WHAT WE CATCH
Key West, Florida, is a paradise for anglers, offering a diverse range of fishing opportunities in its pristine waters. From exhilarating battles with pelagic predators to the thrill of reeling in a variety of bottom-dwelling species, Velocity Sportfishing offers an unparalleled fishing adventure. So, whether you're a seasoned pro, a novice, or just looking for a family adventure, there's a fishing style to match your preferences.
Captain Andy will customize every charter to maximize the opportunity to catch each customer’s desired species, factoring in seasonality, weather conditions, and local knowledge.
TROLLING/TOP WATER FISHING
Offshore fishing in Key West is synonymous with chasing big game fish like mahi, sailfish, tuna, and Kingfish. These powerful species provide heart-pounding battles and adrenaline rushes that every angler dreams of. Here’s a little bit about the game fish we can catch while trolling:
MAHI (DOLPHIN FISH):
- Known for their vibrant colors and acrobatic displays.
- Often found in offshore waters, around weed lines, floating debris, and near dolphins.
- Use trolled baits, live bait, or artificial lures to target them.
- Fishing for Mahi can be done year-round, with peak seasons in spring and fall.
BLACKFIN TUNA:
- Found in both offshore and nearshore waters.
- Most commonly caught using live bait or trolling with lures.
- Target them around seamounts, underwater structures, and weed lines.
- Best fishing season for Blackfin Tuna in Key West is during late winter and spring.
SAILFISH:
- Highly prized for their fighting ability and aerial displays.
- Found in offshore waters, around reefs, and near current edges.
- Troll with rigged ballyhoo or use live bait.
- Best fishing season for Sailfish in Key West is from November to May.
KING MACKEREL:
- Known for their speed and aggressive strikes.
- Often found in nearshore waters, along channels, reefs, and around wrecks.
- Trolling with live bait or artificial lures is an effective method.
- The peak season for King Mackerel is during fall and winter.
SPANISH MACKEREL:
- They can be found in nearshore waters, in the Gulf of Mexico, and along the Atlantic coast.
- Trolling with spoons, jigs, or trolling feathers is effective.
- Look for birds diving or schools of baitfish to locate Spanish Mackerel.
- They are available year-round, but the best fishing season is during late spring and early summer.
WAHOO:
- Known for their speed and razor-sharp teeth.
- Found in offshore waters, near drop-offs, and weed lines.
- Trolling with lures, such as high-speed lures or diving plugs, is effective.
- The peak Wahoo season in Key West is from November to April.
BARRACUDA
- Swift and aggressive predators that can reach lengths over 6 feet
- Inhabit shallows, reefs, and channels
- Can be caught both trolling and reef fishing
- Barracuda can be caught year-round, more abundant in warmer months (spring to early fall)
REEF/BOTTOM FISHING:
The coral reefs surrounding Key West are rich with life, ensuring you'll have plenty of action. You can expect a consistent bite near the reefs, making it a satisfying experience for anglers of all skill level and is ideal for families and beginners due to its relatively calm waters and the high chance of success. It's a great way to introduce kids to the joys of fishing. Dive into some of the more common game fish that inhabit our reef system:
YELLOWTAIL SNAPPER:
- Found in nearshore waters, reefs, and wrecks.
- Bottom fishing with live bait, such as shrimp or pilchards, is effective.
- Yellowtail Snapper can be caught year-round in Key West.
MANGROVE SNAPPER:
- Found around mangroves, bridges, and reefs.
- Target them using live shrimp or small pinfish.
- Best fishing season for Mangrove Snapper is during summer and early fall.
MUTTON SNAPPER:
- Found in offshore waters, reefs, and wrecks.
- Bottom fishing with live bait or jigs is effective.
- The peak season for Mutton Snapper in Key West is from April to July.
GAG GROUPER:
- Found around wrecks, rock piles, and ledges.
- Bottom fishing with live bait or lures works well.
- The best fishing season for Gag Grouper is from April to December.
RED GROUPER:
- Found on the Gulf side in rocky areas and reefs.
- Bottom fishing with live bait or jigs is effective.
- Red Grouper is available year-round.
BLACK GROUPER:
- Found in offshore waters, around reefs, and near wrecks.
- Bottom fishing with live bait or lures is effective.
- The peak season for Black Grouper is during summer and fall.
AMBERJACK
- Powerful and hard-fighting fish, known as “reef donkeys”
- Found near wrecks, reefs, and underwater structures
- Use large live bait: or vertical jigging with heavy metal jigs
- Amberjack can be found year-round, best during warmer months (spring to early fall)
COBIA:
- Often found near buoys, wrecks, and floating debris.
- Target them using live bait or jigs.
- Cobia fishing is available year-round, but the best fishing season is during spring and fall.