If you’ve been dying to throw up that 'ol ‘Gone Fishin’ sign up on your cubicle, Key West fishing is the perfect excuse! According to the International Game Fish Association, and various angling organizations around the world, more saltwater world records have been established and broken all along the Florida Keys than anywhere else in the world. Key West is home to an abundance of knowledgeable fishing captains whose experience ranges from commercial fishing to hosting private charters at some of the most exclusive fishing lodges in the world. With hundreds of species milling about, mere miles off the coast, Key West fishing, with it’s myriad record breaking species, is some of the most exciting anywhere on the planet. If you’re a novice, or just new to fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, here are is a small sampling of what you may find after at the end of your reel!
Greater Amberjack
Referring to three species of Atlantic fish belonging to the Carangidae family. The Greater Amberjack, the largest of the jacks, call the waters off the coast of Key West home. Prized for their strength, size and aggression when caught. If you think having a literal tug-o-war with a fish is as thrilling as the hunt for them, the Great Amberjack is an enthusiastic contender. Great Amberjack’s can exceed some 100lbs!
Blacktip Shark
Anglers come from all over the world just for the opportunity to try and catch a Blacktip Shark. And what makes it so thrilling, is that you don’t have to go very far to seek them out, they lurk in the shadows. This impressive apex predator dines on migratory fish, reaches a length of approximately 5 feet and can weigh up to 150 lbs. You may want to do your stretches before you reel this one in, because if there’s one thing they’re good at, it’s putting up a monumental fight.
Black Grouper
Key West fishing is known the world over for its bottom fishing, and the mighty Black Grouper is one of the the Key West species to give the region this reputation. Brutish, and spirited, the Black Grouper almost always gauges in a tug-o-war with whomever is brave enough to reel it in. Living in depths anywhere from 25 to 110 feet, and reaching lengths of 5 feet, the Black Grouper is a most certainly a prized catch.
Great Barracuda
One of the most exciting aspects of Key West fishing is the opportunity to catch a apex predators! The Great Barracuda is ferocious, tenacious and fast! With the ability to swim up to 27 mph, these magnificent game fish provide a unique and exciting challenge to intermediate to experienced anglers. With a potential weight of 100 lbs, and lengths of six feet, if you manage to pluck one from the ocean, it’s an event worth celebrating!
Black Fin Tuna
As the smallest of the tuna species, Black Fin Tuna grow to a maximum of length of 39"and max out somewhere around 46 lbs. Their splendid oval shaped bodies, sleek black backs and prominent yellow striping on and around its finlets, make them a popular catch for anglers of all abilities. They’re only found in the western Atlantic from as south as Brazil and up through to Cape Cod.
So pack it in, tell the boss you’re taking an extended weekend, and head south for some thrilling Key West fishing.
