Big Pine Key Fishing Reports (December 2025)

Justin Ferrell with Good Times Key West
Key West, Florida
Reported: 9 months ago

Inshore on our 24' the reef has been on fire with almost every species of snapper. A ton of black grouper have been caught because the season is closed. Couple of monster sharks including a monster (10+ft) hammerhead. Cobia are starting to show up, but Im yet to catch a...

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Justin Ferrell with Good Times Key West Key West, Florida Reported: 9 months ago

Inshore on our 24' the reef has been on fire with almost every species of snapper. A ton of black grouper have been caught because the season is closed. Couple of monster sharks including a monster (10+ft) hammerhead. Cobia are starting to show up, but Im yet to catch a keeper cobia (yet) this year. The offshore bite has been hit or miss, but when it's good, it's gooooood. Just this week we have caught multiple species of tuna, sailfish, mahi, and we are targeting a full moon wahoo tomorrow.

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John Guieb
Key West, Florida
Reported: 9 months ago

February 2025 The offshore bite around Key West is absolutely red hot right now, with blackfin tuna and cobia stealing the show! Blackfin Tuna Frenzy The blackfin tuna action has been nothing short of spectacular. Schools of these torpedoes are stacking up along the edge of the reef and in...

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John Guieb Key West, Florida Reported: 9 months ago

February 2025 The offshore bite around Key West is absolutely red hot right now, with blackfin tuna and cobia stealing the show! Blackfin Tuna Frenzy The blackfin tuna action has been nothing short of spectacular. Schools of these torpedoes are stacking up along the edge of the reef and in deeper blue water, particularly around the humps and wrecks. Anglers live baiting with pilchards, threadfin herring, and small blue runners on light tackle are experiencing non-stop action. The key has been to chum heavy with live baits, creating a slick that pulls them right up to the boat. Once they’re fired up, it’s game on! Fish in the 15–25 lb range are common, with some larger bruisers mixed in. Light fluorocarbon leaders (20-30 lb) and small circle hooks are doing the trick, providing an epic fight that tests every inch of your gear. Cobia Crash the Party While targeting tuna, surprise visits from cobia have added to the excitement. These fish are cruising the same wrecks and structure, often trailing behind rays, sharks, and even alongside the tuna schools. They’re aggressive right now, smashing live baits like pinfish and pilchards without hesitation. Anglers are reporting cobia in the 20–40 lb class, with some true Key West giants pushing beyond that. Keep a pitch rod ready with a live bait hooked up because these fish often appear out of nowhere, especially when you’re chumming heavily. Tips for Success: • Chum Heavy: Live chumming with pilchards keeps both tuna and cobia around the boat.

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Jamie Snediker
Key West, Florida
Reported: 9 months ago

Lots of mackerel.

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Jamie Snediker Key West, Florida Reported: 9 months ago

Lots of mackerel.

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Ryan Carter
Key West, Florida
Reported: 9 months ago

East winds this week will bring in some warm waters and calm seas. The mangrove snapper bite has been very good with pilchards, pinfish and or cut bait. The jack crevel have taken over the gulf of America in strong numbers. The average size is 8 pounds with some 12...

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Ryan Carter Key West, Florida Reported: 9 months ago

East winds this week will bring in some warm waters and calm seas. The mangrove snapper bite has been very good with pilchards, pinfish and or cut bait. The jack crevel have taken over the gulf of America in strong numbers. The average size is 8 pounds with some 12 pounders mixed in. The Cobia are still hanging around the shallow wrecks. Fishing will only continue getting better later in the months coming.

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Antonio Estenoz
Key West, Florida
Reported: 9 months ago

Tunas are biting!!

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Antonio Estenoz Key West, Florida Reported: 9 months ago

Tunas are biting!!

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Alex Harmon
Summerland Key, Florida
Reported: 10 months ago

Lots of tunas and snappers around.

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Alex Harmon Summerland Key, Florida Reported: 10 months ago

Lots of tunas and snappers around.

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Mark Baumgarten with Cowboy Cowgirl Sport Fishing Charters
Key West, Florida
Reported: 10 months ago

Key West Sportfishing Delivers! A group of brothers from Miami came down for an unforgettable Key West fishing trip, and the action did not disappoint! The highlight of their three-quarter day private charter was a massive 40-pound King Mackerel (Smoker Kingfish)—an absolute beast! They also landed some solid Cero Mackerel,...

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Mark Baumgarten with Cowboy Cowgirl Sport Fishing Charters Key West, Florida Reported: 10 months ago

Key West Sportfishing Delivers! A group of brothers from Miami came down for an unforgettable Key West fishing trip, and the action did not disappoint! The highlight of their three-quarter day private charter was a massive 40-pound King Mackerel (Smoker Kingfish)—an absolute beast! They also landed some solid Cero Mackerel, making for a day full of exciting fights and great catches. Sportfishing in Key West is on fire right now, and this trip was proof of it!

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John Guieb
Key West, Florida
Reported: 10 months ago

The Warsaw Grouper of a Lifetime As part of my Big Fish Series, this catch represents one of the most incredible moments of my fishing career. Measuring over 84 inches, this Warsaw grouper is not only the largest grouper I’ve ever caught but also the biggest fish (excluding sharks) I’ve...

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John Guieb Key West, Florida Reported: 10 months ago

The Warsaw Grouper of a Lifetime As part of my Big Fish Series, this catch represents one of the most incredible moments of my fishing career. Measuring over 84 inches, this Warsaw grouper is not only the largest grouper I’ve ever caught but also the biggest fish (excluding sharks) I’ve ever landed. This fish was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The battle was nothing short of epic, testing my skills and endurance. Armed with a Shimano Talica 50, the grouper put up a fight worthy of its size and reputation. Every second of the struggle was a reminder of the raw power and sheer determination these giants possess. Landing this grouper will forever stand as a milestone in my journey as a fisherman. It’s a humbling yet thrilling reminder of the incredible encounters the ocean holds for those willing to test their limits.

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