Two people holding a large fish beside a boat in clear turquoise water.

Fishing

From skinny-water flats to deep-blue runs offshore, The Florida Keys give anglers plenty of ways to bend a rod. Sight-cast for Bonefish, Tarpon and Permit in the backcountry, or head for open water in search of Sailfish, Mahi-Mahi, Tuna and more. Local captains know the tides, the bite and the spots worth chasing, whether you’re hoping for a personal best or fresh catch for dinner. Around here, the hardest part is deciding where to fish first.

Diver swims above a bright green mahi-mahi underwater.

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...

Fishing boats docked at a harbor, black-and-white photograph.

Sportfishing History in The Florida Keys

Renowned worldwide as a legendary angling destination, The Florida Keys helped pioneer backcountry sportfishing, saltwater fly fishing and light-tackle angling. Celebrated captains such as Jimmie Albright, Cecil Keith, Billy Knowles and Richard Stanczyk Sr. shaped the sport, while famous anglers including Ted Williams, Ernest Hemingway, Zane Grey and Presidents Herbert Hoover, Harry S. Truman and George H.W. Bush added to the island chain’s enduring fishing legacy.

Silhouetted fishers on a boat during a vibrant orange sunset.

Florida Keys Fishing Tournaments

The Florida Keys is a famous for fishing tournaments. Check our list highlighting some of the many tournaments taking place throughout the year.

Diver holding a lobster underwater, wearing snorkel and flippers.

Florida Keys Lobster Season

Every year, thousands of locals and visitors dive into spiny lobster season, a favorite Florida Keys tradition. The Florida Fish and Wildlife...

Key West

Key West Pro Guides

Key West Pro Guides is Key West's largest professional fishing guide team, offering private backcountry, wreck and reef, offshore, shark, tarpon, Marquesas Atoll, group, and family fishing charters with nine full-time owner-operator captains since 1998.

Marathon

Wet Tails Charters

Wet Tails Charters is a Marathon fishing charter operating out of Captain Hook's Marina aboard a 31-foot Stamas with a private bathroom, offering family-friendly reef, offshore, wreck, and big game fishing trips with Captain Ed Traylor and first mate Mikey.

Islamorada

BnM Charters

Bud n’ Mary’s Marina — home of the renowned “B n’ M” 34-ft charter boat in Islamorada, Florida Keys.

Islamorada

Captain Dave Perkins Fishing Charters

Captain Dave Perkins Fishing Charters — personalized backcountry and flats fishing trips in the upper Florida Keys (Tavernier, Islamorada, Key Largo & the Everglades).

Key West

Wall To Wall Fishing Charters

Wall To Wall Fishing Charters — premier private fishing and sandbar tours out of Key West for all ages and experience levels.

The Lower Keys

Sugarloaf Marina

Sugarloaf Key Marina — full-service “old school” Keys marina offering rentals, charters, ramps, bait & tackle, tours, and more.

Key Largo

Round Up Fishing Charters

Round Up Fishing Charters — offshore and reef fishing charters in Key Largo, where experienced captains guide you to mahi‑mahi, sailfish and other trophy catches.

Islamorada

Duke Charters

Duke Charters — top-rated Florida Keys fishing charters led by Captain James Brayton out of Tavernier.

Islamorada

Catchalottafish Charters

Catchalottafish Charters — top-tier Islamorada fishing charters delivering reef, wreck, offshore and Gulf of Mexico adventures.

Key Largo

Sailors Choice Fishing Boat

A 65 foot all aluminum party boat at the Holiday Inn Marina, mile marker 100 in Key Largo, Coast Guard certified for 49 passengers and running public trips daily. Rod, reel, bait and tackle come with the fare, and the crew will clean and fillet whatever you keep.

Islamorada

Stray Cat Charters

Stray Cat Charters — versatile private fishing charters in Islamorada, where inshore flats, back‑country and offshore reef trips are led by experienced Captain Chris Barron.

The Lower Keys

Livin' the Dream Charters

Livin' The Dream Charters is a laid-back, locally run outfit fishing, diving, and cruising the Lower Keys out of Parmer's Resort on Little Torch Key. Whether you want to chase mahi offshore, spearfish the reef, scoop up lobster, or just soak in a sandbar sunset, Capt. Ray and Leah shape the day around you.