The fall transition is here in the Lower Keys, and the inshore and backcountry waters around Key West are alive with action. If you’re looking to get on the water, now’s the time — here’s what we’ve been seeing on recent trips:

Tarpon

The fall tarpon bite is still holding strong, especially in the early mornings and late evenings. We’re finding good numbers of juvenile tarpon (20–60 lbs) cruising the edges of the mangroves and deeper channels. They’re feeding aggressively on live crabs, pilchards, and soft plastics. A few larger migratory fish are still showing up on the right tides. Expect explosive surface eats and long runs — classic tarpon mayhem.

Mangrove Snapper

The mangrove snapper bite remains steady in the channels, rock piles, and mangrove edges. These fish are schooling up and providing lots of rod-bending action — perfect for anglers looking to bring back some fresh fillets. Live shrimp, cut pilchards, and small jigs are all producing well. Plenty of keepers in the 12–15” range with the occasional bruiser mixed in.

Shark Fishing

Shark fishing has been on fire. We’ve been hooking into lemon sharks, blacktips, and the occasional bull shark in the backcountry basins and channels. These fish are dialed in on the baitfish schools and offer a serious fight. This is a great option for anglers looking to battle something big without heading offshore.

Charter Fishing Outlook

If you’re considering booking a charter fishing trip in Key West, this is a fantastic time of year. The crowds are lighter, the weather is stable, and the fish are feeding hard before the next seasonal change. Whether you’re after the acrobatics of a tarpon, the finesse of flats bonefish, the tasty pull of a snapper, or the brute strength of a shark — the inshore and backcountry are delivering.

Tight lines,

Capt. Ryan Carter

Key West, Florida