Offshore
Lower Keys Offshore
Offshore · Florida · Lower Keys reef and bluewater south of Key West
Location Snapshot
Lower Keys Offshore covers reef and bluewater south of Key West, distinct from Key West Harbor, the Marquesas, and the Dry Tortugas. Yellowtail snapper, mutton snapper, and mahi-mahi are principal supported targets, with hogfish, wahoo, and blue marlin reflecting the mix of reef and pelagic water.
Information Only
StrikeTracks does not currently provide an Offshore fishing-condition rating. Marine Conditions are observations and forecasts for trip planning. They are not an Excellent, Good, Fair, or Poor fishing score.
Marine Conditions
Planning context — not a fishing rating.
Marine Forecast
Tonight
Northeast winds 20 to 25 knots. Seas 3 to 5 feet, occasionally to 6 feet, except 5 to 6 feet, occasionally to 8 feet west of Cosgrove Shoal Light. Nearshore waters very rough.
Marine Alerts
- Small Craft Advisory · Minor — Small Craft Advisory issued October 20 at 4:27AM EDT until October 21 at 6:00AM EDT by NWS Key West FL
Nearby fishing destinations
Florida · Florida Keys · Harbor
Approximately 6.5 miles away
Florida · Middle Keys Atlantic reef tract west of Sombrero Key SPA · Offshore
Approximately 43.4 miles away
Fishery Profile
Fishery Overview
Lower Keys Offshore offshore fishery
Lower Keys Offshore is reef and bluewater south of Key West, for yellowtail snapper, mutton snapper, and mahi-mahi. It is not the Key West harbor and shore fishery. The Marquesas and Dry Tortugas are different destinations. Sanctuary no-take areas are excluded, and this water is not Dry Tortugas National Park.
- Habitat and structure
- Lower Keys reef · Bluewater edge
Static seasonal guidance · Last reviewed Sep 3, 2026
Not a live bite forecast.
Fishery Targets
Yellowtail, mutton, and mahi follow a typical season. Seasons for Hogfish change with the annual rules.
This reflects typical biological/fishery timing, not a legal open season. Check current regulations before fishing.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency and editorial sources. About fish illustrations
Yellowtail snapper
PrimaryOcyurus chrysurus
Also called colirrubia
Typical seasonal opportunity: SUMMER
Lutjanus analis
Also called sama
Typical seasonal opportunity: SPRING — FALL
Coryphaena hippurus
Also called Dorado
Typical seasonal opportunity: LATE SPRING — SUMMER
Hogfish
SecondaryRegulations vary annuallyLachnolaimus maximus
Typical seasonal opportunity: SUMMER
Acanthocybium solandri
Also called Ono
No seasonal pulse known
Makaira nigricans
Also called Kajiki
No seasonal pulse known
Typical Seasonal Targets
- Yellowtail snapper — SUMMER
- Mutton snapper — SPRING — FALL
- Mahi-mahi — LATE SPRING — SUMMER
- Hogfish — SUMMER
Seasonal presence is general guidance and does not indicate current fish activity.
Access, Safety and Regulations
Access
Offshore boat from Key West. Not Fort Zach harbor.
Primary hazards
Reef, Stream, and no-take boxes. Dry Tortugas is a different held.
Fishery considerations
- Key West harbor tides are not representative of this location.
- Regional NWS.
Regulations
Size limits, seasons, and possession rules change. Verify the current official regulations before fishing.
Fishery Sources
Editorial and agency sources supporting this fishery profile. Live and predicted conditions use the separate Data Sources section.
Location and Access
This marker is the mapped fishing area. It is not a boat ramp, a parking area, or a place to drive to.
