Spring Fishing in Key West with Gonzo Charter
In the spring, the warming waters signal the arrival of some of the most sought-after fish and the peak of others. The season is from March to May, and there are a variety of fish all ready for your hook during these times. Here’s a look at the fishing action in the spring months here in Key West.
Some of the fish here are coming to the end of their seasons. Sailfish and Wahoo seasons start in November, March is the last month for Wahoo, and April is for Sailfish.
Other offshore fish in season during the spring months are Blackfin Tuna, Amberjacks, Mahi Mahi and Marlin (both Blue and White). Most of these fish peak in the summer, but in the late spring, they start to enter the Gulf Stream and deeper waters.
You will find Cobia, Yellowtail Snapper and Gag Grouper closer to shore in the reefs and wrecks. You will also find other Grouper and Snapper, but the Yellowtail Snapper and Gag Grouper are most active during these months.
Inshore in the flats, channels and backcountry, you will find several sought-after fish. Tarpon, Snook and Permit are three of the most popular inshore fish in the world, and during the spring in Key West, you can find all of them in good numbers.
OFFSHORE
BLACKFIN TUNA
The Blackfin Tuna’s season peaks from March to May. These small but powerful fish can be found in the deeper waters near wrecks during this time. They can also be reeled in when trolling the water offshore.
These fish are a favorite among anglers for their fight and flavor. Some of the best methods for catching these fish are chumming, live bait, and trolling.
AMBERJACK
Amberjack’s activity is most active during the months of March through June. This fish is commonly caught near the deep wrecks, reefs and other structures offshore.
You can catch Amberjacks using many methods, like live bait with pilchards or pinfish and drifting over the reefs. These are big fish and put up a real fight, so you need heavy tackle to bring them into the boat. The beginning months, March and April, are the best months to target this strong fish.
MAHI MAHI
Another fish whose season starts in the spring is the very sought-after Mahi Mahi. While its peak season is in the summer, spring is when the numbers of this fish begin to increase.
April is the start of this season with this trophy fish often found near weed lines and floating debris as well as in the Gulf Stream, past the barrier reef and in very deep water of 400+ feet.
BLUE AND WHITE MARLIN
Finally, in May, the Blue Marlin and the lesser-found White Marlin make their way to the Key West Florida waters. These are the world’s most sought-after fish and are known for the battles that ensue when hooking up with them.
SAILFISH
Even though it is the weaning months of the Sailfish season, spring has some of the best chances of catching the quickest fish in the sea. Sailfish are found patrolling along temperature breaks and chasing schools of baitfish.
This is why anglers find success trolling with ballyhoo or using live bait near drop-offs. Watching a sailfish leap out of the water is an unforgettable experience and a highlight of early spring fishing.
WAHOO
Wahoo is also one of the fastest fish anywhere and also one of the most fun to catch. While the season is only in March, it is still a great time to hook up with them.
Like the Sailfish, trolling along the deep ledges and temperature breaks is an excellent way to reel in this prized pelagic predator.
WRECKS AND REEFS
In the wrecks and reefs, there are many fish that start their season in the spring, and these are the best months to catch them. Cobia and some varieties of Snapper and Grouper can all be found during these months at the numerous wrecks and reefs.
COBIA
During the entire spring, Cobia began migrating to warmer waters, so the best months to fish for them are March to May. You can also find this fish near the reefs and wrecks or following sharks and rays.
Live bait is an excellent method for attracting them. You can also try bottom fishing and sight fishing. These are fun and popular fish for anglers because of the strong fight they put up when reeling them in.
SNAPPER
While multiple Snapper species are found in the wrecks and reefs throughout the year, spring has the best chance of catching the Yellowtail Snapper. Other Snapper like Mutton Snapper are found in numbers, but their best season is more towards the summer months.
Yellowtail Snapper
With the warmer and calmer waters, they bring excellent conditions for fishing for Yellowtails. From March through May, they are highly active around reefs and ledges in 30 to 100 feet of water, feeding on small baitfish. This time is also the beginning of their spawning, making locating them easier as they congregate together.
Drift chumming is the best method for attracting large schools of Snapper. These fish put up a strong fight. With a delicious flavor, yellowtail Snapper are a favorite among anglers looking for both sport and a tasty catch.
Other Snapper species, like the Mangrove and Red varieties, are found on reefs and in wrecks. However, it is not their season, and they are not as numerous as the Yellowtail. Amberjacks are also found around the wrecks and reefs.
GROUPER
Grouper are also another fish that is found in the reefs and wrecks of Key West throughout the year, but like the Snapper they too have different times when the different species peak. For the spring, the Grouper that really peaks during this time is the Gag Grouper. The other Grouper are also found in these months, but spring is the prime time for Gag Grouper.
Gag Grouper
Spring fishing for Gag Grouper in Key West is excellent. These fish become more active during this time, moving from the deep waters to shallower reefs and wrecks hanging around the rocky ledges and coral heads.
March-May is the perfect time to target them, especially with live baits like pinfish or pilchards, which they can’t resist. These fish put up a real fight, reeling them into the boat. You will have a fantastic day on the water with calm seas and sunny skies. Plus, there is nothing like grilling up some fresh grouper to end the perfect day.
Like the Snapper, there are other Grouper around the wrecks and reefs. Black and Red Grouper can be found here, but the chances of reeling them are less than the Gag Grouper.
INSHORE
Spring in Key West is a fantastic time for inshore fishing. Several sought-after fish, including Tarpon, Snook and Permit, are ready to bite. These fish are always popular fish for anglers as they put up quite a fight. Other fish can be found inshore, like the Mangrove Snapper, Redfish and Spotted Trout, but these three are the ones that anglers go to target.
TARPON
Tarpon are one of the stars of the season. The best time to fish them is from April to June when the annual migration peaks with massive schools of these “Silver Kings” in the waters of Key West. They are always a fan favorite because of their thrilling fights and acrobatic leaps as you try to reel them in.
You will find these large-sized fish in the backcountry flats, near the many channels and around bridges. The best time of day for fishing is early morning and late afternoon during the tides. Drifting live bait such as mullet, pinfish and crabs is highly effective, but try your luck with fly fishing for an enjoyable and challenging experience.
SNOOK
Springtime in Key West is prime for snook fishing, especially from March through July. The Snook gets more active as the water gets warmer. Snooks are known for the thrill of catching them and the excellent firm white meat with a mild flavor.
During this time of year, you can find Snook around mangroves, estuaries and shoreline structures. The best way to increase your chances of a successful fishing trip is by using live bait such as silver mullet and threadfin herring. Nothing is like the excitement you feel when this quick and feisty fish gives you the fight of your life.
PERMIT
The spring is also a fantastic time to fish for the elusive Permit. These are among the top inshore fish and an exciting challenge for anglers as they put up a real fight to get them in the boat. They can be fished year-round, but in the spring months of April – May, they are very active, feeding on what they can, including your hook, before they head offshore to spawn.
These fish move onto the flats for food before heading offshore to spawn in April. This pre-spawn period offers anglers a unique chance to target Permit in shallow waters on the flats. During this time, they are also known to gather around nearshore wrecks and reefs. The best techniques for hooking these aggressive fish are sight casting with live crabs as bait, or you can try your luck fly fishing for a fun challenge.
OTHER FISH
Springtime in Key West offers many inshore fishing opportunities beyond the well-known Tarpon, Permit, and Snook. During this season, species such as Redfish, Mangrove Snapper, Jack Crevalle, Spanish Mackerel, and Speckled Trout also become active.
Redfish are commonly found in shallow flats and mangrove-lined shorelines, providing for some exciting sight-fishing. Mangrove snapper, known for their delicious taste, can be found at structures like mangroves and docks. The aggressive Jack crevalle, known for their fight, are often found in schools patrolling the inshore waters. Spanish mackerel provide fast action as they migrate into the area during these months., Speckled trout, or sea trout, inhabit grass flats and channels.
For all of them, the best times to find them are early mornings and late afternoons. And the methods for hooking up for them are varied. The best method for Redfish and Mangrove Snapper is live bait (shrimp and small baitfish) with light tackle. Shiny lures such as spoons, jigs and plugs are great for Jacks and Spanish Mackerel, while softer lures and live shrimp work great with Speckled Trout.
CONCLUSION
Springtime in Key West is a paradise for anglers. Many fishing experiences exist across offshore waters, reefs, wrecks, and inshore flats. The warming temperatures and increased baitfish activity during this season attract a variety of different inshore fish, making it an ideal time for anglers of all abilities.
Offshore, the spring months bring trophy fish like Sailfish, Mahi-Mahi, Blue and White Marlin, Amberjack and Blackfin Tuna closer to the surface, providing thrilling battles for deep-sea anglers. The waters are full of baitfish attracting these giants to the Gulf Stream and offshore fishing grounds.
The reefs and wrecks surrounding Key West become hotspots for fish such as Snapper, Grouper, Cobia and Amberjack during spring. These structures offer shelter and feeding grounds for many reef and wreckfish, making bottom feeding excellent at this time of year.
Spring in Key West is prime time for inshore anglers targeting tarpon, snook, and Permit. As the waters warm, these species become more active in the shallow flats and mangrove-lined shorelines. Tarpon, known for their acrobatic leaps, migrate into the area, offering thrilling challenges. Snook frequent mangroves and estuaries, becoming aggressive feeders during this period. Permit, often found on the flats, are in search of crustaceans, providing rewarding opportunities for sight-fishing enthusiasts.
Inshore, the flats and mangrove-lined shorelines come alive with aggressive Tarpon, Snook and Permit. Redfish, sea trout, jack crevalle, and other inshore fish are also found in these areas. The calmer, warmer spring waters encourage these fish to feed actively, providing excellent opportunities for light tackle and fly fishing.
Overall, spring in Key West offers excitement and exhilarating action that caters to a wide range of anglers. Whether you’re heading offshore to fight the big sportfish, go bottom fishing around reefs and wrecks, or stalk the flats inshore, the spring season’s wide variety of charters and fish make Key West a prime destination for any angler looking for memories that will last a lifetime.
For a great charter in Key West, you cannot do any better than Gonzo Adventures with Captain Thomas DeGan. This charter service offers one of the best captains in the city who is very knowledgeable about the waters surrounding Key West and the variety of fish here. His boat, the Sea Conclusion, is a 46′ Bertram Sportfish boat built for fishing. He will take you to the best fishing grounds for the fish you want to target. See why they get so many five-star reviews on Tripadvisor.
Gonzo Adventures
- Key West, FL
Gonzo Adventures, based in Key West, Florida, offers premier deep-sea fishing charters from Ocean’s Edge Resort & Marina. Led by seasoned captains Thomas DeGan and Steve, with mate Jeff, they provide half-day to full-day trips targeting species like Mahi Mahi, Tuna, and Marlin. Their 46′ Bertram Sportfish boat, Sea Clusion, ensures a comfortable and fully equipped fishing experience.
