Fresh South Florida Fishing Reports

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Fresh Fishing Reports from South Florida

Key West Fishing Charter Report
Key West Fishing Charter Report
January 6, 2026
We headed out on a Key West fishing charter around 3:00 PM and started the afternoon fishing the Key West reef, which has been producing steady action lately. Right away, we caught a legal mutton snapper along with three red grouper, all within legal size limits. Since grouper season is closed in Key West, the red grouper were safely released in excellent condition. While reef fishing, we found cero mackerel stacked up and feeding aggressively around the boat. As soon as we shut the engines down and dropped baits, they were instantly biting. We landed several cero mackerel before deciding to make a move offshore. With sunset approaching, we ran offshore to target tuna fishing in Key West, which is especially productive this time of year about 30 minutes before sunset. Before trolling, we stopped at a wreck and dropped a jig — a tuna crushed it before the jig even reached the bottom, giving us our first tuna of the trip. Once we started trolling offshore, the action fired up immediately. We hooked into a solid 20-pound tuna, and not long after that, all four rods went off at the same time. With just me, my wife, my mother, and our 15-month-old baby onboard, it was a wild and memorable moment. We successfully landed all four tuna, followed by two bonito to finish out the trip strong. Conditions were ideal for an afternoon Key West fishing charter. Winds were light to moderate, seas were comfortable, and water temperatures were sitting in the mid-70s, which is perfect for tuna and reef species. The current was moving steadily, keeping bait active, and the late-day tide change lined up perfectly with the sunset tuna bite. This trip highlights why reef fishing and offshore fishing in Key West can be extremely productive on afternoon and sunset charters. From reef species like mutton snapper and cero mackerel to fast-paced tuna fishing offshore, this is one of the best times of year to be on the water. ⸻ ? Ready to Book Your Key West Fishing Charter? If you’re looking for an action-packed Key West fishing charter, a family-friendly fishing trip, or a sunset tuna charter, now is the perfect time to get on the water. Afternoon trips offer cooler temps, calmer seas, and some of the best bites of the day. ? Book your Key West fishing charter today and experience the reef-to-offshore action for yourself. Dates fill fast this time of year!
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What anglers said about fishing in South Florida

great spot to fish but it requires a bit more fines and patience in cold winter months.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
great spot to fish but it requires a bit more fines and patience in cold winter months.
Red Snarpon Charters Inc.
Red Snarpon Charters Inc.
but he's mainland we went out about 18 to 20 miles north and west of John Penny camp. the lesser fished areas are usually the best. the ones that are closer to the land are more fish than there's not a lot of fish typically on a cooler day with wind. also we use shrimp as bait. not recommended to use like dead squid as big because it's not indigenous to the area.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
but he's mainland we went out about 18 to 20 miles north and west of John Penny camp. the lesser fished areas are usually the best. the ones that are closer to the land are more fish than there's not a lot of fish typically on a cooler day with wind. also we use shrimp as bait. not recommended to use like dead squid as big because it's not indigenous to the area.
Off-Ice Charters
Off-Ice Charters
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
Highly recommend this trip. Captain was knowledgeable and out to make our trip what we wanted. We caught fish and he let me run alongside a school of dolphins. We will be repeating customers. Boat was very clean ! Very satisfied with our catch and he filleted them for us and gave us great cooking tips.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Highly recommend this trip. Captain was knowledgeable and out to make our trip what we wanted. We caught fish and he let me run alongside a school of dolphins. We will be repeating customers. Boat was very clean ! Very satisfied with our catch and he filleted them for us and gave us great cooking tips.
Gulf Coast Charter Service
Gulf Coast Charter Service
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
Marathon is nice because it's more low key and fun than the more "serious" (and competitive) sport fishing out of Islamorada. For families or folks just looking to have a good day with lots of fish (and not necessarily break any records for size), then Marathon is better.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Marathon is nice because it's more low key and fun than the more "serious" (and competitive) sport fishing out of Islamorada. For families or folks just looking to have a good day with lots of fish (and not necessarily break any records for size), then Marathon is better.
Ana Banana Fishing Company - Nautic Star
Ana Banana Fishing Company - Nautic Star
Talk to the captian about food recommendations and different things to see. Kai knew a lot and they were all great recommendations.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Talk to the captian about food recommendations and different things to see. Kai knew a lot and they were all great recommendations.
Bulldog Fishing Charters
Bulldog Fishing Charters
I would recommend patience and understanding of any situation. I am confident that if the weather was ideal, we would have caught some great sharks!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
I would recommend patience and understanding of any situation. I am confident that if the weather was ideal, we would have caught some great sharks!
Fort Myers Shark Outfitters
Fort Myers Shark Outfitters
Keep an open mind and trust that your captain is going to have the most knowlege about where to go so you can catch fish
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Keep an open mind and trust that your captain is going to have the most knowlege about where to go so you can catch fish
Catch & Sea Charters
Catch & Sea Charters
Highly recommend a 3/4 day or full day of gishing for the best experience.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Highly recommend a 3/4 day or full day of gishing for the best experience.
Miller Time Sportfishing
Miller Time Sportfishing
Trip was amazing for first part of Jan which can be sketchy fishing anyway.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Trip was amazing for first part of Jan which can be sketchy fishing anyway.
4thStoryCharters – Boat 2
4thStoryCharters – Boat 2
Ft.Lauderdale has TONS of fish and places to go fishing. It’s tough anywhere in January to catch trophy bass but we managed to get it done with a professional captain and service
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Ft.Lauderdale has TONS of fish and places to go fishing. It’s tough anywhere in January to catch trophy bass but we managed to get it done with a professional captain and service
Bass Whisper Guide – Fort Lauderdale
Bass Whisper Guide – Fort Lauderdale
Yes. Captain is friendly, knowledgeable and works hard to put you on the fish.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Yes. Captain is friendly, knowledgeable and works hard to put you on the fish.
A-List Anglers
A-List Anglers
We caught sailfish, trigger fish, rudder fish, red snapper, lizards fish, bonitas and even saw dolphins. Caught probably 15 fish total in 3 hours.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
We caught sailfish, trigger fish, rudder fish, red snapper, lizards fish, bonitas and even saw dolphins. Caught probably 15 fish total in 3 hours.
Killin' Time Charters
Killin' Time Charters
in the winter time, bring a coat... it can be cold sometimes. if you can to catch a lot of fish, go on summer time
Excellent
5.0 / 5
in the winter time, bring a coat... it can be cold sometimes. if you can to catch a lot of fish, go on summer time
Bulldog Fishing Charters
Bulldog Fishing Charters
Avoid a cold snap if possible. If it's cold aim for the afternoon verses the morning. We spent more time in the backwaters due to rougher waters and high winds. Fishing was better on the gulf if you can handle the waters. A lot of dolphins scared off our fish but they were fun to watch.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Avoid a cold snap if possible. If it's cold aim for the afternoon verses the morning. We spent more time in the backwaters due to rougher waters and high winds. Fishing was better on the gulf if you can handle the waters. A lot of dolphins scared off our fish but they were fun to watch.
E&J Fishing Charters
E&J Fishing Charters
listen to your guide, they wont steer you wrong - Captain Izaak knew everything!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
listen to your guide, they wont steer you wrong - Captain Izaak knew everything!
Fishing Kings
Fishing Kings
Dont underestimate how cold it can feel out there just cause its Florida. bring layers. better to have more than less.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Dont underestimate how cold it can feel out there just cause its Florida. bring layers. better to have more than less.
Chris’s Fishing Adventures
Chris’s Fishing Adventures
Yes, he was so helpful, friendly and taught us a lot - even though we fish a lot in Michigan.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Yes, he was so helpful, friendly and taught us a lot - even though we fish a lot in Michigan.
ARF II Charters (Veteran)
ARF II Charters (Veteran)
cold front during our January trip, so be prepared for cold weather even though it ismt the norm.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
cold front during our January trip, so be prepared for cold weather even though it ismt the norm.
SeaHustler FishCo.
SeaHustler FishCo.