Key West Fishing in January?

Question

Heading to the Casa Marina in Key West for the New Year. They said they allow fishing off of the beach and pier at the resort. However, it is winter so I was wondering if there is anything to be caught off of the shore this time of year and what baits might work best? I'm just worried about bringing fishing gear for no reason and being better off just chartering a boat instead... Thanks!

Answer 1

Believe it or not, it can & will get "colder" in Key West in Jan, (60-ish).

There are many different areas to fish in the Keys. Key West is not a "hot spot" but it can afford some interesting flats fishing. It is generally known for offshore.

Here are some questions you must ask yourself:

1. Will you have enough time to drive and "scout out" some flats?

2. How MUCH tackle can you bring?

3. How much of a hassle will it be to check your rod/reel?


Personally, I LIKE to find/scout-out cool new flats and "bridge-runs". There is nothing better than trying to figure out a new flat in a strange ,gorgeous, environment. It always feels like your on an adventure. BUT, this takes time. And you are guaranteed nothing!

To answer your Q- Yes, there are 'Cuda, Mangrove Snapper, Angel, small Yellowtail & Grouper, Pompano, Puffers, Etc that are everywhere most of the time.

Small 'Cuda's are prevalent in neashore waters. Esp if you decide to use "shiny lures" or fast moving crank-baits.

If you are just wanting a "casual" fishing experience with no guarantees of catching anything "worthy" bring a spinning outfit with 12LB flourocarbon line. Go fishing off the resort property and cast Jigs W/Berkley Swimming Mullet ( for 'Cuda) and float "cutbait" for M-Snapper.

In the past I have caught some "keeper" M-Snapper casting a silver 6" suspending Rapala (make sure to change the hooks out to 3X strong). Make sure to "sweeten" all lures with aerosal "Pogey/Menhaden" spray attractant.

Most every bridge, Culvert, turn-off, Etc can & WILL have SOME type of fish to catch.

If you want a guarantee to catch fish hire a charter. But then you lose-out on the experience of driving around site-seeing, checking out the tiny Key Deer and occasionally casting your line.

Here is some advice- DON'T SPEED EVER! The cops down there will give you a ticket for 2 miles over the limit!
Watch out for Banana Spiders at night! (they are the size of your hand)
Wear bootys while swimming/walking flats AT ALL Times! (Fire Coral, Stingray, Toadfish, Crabs, Etc)

Hope this helps ya? Check my past "starred" questions for further info on Keys/tropical fishing.

Answer 2

Taking A Cruise, Snorkeling, Swimming, Fishing, Picking Up Seashells At The Shoreline, Renting A Hotel, And Having A Fun Time!

Answer 3

You can't go to key west and bring fishing gear for no reason. Besides who says you can't charter a boat and bring your own gear? Cents pretty much hit it on the nose, and there isn't much more I can add. If your willing to make the drive In marathon there is a Party Boat called the Marathon Lady. I head out on it every time I go just to change things up a bit. The do deep sea bottom fishing and every year I go I end up with more fish than I know what to do with.

Answer 4

Without taking the time & effort of taking your tackle, it would be a lot easier & less time consuming, to hire a local guide, as they are familure with the area. Plus, their livelyhood, depends on customers catching fish.

Answer 5

You can if you like too. Good luck too.