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Captain Ryan Carter here with your comprehensive weekly Key West inshore fishing update. Despite the seasonal weather patterns bringing occasional cold fronts through the Lower Keys, we’re finding productive fishing windows that are delivering excellent action for our clients.

The mangrove snapper bite around Key West has been remarkably consistent, particularly along the leeward side of the island where protection from strong winds has created ideal fishing conditions. These tasty gamefish are holding near structure and readily taking live baits and small jigs during the moving tides. For anglers looking to secure a delicious fish dinner in Key West, targeting these snappers has been our most reliable option.

Shark fishing in the shallow flats surrounding the Lower Keys continues to provide thrilling opportunities for those seeking bigger, harder-fighting adversaries. The shallow water sight fishing for these powerful predators creates a unique experience as you can actually watch the shark track and attack your bait. Multiple species including blacktips, lemons, and bulls are providing heart-pounding runs and serious drag-pulling challenges on appropriate tackle.

The early tarpon season in Key West is showing promising signs, though anglers are having to work harder for success as water temperatures fluctuate around the critical 70-degree mark. These temperature variations have the silver kings moving between deeper channels and shallow basins as they search for comfortable conditions. Despite the challenge, persistent anglers are being rewarded with opportunities at these magnificent gamefish that make Key West a world-renowned fishing destination.

Barracuda action has been particularly noteworthy as these toothy predators are staging on the flats for their annual spawn. Often called the “sea wolf,” these aggressive hunters deliver some of the fastest, most explosive strikes in our inshore waters. Sight fishing for large barracuda in Key West’s crystal-clear shallows offers an exciting visual experience with their lightning-quick runs testing both tackle and angler.

For those planning Key West fishing charters in the coming weeks, targeting the weather windows between fronts will maximize your success. The forecast shows improving conditions as we move deeper into spring, with more consistent temperatures stabilizing fish patterns throughout the Lower Keys.