When you think of winter fishing, you might think of bundling up, enduring subzero temperatures, and maybe even sitting around a hole in the ice waiting for a fish to bite; however, Key West winter fishing is an entirely different scenario!
If you are lucky enough to be in Key West, FL, during the winter, you will find that even though you can experience cold fronts and gusty winds from December through February, the weather remains mild primarily.
Despite the difference in Key West weather, the most significant difference between warm weather fishing and Key West winter fishing is the variety of fish species you might reel in.
What is the winter weather like in Key West? Are there Key West fishing charters offered in the winter? Are there Key West rentals with a dock? Which Key West vacation rentals are among the best to choose from? The answers to these and other questions you might have are here!
Typical Winter Weather in Key West
Some words that best describe typical Key West winter weather are windy, comfortable, and clear. In many parts of the U.S., winter brings freezing winds, snow and ice, single-digit temperatures, and uncomfortable wind chills. You will not find these conditions in Key West!
Temperatures generally range from the upper 60s to mid-70s, and some days might even reach the 80s. You could get passing showers and wind gusts, and you could get nights that dip into the 50s, but for the most part, the nor’easter winter storms and steady lower temps that you will find in most northern and midwestern states do not make an appearance on this island.
January in Key West tends to be the coldest month, and February tends to see little precipitation. You will ideally want to do winter fishing in December through February, as March starts to warm up and temps by May are getting into the mid-80s.
While “cool and comfortable” best describes Key West winter weather, it can get windier and much cooler while on the water, so it’s a good idea to wear a light to a medium windbreaker and comfortable long pants on your fishing trip. Comfortable non-slip footwear—no sandals or open toed-shoes—is recommended. If it’s a sunny day, sunglasses are a plus, and sunscreen is a good idea even though it’s not the middle of summer.
What You Can Expect
Depending on whether you are inshore, reef, or deep-sea fishing, some types of fish that are more commonly found during the colder months include bonefish, cobia, barracuda, mackerel, mangrove snapper, mutton snapper, sailfish, shark, swordfish, and yellowfin tuna. Mangrove snapper and spotted trout might be more easily found in backcountry settings, while winter deep-sea excursions could land blackfish tuna, kingfish, cero mackerel, and, perhaps less occasionally, sailfish.
Some species are more prevalent during specific months than others. For example, December is excellent for yellowtail snapper and cobia species, while February might be better for wahoo and barracuda.
Fishing Opportunities
Both inshore and offshore or deep-sea fishing opportunities are available during the Key West winter months. There are also other means to go fishing in Key West during the colder months.
For inshore fishing, you can choose designated piers or other sites or stay at Key West vacation rentals, where you can fish right off the rentals’ docks. Some great inshore fishing sites include The White Street Fishing Pier, Mallory Square, and Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. For deep-sea fishing opportunities, you might have your own boat or book charter fishing Key West trips.
Flats and backcountry fishing take you into wild, clear waters where you will follow your fish and cast at the best possible time; as you would expect, flats fishing is done from flats boats, while backcountry fishing trips are taken on larger and more comfortable bay boats. Sharks, grouper, and snapper are among the species more prevalent in these waters.
Try reef fishing for the perfect fishing opportunity! Head to the beautiful coral reefs off Key West to fish for anglers, barracuda, mackerel, and yellow snapper. If you choose reef fishing, remember that you can experience windy conditions, so if seasickness is a concern, you might want to stick with inshore experiences.
Gulf wreck fishing is excellent in the winter months. Expect to find cobia, grouper, and snapper in abundance around the wrecks. Weather can play a factor, as in reef fishing, so beware!
Plan Your Key West Vacation!
Planning your dream vacation to Key West doesn’t have to be complex! When you book with Key West Vacation Homes, it’s simple. Just view our luxury Key West vacation rentals, reserve your favorite, and prepare for the vacation of a lifetime!
Book an Excursion
If you do not have your own boat and want to take in the experience of Key West winter fishing on the waters, you will want to explore Key West fishing charters.
Cowboy Charters Key West offers both Cowboy, 36-ft. Hatteras, and Cowgirl, 45-ft. Hatteras, fishing charters, either private or shared. Half-day, three-quarter-day, and full-day charters are available. This charter company is located on North Roosevelt Boulevard in Key West. The crew has a combined 70 years of experience in charter fishing.
FishMonster & Island Jane offers backcountry to offshore, and everything in between; the FishMonster Max is extreme in party fishing. Comfort is key, with plenty of bench seating, an air-conditioned interior, two bathrooms, and a full-service galley with snacks and drinks. This charter is found at 700 Front Street. The vessel’s twin hulls ensure a stable ride for the comfort of all guests.
Dream Catcher Charters is your place for the reef, offshore, wreck, flats, and backcountry fishing charters. Truly famous for flats and backcountry fishing. Their 11-boat fleet includes four 24-ft. bay boats, a 17-ft. flats boat, and a 47-ft. deep sea fishing boat. They are located on College Road in Key West. Dream Catcher has fully experienced captains who each charter 300 trips per year.
Test Your Own Skills
While fishing charters and kayaking tours in Key West, FL, are an excellent choice for fishing novices, as experienced captains and crew take you to the best-known locations for a successful fishing outing, you might wish to strike out on your own.
Some of our Key West waterfront rentals have their docks with boat slips, so if you have your own vessel and fishing gear, this is an excellent opportunity to captain your own Key West winter fishing trip. These two- to four-bedroom waterfront rentals in Key West, FL, are great for boat owners and those interested in renting their own boats.
Several of our Key West vacation rentals are located near boat ramps, so this is another option should you wish to eschew any charters and conduct your own fishing excursion.
Your Key West Vacation Home
Whether you want Key West rentals with a dock, waterfront Key West rentals, or any other type of Key West vacation rentals, our Key West Vacation Homes are sure to have the accommodations that meet your needs.
Most sought-after are spacious four-bedroom waterfront homes with great features inside and out. Inside, you will enjoy state-of-art gourmet kitchens, smart flat-screen HD TVs, high-speed Internet, king- and queen-sized beds, a washer/dryer, provided towels and linens, and ceiling fans in all rooms. Step outside, and you will find private pools, BBQ grills, decks/patios, and off-street parking.
Nearly all of our Key West vacation home rentals comfortably sleep eight, with some accommodating as many as 16 guests, so large families, and groups are sure to find exactly what suits them. Book today for a great Key West vacation of winter fishing and many other fun off-season activities!
Stay with Key West Vacation Homes
Whether you prefer a cozy condo in the heart of Old Town or one of our luxurious waterfront Key West rentals with breathtaking views, our Key West vacation homes provide a tranquil and private escape after a day of exploring the island’s attractions. With a variety of vacation homes in Key West, Florida, you can find the perfect retreat to complement your Key West itinerary. Enjoy the freedom and flexibility that comes with having your own space, allowing you to relax and recharge in between your Key West adventures!
