Key West Fishing Forecast, Weather & Tides

Fishing around Key West

Key West gives anglers access to the Gulf side, Atlantic side, nearby channels, shallow flats, reef edges, and deep blue water. A short distance on the chart can produce a large change in wind exposure, current, wave height, and water clarity.

Common target species

• Tarpon
• Permit
• Bonefish
• Yellowtail snapper
• Grouper
• Mahi-mahi
• Blackfin tuna

Seasonal fishing picture

Spring and early summer are famous for tarpon, while permit and bonefish remain important flats targets. Reef fishing can be productive across much of the year. Mahi, tuna, sailfish, and other pelagic opportunities shift with season, current, and bait.

How to use the local tide and weather

Use the Key West station as a water-level reference, then account for the channel or flat you plan to fish. Wind against current can make exposed passes rough, and Atlantic conditions may be very different from protected Gulf-side water.

A basic Key West trip check

1. Read official warnings and the marine forecast for the full route.
2. Note the tide stage during the hours you expect to fish.
3. Match wind direction and wave exposure to your exact location.
4. Confirm access, daylight, fuel, communications, and a safe return window.
5. Review current Florida seasons, size limits, bag limits, and closures.

Planning only: Weather and tide feeds can be delayed or unavailable, and a station prediction does not describe every inlet, bay, creek, or offshore area. Verify actual conditions and never use this page for navigation.

Primary planning sources

• NOAA tide predictions: Key West
• National Weather Service marine forecasts and warnings
• Current Florida fishing regulations