bonefish
One of the Florida Keys beloved fish, Bonefish is truly a force to be reckoned with! It’s an agile swimmer and a prized inshore game fish in this part of the world. It doesn’t grow to impressive sizes, but it more than makes up for that with the fight it puts up.
The flats around Key West are known to be very fish-rich, and dipping your rod in these waters will have you reeling in some nice specimens in no time. This is a very feisty fish, but the effort is worth it! The bony structure doesn’t make it great table fare, and its game qualities make it a catch-and-release species.
Tarpon
The “Silver King” takes the number one spot! Revered as a top game fish in all of Florida, the Keys have a rich history with this silver beast. It’s big, beautiful, and puts up an amazing fight, leaping out of the water to get off the hook. Reeling one in is an adventure you should make sure not to miss.
While Tarpon fishing is widespread throughout the Florida Keys, the Lower Keys see the most action. The vast flats surrounding Key West hold great numbers of Tarpon, and fly fishing enthusiasts flock here from all over the world for their chance to cast a fly and hook a trophy. If you’re serious about fishing, this needs to be on your list.
PERMIT
Key West is known for big permit on the flats. They go offshore to spawn in April and then work their way back to the shallow water sometime in May depending on the moon phase.
About Key West, Florida
Key West, a U.S. island city, is part of the Florida Keys archipelago. It’s also Florida’s southernmost point, lying roughly 90 miles north of Cuba. Famed for its pastel-hued, conch-style houses, it’s a cruise-ship stop also accessible from the mainland via the Overseas Highway. It’s known more for its coral reefs – destinations for diving and snorkeling – than for its beaches.
Area: 7.243 mi
Elevation: 18′
Max length: 3.977 mi
Max width: 5,249′
Population: 24,843 (2019)
Top sights in Key West:
The Hemingway Home and Museum, Southernmost Point of the Continental U.S.A., Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
What should you avoid in Key West?:
Avoid these 5 tourist traps to keep your Key West vacation relaxing and enjoyable
- T-Shirt Shops. For years, Key West had a well-documented problem with Duval Street t-shirt shops.
- $5 Shops. Many of the shady t-shirt shops have tried a new line of attack – the $5 store.
- Jewelry Stores.
- Shady Art Galleries.
- Cosmetic Shops.
What is Key West most known for?
Key West, the southernmost point in the United States, is famous for water-sports, lively nightlife, beaches, historic sites and its pastel, conch-style architecture.
What is the best month to go to Key West?
The best time to visit Key West is between March and May. The winter crowds will taper off, the hotel rates become reasonable and the weather is remarkably similar to winter’s blissful 70s and 80s. Speaking of winter – that season is the island’s busiest and priciest.