Afternoon Bite for Blackfin Tuna and Dolphin

Spring fishing in Key West has been a mix of opportunity and challenges, with winds stirring things up throughout March and April. While the weather hasn’t always been ideal, the days we’ve been able to get out have delivered some solid action across the board for the fishing charter fleet.

Offshore, sailfish have made a strong showing, reminding us why April is one of the top months to target them. The afternoon bite has also been productive for blackfin tuna and dolphin (mahi-mahi), with more activity expected as water temperatures continue to rise heading into May.

On windier days, we’ve shifted our focus to the backcountry of Key West, where the tarpon migration is well underway. Schools of tarpon have been spotted moving through the channels and flats, offering anglers exciting opportunities to hook into these powerful fish. March and April signal the start of the migration, with May and June marking the peak of tarpon season in the Keys. The best times to target them have been early morning and late afternoon, especially during the full and new moon phases when tidal movement increases.

Looking ahead to May, we’re gearing up for the opening of several highly anticipated seasons. Grouper season kicks off on May 1 and runs through December 31. We’ve already seen great numbers of red and black grouper being caught and released, and we expect the bite to stay strong once harvest opens.

Also opening May 1 is the deep drop season for golden tilefish, blueline tilefish, and snowy grouper, which will run through September. These deepwater species offer excellent table fare and a unique challenge for anglers ready to drop down deep.

With a wide variety of species available and conditions beginning to stabilize, the next few months are shaping up to be prime time for fishing in the Florida Keys. Whether you’re looking to tangle with tarpon in the backcountry or head offshore in search of mahi, there’s no shortage of action waiting in Key West.

As always you can follow for more up to date fishing news on Instagram and Facebook:

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Tight lines and sunny skies,

Capt. Eric Evans
305-731-5459
[email protected]

About the Author: KW Fish Charter

Growing up, I always looked forward to all water activities - whether it was swimming, scuba diving or fishing. I visited Key West and was mesmerized by the warm weather, laid-back lifestyle and the beautiful waters - where the ocean meets the gulf. I packed-up my things and moved to the southernmost city. At first, I held multiple jobs got on the water as often as I could. I was fortunate to have some local watermen take me under their wings and show me the art and science of offshore fishing. I quickly progressed from deck hand, to mate, to captain. It was a great experience and I still help them out to this day. Nowadays, I still love fishing and spend most of my free time fishing. I will go out and try different techniques or try to find new spots. In the slower season, I spend much of my time under the water studying the fish behavior and how they are affected with the tides and moon phase. As I progress as a captain and angler, I always try to push myself into more challenging situations.