Deep sea fishing in Key West can be an exhilarating and rewarding experience when approached with the best tools and right information. Wrestling with big game out of depths hundreds of feet below the ocean is not for the faint of heart – but the properly prepared fisherman is sure to come out a winner.
Key West Fishing: Know the Species
A good Key West fishing experience starts with a little basic marine biology – for example, knowing who’s in the water and when. So be sure to know which fish are coming through during each season, and have the proper equipment ready for when they come by. For example:
Sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus): Well known for their acrobatics during a fight, the sailfish can swim up to sixty miles an hour. The Florida record for this magnificent fish is 116 pounds and the best time to find them while Key West fishing is from November to June.
Marlin (Makaira nigricans): Marlin can grow to be 11 feet long and over 2000 pounds in weight. The best time to go deep sea fishing in Key West for marlin is during the spring and summer.
Kingfish (Scomberomorous cavalla): The kingfish, or king mackerel, is best found during the Key West winter. The Florida record for this schooling fish is 90 pounds.
“Dolphin”/Mahi Mahi (Coryphaena hippurus): Found in waters of 250 feet or deeper, the best time to go deep sea fishing in Key West for Mahi Mahi is from May to July when the fish are spawning. The Florida record for this fish is 77 pounds.
Be Fluent in Deep Sea Fishing Key West Laws
If future generations are to also enjoy deep sea fishing in the decades to come, fishermen today have to follow the law and practice sustainable fishing. This means abiding by legislated size limits to ensure young fish have the chance to reproduce and create more watery foes. It also means leaving enough fish in the sea to ensure populations stay robust so that all fishermen can enjoy the pleasures of deep sea fishing.
The best place to go to brush up on Key West fishing regulations is the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. There, deep sea fishing enthusiasts can brush up on the minimum size limits, catch limits, and open seasons for a variety of fish. Deep sea fishing enthusiasts can also learn which species are off limits. For example, the Goliath Grouper, many species of shark, and sturgeon are off limits to recreational fishers.
Choose the Best Key West Fishing Charters
The secret to a successful deep sea fishing Key West trip is choosing a good Key West fishing charter. Be sure to ask if the fishing charter in question is fully licensed and up to date on the latest fishing laws. Also check who else will be on the boat – experienced fishermen looking for a challenge or novices looking for a fun day out at sea? Also ask how fast the boat is and how long it will take to get to the fishing location.
Fortunately, there are plenty of Key West fishing charters online ready and willing to take enthusiastic fishermen out to sea. A quick background check will be time well spent – ensuring the best deep sea fishing trip.
Sources:
"Offshore Fish Facts". Key West Papa Fishing Charters. Philip McGinn. 2008. Aug 31 2010.
"Atlantic Sailfish". Captain John Emery Inc. 2007. Aug 31 2010. .
Megan Jungwi - Megan Jungwi started her freelance writing career in March 2009. Although new to online writing Megan has long been passionate about the ...
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