Black Grouper           (Mycteroperca bonaci)

 Among the Black Grouper there are numerous other types of Grouper to catch in Key West.  Bottom fishing is the most effective method of catching Grouper.  We commonly use depth recorders to locate rocky bottom and wrecks where Grouper congregate.  Groupers strike aggressively and fight hard. 

White, flaky flesh of Grouper makes it excellent eating. 

The All-Tackle World Record is 114 lb., caught January 1997.

The best Grouper fishing is November through April in Key West.

Mutton Snapper       (Lutjanus analis)

They attain weights in excess of 25 to 30 lbs.  They are strong fighters on light tackle and can be taken on natural baits or small lures fished near the bottom. 

The flesh is firm and white and is excellent eating. 

The All-Tackle World Record is 30 lb. 4 oz., caught November 1998, in beautiful Key West, Florida.

King Mackerel        (Scomberomorus cavalla)

 Also known as "Kingfish".  A schooling fish usually found around coral reefs and wrecks.  This migratory species is constantly on the move.  Schools vary in size and the largest individuals are usually loners.  With razor sharp teeth and lightening speed, Kings are an awesome predator. 

Fishing methods include anchoring up on schools and chumming with live bait.  Casting jigs, plugs, and flies is extremely effective once the school starts to feed. 

The All-Tackle World Record is 93 lb., caught in April 1999.

Best time to catch Kingfish is December through April.

Cero Mackerel       (Scomberomorus regalis)

One of my favorite fish to catch is Cero.  The action is nonstop, whether it be casting top-water plugs  or fly fishing, making the majority of the strikes visual. 

Fishing method is anchoring up on shallow reefs and chumming with hundreds of live pilchards.  Ceros have razor sharp teeth, making wire leader essential. 

The All-Tackle World Record is 17 lb. 2 oz., caught April 1986 in the Florida Keys. 

Late November through March is prime time.

Great Barracuda       (Sphyraena barracuda)

Found both offshore and inshore around reefs, wrecks, and grass flats, and wherever small fish congregate.  Barracudas are extremely strong, making long runs and spectacular jumps when hooked. Barracuda eat whatever is available.  Fishing methods include casting plugs, spoons, Cuda lures, and flies, the faster the retrieval the better. 

The All-Tackle World Record is 84 lb. 14 oz., caught March 1991.

Cudas are found year-round in the Florida Keys

Yellowtail Snapper           (Ocyurus chrysurus)

When adults, they are one of the smartest snapper out there. Yellowtails are probably the reason they invented fluorocarbon.  Anchoring up is the only way to go when fishing for Yellowtail.  Before fishing, we usually chum for a period of time, giving them a false sense of security.  

Fishing methods include drifting cut bait back with the chum or casting plugs and flies when they are feeding on the surface.  The limit is 10 per person, and is excellent eating. 

The All-Tackle World Record is 8 lb. 15 oz., caught May 1999.

Yellowtail fishing in Key West is year-round.