Reef Fishing in the Florida Keys: Good Sport and Good Eating

Anglers come in all shapes and sizes, and so do the fish they target. Many fish fanatics who come to Key West for the offshore action are seeking out big game and trophy fish; they dream of catching a blue marlin, or perhaps they want the excitement of hooking a big shark. But for many experienced and beginning fishermen alike, they just want to fight the good fight and bring home dinner.

If good eating fish is what you’re after, your charter captain will probably head to the reef - natural coral or artificial, as in wrecks - where the snapper and grouper congregate in the waters off the Southernmost City.

Of course, if you have your own boat, says Captain Rich Houde of Southbound Sport Fishing Charters, you can locate reefs yourself using local fishing charts. Study your charts and ask a good local tack shop for recommendations (of course, they will be more willing to help you if you also buy your chart from them). Also, be sure to ask about the tides and which ones are best for fishing. Plan ahead so you can concentrate on the most productive fishing grounds.

Some of the biggest fish you can catch will be on and around natural and artificial reefs and rock piles. If you choose to anchor, do so carefully so as not to damage the reef. Drop the anchor along the comparatively flat, sandy bottom that usually surrounds reef formations and wrecks. You can also drift over reef formations by setting a drift line that will send the boat alongside the reef structure. This method not only prevents damage to the reef, but may help you to catch more fish.

Read up on tips on how to fish reefs at different depths, as well as for descriptions of some species common to artificial reefs and natural bottom structures. Florida Sportsman magazine has excellent articles on reef fishing techniques for local saltwater species.

Shallow Structures (20-60 ft.)

 

This is a good depth for anchoring, but if you prefer to drift, plan out your drift ahead of time and be sure you begin up-current of the structure. Chumming is an effective tactic here, and you can try live or cut bait depending on the type of fish you’re after. Note that circle hooks are required by law for bottom fishing.

 

Yellowtail Snapper profile: The Yellowtail snapper can average 1-3 pounds on deep reefs. It is beautifully colored and frequents reefs and other structures. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in quality: Yellowtail snapper are known as excellent eating fish. Among the wariest of biters, nighttime fisherman often have the most luck. Use chum to keep them near the boat and light tackle so as not to frighten them away.

 

White Grunt profile: The White grunt is a light, bluish-gray fish with horizontal blue stripes on its head. Its most distinguishing characteristic is the audible grunting noise it makes, which is produced by a grinding of its pharyngeal teeth and amplified by an air bladder. Most will weigh around 1.5 pounds and are common in water less than 80 ft. deep.

 

Other species: Mackerel, Cobia, Permit, Sheepshead, Flounder, smaller Groupers.

 

 

Mid-Depth Structures (60-120 ft.)

 

 

At these depths, you may come across Red Snapper in the 20-30 pound range. Be sure to use tackle with a sufficient heft if you plan to go after them, though - they know how to shred a line on the reef. These mid-depth structures also offer especially good grouper fishing.

 

Heftier anchor gear is also necessary at these depths: expect to carry at least 300 ft. of nylon anchor line, preferably more, plus a windlass or anchor retrieval ball to bring the gear back up to the surface. If you’re hesitant to drop anchor here, drifting while bottom fishing is an excellent alternative, or you can fish with a charter, of course, says the captain.

 

Gag and Red Grouper profile: Gag and red grouper have the widest distribution of the Florida groupers, and 10-20 pound fish are common. They are best caught using heavy tackle fished near the bottom. Live or dead bait can be used. Though their appearance is rather drab (the red grouper is a reddish-brown color with many white spots, and the gag grouper is a mottled-gray) and they lack many distinguishing characteristics, their flaky, white meat makes a very tasty meal.

 

King Mackerel profile: A highly sought-after sportfish, the King Mackerel, aka Kingfish, will give you a run for your money. They are typically around 30 pounds, but can reach over 90. This schooling fish spawns offshore in mid-summer, and can be caught using both natural and artificial baits and flashy, sub-surface lures.

 

Other Species: Red Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Amberjack, African Pompano

 

 

Deep Structures (120+ ft.)

 

 

Many of the species in this depth reach up to 100 pounds or more. Most of the “powerhouse” fish inhabit the deepwater reefs, where it can be very difficult to anchor, especially for beginners. This is a great time to consider hiring a charter captain, as the effort is often not worth the rewards for newer fisherman without the appropriate gear. A drift is also a good approach at this depth. Slow-trolling line bait works well, but you can fore-go chumming - it is unlikely to sink far enough to be effective at this depth.

 

Blackfin Tuna profile: The Blackfin tuna can be anywhere from 2-20 pounds on average, and have been known to exceed 40 pounds. Though this is the smallest tuna species, they make up for it by being plentiful and very willing to bite. Also, the quality of their meat is excellent. The Blackfin tuna is dark overall with a bronze stripe down the side, which can make it easy to confuse with the golden-striped Yellowfin tuna. Look for the dark finlets of the Blackfin tuna to distinguish the two.

 

Sailfish profile: This prized game fish is known for its great speed and array of startling colors. It is the fastest fish in the ocean, and sports a characteristic dorsal sail that stretches the length of the back. The sail normally remains folded down but may be raised when the fish feels threatened or excited. They can change their color at will from browns and grays to purples and silvers using their central nervous system. Though the meat is tough and doesn’t make for great eating, this is still a highly prized game fish.

Other species: Gag Grouper, Black Grouper, Scamp, Red Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Dolphin, Wahoo, Amberjack

 

Author's Note

Reef Fishing in the Florida Keys: Good Sport and Good Eating