African Pompano           (Alectis ciliaris)

The African Pompano is a string fighter and an excellent light tackle game fish. It will take small live or dead baits, as well as lures, jigs and flies. When hooked, its corkscrew like fight easily identifies it.

The All-Tackle World Record is 50 lb. 2 oz., caught April 1990.

African Pompano are caught  year-round.

Permit           (Trachinotus falcatus)

Permit are one of the most sought after game fish in Key West. When hooked it makes a long, fast run and is a tough fighter on light tackle. Their preferred diet consists of crustaceans.

Fishing methods include sight casting live crabs, jigs, or flies to schooled fish.

The All-Tackle World Record is 56 lb. 2 oz., caught June 1997.

Permit are caught  year-round in Key West.

Cobia           (Rachycentron canadum)

Also called Ling, and Crab Eaters, the Cobia is a highly rated, hard hitting game fish that is prone to long, powerful, determined runs and occasional leaps. Often when it is hooked the entire school will surface along with it.

Fishing methods include bottom fishing with live bait, jigging, and casting artifical lures. Excellent white, firm fillets are found on Cobia.

The All-Tackle World Record is 135 lb. 9 oz., caught July 1985.

Best action is during the colder months,
but smaller individuals can be caught year round.

Jewfish or Goliath Grouper           (Epinephelus itajara)

Jewfish is the largest of the Grouper family. Reaching 8ft. and a weight of 1000lb. they feed primarily on crustaceans but also on fish and even an occasional sea turtle. It's great weight and size makes it extremely difficult to land.

The All-Tackle World Record is 680 lb. caught May 1961.

Jewfish are extremely abundant in the Keys, caught year round.