Fishing
From backcountry flats to the deep blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf, the Florida Keys are an angler’s dream. Cast for bonefish, tarpon, and permit in skinny water, or chase sailfish, mahi, and tuna offshore—the variety is unmatched. Local captains and charters know where the action is, whether you’re after a record catch or dinner for the grill. With easy access from every island, fishing here is less about luck and more about adventure. Rods ready? The Keys are always biting.
Fishing Information
All the details you need: licenses, regulations, videos, styles, and tips to make your Florida Keys fishing excursion a keeper.
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.
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.
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...
Filters
Second Generation Fishing Charters
We Fish Key West — your local charter partner for top offshore, reef, and backcountry fishing adventures.
INXS Fishing Charters
INXS Deep Sea Fishing Charters — luxury sport-fishing adventures aboard a 47-ft Viking out of Key West.
Fishing Kings
Marathon Fishing Kings — private reef, wreck & offshore fishing charters in Marathon, where expert guidance meets trophy-fish potential.
Straw Hats Fishing Charters
Straw Hats Fishing Charters — private reef, wreck and offshore fishing charters in Key West where every trip is full‑boat (up to ~6 anglers) and fully equipped for a premier angling experience.
Broadminded Charters
Broad Minded — high-performance 42′ charter boat for offshore and deep-water sportfishing out of Islamorada.
Dog House Charters
Dog House Sportfishing Charters — premier full-day sportfishing adventures in Islamorada targeting sailfish, mahi-mahi, tuna and more.
Catch 'Em All Sportfishing
Catch 'Em All Sportfishing offers reef, offshore, wreck, and tarpon fishing charters out of Marathon Sailfish Marina with Captain Jeff Shelar, a 20-plus-year Keys veteran and 12-time TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Award winner with a no-fish-no-pay guarantee.
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).
TAN MAN Charters
Islamorada Offshore Charters — full‑service offshore & reef fishing charters in Islamorada, Florida, where experienced captain Matt “Tan Man” Davis leads anglers after sailfish, mahi‑mahi, wahoo and more.
Florida Keys Dive Center
Three-dive adventures, snorkeling & scuba charters from Islamorada with courses & lobstering.
Salty Bowline Charter Co.
Salty Bowline Charter Co. — premium private charters in Islamorada offering fishing, cruising & sunset trips, where speed, comfort and tailored adventures meet Florida Keys waters.
Drop Back Charters
Drop Back Charters — custom offshore and reef fishing charters out of Islamorada, Florida Keys.
Wild Bill Charters
Wild Bill Sport Fishing — premier charter fishing in Key West, where tournament-level experience and family-friendly fun meet.
Spring Mix Charters
Spring Mix II Fishing Charter — full‑day, ¾‑day and half‑day offshore fishing trips in Islamorada, where experienced crew take anglers after sailfish, tuna, wahoo and more aboard a premium sportfisher.