Key West Fish Species Guide

Groupersare quite common in the waters surrounding the Florida Keys. Among the species most popularly sought after by fishing enthusiasts is the gag grouper, a bottom feeder with less distinguished color markings than its cousins.

The yellow tail snapper is one of the easiest fish aroundKey Westto identify. When you fish Key West or snorkel there, watch for an oblong, olive to bluish-black fish (they appear silver with a photo flash but don't always look that way in natural light) with a bright yellow stripe along the side, and yellow spots on the upper back.

Themutton snapper(Lutjanus analis) makes for excellent food and fun when fishing Key West. The snapper puts up a great fight, so it’s a challenge many anglers enjoy.Snapperslive along the East Coast and in the Bahamas, but Key West boasts many of the largest snappers, including the heaviest caught—at 30 pounds and four ounces.

The bonefish is a popularKey Westfish targeted by anglers. This, however, it is not because of their taste. Instead, their popularity stems from the voracious fight they provide fishermen. Locally, they often go by the moniker the "Grey Ghosts" because of their reclusive, fast-swimming nature.

The next time you are KeyWest Floridafishing, be on the lookout for the Thunnus Atlanticus or Blackfin Tuna. This fish is black and oval shaped with a light coloring of yellow along the side of its body.