Key West, Monroe County, FL
Partly Cloudy
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82°F
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Feels 89°
Naples Premier Offshore Fishing Charter
Pattern day — fish are predictable. Work structure and watch the feeding windows.
80-150lb mono leader with crimps
Tarpon require heavy, abrasion-resistant leaders; their mouths are tough and bony
Classic fiddler crab or jig head setup
Ideal for piers — work pilings and structure with precision
Fresh live shrimp with 8-15 lb monofilament
Natural presentation for seatrout, snapper, and permit around pilings
Popping cork with live or dead shrimp below
Attracts seatrout and other gamefish; creates commotion that triggers strikes
Local Fishing Resource
Tarpon, permit, yellowtail — the most iconic fishery in the world
Open the Monroe County Cheat Sheet
Centropomus undecimalis
Prized sport fish found around mangroves and inlets. Sensitive to cold temperatures.
Local Notes: Stack under the lights at Key West Pier after dark during season. Live pilchards or threadfin herring are deadly.
Lutjanus griseus
Versatile species found from mangroves to offshore reefs. Excellent eating.
Local Notes: Hold tight to the structure at Key West Pier. Fish small live shrimp or pilchards close to the pilings on light leader.
Archosargus probatocephalus
Bottom feeder with strong teeth. Found around structures and pilings.
Local Notes: Abundant around the pilings at Key West Pier year-round. Fiddler crabs or fresh shrimp on a light jig head are your best bet.
Trachinotus carolinus
Excellent eating fish found in surf. Silver body with yellow fins.
Local Notes: Run along the beach near the base of Key West Pier. Sand fleas and small jigs in the 1/4-oz range.
Trachinotus falcatus
Highly prized sport fish. Challenging to catch on flats and around wrecks.
Local Notes: Cruise the sandy flats and channels near Key West Pier. Sight-cast live crabs — one of the great flats challenges.
Sciaenops ocellatus
Popular game fish with distinctive black spot near tail. Found in shallow coastal waters.
Local Notes: Patrol the edges of Key West Pier and the surrounding flats, especially on falling tides.
Scomberomorus maculatus
Fast-swimming pelagic fish with gold spots. Common in spring and fall.
Local Notes: Blitz through Key West Pier during bait runs. Silver spoons and Gotcha plugs at a fast retrieve.
Cynoscion nebulosus
Popular inshore species with distinctive spots. Found over grass flats and sandy bottoms.
Local Notes: Work the drop-off around Key West Pier with DOA Shrimp or live pilchards, especially at first light.
Megalops atlanticus
Large powerful fish known for spectacular jumps. Migrates along Florida coast.
Local Notes: Roll near Key West Pier during spring migrations. Large live mullet or blue crabs.
Ocyurus chrysurus
Beautiful snapper with yellow tail and lateral stripe. Excellent table fare.
Local Notes: Abundant near the reef structures accessible from Key West Pier. Chum with ground fish and freeline pilchards.
