How to use our fishing calendar
Planning your next fishing trip in Key West, United States ? Today is a excellent day for fishing. Our comprehensive fishing almanac combines our popular solunar tables, moon times, sunrise and sunset times, nearby tide chart, and a 7-day fishing calendar so you always know the best fishing times in your area. We analyse major and minor solunar bite times, rate each day on a five-star scale, and pair it with localized weather forecasts so you can quickly tell whether today is a good day to fish without juggling multiple tabs. Be sure to bookmark this page so you never miss a bite. view bite times...
- Check our unique Solunar Clock for precise solunar tables and the best moon phases.
- Use the Tide Clock section to sync bite times with high and low tide chart.
- Analyze the forecasted weather conditions, such as wind, barometric pressure and rain to plan your fishing session.
- Jump to the 7-Day Fishing Calendar for an extended fishing forecast, then explore nearby fishing spots on the interactive map.
Fishing in Key West, Florida, is among the most diverse in the United States, with easy access to the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic Ocean, flats, reefs, and legendary offshore bluewater. Anglers travel here year‑round for trophy tarpon, sailfish, mahi mahi, permit, bonefish, and a huge variety of snapper and grouper. Whether you’re wading the flats, drifting the reef, or running far offshore, Key West fishing offers world‑class action in every season. read more...
Sun and Moon Times
-
Nautical Twilight begins:Sunrise:
-
Sunset:Nautical Twilight ends:
-
Moonrise:
-
Moonset:
-
Moon over:
-
Moon under:
-
Visibility:9%
-
Waxing Crescent
-
Distance to earth:368,090 kmProximity:88.3 %
Moon Phases for Key West
-
excellent Day
-
major Time:02:37 am - 04:37 am
-
minor Time:08:15 am - 10:15 am
-
major Time:03:11 pm - 05:11 pm
-
minor Time:10:07 pm - 12:07 am
Tides Times for Fishing: Wed, 17 Jun
Tide Clock
Tide Graph
Times
| Tide | Time | Height |
|---|---|---|
| low | 04:30 am | 0.33 ft |
| high | 11:03 am | 2.46 ft |
| low | 06:24 pm | -0.39 ft |
Current Fishing Weather
Wind Speed and Direction
Wind Direction:
Wind Speed:
Wind Direction and Speed are one of the most important aspects for choosing a fishing spot. An offshore wind can help land-based anglers with longer casting distances, while an onshore wind will make kayak fishing safer. Often fish will also move to certain feeding areas depending on the wind direction. Check out the long term wind forecast at the charts below.
Fishing Barometer
Atmospheric Pressure:
Change since midnight:
Trend for next 6 hours:
Atmospheric or Barometric Pressure affects fish activity. The best fishing can be had on a rising barometer and also the time just before it is falling. A steady barometer in the higher ranges can also mean good fishing. A falling or low barometer reading without much change is usually not a very good time for fishing.
UV Effect on Fishing
As a rule of thumb, the higher the UV index, the deeper fish will move. Shallow water fishing is best done at times with a low UV index. When the UV is high, stick to early mornings, late evenings and shaded areas. The effect is less noticable in deeper water, but often a higher UV index can produce good results in the deep.
7 Day Fishing Weather
| Date | Major Bite Times | Minor Bite Times | Sun | Moon | Moonphase | Tide Times |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
-
-
|
-
-
|
R: S: |
R: S: |
New Moon |
low:
, 0.36 ft
high:
, 2.56 ft
, Coeff: 164
low:
, -0.49 ft
high:
, 1.12 ft
, Coeff: 26
|
|
|
-
-
|
-
-
|
R: S: |
R: S: |
Waxing Crescent |
low:
, 0.33 ft
high:
, 2.46 ft
, Coeff: 154
low:
, -0.39 ft
|
|
|
-
-
|
-
-
|
R: S: |
R: S: |
Waxing Crescent |
high:
, 1.18 ft
, Coeff: 32
low:
, 0.33 ft
high:
, 2.26 ft
, Coeff: 136
low:
, -0.23 ft
|
|
|
-
-
|
-
-
|
R: S: |
R: S: |
Waxing Crescent |
high:
, 1.25 ft
, Coeff: 39
low:
, 0.36 ft
high:
, 2 ft
, Coeff: 111
low:
, -0.07 ft
|
|
|
-
-
|
-
-
|
R: S: |
R: S: |
First Quarter Moon |
high:
, 1.35 ft
, Coeff: 48
low:
, 0.36 ft
high:
, 1.71 ft
, Coeff: 82
low:
, 0.1 ft
|
|
|
-
-
|
-
-
|
R: S: |
R: S: |
First Quarter Moon |
high:
, 1.48 ft
, Coeff: 61
low:
, 0.36 ft
high:
, 1.41 ft
, Coeff: 54
low:
, 0.23 ft
|
|
|
-
-
|
-
-
|
R: S: |
R: S: |
First Quarter Moon |
high:
, 1.61 ft
, Coeff: 73
low:
, 0.3 ft
high:
, 1.18 ft
, Coeff: 32
low:
, 0.36 ft
|
|
|
-
-
|
-
-
|
R: S: |
R: S: |
First Quarter Moon |
high:
, 1.71 ft
, Coeff: 82
low:
, 0.16 ft
high:
, 1.05 ft
, Coeff: 20
low:
, 0.46 ft
|
Fishing Overview Key West
Key West fishing is built around distinct zones: inshore flats, nearshore reefs and wrecks, the Gulf side, and deep offshore bluewater. Seasonal migrations and water temperatures dictate where the best action is, so planning around the calendar pays off.
From late winter through early summer, tarpon fishing in Key West is the headliner. Migrating fish stack up along oceanside channels, harbor basins, and bridges. Live crabs, pinfish, and mullet under a float or on a long fluorocarbon leader are standard; fly anglers drift black-and-purple or tan baitfish patterns in the tide. Focus on early morning and dusk when boat traffic is low and tide is moving.
The Key West flats shine from spring through fall for permit, bonefish, barracuda, and sharks. On calm, sunny days, pole or quietly drift across 2–5 ft of water and sight‑fish to tailing or cruising fish. For permit, small live crabs on 1/0–2/0 circle hooks and long leaders are the benchmark. Bonefish respond to shrimp and light jigheads, or small flies in tan and olive. Long casts, subtle presentations, and polarized glasses are critical here.
Nearshore, the reef and patch reefs just a few miles from Key West hold yellowtail, mutton and mangrove snapper, grouper, mackerel, and cobia. Chumming is the core tactic: anchor upcurrent of structure, set a steady chum slick, and drift light baits back on minimal weight and light leaders for yellowtail. Drop bigger baits (pinfish, ballyhoo chunks) near the bottom for grouper and muttons using enough weight to hold just off the reef. Early morning, late afternoon, and days with good current and moderate wind typically produce best.
Offshore, the Gulf Stream off Key West creates classic bluewater opportunities. In spring and early summer, troll weedlines and color changes for mahi mahi with small skirted lures, ballyhoo, or chuggers. Keep a pitch rod ready with a chunk bait when a school appears behind the boat. Winter into early spring brings sailfish and wahoo along edges and rips; high‑speed trolling deep divers and skirted baits over structure is effective. Blackfin tuna often stack on wrecks and shrimp boats—jig vertical metals or drift live pilchards.
On the Gulf side, shallower wrecks and towers hold cobia, permit, snapper, and big sharks. Drifting over these pieces with live baits or jig‑and‑bait combos works well. When cobia or permit show on the surface, cast quickly with a crab or baitfish before they slide off.
Throughout Key West, downsizing leader and tackle when the water is clear, staying mobile, and reading current, wind, and bird activity will consistently improve catch rates. Mixing a plan—starting on the reef at dawn, then sliding to the flats late morning, or pushing offshore when conditions line up—maximizes what this compact but incredibly rich fishery can deliver in a single day.
Interactive Fishing Map for the greater Key West area
Wharf's or Jetties are good places to wet a line and meet other fishermen. They often produce a fresh feed of fish and are also great to catch bait fish. As they are often well lit, they also provide a good opportunity for night fishing. There are 1 wharf(s) in this area.
Government Dock (historical) - 2.72636522286km
Beaches and Bays are ideal places for land-based fishing. If the beach is shallow and the water is clear then twilight times are usually the best times, especially when they coincide with a major or minor fishing time. Often the points on either side of a beach are the best spots. Or if the beach is large then look for irregularities in the breaking waves, indicating sandbanks and holes. We found 3 beaches and bays in this area.
Higgs Beach - 1.09060199193km , Smathers Beach - 1.30407250016km , Bay Keys - 8.74639522509km
Harbours and Marinas can often times be productive fishing spots for land based fishing as their sheltered environment attracts a wide variety of bait fish. Similar to river mouths, harbour entrances are also great places to fish as lots of fish will move in and out with the rising and falling tides. There are 2 main harbours in this area.
State Harbor - 4.75256835785km, Safe Harbor - 4.98450901278km
We found a total of 40 potential fishing spots nearby Key West. Below you can find them organized on a map. Points, Headlands, Reefs, Islands, Channels, etc can all be productive fishing spots. As these are user submitted spots, there might be some errors in the exact location. You also need to cross check local fishing regulations. Some of the spots might be in or around marine reserves or other locations that cannot be fished. If you click on a location marker it will bring up some details and a quick link to google search, satellite maps and fishing times. Tip: Click/Tap on a new area to load more fishing spots.
Garrison Bight - 0.68436286353km , Key West - 1.00050443415km , Higgs Beach - 1.09060199193km , Smathers Beach - 1.30407250016km , Key West Bight - 2.26115972621km , Government Dock (historical) - 2.72636522286km , Salt Pond Keys - 3.04311154457km , Dredgers Key - 3.10364429841km , Wisteria Island - 3.25815493968km , Fleming Key - 3.2999557842km , Thompson Island - 3.41240231162km , Man of War Harbor - 3.69765136848km , Cow Key - 4.14030218571km , Stock Island - 4.57746069148km , State Harbor - 4.75256835785km , Safe Harbor - 4.98450901278km , Raccoon Key - 5.58178417571km , Pearl Basin - 5.84167062424km , Monday Key - 7.62585923786km , Channel Key - 8.12293302124km , Bay Keys - 8.74639522509km , Cayo Agua - 9.31565308806km , Middle Keys - 9.42504288168km , Boca Chica Key - 9.6712011768km , Harper Key - 10.03529084421km , Anonimo Key - 10.19112982202km , Crawfish Key - 10.51883075914km , Big Harper Key - 10.52502966376km , Archer Key - 10.86493333729km , Lower Harbor Keys - 11.15079394209km , West Harbor Key - 11.37754079623km , Rockland Key - 11.50048480107km , Geiger Creek - 11.57412260957km , East Rockland Key - 11.7249284479km , Old Dan Mangrove - 11.76513601067km , Fish Hawk Key - 11.97294628749km , East Harbor Keys - 12.18729530332km , Jewfish Basin - 12.25092571268km , Duck Key - 12.30489576707km , Joe Ingram Key - 13.31255300367km
Comments