Key West Reef Fishing

Key West Reef Fishing

Reef fishing off the southern coast of Florida is an enjoyable and engaging sport, one that takes planning and preparation. Reefs are located all over the world, and harbor essential, underwater eco-systems. The third largest, saltwater, living coral reef in the world is located right off Florida’s coast, especially near Key West, Florida. The reefs are home to an array of pelagic and bottom-dwelling fish such as black, gray, gag, yellowfin, scamp, red and yellowmouth grouper as well as yellowtail, Cubera, red and mutton snapper. The reefs can be as deep as 100 feet or protrude from the water during low tide.
Exciting chartered excursions are available for reef fishing in Key West, Florida. It is possible to nab a 90 pound black grouper using a 20 pound test line or a 42 pound gag grouper with a 10 pound line. 20 to 50 pound grouper are common in this area, and put up a good fight. Bringing extra lines and hooks is a must.
Mutton snapper ranging from 10 to 20 pounds are also commonly found swimming around the reefs near Key West. The snapper make a delicious meal and with a 50 pound fish, you can certainly feed a lot of people. The rarer, red snapper can be upwards of 50 pounds, though slightly more difficult to catch, and just as tasty.
Experts in Southwest Florida developed new techniques that changed the way bottom-dwelling fish are caught. The specialized fishing equipment and state-of-the-art electronics used by professional reef fishermen guarantee a challenging, yet enjoyable fishing expedition. One of the best reef fishing areas in off the coast of Key West Florida is Dry Tortugas National Park. This park is has many exciting elements, especially for sport fishermen. Aside from the abundance of both live and dead coral, shipwrecks around the park are home to an abundance of fish as well, creating an extraordinary fishing environment.