Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Key Largo (Complete Guide)
Whether you’re interested in chartering or shore fishing, Key Largo offers plenty of opportunities to have a good time and experience great fishing. Boasting hundreds of varieties of seasonal and year-round species of fish, Key Largo is truly a fisherman’s dream spot and should be on every fisherman’s bucket list.
The best time to fish in Key Largo for sailfish, tarpon, spotted seatrout, mahi mahi, and cobia is from April through September. The best times for amberjack, grouper, and king mackerel are November through March.
| Fish Species | Best Times to Fish in Key Largo |
| Amberjack | December-February are the best months; March & November offer decent fishing. |
| Barracuda | March-October are the best months; November-February offer decent fishing. |
| Cobia | April & September-October are the best months; May-August offer decent fishing. |
| Grouper | November-March are the best months; April-October offer decent fishing. |
| King Mackerel | October-April are the best months; May & September offer decent fishing. |
| Mahi Mahi | April-August are the best months; March & September offer decent fishing. |
| Permit | May-August are the best months; April & September offer decent fishing. |
| Spotted Seatrout | April-July are the best months; August & March offer decent fishing. |
| Tarpon | April-July are the best months; March & August offer decent fishing. |
| Snapper | April-November are the best months; December-March offer decent fishing. |
The Florida Keys are legendary, but fishing on Key Largo adds a whole new depth to the experience. It was always going to be spectacular, stretching 33 miles across the greatest area of the Keys. Key Largo is unlike any other site in the world, with the Everglades on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. Thousands of scuba divers and sportfishing aficionados visit the “Diving Capital of the World” each year.
A spectacular living coral reef can be seen just a few miles offshore, and it’s something you have to see to believe. Such natural beauty and plenty are rare in today’s world, and we should always treasure it. Key Largo is a top destination for kayakers and ecotourists alike (the Everglades are only a short boat ride away).
Key Largo Fishing: Best Months
Amberjack: December-February are the best months; March & November offer decent fishing.
Barracuda: March-October are the best months; November-February offer decent fishing.
Cobia: April & September-October are the best months; May-August offer decent fishing.
Grouper: November-March are the best months; April-October offer decent fishing.
King Mackerel: October-April are the best months; May & September offer decent fishing.
Mahi Mahi: April-August are the best months; March & September offer decent fishing.
Permit: May-August are the best months; April & September offer decent fishing.
Spotted Seatrout: April-July are the best months; August & March offer decent fishing.
Tarpon: April-July are the best months; March & August offer decent fishing.
Snapper: April-November are the best months; December-March offer decent fishing.
For a complete breakdown of Key Largo fishing, check out this article I wrote.
Recommended Fishing Guides/Charters in Key Largo
These Key Largo-based charters have earned great reviews from anglers and will offer you a great service. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.
| Recommended Fishing Charters | Location |
| All Hanns On Deck | Key Largo, FL |
| Tail Gator Charters | Key Largo, FL |
| Fins & Feathers Fishing Charters | Key Largo, FL |
| Against The Grain Charters | Key Largo, FL |
| Chef Charles The Fishing Chef | Key Largo, FL |
| Off Course Charters | Key Largo, FL |
| Hold Tight Charters | Key Largo, FL |
| Captain Pete Jacobsen | Key Largo, FL |
| Lock It Up Charters | Key Largo, FL |
| Grand Slam Charters | Key Largo, FL |
| Local Grown Charters | Key Largo, FL |
| A2 Fishing Charters | Key Largo, FL |
| Reel Deal Charter Fishing | Key Largo, FL |
Best Times to Fish Key Largo
Amberjack
Best Months: December-February are best; March & November offer decent fishing
It has the appearance of a long Crevalle Jack. When a Jack is stretched out, it resembles an Amberjack. Put a redfish on it, and you’ll see what it’s actually like. Almost. Fish with a long body that can easily reach 5 feet in length.
Because amberjacks prefer to swim above the reef, using just enough lead to maintain the bait in the center of the water column is a smart option. Amberjack will rise to the surface and explode on top-water plugs, jigs, spoons, and diving lures when they are agitated.
Barracuda
Best Months: March-October are best; November-February offer decent fishing
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission voted to prohibit the capture of barracuda under 15 inches in length and to limit the capture of those three feet or longer to one per person or vessel each day. The limits are in place to safeguard both juvenile and giant fish, which are the most prolific breeders.
Smaller fish that graze algae off the reefs are eaten by barracudas and other huge predators. These larger predators can make humans who eat them very sick in some regions, though this is rare in Florida. Barracuda, on the other hand, may move large distances and spread poison from other regions.
Cobia
Best Months: April & September-October are best; May-August offer decent fishing
Cobia is also easy to identify, although you could mistake them for small Sharks at first glance. However, apart from sharing horizontal pectoral fins and similar colorations, the two aren’t related.
In fact, Cobia is one of a few fish that have no close relatives at all. They’re solitary swimmers, but you’ll find them in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide – including most of Florida.
Grouper
Best Months: November-March are best; April-October offer decent fishing
The majority of anglers are unaware that there are 17 different species of grouper swimming in Florida’s waters. The dark cells in the graphic below show the only three species that cannot be caught and eaten. At full maturity, these fish can weigh up to 180 pounds and grow to be four feet long.
In their natural habitat, black grouper eat fish and squid, and when fished on the bottom, they’ll take chopped bait strips and whole fish – live or dead. Adult fish can be found in depths of up to 60 feet.
King Mackerel
Best Months: October-April are best; May & September offer decent fishing
The king mackerel is a pelagic fish. This means they spend most of their time in the water column’s upper reaches. They are always on the go, despite the fact that they are structured. King mackerel is one of Florida’s most popular offshore game fish. Their movement patterns are similar to those of the baitfish they eat.
The world record king mackerel was captured in Puerto Rico and weighs 93 pounds. When cooked fresh, kings are delicious, but they do not freeze well.
Mahi-Mahi
Best Months: April-August are best; March & September offer decent fishing
This magnificent species, one of the most known fish in the world, adds a tropical flavor to your fishing trip. You’ll know you’ve made it when you see the brilliant green, blue, and yellow colors emerging from the depths. In the area, it’s known as dolphinfish, and it’s highly appreciated for its game qualities as well as its delectable taste.
You’ll have to go a little further offshore to get your hands on this mystery beast. Fortunately, any direction will work. So just choose which seas you want to explore and go claim your treasure. But be warned: it won’t go down without a fight. However, this will most likely be your best fight.
Permit
Best Months: May-August are best; April & September offer decent fishing
This is one of the most difficult fish to catch here, and catching one is a great challenge. Local fishermen like combing the flats in the hopes of catching this silver beauty. Permit are large fish, with most catches weighing between 10 and 30 pounds, while some individuals can weigh up to 100 pounds.
When you combine their size, intelligence, and endurance, you have a genuinely thrilling fight, especially when it’s on the run. Do you enjoy a good challenge? In Key Largo, shallow-water fishermen prefer targeting the flats for permit, tarpon, and bonefish all in one day. You’ll enjoy it as well.
Spotted Sea Trout
Best Months: April-July are best; August & March offer decent fishing
Spotted Seatrout should surely be on your Florida fishing bucket list. If you don’t have time to venture further afield, the shallow waters of Key Largo are reputed to be teeming with tiny trout. Big ones, on the other hand, flourish here as they congregate in the creeks to spawn in the spring.
Trout are an excellent target for many types of anglers, including beginners and professionals. It’s one of the best light-tackle game fish, and it comes in a variety of sizes, from little individuals to 18-pound “Gator” Trout.
Sink your line, and you’ll be rewarded with a (big?) surprise at the end. When you arrive home, reap the benefits at the table, as these are usually wonderful.
Tarpon
Best Months: April-July are best; March & August offer decent fishing
You’ve arrived at the right place if you’re looking for the magnificent “Silver King.” Tarpon is one of the most sought-after game fish in the world, and Key Largo is blessed with abundant tarpon habitat.
During the months of March and April, you’ll locate trophy-sized Tarpon around the ocean side flats, as well as larger ones along the bridges.
You’re in for a treat in September and October. As they pass through on their migration path, there is a brief second Tarpon run. The Barnes and Card sounds, as well as Caesar Creek, have good populations of young Tarpon, so you may come here at different times of the year to get your fill of the fight.
Snapper
Best Months: April-November are best; December-March offer decent fishing
Red Snapper is another popular fish in Florida, and it has a good reputation among anglers. It’s large and magnificent, but it’s also one of the world’s most delicious fish.
With so many reefs and wrecks around Key Largo, you won’t want to miss out on fishing for this beauty. This list could continue on and on – after all, this is one of the world’s wealthiest fisheries. You don’t have to stick to the top catches; chances are you’ll be able to capture whatever you want here.
I recommend this Penn Pursuit Spinning Rod & Reel combo (available on Amazon) for inshore and nearshore fishing. It can handle everything from redfish to snapper and king mackerel. The Penn Battalion Series Spinning Rod and the Penn Battle Spinning Reel are fantastic if you want to create your combo.
Best Fishing Spots in Key Largo
Because Key Largo is the largest section of the Keys, determining the best fishing spots might be difficult. We did, however, give it a go. Continue reading to learn about the greatest spots for some rod-bending action.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park:
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is located in the state of Florida. Do you want to combine fishing with any other enjoyable activities? The United States’ first undersea park provides excellent fishing opportunities and snorkeling and dive trips.
Card Sound Road Bridge:
Card Sound Road Bridge, prized fish have been known to congregate near bridges, and this one is guaranteed to deliver. Sink a line and expect to catch redfish, trout, and snook.
The Marvin D. Adams Waterway:
The Marvin D. Adams Waterway, which connects Largo Sound and Blackwater Sound, is a productive waterway with excellent fishing. While reeling in trout, snook, redfish, and tarpon, you can relax and enjoy your day.
Duane shipwreck:
Duane shipwreck is a local favorite if you’re looking for some incredible wreck fishing. Thousands of fish swarm this spot, which is only a short boat trip from the coast. All of the Florida favorites will be congregating here, and your line will undoubtedly pull.
Bibb shipwreck:
The Bibb shipwreck is one of the best diving spots in the world, but the adventure doesn’t stop there. The waters around this sunken freighter are teeming with grouper, snapper, and hogfish, making it a must-see for any serious angler.
Molasses Reef:
Molasses Reef is the most picturesque and well-known reef in the Keys, offering excellent snorkeling and fishing opportunities. It’s also easily accessible from Key Largo, and its depths are home to some good-sized snapper and grouper.
Harry Harris Park:
Visit Harry Harris Park and the beach area in Tavernier, which is entertaining for the whole family. Expect to enjoy the beach and the underwater world while also reeling in snapper and jacks, as fishing and snorkeling are popular pastimes here.
Types of Fishing In Key Largo (Best Times & Seasons)
There are numerous ways to explore Key Largo, as well as various forms of fishing to be had in these waters. Continue reading to learn how to get the most out of your fishing trip.
Fishing charters
Booking a trip on a fishing charter is your best bet if you want to explore as much of the Keys as possible. You’ll be able to cover a lot more terrain and take advantage of some of the greatest fishing in the area this way. Not to mention the advantages of having a knowledgeable local captain show you the finest areas and techniques for landing a prize.
A fishing trip can also take you to depths you wouldn’t typically visit, thanks to the abundance of water all around you. Whether we’re talking about the Gulf of Mexico or the enormous Atlantic, there’s plenty of fishing to be had in either direction. Combine it with some incredible diving opportunities, and you’ve got yourself a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Fishing with a Kayak
Thousands of anglers and eco-tourists visit the area each year to witness the natural marvels of the Everglades for themselves. The Everglades National Park, which lies close, is a unique ecology that is best explored by kayak.
Enjoy the sun as you stroll down the twisting canals, keeping an eye out for wildlife. Are you looking for a shot of adrenaline? Take to the Florida Bay and the flats in pursuit of some of the greatest fishing the Keys has to offer. Your daring spirit will appreciate it, and the thrill of catching a monster from a kayak is unrivaled. perhaps the next valuable specimen.
Fishing from the beach
Key Largo also offers unrivaled fishing chances from the shore for those who prefer a more relaxing fishing experience without needing to get out on the water. Finding a decent area to toss your line in is not difficult given the abundance of water.
The list goes on and on: Card Sound, Barnes Sound, Blackwater Sound, Largo Sound, etc. Simply walk down and you’ll find a plethora of peaceful fishing areas. If you want to explore one of the world’s most magnificent natural settings while waiting for the fish to strike, the Southern Glades are only a short drive away. Enjoying a pleasant day in the sun isn’t difficult at all.
The question now is when you can go fishing now that you know how to do it and where to go. The best part about fishing in Key Largo is that it is available all year. Any time of year is a terrific time to visit, with great weather, amazing fishing areas, and incomparable natural beauty. There’s always something to target because there’s water everywhere.
If you’re still not convinced, take a peek at Key Largo’s natural beauty. It’s a fantastic fishing paradise that keeps anglers coming back for more. The Everglades, the Gulf, the Atlantic, incredible flats and backcountry, lovely bays, marshes, and sounds, not to mention reefs and beaches — this place has everything. And once you’re here, you won’t want to leave.
For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish for tarpon in the Florida Keys, please check out this helpful guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish for cobia in the Florida Keys, please check out this helpful guide.
For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish for bonefish in the Florida Keys, please check out this helpful guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish for mahi mahi in the Florida Keys, please check out this helpful guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in the Florida Keys, please check out this helpful guide.
For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Islamorada, please check out this helpful guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Cedar Key, please check out this helpful guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in the Marathon, please check out this helpful guide. For a complete breakdown of the charter costs in Key Largo, please check out this guide.
