Sailfish           (Istiophorus platypterus)

It's fighting ability and spectacular aerial acrobatics endear the sailfish to the Key West angler.  Fishing methods include slow trolling or drifting with live bait and kite fishing along the edges of reefs or current eddies.

Prime months for catching Sailfish in the Keys are October through June, but in March and April, when the right conditions exist, you can hook upwards to 20 sails in a day.

The All-Tackle World Record, caught in February of 1994, is 141 lb. 1 oz. 

We encourage the release of all billfish.

Wahoo          (Acanthocybium solandri)

It is found around wrecks and reefs where smaller fish that it feeds upon are abundant, but it may also be found far out at sea.  It is reputed to be one of the fastest fish in the sea, attaining speeds of 50 mph and more.  The first scorching run may peel off several hundred yards of line in seconds.  Occasionally this fish jumps on the strike and often shakes its head violently when hooked in an effort to free itself. 

Fishing methods include trolling with live bait or artificial lures.  Drifting with live bait and kite fishing are productive as well.

The All-Tackle World Record for Wahoo is 158 lb. 8 oz., caught in June of 1996.

Best months for catching Wahoo
in Key West are October through July.

Dolphinfish          (Coryphaena hippurus linnaeus)

Also called Dolphin, Mahi Mahi, and Dorado it is among the most colorful fish in the sea.  They are extremely fast swimmers and feed extensively on flying fish and squid as well as other small fish.  They are found swimming beneath buoys, seaweed, logs, and floating objects of almost any kind. 

Hooked Dolphin may leap or tail walk, darting first in one direction, and then another.  It is believed that it can reach speeds up to 50 mph in short bursts. 

Fishing methods include trolling surface baits or artificial lures; also live bait fishing or casting plugs.  If the first fish is kept in the water, it will usually hold the school, and often others will come near enough to be caught by casting.  It is a great fish to catch on a fly rod.

The All-Tackle World Record is 88 lb., caught May 1998.

In addition to being a highly rated game fish, the Dolphin is a delicious food fish.

Prime season in Key West for Dolphin is April through July.

Tuna, Blackfin        (Tunnus atlanticus)

Blackfins are the most common Tunas caught in Key West, but on occasion we encounter Yellowfin Tuna in excess of 180 lbs.

This is a pelagic, schooling fish that generally feeds near the surface.  Its diet consists of small fish, squid, and crustaceans.  It's an excellent light tackle species.  It can be taken by casting small baits or lures, flies, jigs, or plugs; or live bait fishing from the boat at the surface of deep water.  It is an extremely strong fighting fish. The flesh is of good quality and flavor. 

The All-Tackle World Record Blackfin Tuna is 45 lb. 8 oz., caught in Key West in May of 1996.

Prime months for catching Tuna in Key West
are late October through May.

Bonita        (Euthynnus alletteratus)
 Also called Little Tunny, or False Albacore

 Flocks of diving seabirds are often indicative of the presence of a school of Bonita, which may consist of many thousands of individuals.  Because this species feeds on small pelagic fish near the surface, any school feeding action tends to attract and excite birds. 

Fishing methods include casting from the boat live bait, or small lures such as spoons, plugs, jigs and flies. 

The All-Tackle World Record for Bonita is 35 lb. 2 oz., caught in December of 1988.

Key West holds Bonita year round.

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.