Fresh Key West Fishing Reports

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Fishing Seasons & Latest Fishing Photos and Videos

Fresh Fishing Reports from Key West

Big mutton snapper on the reef- Key west
Big mutton snapper on the reef- Key west
December 28, 2025
? Key West Fishing Charter Report – Sand Key Lighthouse Reef Yesterday was an excellent day reef fishing in Key West, Florida, with steady action and ideal winter conditions just offshore near Sand Key Lighthouse. We ran double half-day fishing charters, and the reef definitely delivered. ? Key West Reef Fishing Action Fishing the reef, we landed: 2 cero mackerel A big mutton snapper A solid red grouper, caught just in time before the season closes We started the trip catching live ballyhoo, then slow-trolled the reef, which is one of the most effective techniques for Key West reef fishing charters this time of year. The live bait made all the difference, and once the bite started, it stayed consistent throughout both half-day trips. ? Weather, Wind & Current Conditions Conditions were nearly perfect for a Key West fishing charter: Winds from the ENE to NE at about 6–10 mph Light to moderate seas with a comfortable reef chop Clean water and a steady southwest-moving current along the reef line near Sand Key That moving current helped stack fish on the structure and kept them actively feeding, which is exactly what you want when targeting mutton snapper, grouper, and cero mackerel in Key West. ? Why This Time of Year Is Great for Fishing in Key West Winter is one of the best seasons for reef fishing charters in Key West, especially around Sand Key and the outer reef. Cooler water temps, live bait availability, and consistent currents create prime conditions for quality reef species — and yesterday was a perfect example. If you’re looking to book a Key West fishing charter, now is a great time to get on the reef and take advantage of these conditions. ?
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What anglers said about fishing in Key West

We had an amazing time with Captain Mike and First Mate Lou’s today! My 10-year-old absolutely loved the experience and talked about it nonstop afterward. The crew was kind, patient, and made the trip fun and engaging for everyone on board. Best part? Everyone caught fish, which made the day even more exciting. It was a perfect mix of adventure, learning, and great memories. Highly recommend for families and anyone looking for a fantastic day on the water!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
We had an amazing time with Captain Mike and First Mate Lou’s today! My 10-year-old absolutely loved the experience and talked about it nonstop afterward. The crew was kind, patient, and made the trip fun and engaging for everyone on board. Best part? Everyone caught fish, which made the day even more exciting. It was a perfect mix of adventure, learning, and great memories. Highly recommend for families and anyone looking for a fantastic day on the water!
Capt. Conch Charters - Stella Blue
Capt. Conch Charters - Stella Blue
listening to the capt. it’s important to have the right information be polite safe and have fun:)
Excellent
5.0 / 5
listening to the capt. it’s important to have the right information be polite safe and have fun:)
FloAlong Charters
FloAlong Charters
This is a great option to book, the guides did everything and even showed us where in town to get the fish grilled up for lunch. Great time!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
This is a great option to book, the guides did everything and even showed us where in town to get the fish grilled up for lunch. Great time!
My Ohana Sport Fishing
My Ohana Sport Fishing
Flats fishing seems to bethe way to go, especially coming from freshwater fishing. Its really active and the fish can be super aggressive on topwaters if conditions are right.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Flats fishing seems to bethe way to go, especially coming from freshwater fishing. Its really active and the fish can be super aggressive on topwaters if conditions are right.
Purple Heron Charters
Purple Heron Charters
book these guys, seriously. true navigators. talented, and take you to the edge, get some fish and stop being a weakling-set your next trip up with them!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
book these guys, seriously. true navigators. talented, and take you to the edge, get some fish and stop being a weakling-set your next trip up with them!
Reef Runner Charters Key West
Reef Runner Charters Key West
Enjoy the moment and experience, don't be afraid to ask questions. Remember it's fishing not catching. You never know what's going to happen so always be prepared because it happens fast.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Enjoy the moment and experience, don't be afraid to ask questions. Remember it's fishing not catching. You never know what's going to happen so always be prepared because it happens fast.
Cowboy Cowgirl 36 Ft Hatteras--Since 1965
Cowboy Cowgirl 36 Ft Hatteras--Since 1965
Recommended for all fishermen - from the beginner to the advanced. Captain Mike and Mate Kevin were patient and gave a great tutorial on the boat equipment and what to expect! I’m hooked!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Recommended for all fishermen - from the beginner to the advanced. Captain Mike and Mate Kevin were patient and gave a great tutorial on the boat equipment and what to expect! I’m hooked!
The Helm Sportfishing
The Helm Sportfishing
Just book it— even with no experience I’m certain Captain Reiner would be a great mentor to ensure you catch a good fish ?
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Just book it— even with no experience I’m certain Captain Reiner would be a great mentor to ensure you catch a good fish ?
Rising Tide Fishing Charters
Rising Tide Fishing Charters
If the water is real choppy and you’re new to fishing. I would recommend calmer waters, over catching fish. We were catching and releasing. The fishing was great but the rocking of the boat was not a relaxing experience. Pick your preference…
Very good
4.0 / 5
If the water is real choppy and you’re new to fishing. I would recommend calmer waters, over catching fish. We were catching and releasing. The fishing was great but the rocking of the boat was not a relaxing experience. Pick your preference…
RideOut Charters
RideOut Charters
December is a slow time for the fish but we still had a good time! I woud receommend to wait until the summer to fish in Key West...
Excellent
5.0 / 5
December is a slow time for the fish but we still had a good time! I woud receommend to wait until the summer to fish in Key West...
Reef Runner Charters Key West
Reef Runner Charters Key West
Be prepared to catch something- Sailfish are fin here but they are catch and release here nobody really uses a smoke house to harvest a sailfish in Key west. yellowtail are delicious off the reef!
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Be prepared to catch something- Sailfish are fin here but they are catch and release here nobody really uses a smoke house to harvest a sailfish in Key west. yellowtail are delicious off the reef!
My Ohana Sport Fishing
My Ohana Sport Fishing
Start with a four hour trip. Both the weather and fishing can be a little sketchy.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Start with a four hour trip. Both the weather and fishing can be a little sketchy.
Key West Charter Fishing – Shallows
Key West Charter Fishing – Shallows
Go with Cowboy Cowgirl Charters! Capt. Hans and first mate Caleb are FINtastic!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Go with Cowboy Cowgirl Charters! Capt. Hans and first mate Caleb are FINtastic!
Cowboy Cowgirl 36 Ft Hatteras--Since 1965
Cowboy Cowgirl 36 Ft Hatteras--Since 1965
We've fished a lot of other places, the Keys are the best place to fish on the East Coast of the US.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
We've fished a lot of other places, the Keys are the best place to fish on the East Coast of the US.
Southpaw Fishing Charters
Southpaw Fishing Charters
even if you have zero experience you will be looked after and given all the advice you need to enjoy you day fishing
Excellent
5.0 / 5
even if you have zero experience you will be looked after and given all the advice you need to enjoy you day fishing
Corsair 2 Sportfishing Key West
Corsair 2 Sportfishing Key West
pick a good month when the weather is good and the fish you want to catch are in season! if you dont care, then make sure you go with capitan Anthony if you want the best time ever
Excellent
5.0 / 5
pick a good month when the weather is good and the fish you want to catch are in season! if you dont care, then make sure you go with capitan Anthony if you want the best time ever
Kilo Whiskey Charters
Kilo Whiskey Charters
i would recommend booking reef runner, you cant go wrong with edward and evan.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
i would recommend booking reef runner, you cant go wrong with edward and evan.
Reef Runner Charters Key West
Reef Runner Charters Key West
Going for reef fish for a first timer would be great as its easy with a lot of action
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Going for reef fish for a first timer would be great as its easy with a lot of action
Easy Does It
Easy Does It
This is a great way to get an easy intro to fishing the flats. Both novices like me and more experienced anglers will like this.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
This is a great way to get an easy intro to fishing the flats. Both novices like me and more experienced anglers will like this.
Always Somethin' Charters – Key West
Always Somethin' Charters – Key West
Book for at least 6 hours, it gives the captain longer to find the fish, its a big ocean and their are many factors in where the fish are biting.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Book for at least 6 hours, it gives the captain longer to find the fish, its a big ocean and their are many factors in where the fish are biting.
ScreamingLines Sport Fishing - 36’
ScreamingLines Sport Fishing - 36’