Best Month for Fishing in Key West, Florida

By Gulfstream Fishing

Fishing in Key West is legendary. With warm waters, vibrant reefs, and some of the most exciting game fish in the world, anglers are spoiled for choice year-round. But if you’re looking for the best month to fish in the Florida Keys, the answer depends on what you’re chasing. Here’s a season-by-season breakdown of what to expect—and when to book your trip.

🐟 Ready to get on the water? Book a trip with Gulfstream Fishing, Key West’s longest-running and most experienced fishing charter.

Spring: Big Snapper and Wahoo Action

Spring in Key West brings warm temps, calm seas, and big opportunities. Mutton snapper are especially hot in the spring months, with March through May being prime time. While you can catch them year-round, this window gives you your best shot at hauling in a hefty one around the reefs and wrecks.

April and May also fire up the wahoo bite. These razor-toothed speedsters thrive near offshore structures and floating debris—and they’re suckers for live bait.

Summer: Mahi Mayhem & Mutton Madness

Summer in the Keys is a favorite for deep-sea thrill seekers. Long days mean more time on the water, and the fish don’t disappoint. Mahi-mahi (aka dolphin or dorado) rule the summer season. With electric colors, hard fights, and a table fare reputation that speaks for itself, they’re the ultimate summer prize.

Summer night fishing on the Gulfstream IV is always a hit. Trips start June 15 and run through August 15.

Fall: Cooler Crowds, Hotter Bites

As summer crowds fade, fall brings some of the best conditions for both weather and fishing. It’s shellfish season—lobster and stone crab make their tasty entrance in September and stick around through November.

Inshore, expect action from Spanish mackerel, bonefish, and mangrove snapper. November is the peak month for Spanish mackerel, especially as they migrate back down the coast to their winter grounds in the Keys.

Winter: Tuna, Cobia, and Trophy Weather

While the rest of the country bundles up, Key West is still flipping flops and dropping lines. Winter is a fantastic time to hook into yellowfin tuna, though they’re elusive and often reserved for the die-hard anglers ready to chase birds into the deep blue.

More common (but just as fun) is the cobia bite. These bruisers hang around wrecks, reefs, and channel markers, offering both a fight and a feast. They range anywhere from 20 to 50 pounds, with some monsters pushing past the 80-pound mark.

Choosing the Right Charter in Key West

No matter when you come down to fish, how you fish makes a big difference. Gulfstream Fishing offers options for every angler, from first-timers to seasoned vets:

• Private Charters: Full customization, your own captain and crew, and all the gear you need. Perfect for groups looking to tailor the trip around their targets.

• Split Charters: A cost-effective way to get out on a smaller boat and share the experience (and the catch) with a few other guests.

• Party Boat Fishing (Head Boats): Our specialty at Gulfstream Fishing. A fun, affordable option for families, solo anglers, and groups. Big boats, big water, and a crew that knows how to put you on fish.

The Verdict: When’s the Best Month?

The truth is, the best month to fish in Key West depends on your fishing goals. Want mahi? Aim for summer. Chasing tuna? Book for winter. Hunting snapper? Spring’s your jam.

No matter the season, one thing’s for sure—when you fish with Gulfstream Fishing in Key West, you’re in for a great time and even better stories.