Hey guys, Captain Ryan Carter here with your weekly inshore fishing report from beautiful Key West, Florida. This week, I want to spotlight one of my favorites—the mutton snapper.

During the winter months, we typically see winds around 15 mph, which stirs up the water just enough to take the edge off that crystal-clear visibility we’re used to. That little bit of cloudiness actually works in our favor. Mutton snapper are highly visual feeders, and the reduced clarity helps keep them from spotting your hook and leader. It’s the perfect time to book a Key West fishing charter and take advantage of these conditions.

If you’re looking to put some incredible table fare in the cooler, muttons are tough to beat. They make phenomenal fish tacos—my personal favorite. The top bait this time of year is live pilchards, though pinfish and cut bait will also get the job done.

While mutton snapper traditionally hold on the reef, winter through spring brings plenty of them into the shallower wrecks and hard-bottom areas, especially as we get closer to their May spawn. This week, Capt. Justin even picked up a few while targeting yellow jacks in the backcountry on our Key West fishing charters.

Get out there, stay safe, and tight lines!