The Lower Keys give you three very different fisheries within a short run: shallow Atlantic patch reefs, deeper reef line and wrecks, and calm Gulf-side ledges when the wind turns. Knowing which one matches the day's wind and your breath-hold is most of the game.
Atlantic patch reefs (15–35 ft)
Scattered coral heads inside the main reef line are the friendliest water in the Lower Keys and where most first-timers shoot their first hogfish. Visibility is usually 30–60 ft on a light east wind, and current is manageable.
Work the sand edges and cut through the coral rather than hovering over the top of a head — hogfish and mutton snapper hold on the rubble margins.
- Species: hogfish, yellowtail, mangrove and mutton snapper, black grouper (in season)
- Best conditions: E/SE wind under 12 kt, incoming tide
- Skill level: beginner to intermediate freediving
The main reef line and Western Dry Rocks area (35–60 ft)
Southwest of Key West the reef line steps down into ledges and spur-and-groove structure that hold bigger muttons and cobia in the cooler months. Current can rip here, so drift the structure rather than fighting it and always dive from a flagged, drifting boat with a spotter.
- Species: mutton snapper, cobia, amberjack, permit (catch and release), African pompano
- Watch for: strong tidal current, heavy boat traffic in season
Wrecks (60–110 ft)
The artificial reefs and old steel out of Key West are advanced freediving depth. Big amberjack, almaco jack and cubera stack up on the high points, and there is often a clean thermocline with better visibility than the reef.
Dive these with a competent buddy, one-up-one-down, long surface intervals, and a float line so a fish never takes your gun into the structure.
- Species: amberjack, almaco jack, cubera snapper, barracuda, occasional wahoo pass-bys
- Skill level: advanced only — depth, current and sharks
Gulf-side ledges and springs (12–30 ft)
When the Atlantic is blown out, the Gulf side of the Lower Keys stays fishable. Low limestone ledges and rock piles hold hogfish, mangrove snapper and lobster, and the shallow depth means long, relaxed bottom times.
- Best conditions: strong E/SE or NE wind days
- Bonus: excellent lobster habitat for mini-season and regular season
Rules of the road before you splash
Spearfishing is prohibited inside the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Preservation Areas and Sanctuary Preservation Zones, within 100 yards of a public swimming beach or commercial fishing pier, and in Monroe County within 100 yards of any part of a bridge. Check the current sanctuary map before every trip — closures do change.
GEAR WE RECOMMEND
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Mid-range 110 cm speargun
$$The do-everything Keys gun: enough range for muttons on the reef line, short enough to swing in coral.
CHECK PRICELow-volume freediving mask
$Easier to equalize at 40–60 ft and far less drag than a scuba mask.
CHECK PRICEFloat, float line and dive flag
$$Legally required visibility plus a way to keep a big fish out of the structure.
CHECK PRICE3 mm open-cell wetsuit
$$Right call for Keys water from November through April, and for long shallow Gulf-side dives.
CHECK PRICE
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KEEP READING
- Key West Spearfishing Season Calendar
Month-by-month guide to what you can legally and realistically spear around Key West, including grouper seasons, lobster dates and hogfish limits.
- Spearfishing Gear Guide for the Florida Keys
Exactly what gear works in Key West water: gun length, wetsuit thickness, floats, weighting and the safety kit you should not dive without.
- Florida Keys Spearfishing Rules and Closed Areas
License requirements, protected species, sanctuary closures and distance rules for spearfishing in Key West and the Florida Keys.