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

Second Generation Fishing Charters

We Fish Key West — your local charter partner for top offshore, reef, and backcountry fishing adventures.

Islamorada

Bud N Mary's Fishing Marina

Bud n' Mary's has been sending boats out of Islamorada since 1944, and on any given morning there are more than 40 captains and guides working these docks at mile marker 79.8. Book a charter, eat breakfast at the grill before you shove off, and sleep on a houseboat tied up right there when you get back.

Key West

Outer Limits Sportfishing

Outer Limits Sportfishing — deep-sea fishing charters in Key West, where tournament-ready gear and offshore adventure collide.

Islamorada

Black Tip Charters

Black Tip Charters — family-friendly fishing adventures targeting tarpon, sharks and offshore species in Islamorada.

Islamorada

Danica Anne Sportfishing

Captain Wayne Parker Fishing Charters — veteran-led private deep-sea and sunset cruises from Tavernier, Florida Keys.

Key West

Captain Rios Charters

Captain Rio's Charters offers personalized, adventure-filled boating experiences in Key West, specializing in spearfishing, lobstering, island exploration, and water-based activities aboard a 32-foot Stamas vessel.

Islamorada

Takedown Charters

Takedown Charters — premium offshore sport‑fishing charters in Islamorada, where Captain Greg Hartlaub leads you after sailfish, mahi, wahoo and trophy game off the Florida Keys.

Key West

No Doubt Fishing Charters

No Doubt Charters is a family-owned Key West fishing charter offering sportfishing, snorkeling, and trips to the Dry Tortugas.

Islamorada

Reel McCoy Fishing Charter

Reel McCoy Charters — premium offshore sportfishing trips in Islamorada, where expert guides and big-game action make unforgettable Florida Keys memories.

Key West

Key West Fishing Connection

Key West Fishing Connection is a Stock Island-based charter service led by Captain Dan Zier, a Keys native with 40-plus years of fishing experience offering tarpon, shark, inshore, offshore, and reef fishing trips on a 22-foot Lake and Bay boat with a 5.0-star rating on FishingBooker.

Islamorada

Enigma Fishing Charters

Enigma Fishing Charters — expert private fishing trips in Islamorada, Florida Keys guided by Capt. Shannon Attales. With over 20 years of professional fishing experience across Florida and beyond, Capt. Shannon delivers bespoke charters from Islamorada to match every angler’s goals. All gear, licenses and local insights are included to ensure your day on the water is as seamless as it is memorable.