Offshore
Upper Keys Reef Tract
Offshore · Florida · Upper Keys Atlantic reef tract east of Key Largo / Molasses, outside no-take SPAs
Location Snapshot
Upper Keys Reef Tract is a Florida Keys offshore fishery built around fishable Atlantic reef habitat east of Key Largo outside protected areas. Yellowtail snapper, mutton snapper, and hogfish are the principal supported targets, with black grouper and gray snapper adding more reef-oriented opportunity.
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
Today
Northeast winds 20 to 25 knots, decreasing to near 20 knots this afternoon. Seas 2 to 4 feet, occasionally to 5 feet, except 4 to 6 feet, occasionally to 8 feet, subsiding to 3 to 5 feet, occasionally to 7 feet west of Cosgrove Shoal Light. Nearshore waters very rough, becoming rough. A slight chance of showers.
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 Atlantic / Southeast · Inlet
Approximately 49.3 miles away
Florida · Miami-Dade offshore reef / bluewater east of Government Cut · Offshore
Approximately 50.3 miles away
Florida · Middle Keys Atlantic reef tract west of Sombrero Key SPA · Offshore
Approximately 59.2 miles away
Fishery Profile
Fishery Overview
Upper Keys Reef Tract offshore fishery
Upper Keys Reef Tract is fishable Atlantic reef east of Key Largo and Molasses Reef, for yellowtail snapper, mutton snapper, and hogfish. It is not John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park as a fishing destination. Sanctuary preservation areas and the Ecological Reserve are no-take and stay outside this tract.
- Habitat and structure
- Spur and groove reef · Fishable tract outside SPAs
Static seasonal guidance · Last reviewed Sep 2, 2026
Not a live bite forecast.
Fishery Targets
Yellowtail and mutton follow a typical season. Hogfish seasons follow the current 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
Hogfish
PrimaryRegulations vary annuallyLachnolaimus maximus
Typical seasonal opportunity: SUMMER
Mycteroperca bonaci
No seasonal pulse known
Lutjanus griseus
Also called Mangrove snapper
No seasonal pulse known
Typical Seasonal Targets
- Yellowtail snapper — SUMMER
- Mutton snapper — SPRING — FALL
- Hogfish — SUMMER
Seasonal presence is general guidance and does not indicate current fish activity.
Access, Safety and Regulations
Access
Offshore reef boat from Key Largo and Upper Keys.
Primary hazards
Shallow reef, boat traffic, and mapped no-take boxes.
Fishery considerations
- Key Largo 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.
