It would take more than one lifetime to catch an example of each of the over 500 varieties of fish
that swim the waters of the Florida Keys. Listed below are a few of the most common catches.
Use the menu on the left to see more information about each fish.
ATLANTIC SAILFISH
Probably the best known gamefish in the keys, this fighter can reach a weight of 100 pounds; but
averages around 50 He is generally found in water over six fathoms. However, it is not
uncommon to find him hunting food in the shallow waters of the reef. Fall and winter are the best
times of year to tangle with a sailfish, but they are caught year-round.
BLUE MARLIN
Found in the Gulf stream and in the open ocean this grand-daddy of gamefish averages 150-
250 lbs. (Florida Record: 980 lbs., 8 ozs.) Spring and summer are the best time to hook up with
one, and be ready for a battle.
WHITE MARLIN
Like its big brother the blue marlin, the white marlin is also found in the Gulf stream or open
ocean. Reaching weights up to 170 pounds it averages around 85 lbs. (Florida Record: 161 lbs.)
A great jumper and fighter, its edibility is only good and so it is not often eaten.
KING MACKEREL
Winter is the best time to catch a king. Traveling in schools they average 12-20 lbs. but can
exceed 50 pounds. (Florida Record 90 lbs.) Caught in waters offshore, they are an excellent
eating fish and are considered by some the best for smoking.
DOLPHIN
Also a schooling fish, the dolphin is found in all warm waters usually 250 feet or deeper. Caught
all year in the keys, summer is the best, and it is not unusual to catch a dozen 10 - 12 pounders,
and a good 35 - 50 lb. bull. A great eater.
“SILVER KING” TARPON
Tarpon live in the Keys waters year round. Around the end of February the larger migrating
tarpon show up to spawn in our Gulf waters. These fish are coming and going throughout the
Keys until late June. Tarpon can be caught year round but summer is the best time of year to
catch the big ones by casting on the shallow flats. Tarpon that weigh over 200 pounds have
been caught at this time of the year. They are not good to eat.
BONEFISH
Primarily found in the back country and flats fishing, this fish inhabits the shallow waters of the
Florida Keys - often in waters less than 1 foot deep, usually over lush grass flats but
occasionally over white sand. The Bonefish, also called banana fish, phantom and gray ghost, is
considered too bony for the average eater.
SNOOK
The Snook is the finest eating fish you will find in saltwater. This is a catch you will remember in
your arms as well as your tummy! Snook fishing is best September till April. Also found in
sheltered waters and occasionally fresh water. The edibility of this fish is excellent.
MANGROVE SNAPPER
This edible delight is found all year round mostly inshore or around reefs. Averaging 1 to 4
pounds, they can be found in holes, channels, bridges, pier areas, mangroves and shorelines.
that swim the waters of the Florida Keys. Listed below are a few of the most common catches.
Use the menu on the left to see more information about each fish.
ATLANTIC SAILFISH
Probably the best known gamefish in the keys, this fighter can reach a weight of 100 pounds; but
averages around 50 He is generally found in water over six fathoms. However, it is not
uncommon to find him hunting food in the shallow waters of the reef. Fall and winter are the best
times of year to tangle with a sailfish, but they are caught year-round.
BLUE MARLIN
Found in the Gulf stream and in the open ocean this grand-daddy of gamefish averages 150-
250 lbs. (Florida Record: 980 lbs., 8 ozs.) Spring and summer are the best time to hook up with
one, and be ready for a battle.
WHITE MARLIN
Like its big brother the blue marlin, the white marlin is also found in the Gulf stream or open
ocean. Reaching weights up to 170 pounds it averages around 85 lbs. (Florida Record: 161 lbs.)
A great jumper and fighter, its edibility is only good and so it is not often eaten.
KING MACKEREL
Winter is the best time to catch a king. Traveling in schools they average 12-20 lbs. but can
exceed 50 pounds. (Florida Record 90 lbs.) Caught in waters offshore, they are an excellent
eating fish and are considered by some the best for smoking.
DOLPHIN
Also a schooling fish, the dolphin is found in all warm waters usually 250 feet or deeper. Caught
all year in the keys, summer is the best, and it is not unusual to catch a dozen 10 - 12 pounders,
and a good 35 - 50 lb. bull. A great eater.
“SILVER KING” TARPON
Tarpon live in the Keys waters year round. Around the end of February the larger migrating
tarpon show up to spawn in our Gulf waters. These fish are coming and going throughout the
Keys until late June. Tarpon can be caught year round but summer is the best time of year to
catch the big ones by casting on the shallow flats. Tarpon that weigh over 200 pounds have
been caught at this time of the year. They are not good to eat.
BONEFISH
Primarily found in the back country and flats fishing, this fish inhabits the shallow waters of the
Florida Keys - often in waters less than 1 foot deep, usually over lush grass flats but
occasionally over white sand. The Bonefish, also called banana fish, phantom and gray ghost, is
considered too bony for the average eater.
SNOOK
The Snook is the finest eating fish you will find in saltwater. This is a catch you will remember in
your arms as well as your tummy! Snook fishing is best September till April. Also found in
sheltered waters and occasionally fresh water. The edibility of this fish is excellent.
MANGROVE SNAPPER
This edible delight is found all year round mostly inshore or around reefs. Averaging 1 to 4
pounds, they can be found in holes, channels, bridges, pier areas, mangroves and shorelines.
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| Florida Keys Fish |
All About Florida Keys Fishing & Key West Fishing
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Florida Keys Fish
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