Fresh Lower Keys Fishing Reports

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Fresh Fishing Reports from Lower Keys

Key West Fishing Report — Bottom Fishing
Key West Fishing Report — Bottom Fishing
January 12, 2026
Key West Fishing Report: Yesterday we headed out for a productive bottom fishing trip near the reef with live Ballyhoo and plenty of action on rod and reel! ?️ Weather & Sea Conditions • Air Temperature: Typical Key West winter warmth in the low-70s °F range. • Water Temperature: Around 70–75°F — perfect for snapper, grouper and reef species. • Wind: Light to moderate winds from the Northeast around ~7–13 mph — great for reef and nearshore fishing. • Fishing Forecast: Current activity is average, so matching tides and baits continues to be important for consistent bites. ⸻ ? Trip Summary We started the day by stopping to pick up fresh live Ballyhoo to target bottom species — always a productive bait choice for Key West reef and bottom fishing. Once baited up, we headed out to the reef and anchored for bottom fishing. ? Catches & Action • Snapper: We immediately landed three legal snapper right off the anchor — great start! • Groupers: A few groupers came up, but they were undersized so we released them for future conservation. • Barracuda: Opportunistic barracuda were in the mix — these hard-fighting predators love Ballyhoo! • Lane Snapper: We also added some tasty lane snapper to the tally. This kind of mixed-species bottom and reef fishing is classic Key West in January — cooler water temps but active reef bites when tides and calm conditions align. ⸻ ? Tide & Bite Insights • Tides in the area were transitioning throughout the day — fishing around moving water and tide changes helped keep the bites consistent. • Solunar activity was average — combining this with live Ballyhoo and anchored reef drift techniques helped produce steady bites. ⸻ ? What This Means for Anglers If you’re planning a Key West fishing charter for bottom fishing, reef fishing, snapper & grouper trips, now is a great time to head out. Live Ballyhoo continues to be a top bait choice, especially when paired with calm seas and manageable tides. Conditions like yesterday allow for comfortable fishing and steady action, whether you’re chasing snapper, barracuda, or other reef species.
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What anglers said about fishing in Lower Keys

Captain Brad was upfront about the the potential weather this time of year. The group wanted action and we got action. What a great boat and crew.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Captain Brad was upfront about the the potential weather this time of year. The group wanted action and we got action. What a great boat and crew.
Southpaw Fishing Charters
Southpaw Fishing Charters
Come in May, be prepared for unpredictable weather if you come in the winter
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Come in May, be prepared for unpredictable weather if you come in the winter
Always Somethin' Charters – Key West
Always Somethin' Charters – Key West
January weather can be unpredictable, higher winds might mean that offshore fishing is not possible.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
January weather can be unpredictable, higher winds might mean that offshore fishing is not possible.
ScreamingLines Center Console – 27'
ScreamingLines Center Console – 27'
I would recommend finding a charter that takes you to the flats or even deep sea. Dock fishing is tough in Key west so highly consider booking. It is well worth it during your time down here.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
I would recommend finding a charter that takes you to the flats or even deep sea. Dock fishing is tough in Key west so highly consider booking. It is well worth it during your time down here.
Always Somethin' Charters – Key West
Always Somethin' Charters – Key West
When the captain asks you…..what do you have in mind for this trip, say something like…..“We’ll take your lead my captain!” (saying that with an accent gets you extra points). You’ll catch more fish that way, and everyone has a better time!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
When the captain asks you…..what do you have in mind for this trip, say something like…..“We’ll take your lead my captain!” (saying that with an accent gets you extra points). You’ll catch more fish that way, and everyone has a better time!
Cowboy Cowgirl 36 Ft Hatteras--Since 1965
Cowboy Cowgirl 36 Ft Hatteras--Since 1965
Bring a Sweatshirt and Motion Sickness if you cant handle waves and swells. Or ask your captain to go somewhere calm.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Bring a Sweatshirt and Motion Sickness if you cant handle waves and swells. Or ask your captain to go somewhere calm.
Reel Easy Charters
Reel Easy Charters
Yes very windy and over cast however we still were able to get on the fish.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Yes very windy and over cast however we still were able to get on the fish.
ScreamingLines Center Console – 27'
ScreamingLines Center Console – 27'
definitely figure out what you want to catch and when the best time to catch them is!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
definitely figure out what you want to catch and when the best time to catch them is!
ScreamingLines Center Console – 27'
ScreamingLines Center Console – 27'
sail with captain Anthony he is very knowledgeable , friendly all around the BEST!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
sail with captain Anthony he is very knowledgeable , friendly all around the BEST!
Kilo Whiskey Charters
Kilo Whiskey Charters
Remember, it’s about the whole experience. Catching fish is the goal but it’s never guaranteed. Enjoy every moment you are on the water!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Remember, it’s about the whole experience. Catching fish is the goal but it’s never guaranteed. Enjoy every moment you are on the water!
Salty Dawgs Fishing Charters
Salty Dawgs Fishing Charters
Easy to schedule and very friendly to learn the steps for a first-time user
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Easy to schedule and very friendly to learn the steps for a first-time user
Talking Dog Fishing Key West
Talking Dog Fishing Key West
Make sure you understand what is in season so you can manage your expectations of what can be caught and kept.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Make sure you understand what is in season so you can manage your expectations of what can be caught and kept.
Corsair Sportfishing Key West
Corsair Sportfishing Key West
I know its called fishing and not catching, but Capt Brad made it a catching trip!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
I know its called fishing and not catching, but Capt Brad made it a catching trip!
Southpaw Fishing Charters
Southpaw Fishing Charters
It’s fishing not catching but if you get the right captain you will get on the fish. I’d recommend a smaller boat that can get close to the inshore areas which not only has the fish but is also amazing just to see
Excellent
5.0 / 5
It’s fishing not catching but if you get the right captain you will get on the fish. I’d recommend a smaller boat that can get close to the inshore areas which not only has the fish but is also amazing just to see
Always Somethin' Charters – Key West
Always Somethin' Charters – Key West
Possibly slightly tougher conditions as many boats had been hitting the reefs hard due to offshore weather, but abundant bites
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Possibly slightly tougher conditions as many boats had been hitting the reefs hard due to offshore weather, but abundant bites
Capt. Conch Charters – Capt. Conch
Capt. Conch Charters – Capt. Conch
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
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
Dont worry about anything. Captain Tom was a very hard worker and made sure everyone had bait on their hooks at all times.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Dont worry about anything. Captain Tom was a very hard worker and made sure everyone had bait on their hooks at all times.
TNT Charters
TNT 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