This guide covers Spanish mackerel fishing out of the Lower Keys from the water side: where boats run, and the named grounds and structure near port, with depths and distances. Boats working out of Lower Keys fish the Atlantic reefs within a few miles of Big Pine Key, where Spanish mackerel are listed together with cero mackerel. For the fish itself, see our Spanish mackerel guide. For the wider region, see Atlantic Southeast (see also the wider Atlantic Southeast guide).
Where Boats Run for Spanish Mackerel Out of the Lower Keys
According to FishingBooker’s guide, boats run to Atlantic reefs within a few miles of Big Pine Key. Most skippers start there, and the named grounds extend the range from that point.
- Close in: Atlantic reefs within a few miles of Big Pine Key
- Mid-range: Looe Key Reef, about 6 miles south
- Far end: Wood’s Wall, about 30 miles off the Atlantic coast
Grounds and Structure Near the Lower Keys
The table lists the named grounds and structure near the port.
| Ground | Depth (ft) | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Looe Key Reef | 35 | About 6 miles south of Big Pine Key |
| American Shoal | Southwest of Big Pine Key | |
| Adolphus Busch Sr. artificial reef wreck | 112 | |
| The Humps | Offshore of Cudjoe Key | |
| Wood’s Wall | 2000 | About 30 miles off the Atlantic coast of Big Pine Key |
| Newfound Harbor, Spanish Harbor and Niles Channels |
Looe Key Reef
Looe Key Reef sits in 35 ft of water, about 6 miles south of Big Pine Key.
American Shoal
American Shoal lies southwest of Big Pine Key.
Adolphus Busch Sr. Artificial Reef Wreck
The Adolphus Busch Sr. is an artificial reef wreck in 112 ft of water.
The Humps
The Humps lie offshore of Cudjoe Key.
Wood’s Wall
Wood’s Wall drops to 2000 ft, about 30 miles off the Atlantic coast of Big Pine Key. That is a long way past the reefs within a few miles of the island. For deep-water species out here, see our offshore gamefish coverage.
Newfound Harbor, Spanish Harbor and Niles Channels
Newfound Harbor, Spanish Harbor and Niles Channels are the closest inshore names near port.
Spanish and Cero Mackerel on the Same Reefs
FishingBooker’s guide lists Spanish and cero mackerel together for the Atlantic reefs off Big Pine Key, so anyone working these reefs for Spanish should expect cero in the same water.
- Spanish mackerel: listed for the Atlantic reefs off Big Pine Key
- Cero mackerel: listed alongside Spanish on the same reefs
FAQ: Spanish Mackerel Out of the Lower Keys
How far do boats run for Spanish mackerel from the Lower Keys?
The Atlantic reefs are within a few miles of Big Pine Key, and Looe Key Reef is about 6 miles south. Wood’s Wall, at about 30 miles, is the farthest of the named grounds.
How deep is Looe Key Reef?
Looe Key Reef is 35 ft deep. It lies about 6 miles south of Big Pine Key.
Where are The Humps?
The Humps lie offshore of Cudjoe Key.
Is Newfound Harbor Key protected?
NOAA lists Newfound Harbor Key as a Sanctuary Preservation Area. Check the rules before fishing, using the Regulations section above.
Do cero mackerel mix with Spanish mackerel here?
Yes. FishingBooker’s guide for Big Pine Key lists Spanish and cero mackerel together on the same Atlantic reefs.
