Florida · Keys
RED GROUPER FISHING
IN KEY WEST
Key West is a solid destination for red grouper fishing, with good fishing in January, February, March, April. Book a charter and target red grouper with local experts.
About Red Grouper Fishing in Key West
A prized bottom fish found on reefs and hard bottom. Sweet, mild flesh makes it a favorite.
Key West is a solid destination for red grouper fishing, offering good fishing in January, February, March, April. The best months to target red grouper here are January, February, March, April.
Scientific name: Epinephelus morio
Red Grouper Seasonal Calendar — Key West
Month-by-month availability for red grouper in Key West, FL.
How to Catch Red Grouper in Key West
Techniques & Bait
Consult your local charter captain for the most effective baits and techniques in the area.
Recommended Tackle
Your captain will provide all tackle and gear suited to the target species and local conditions.
Best Nearshore Fishing Spots in Key West
Top spots where local captains target red grouper and other nearshore species.
Western Dry Rocks
Western Dry Rocks is a shallow coral reef formation about 5 miles west of Key West, considered one of the top reef-fishing spots in the Lower Keys. Yellowtail snapper, mutton snapper, hogfish, and cero mackerel patrol the patch reefs in 15-35 feet of water. Chumming techniques here produce fast yellowtail action year-round.
Sand Key Reef
Marked by the historic Sand Key Lighthouse roughly 7 miles south of Key West, this reef complex is a premier destination for yellowtail snapper chumming and bottom fishing. Grouper, hogfish, and mutton snapper hold along the deeper reef edges in 25-60 feet of water. The reef is part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
Eastern Dry Rocks
Eastern Dry Rocks is a coral reef formation approximately 5 miles south of Key West popular for reef fishing and diving alike. Anglers target yellowtail snapper, mutton snapper, and various grouper species along the reef ledges and sand channels. The reef's proximity to deep water brings in larger predators including barracuda and permit.
Rock Key
Rock Key sits between Sand Key and Eastern Dry Rocks, offering excellent reef fishing in 10-30 feet of crystal-clear water. Yellowtail snapper, lane snapper, and mangrove snapper are abundant on the reef structure year-round. Permit frequently cruise the adjacent sand flats, and the shallow reef heads hold hogfish and cero mackerel.
Other Species in Key West
More fish you can target while visiting Key West.
Red Grouper Fishing in Key West — FAQ
Red Grouper fishing in Key West is productive during January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.
Red Grouper fishing charters in Key West are typically nearshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Consult your local charter captain for the most effective baits and techniques in the area.
No — when you book a charter in Key West, your captain provides all required Florida fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Red Grouper regulations in Florida include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Red Grouper in Key West, you may also catch Blackfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, Tarpon, Mangrove Snapper. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
Ready to Catch Red Grouper in Key West?
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