Mahi-Mahi Fishing in Key West
Florida
Mahi-Mahi is one of the species anglers target most around Key West, Florida. MyFishingBuds matches you with local anglers who chase Mahi-Mahi on Marquesas Keys and The Lakes (backcountry) so you can share a boat, split costs, and learn the water faster.
88 anglers on MyFishingBuds are targeting Mahi-Mahi.
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Mahi-Mahi at a glance
- Scientific name
- Coryphaena hippurus
- IGFA record
- 87 lbs
- Max length
- 72 in
- Preferred water temp
- 72–84°F
About Mahi-Mahi
An acrobatic offshore fish with brilliant colors — one of the best eating fish in the ocean
→ Full Mahi-Mahi guide: habits, gear & how to catch themWhen to fish Key West
Key West fishes 12 months, but the calendar has clear peaks. Sailfish and the offshore cold-front bite are best December through March. The tarpon migration lights up the harbor, the bridges, and the backcountry channels April through June — the marquee event of the year. Permit are catchable year-round on the flats and wrecks, with spring and early summer best. Mahi run the blue water May through August, and yellowtail snapper fill the reef all year. Summer is hot and calm (good for offshore and flats) with afternoon storms; winter cold fronts turn on the sailfish but can blow out the flats for a day or two.
→ Today's best fishing times in Key West (sunrise, sunset & moon)Where to fish for Mahi-Mahi in Key West
- 📍 Marquesas Keys
- 📍 The Lakes (backcountry)
- 📍 Key West reef
- 📍 Offshore humps / Gulf Stream
- 📍 Key West Harbor
🪪 Florida fishing license
Anglers targeting Mahi-Mahi in Key West need a valid Florida fishing license. Resident, non-resident, and short-term options are all available — see our complete guide for current 2026 prices and direct purchase links.
Florida fishing license cost 2026 →Mahi-Mahi in Key West: FAQ
Do I need a fishing license to catch Mahi-Mahi in Key West?▾
Yes. Anglers fishing in Key West need a valid Florida fishing license (with the right freshwater or saltwater privileges for where you fish). Resident, non-resident, and short-term options are all available — see our Florida guide for current 2026 prices and direct purchase links.
When is the best time to fish for Mahi-Mahi near Key West?▾
Key West fishes 12 months, but the calendar has clear peaks. Sailfish and the offshore cold-front bite are best December through March. The tarpon migration lights up the harbor, the bridges, and the backcountry channels April through June — the marquee event of the year. Permit are catchable year-round on the flats and wrecks, with spring and early summer best. Mahi run the blue water May through August, and yellowtail snapper fill the reef all year. Summer is hot and calm (good for offshore and flats) with afternoon storms; winter cold fronts turn on the sailfish but can blow out the flats for a day or two.
How do I find a Mahi-Mahi fishing buddy in Key West?▾
Create a free MyFishingBuds profile, set Mahi-Mahi as a target species, and pick Key West as your area. You'll be matched with nearby anglers who target the same species and fish a similar style, so you can plan a trip, share a boat, and split the costs.
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Other species to target in Key West
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