Florida Keys Fishing HQ

Category: Offshore fishing

  • Wahoo Fishing in the Florida Keys (2026 Guide)

    Introduction

    Wahoo are one of the fastest and most exciting game fish found in the Florida Keys. Known for blistering runs, razor-sharp teeth, and outstanding table fare, wahoo are a favorite target among offshore anglers throughout the year.

    While wahoo can be caught year-round, the best fishing often occurs during the cooler months when fish migrate through the Keys and patrol reef edges, offshore ledges, wrecks, and temperature breaks.

    Where to Find Wahoo in the Florida Keys

    Wahoo are highly migratory fish that spend most of their time offshore.

    Productive areas include:

    • Reef edges
    • Offshore drop-offs
    • Deep wrecks
    • Current breaks
    • Color changes
    • Weed lines

    Many anglers target wahoo in waters ranging from 120 to 1,000 feet deep, depending on conditions.

    Best Time to Catch Wahoo

    Wahoo fishing is generally best from:

    • October through March

    Peak months often include:

    • November
    • December
    • January

    Strong currents, cold fronts, and rougher seas frequently trigger excellent wahoo action.

    Best Trolling Speed for Wahoo

    Wahoo prefer fast-moving baits.

    Most successful anglers troll between:

    • 8 and 15 knots

    High-speed trolling allows anglers to cover large areas and locate active fish.

    Best Wahoo Lures

    Top-producing lures include:

    • High-speed trolling lures
    • Bullet heads
    • Jet heads
    • Islander-style lures
    • Weighted skirted lures

    Popular colors:

    • Blue and white
    • Black and purple
    • Pink and silver
    • Orange and black

    Many anglers run larger lures specifically designed for high-speed trolling.

    Best Natural Baits for Wahoo

    Wahoo also respond well to natural baits.

    Popular choices include:

    • Ballyhoo
    • Bonito strips
    • Mullet
    • Speedos
    • Small tuna

    Rigged ballyhoo remains one of the most productive natural presentations in the Florida Keys.

    Wahoo Trolling Setup

    A typical setup includes:

    • 50 to 80 lb class rods
    • High-capacity conventional reels
    • 50 to 80 lb braid or monofilament
    • Wire leaders
    • High-speed trolling lures

    Because of their sharp teeth, wire leaders are essential.

    Finding Productive Water

    Successful wahoo anglers look for:

    • Temperature breaks
    • Current edges
    • Bait schools
    • Bird activity
    • Structure near deep water

    Electronics and charting software can help identify productive offshore areas.

    Wahoo Around the Full Moon

    Many experienced Florida Keys anglers believe some of the best wahoo fishing occurs around:

    • Full moon periods
    • New moon periods

    These moon phases often increase feeding activity and improve fishing success.

    Why Wahoo Are So Popular

    Wahoo are prized because they:

    • Fight extremely hard
    • Reach speeds exceeding 50 mph
    • Produce excellent table fare
    • Can grow over 100 pounds
    • Are available throughout much of the year

    Many offshore anglers consider wahoo one of the premier game fish in the Florida Keys.

    Common Mistakes

    Many anglers struggle because they:

    • Troll too slowly
    • Ignore current breaks
    • Use leaders that are too light
    • Fish away from bait concentrations
    • Fail to cover enough water

    Wahoo fishing often rewards anglers who stay mobile and focus on locating active fish.

    Final Thoughts

    Wahoo are among the most exciting offshore species available in the Florida Keys. By focusing on reef edges, offshore structure, current breaks, and bait concentrations, anglers can consistently target these powerful predators. Whether high-speed trolling artificial lures or pulling rigged ballyhoo, wahoo provide some of the fastest action and best table fare found anywhere in Florida waters.

    Related Offshore Fishing Articles

    Be sure to check out these related guides:

  • Queen Snapper Fishing in the Florida Keys (2026 Guide)

    Introduction

    Queen snapper are one of the most colorful and highly prized deep-water fish found in the Florida Keys. Living in depths ranging from 600 to over 1,500 feet, these beautiful red and orange fish are a favorite target for deep-drop anglers looking to bring home excellent table fare.

    Although not as commonly caught as snowy grouper or tilefish, anglers targeting productive deep-water structure can encounter impressive queen snapper throughout the Keys.

    Where to Find Queen Snapper in the Florida Keys

    Queen snapper are typically found on:

    • Deep ledges
    • Drop-offs
    • Rocky bottom structure
    • Submarine canyons
    • Deep contour changes

    Most successful catches occur in:

    • 700 to 1,400 feet of water
    • Areas with significant depth changes
    • Hard bottom surrounded by softer bottom
    • Deep offshore structure along the edge of the Florida Straits

    Many anglers discover productive queen snapper areas while targeting snowy grouper and tilefish.

    Best Depth for Queen Snapper

    The most productive depths are usually:

    • 700–1,000 feet during cooler months
    • 900–1,500 feet during warmer months

    Current strength often determines where fish will hold on a particular day.

    How to Find Queen Snapper

    Using modern electronics and charting software is critical.

    Look for:

    • Sharp contour changes
    • Ledges
    • Isolated hard-bottom areas
    • Deep ridges
    • Areas holding bait schools

    Many experienced anglers use Navionics and side-by-side sonar mapping to identify productive deep-water structure.

    Best Rig for Queen Snapper

    A standard deep-drop chicken rig works extremely well.

    Recommended Setup

    • 100–150 lb monofilament leader
    • Three-hook chicken rig
    • 8/0 to 10/0 circle hooks
    • Glow beads
    • Glow tubing
    • 5–10 lb sinker depending on current

    Glow components are especially effective in the depths where queen snapper live.

    Best Baits for Queen Snapper

    Top producers include:

    • Squid
    • Bonito strips
    • Tuna belly
    • Barracuda strips
    • Fresh fish chunks
    • Mackerel strips

    Fresh bait generally produces better results than frozen bait.

    Best Time to Catch Queen Snapper

    Queen snapper can be caught year-round.

    Fishing is often best when:

    • Current is manageable
    • Seas are calm
    • Water clarity is good

    Winter and spring often provide some of the most favorable deep-drop conditions.

    Electric Reels and Deep Dropping

    Most anglers use electric reels when targeting queen snapper due to the extreme depths involved.

    Popular choices include:

    • Daiwa Tanacom
    • Banax Kaigen
    • Shimano Beastmaster

    Electric reels allow anglers to fish more efficiently and spend more time with baits on the bottom.

    Why Queen Snapper Are Special

    Queen snapper are highly valued because they:

    • Have excellent table fare
    • Fight surprisingly hard from deep water
    • Are relatively uncommon
    • Feature beautiful coloration
    • Often school around productive structure

    Many deep-drop fishermen consider a large queen snapper one of the most rewarding catches in the Florida Keys.

    Common Mistakes

    Many anglers fail to catch queen snapper because they:

    • Fish too shallow
    • Use sinkers that are too light
    • Ignore contour changes
    • Drift too quickly
    • Fail to keep rigs vertical

    Success often comes from carefully targeting deep structure and maintaining excellent bottom contact.

    Final Thoughts

    Queen snapper are one of the hidden gems of Florida Keys deep-drop fishing. Anglers willing to fish depths of 700 to 1,500 feet can encounter these beautiful fish while targeting snowy grouper, tilefish, and other deep-water species. By focusing on productive structure, using quality electronics, and presenting fresh bait with properly rigged deep-drop tackle, anglers can consistently add queen snapper to their catch.

    Related Deep Drop Fishing Articles

    Looking to improve your deep drop fishing success in the Florida Keys? Be sure to check out these related guides:

    Combining quality electronics, productive structure, fresh bait, and properly rigged tackle can dramatically improve your success when targeting queen snapper and other deep-water fish in the Florida Keys.

  • Blackfin Tuna Fishing in the Florida Keys (2026 Guide)

    Blackfin tuna are one of the most exciting offshore species found in the Florida Keys. Known for their speed, powerful runs, and outstanding table fare, blackfin tuna are a favorite target for anglers fishing offshore waters throughout the year.

    While they are the smallest tuna species found in the Atlantic, blackfin tuna provide incredible sport on both spinning and conventional tackle.

    Where to Find Blackfin Tuna

    Blackfin tuna are commonly found offshore in deeper water where bait is concentrated.

    Productive areas often include:

    • Offshore humps
    • Deep reef edges
    • Current breaks
    • Color changes
    • Areas with bait schools
    • Offshore wrecks and structure

    Many successful anglers focus on areas where strong current pushes bait across underwater structure.

    Best Time of Year for Blackfin Tuna

    Blackfin tuna can be caught year-round in the Florida Keys, but the best fishing often occurs during:

    • Winter
    • Early Spring

    Many anglers consider December through April to be peak blackfin season.

    During these months, schools of tuna frequently gather around offshore humps and bait-rich areas.

    Best Bait for Blackfin Tuna

    Blackfin tuna feed aggressively on small baitfish and squid.

    Top bait choices include:

    • Live pilchards
    • Threadfin herring
    • Ballyhoo
    • Squid
    • Small live baitfish

    Fresh bait often produces excellent results when tuna are feeding near the surface.

    Best Lures for Blackfin Tuna

    Artificial lures can be highly effective.

    Popular options include:

    • Feather jigs
    • Tuna feathers
    • Small skirted trolling lures
    • Metal jigs
    • Soft plastic swimbaits

    Matching the size of local baitfish often increases success.

    Trolling for Blackfin Tuna

    Trolling is one of the most productive methods for locating blackfin tuna.

    Many anglers troll:

    • Small feathers
    • Skirted ballyhoo
    • Cedar plugs
    • Small tuna lures

    around offshore humps and current breaks.

    Maintaining a consistent trolling speed and covering productive water can dramatically improve results.

    Vertical Jigging for Blackfin Tuna

    Vertical jigging has become increasingly popular among tuna anglers.

    When fish are located on sonar:

    • Drop metal jigs to the desired depth
    • Work the jig aggressively through the water column
    • Watch for fish marks and bait schools

    This technique often produces excellent results when tuna are feeding below the surface.

    Finding Birds and Bait

    Bird activity can provide valuable clues when searching for tuna.

    Look for:

    • Diving birds
    • Surface bait schools
    • Breaking fish
    • Nervous water

    Blackfin tuna frequently push bait toward the surface where birds become active.

    Tips for Catching More Blackfin Tuna

    • Keep live bait ready.
    • Watch your electronics closely.
    • Pay attention to current edges.
    • Match lure size to local bait.
    • Slow down when approaching bird activity.
    • Stay near bait concentrations.

    Success often comes from finding the bait first.

    Common Mistakes

    Many anglers:

    • Troll through fish too quickly.
    • Ignore smaller bait schools.
    • Use oversized lures.
    • Leave productive water prematurely.
    • Fail to monitor sonar carefully.

    Patience and observation are often critical when targeting tuna.

    Final Thoughts

    Blackfin tuna provide some of the most exciting offshore fishing available in the Florida Keys. By focusing on bait, birds, current breaks, and offshore structure, anglers can dramatically improve their chances of success.

    Whether trolling offshore of Key Largo, jigging near Islamorada humps, or chasing bird activity beyond Marathon, blackfin tuna remain one of the most rewarding species available to Florida Keys

    Looking for another exciting offshore species? Check out our Mahi-Mahi Fishing in the Florida Keys (2026 Guide).

    and

    Learn when offshore fishing is best in our Florida Keys Fishing Seasons Guide (2026).

  • Mahi-Mahi Fishing in the Florida Keys (2026 Guide)

    Mahi-mahi, also known as dolphin fish or dorado, are one of the most exciting offshore species found in the Florida Keys. Known for their bright colors, acrobatic fights, and excellent table fare, mahi are a favorite target for both recreational anglers and charter captains.

    The Florida Keys provide outstanding mahi fishing opportunities throughout much of the year, especially during the warmer months when offshore conditions are favorable.

    Where to Find Mahi-Mahi

    Mahi-mahi are highly migratory fish that spend most of their lives offshore.

    Productive areas often include:

    • Weed lines
    • Floating debris
    • Current edges
    • Color changes
    • Offshore rips
    • Frigate birds

    Mahi frequently gather around anything floating in the ocean because it provides shade and attracts baitfish.

    Best Time of Year for Mahi-Mahi

    Mahi can be caught throughout the year in the Florida Keys, but the best fishing generally occurs from spring through early fall.

    Many anglers consider:

    • April
    • May
    • June
    • July
    • August

    to be peak mahi season.

    During these months, warm water and favorable offshore conditions often produce excellent action.

    Best Bait for Mahi-Mahi

    Mahi are aggressive feeders and will strike a variety of natural baits.

    Popular choices include:

    • Ballyhoo
    • Pilchards
    • Flying fish
    • Threadfin herring
    • Squid

    Fresh bait often produces the best results when fish are feeding aggressively around weed lines and floating debris.

    Best Lures for Mahi-Mahi

    Artificial lures can be extremely effective.

    Popular options include:

    • Skirted trolling lures
    • Chugger heads
    • Feather lures
    • Soft plastics
    • Surface plugs

    Bright colors such as blue, pink, green, and chartreuse are commonly used by Florida Keys anglers.

    Trolling for Mahi-Mahi

    Trolling remains one of the most effective ways to locate mahi offshore.

    Most anglers troll between:

    • 5 and 8 knots

    while covering water around weed lines, current breaks, and offshore structure.

    A spread of ballyhoo and artificial lures often produces excellent results.

    Finding Weed Lines

    Weed lines are among the most productive mahi habitats in the Florida Keys.

    These floating lines of sargassum weed attract:

    • Baitfish
    • Crabs
    • Shrimp
    • Flying fish

    which in turn attract mahi.

    Many experienced anglers spend significant time searching for productive weed lines before setting lines.

    Frigate Birds and Mahi

    Frigate birds can be valuable indicators of feeding mahi.

    When frigates repeatedly circle or dive in one area, anglers often investigate for bait schools and feeding fish.

    While birds do not guarantee mahi, they frequently point anglers toward productive offshore water.

    Tips for Catching More Mahi

    • Keep a pitch rod ready.
    • Carry live bait whenever possible.
    • Watch for floating debris.
    • Pay attention to water temperature breaks.
    • Slow down when approaching weed lines.
    • Leave one hooked fish in the water when possible to keep the school nearby.

    Many anglers catch multiple fish from a single school by keeping fish interested near the boat.

    Common Mistakes

    Many anglers:

    • Troll too fast
    • Ignore small weed patches
    • Fail to carry pitch baits
    • Overlook current edges
    • Leave productive water too quickly

    Patience and observation are often key to consistent mahi success.

    Final Thoughts

    Mahi-mahi are one of the most exciting offshore fish available to Florida Keys anglers. By focusing on weed lines, floating debris, current breaks, and bird activity, fishermen can dramatically improve their chances of success.

    Whether trolling ballyhoo offshore of Key Largo, searching weed lines near Islamorada, or exploring blue water beyond Marathon, mahi-mahi provide some of the most memorable fishing opportunities available anywhere in Florida.

    Learn how to locate productive offshore water in our Florida Keys Fishing Seasons Guide (2026).