Fishing Information
Everything you need to plan a Florida Keys fishing trip, from finding and booking a local charter to checking the best times to target different species, understanding fishing styles, and reviewing current FWC licenses, seasons and regulations.
FWC Licenses & Regulations
Know before you go. Check current Florida fishing licenses, seasons, size and bag limits, protected species and other regulations before hitting the water.
Book a Charter
There’s no substitute for local knowledge. Find experienced Florida Keys captains and charters for backcountry, reef, wreck, offshore and deep-sea fishing adventures.
History of Fishing
Fishing is woven into the story of The Florida Keys. Discover the legendary anglers, captains and traditions that helped shape one of the world’s most celebrated fishing destinations.
Florida Keys Fishing Guide
Not sure where to start? Explore fishing styles, target species, seasonal opportunities and tips for planning your Florida Keys fishing adventure.
Find a Fishing Charter
Let a local captain lead the way. Search Florida Keys charters and guides for backcountry, reef, wreck and offshore fishing.
Regulations & Fishing Licenses
Fishing independently from a boat, bridge or shoreline? Check Florida saltwater fishing license requirements, current FWC seasons, size and bag limits, plus Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary regulations. Anglers fishing with a licensed charter captain are generally covered by the captain’s documentation.
Fish Rules App
Keep fishing regulations at your fingertips. Use the Fish Rules app to quickly check current seasons, limits and other regulations while you’re on the water.
What’s Biting & When?
Explore typical fishing opportunities throughout the year and discover the best times to target popular backcountry, reef, wreck and offshore species.
Sportfishing History in the Keys
Discover the legendary catches, anglers and traditions that helped establish The Florida Keys as one of the world’s iconic fishing destinations, including IGFA records from Keys waters.
Fishing Tournaments
From offshore showdowns to backcountry challenges, fishing tournaments are a big part of The Florida Keys angling scene. Explore upcoming competitions, weigh-ins and events happening throughout the island chain.
Spearfishing
Planning to fish below the surface? Learn where spearfishing is permitted, where it’s restricted and what regulations apply in Monroe County and surrounding waters.
Bridge & Shore Fishing
You don’t need a boat to wet a line in The Florida Keys. Designated bridges and shoreline access points offer plenty of opportunities to cast from land, including several popular fishing spots along the Overseas Heritage Trail. Anglers can try their luck from places like Channel Two Bridge, Tom’s Harbor Cut Bridge, Tom’s Harbor Channel Bridge and Long Key Bridge.
Blue Star Fishing Operators
Fish with operators recognized by Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary for responsible fishing practices, conservation and educating anglers about protecting Keys waters.
Boat Like You Belong
Boating in The Florida Keys is unforgettable, but our shallow waters, seagrass beds and coral habitats require extra care. Learn simple tips for navigating responsibly, protecting the reef and keeping Keys waters beautiful for everyone.
Conservation-Minded Fishing
Fishing responsibly helps protect the waters and habitats that make The Florida Keys such a special place to fish. Before heading out, anglers can use the free Marine Sanctuary Explorer app to view sanctuary zones, identify where certain activities are allowed, find Blue Star operators and access location-based sanctuary rules, even offline.
Fishing & Diving
Fishing on Florida Keys Bridges
Bridges Open to Fishing
- Channel 2 (MM 73)
- Channel 5 (south end, MM 71)
- Long Key (MM 63-65)
- Tom's Harbor Cut (MM 61.2)
- Tom's Harbor Channel (access from north end only, MM 60.6)
- Seven Mile Bridge (south end only, MM 40)
- Spanish Harbor (MM 34)
- South Pine Channel Historic Bridge (MM 30)
- Kemp Channel (MM 23)
- Bow Channel (MM 20)
- Park Channel (MM 18.5)
- Shark Channel (MM 11)
Bridges Closed to Fishing
- Little Duck Key-Missouri Historic Bridge, (MM 39.5)
- Missouri-Ohio Historic Bridge (MM 39)
- Ohio-Bahia Honda Historic Bridge (MM 38.5)
- Lower Sugarloaf Channel (MM 15.8)
Related Content
Your Florida Keys Fishing Guide
Not sure where to start fishing in The Florida Keys? This guide breaks down the difference between backcountry, reef, offshore and deepwater fishing, the types of boats you may encounter and what species are typically best to target throughout the year. From tarpon and bonefish on the flats to mahi-mahi, sailfish and swordfish offshore, use our fishing calendars to get a better idea of what may be biting when, then leave the final game plan to your local captain.
