Key West Fishing Guide - Captain Justin Rea

What's the best time of the year to fish for your target species

Key West Flats and Backcountry Fishing Calendar

January
Sharks, Barracuda and Jacks are abundant on the flats. Permit fishing is good and gets better later in the month.

February
Permit fishing is increasingly better. Bonefish are abundant depending on the weather. Sharks and barracuda abundant regardless of the weather.

March
Permit fishing at it's peak. Tarpon fishing is beginning to get good. Bonefishing is reliable and good.

April
Permit leave the flats to spawn offshore. Bonefishing is good. Tarpon fishing is just getting better by the day!

May
Tarpon fishing is at it's peak. Bonefishing continues to be good.

June
Tarpon still at a peak. Bonefishing is very good. Permit are making a strong comeback.

July
Bonefishing really heats up. Tarpon fishing remains good. Permit fishing is excellent.

August
Bonefishing is good early and late. Tarpon fishing remains good. Permit fishing remains strong.

September
Tarpon, Permit and Bonefish are all fishing well.

October
Peak time for Bonefish, some Tarpon and Permit. A great time of year.

November
Tarpon, Permit and Bonefish are all fishing well.

December
Sharks and Barracudas show up in large numbers. Bonefishing is good in some areas. Permit fishing is still good. Tarpon are scarce due to colder water temperatures.