Key West, famous for its beautiful scenery, and rich marine life is among the best fishing destinations. The white sandy beaches and clear water, as well as the numerous species of fish, make it a perfect destination for fishing enthusiasts who want to have a fun and calm time. If you are preparing to fish on this tropical island, understanding which type of fish you wish to catch can greatly improve your vacation. Here is a list of the most popular fish species that you should try to catch on your fishing vacations in Key West.
1. Marlin
Marlin is sometimes the epitome of sport fishing in Key West. Landing one of these impressive animals, famous for their size and daring stunts, is a dream come true for many fishermen. Key West is well known for blue marlin fishing which may reach a weight of over 500 pounds. To obtain the best results, fishing enthusiasts should go for marlin between May and October of each year because this is the time when these creatures pass through the waters surrounding the Keys.
Booking a fishing boat with professional captains like Ware’s The Fish may help you choose the right spots for this fish during your fishing adventures.
2. Tarpon
Other popular fish in Key West include the Tarpon commonly known as the “Silver King”. It is found that these fish are relatively large, have quite a temper on them and the scales are also very shiny. Tarpon fishing occurs all year round, with the largest schools arriving from May up to July. Tarpon is a favorite fish in Key West because of the shallow water and mangrove-lined coasts that are ideal for the fish during fishing activities.
3. Wahoo
For lovers of high-speed motion, wahoo is perfect. Usually associated with incredible speed and flexibility, the wahoo is known to provide good fighting, which challenges the angler. These fish are commonly located in deeper parts of water bodies and the best period to fish these is from November to March.
Wahoos became famous due to their large size and palatable meat which makes them attractive to fishermen for both sport and food.
4. Mahi-Mahi (Dolphin Fish)
Mahi-mahi or dolphin fish are a colorful and very attractive fish species that present good sports fish as well as being flavorful. These fish are vibrant in color and full of life and that is why most anglers love them. Most of the Mahi-mahi are located offshore waters of Key West and the best fishing period is from March to October.
They are predisposed to collecting on floating objects and thus you will often find them clustered on these objects if you are fishing.
5. Grouper
Some of the grouper species include the black grouper and the red grouper which are commonly found in the reef and wrecks of Key West. These fish are usually large and very tasty, which are qualities that are sought after by fishermen who want to prepare delicious meals. The best time to fish for grouper is between May and September because they feed most during that period.
These formidable fish can be caught on your fishing trips if you use heavy tackle and deep-sea methods and tricks.
Key Takeaways
As for fishing, Wares The Fish, a leading fishing charters in Key West has a whole range of options for every level of fisherman starting from the beginner. Whether the angler’s goal is to hook a marlin or tarpon, the marine species of Key West makes every fishing adventure a unique one. By focusing on these top fish species, you are sure to have an enjoyable fishing experience in one of the most fascinating tourist destinations globally. Therefore, pick up your equipment, get a charter, and be ready for an exciting day out on the waters.
