Target Species
Key West Species List - Types of Fish in Key West
Key West’s waters, where the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico converge, boast an impressive variety of marine life. You’ll find a detailed species list below, featuring the game fish you might hook into while fishing with All Around Adventure. Click the links below for expert tips on catching these species in Key West and the surrounding areas.
African Pompano
African Pompano is a prized offshore catch, celebrated for its impressive fighting ability and delicate, flavorful white flesh. Found in warm waters, this species is a favorite among sport fishers and culinary enthusiasts alike.
Amberjack
Amberjack, a robust offshore species, is famed for its strength and stamina, providing an exhilarating challenge for anglers. Known for their mild, medium-firm flesh, they are a favorite for both sportfishing and versatile culinary creations.
Barracuda
Barracuda are fierce predators, known for their incredible speed and thrilling strikes. With their bold nature and acrobatic displays when hooked, they offer an unforgettable experience for anglers. Their menacing appearance and exciting fight make them a favorite target offshore.
Black Grouper
Black Grouper is a prized catch, known for its impressive size, cunning nature, and delectable white flesh. Found in reef habitats, these strong bottom dwellers offer a challenging yet rewarding experience for anglers, making them a top target for both sport and table fare enthusiasts.
Blackfin Tuna
Blackfin Tuna is a highly sought-after species, admired for its intense fighting spirit and flavorful, rich meat. Found in offshore waters, this agile predator is a favorite among anglers seeking both an exhilarating catch and a versatile addition to the table.
Bonefish
Bonefish, known as the “ghost of the flats,” are a prized target for their elusive nature and exhilarating fight. Found in shallow, clear waters, they offer a unique challenge that highlights the skill and precision of sportfishing. Valued for the sport, they are often catch-and-release.
Bonita
Bonita, or Little Tunny, is a fast and aggressive fish, prized by sport anglers for its relentless fight. Found offshore, it’s a thrilling target for action-packed fishing adventures, though it’s rarely kept for its strong, oily flavor, making it more of a sportfishing delight.
Cobia
Cobia is a prized catch, celebrated for its hard fight and delicious, versatile meat. Known for their curious and aggressive nature, these powerful fish are a favorite among anglers seeking both a thrilling battle and top-tier table fare.
Jack Crevalle
Jack Crevalle is a powerful and energetic fish, prized by anglers for the thrilling fight it delivers rather than its table fare. Known for their aggressive strikes and relentless stamina, these robust swimmers provide an exhilarating challenge for sport fishing enthusiasts.
Kingfish
Kingfish, or King Mackerel, is a fast and powerful predator, cherished by anglers for its speed and thrilling fight. Found in offshore waters, these aggressive fish are targeted for sport rather than table fare, offering an exciting challenge for adventurous fishers.
Lane Snapper
Lane Snapper is a vibrant and flavorful catch, prized for its excellent table fare and enjoyable angling experience. Found near reefs and rocky areas, these smaller snappers offer a rewarding challenge for anglers and a delicious addition to any seafood dish.
Mahi Mahi
Dolphin Fish, or Mahi-Mahi, is a vibrant and fast-swimming species, prized for its dynamic fight and exceptional table fare. Known for their striking colors and energetic nature, they are a top target for anglers seeking excitement and a delicious seafood catch.
Mangrove Snapper
Mangrove Snapper, also called Grey Snapper, is a prized catch known for its clever behavior and delicious, sweet meat. Found near reefs and wrecks, this species offers a rewarding challenge for anglers and is highly valued for its versatility in the kitchen.
Mutton Snapper
Mutton Snapper is a stunning and sought-after catch, prized for its selective nature and exceptional table fare. Found near reefs and wrecks, this species offers anglers both a rewarding challenge and firm, flavorful meat that shines in a variety of culinary preparations.
Permit
Permit is a prized sportfish known for its strength, speed, and challenging nature. Found near wrecks and reefs, these elusive fish require skill and finesse to catch, making them a rewarding target for anglers. Their firm, flaky meat also ranks highly among seafood enthusiasts.
Porgy
Porgy, a deep-bodied and spirited fish, is a favorite among inshore anglers for its lively fight and sweet, mild-flavored meat. Found near rocky or sandy bottoms, this versatile species is highly prized for its excellent table fare and ease of preparation.
Red Grouper
Red Grouper is a sought-after offshore catch, admired for its size, challenging fight, and exceptional table fare. Found near deeper reefs, this predatory fish offers firm, flavorful meat, making it a favorite for both anglers and seafood enthusiasts.
Red Snapper
Red Snapper is a prized offshore catch, known for its vibrant red color and outstanding table fare. Found near deep reefs and wrecks, this species offers a rewarding challenge for anglers and provides firm, mildly sweet meat that is versatile for any culinary preparation.
Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, is a sought-after inshore species known for its signature tail spot, strong fight, and delicious mild flavor. Found in estuaries and shallow waters, this versatile game fish is a favorite among anglers and seafood enthusiasts alike.
Sailfish
Sailfish, renowned for their speed, size, and acrobatic displays, are a top target for sport anglers seeking a thrilling challenge. With their striking dorsal fin and powerful strikes, they embody the excitement of offshore fishing, often celebrated more for the sport than the table.
Sharks
Shark fishing in Key West offers an unparalleled thrill, targeting apex predators renowned for their power and presence. With a variety of species available year-round, anglers enjoy the excitement and challenge of catching these formidable fish, often practicing catch-and-release to support conservation efforts.
Skipjack Tuna
Skipjack Tuna, celebrated for its speed and spirited fight, is a favorite among offshore anglers. Found in warm waters, this abundant species offers an exciting challenge and versatile table fare, from sashimi to cooked dishes, making it a rewarding catch for sport and cuisine.
Snook
Snook is a sought-after inshore species, prized for its powerful strikes and excellent table fare. Found near mangroves and estuaries, this aggressive predator offers an exciting challenge for anglers and a mild, firm meat perfect for diverse culinary dishes.
Spotted Seatrout
Spotted Seatrout, or speckled trout, is a prized inshore catch known for its striking appearance, light tackle challenge, and excellent table fare. Found in shallow waters like bays and grass flats, this versatile fish is a favorite among anglers and seafood lovers alike.
Tarpon
Tarpon, known as the “”Silver King,”” is a prized inshore game fish renowned for its acrobatic leaps and relentless fight. Targeted for the thrill rather than consumption, these powerful fish are a favorite among anglers seeking an unforgettable challenge on the water.
Triggerfish
Triggerfish, with their tough skin and sharp teeth, are a unique and rewarding catch. Found near reefs and wrecks, they offer a spirited fight and are prized for their firm, white flesh, which is celebrated for its exceptional flavor and versatility in the kitchen.
Wahoo
Wahoo, renowned for its incredible speed and aggressive strikes, is a top target for offshore anglers. Found in deeper waters, this sleek predator offers an exhilarating challenge and is highly prized for its firm, mildly sweet flesh, making it a favorite for both sport and table fare.
Yellowtail Snapper
Yellowtail Snapper, with its vibrant coloring and quick movements, is a prized catch for offshore anglers. Found near reefs and wrecks, this sleek fish offers a fun fishing experience and exceptional table fare, featuring light, flaky flesh with a mild, sweet flavor.
