Key West Fishing Reports (December 2025)

Key West Weather Forecast

Fishing reports straight from our guides in Key West

Frank Betz
Summerland Key, Florida
Reported: 9 months ago

Cobia bite in the back country has been steady along with the magrove bite.

Frank Betz Summerland Key, Florida Reported: 9 months ago

Cobia bite in the back country has been steady along with the magrove bite.

Scroll for more

Alex Harmon
Summerland Key, Florida
Reported: 9 months ago

A lot of cobia and tarpon around!

Alex Harmon Summerland Key, Florida Reported: 9 months ago

A lot of cobia and tarpon around!

Scroll for more

Hunter Ledbetter
Key West, Florida
Reported: 10 months ago

Hunter Ledbetter Key West, Florida Reported: 10 months ago

Here are a couple of updates Solid Cero and Yellowtail snapper bites on the reef this morning in key west. Those should hold around for another month. We've had a good run of some nice warm weather in Key West temperatures getting into the high 70s low 80s. Still a lot of good lobster going on lobster season for two more months. we have been having some exceptionally good weather in Key West, highs have been in the low 80's the offshore fishing has been a little slow. A few wahoo, tuna and scattered mahi being caught. I've been diving some and get lots of lobsters and Lionfish

Scroll for more

Chris Gowens
Key West, Florida
Reported: 10 months ago

Mahi tuna wahoo and sailfish offshore and still decent action on the reef.

Chris Gowens Key West, Florida Reported: 10 months ago

Mahi tuna wahoo and sailfish offshore and still decent action on the reef.

Scroll for more

Robert Horachek
Big Pine Key, Florida
Reported: 10 months ago

Bonefishing has been very good

Robert Horachek Big Pine Key, Florida Reported: 10 months ago

Bonefishing has been very good

Scroll for more

Justin Ferrell with Good Times Key West
Key West, Florida
Reported: 10 months ago

Justin Ferrell with Good Times Key West Key West, Florida Reported: 10 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.

Scroll for more

John Guieb
Key West, Florida
Reported: 10 months ago

John Guieb Key West, Florida Reported: 10 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.

Scroll for more

Jamie Snediker
Key West, Florida
Reported: 10 months ago

Lots of mackerel.

Jamie Snediker Key West, Florida Reported: 10 months ago

Lots of mackerel.

Scroll for more

« Newer Reports

More Reports »

Target Species

View Full Species Seasonality Chart »

Show more species

Get it while it's HOT!
This species is in play.
You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Need a Place to Stay?

What's Biting in Key West

« Previous

★★★★★
We had an amazing day with Justin, he ensured we had everything we needed and found the fish we were after. We even caught dinner!
Myers M. | December 9, 2025

Trip: 3/4 Day Inshore Trip
★★★★★
My wife and I and 13 year old son went on a six hour spearfishing tour with Torre and it was by far the highlight of our trip to the Keys. We ended up with a fridge full of lobster, snapper, cero mackerel and yellow jack and we turned it into sashimi, ceviche, lobster macaroni and beer battered fish. We saw hammerheads, goliath groupers and sea turtles. My wife and I had never spear fished before but we had a great time; much better than fishing. Torre was an amazing guide and clearly knew where to go and what to look for. Next time we’re in the Keys, this will be our first stop.
Anna C. | November 27, 2025

Trip: 4-6 Hour Spearfishing/Lobster
★★★★★
Wonderful trip, they made it so easy to enjoy ourselves, crew was inviting and welcoming. will definitely be booking again
Heather W. | November 27, 2025

Trip: Key West Nearshore/Offshore Trip
★★★★★
Capt Justin knows what he's doing. If you're in the Keys and looking to catch fish and have a great experience, call him!
Dale S. | November 27, 2025

Trip: Key West Fishing Adventure
★★★★★
Tom was a delight to be with for the day. He made it an pleasure with five (5) beginners. We tickled and netted more then we could eat for dinner for two nights. My family would recommend Tom to anyone.
David N. | November 26, 2025

Trip: Lobstering
★★★★★
Anthony was fantastic with our 13 year old son! We will definitely book with him again. We caught fish for two dinners:)
William O. | November 25, 2025

Trip: Beautiful Backcountry Fishing
★★★★★
Hunter and Valerie were awesome! Even in unideal conditions at the end of the season, we were still able to bring in a bunch of lobster. They made things quick and easy, and Hunter was communicating with me all throughout the planning process. Would absolutely book again.
Dalton R. | November 18, 2025

Trip: Lionfish Spearfishing Fury
★★★★★
Amazing trip! Captain was awesome! Put us right on the spot to catch lobster! Definitely a must do!
Noel S. | November 16, 2025

Trip: Catch Your Own Tasty Lobster!
★★★★★
Captain Jamie took us out in the early afternoon, and even though we knew the bite was a little slow at this time, we just wanted to get out and enjoy the water around beautiful Key West. He made the most of our four hours; we hit around four spots and even cruised over to the ocean side to try and find the bite that way. In this 4-hour trip, I got a crash course in fly fishing from one of the best. Jamie’s super laid-back, easy to talk to, and knows the area like the back of his hand. We wrapped up the trip with a gorgeous sunset; it was a 10/10 day all around. Even with the slow bite, it was one of the most scenic, educational, and unforgettable trips I’ve ever been on!
Jonathan N. | November 6, 2025

Trip: Key West On Light Tackle & Flies
★★★★★
We had an amazing time! Captain was friendly and very helpful. The captain recommended that we take our catch to Mac’s Place bar just steps from the marina and have it prepared. The staff and preparation were both amazing!! We will return to do it all again! Thanks Antonio!!
Todd R. | November 5, 2025

Trip: Key West Inshore, Nearshore, Jetty

Top Fishing Trips in Key West

Veteran Operated

This trip is managed by a veteran of the US armed forces.

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in Key West

Marquesas Key Fishing Adventure

100% (18) Managed by Anthony

33 ft 1 - 4 People From $1,600

Damn Good

Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.

Nearshore Fishing in Key West

Lionfish Spearfishing Fury

100% (87) Guided by Hunter

30 ft 1 - 4 People From $850

Damn Good

Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.

Deep Sea Fishing in Key West

Dry Tortugas Trip

100% (51) Managed by Justin

35 ft 1 - 12 People From $3,750

Damn Good

Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.