Bottom fishing is one of the most popular ways to fish in Key West—and for good reason. It’s a super productive style of fishing that targets fish living near the ocean floor. That means dropping your bait down to coral reefs, shipwrecks, and rocky ledges where fish love to hang out.
These trips are all about action. You'll catch a variety of tasty species like snapper, grouper, porgies, and more. It’s a great choice if you want steady bites, plenty of fillets for dinner, and the excitement of pulling fish up from deep water.
Whether you're a first-timer or an experienced angler, bottom fishing offers a fun, hands-on experience with plenty of rewards.
Delicious and aggressive reef dwellers.
Hard-hitting, bottom-dwelling predators.
Known as “reef donkeys” due to their incredible strength and powerful runs.
Strong fighters often found near wrecks and floating debris.
A fast and aggressive predator, common on the flats and near reefs.
Lemon sharks, bull sharks, and blacktips are frequently caught in shallow waters, providing exciting battles.
Year-round (Grouper season closes January–April).
Best in Spring & Fall.
Year-Round.
Fishing over reefs and wrecks using baited hooks.
Dropping a heavy jig and quickly retrieving it to entice strikes.
Using Shrimp, Pinfish, or cut bait to attract bottom dwellers.
Bottom fishing is a great choice for families, beginners, and anyone looking to catch lots of fish while enjoying Key West’s incredible reef and wreck structures.
