AUTHOR
NOTES
Hot Bites, Calm Seas & Summertime Favorites
Key West - Monroe, FL
Fishing in Key West is on fire this July, with warm water temps pushing fish into active feeding patterns both offshore and in the backcountry. Anglers are seeing steady action across all major zones, and the variety of species available right now makes every trip feel rewarding—whether you're targeting trophies or filling the cooler.
Offshore, the dolphin (mahi-mahi) bite is heating up. Schoolies are showing up in good numbers under floating debris and weed lines, and a few larger bulls have been taken on rigged ballyhoo and trolling feathers around the 600-900 foot lines. Blackfin tuna are also biting early in the morning, especially near the humps. Keep an eye out for frigate birds and fast-moving slicks to find the action. The wahoo bite has been spotty, but some captains are reporting hookups on high-speed trolls just before sunrise.
Inshore and backcountry fishing has been excellent. Tarpon are still active in the channels and bridge cuts, particularly during the early morning outgoing tide. Live crabs and pilchards are producing the best results. Mangrove snapper are stacked up around the islands and structure, making them an easy and fun catch for anglers of all skill levels. Permit have been cruising the flats in small schools, and sight-casting with a well-placed crab continues to pay off.
Reef fishing remains solid too, with yellowtail snapper, grouper, and mutton snapper all biting on live bait near the drop-offs and patch reefs. Chumming heavily and staying quiet at anchor are key to drawing them in.
With calm seas, light winds, and strong tides, now is a great time to get out on the water in Key West. Whether you're heading offshore for pelagics or exploring the inshore shallows, the bite is on—and the conditions are ideal.