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.

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...

Islamorada

Sea Horse Private Charters

Florida Keys Fishing Charters — premium guided fishing trips in Key Largo where expert captains take you reef‑, wreck‑ and offshore to target trophy species.

Key West

Dream Sickle Charters

Dream Sickle Charters offers shallow-water sight fishing charters from Key West, Florida Keys, targeting tarpon, bonefish, permit and more.

Islamorada

Ultimate Dream Fishing Charters

Scott’s Fishing Florida Keys — expert private charters in Islamorada offering back-country, reef and offshore fishing adventures.

Islamorada

Shake n' Bait Charters

Shake N Bait Charters — premium sport‑fishing charters in Islamorada, where a custom 44′ Cavileer and 35+ years of captain experience deliver tailored half‑, ¾‑ and full‑day fishing adventures.

Islamorada

DirtyBoat Charters

DirtyBoat — premier deep-sea fishing charters out of Islamorada, Florida Keys aboard a tournament-rigged 42′ Liberty.

Islamorada

Reel Attack Charters

Reel Attack Charters — full-service fishing charters in Islamorada, where expert guides, big catches and unforgettable Florida Keys experiences converge.

Islamorada

Dog House Charters

Dog House Charters sets out from Whale Harbor Marina in Islamorada aboard a 53-foot Hatteras, taking up to six anglers offshore into the sportfishing capital of the world. Chase sailfish, mahi, tuna, and wahoo with Capt. Jesse Cromer, from half-day reef trips to full days trolling the bluewater.

Key West

Linda D Sportfishing

Linda D Sportfishing is a Key West fishing institution established in 1938, now led by fourth-generation Captain Billy Wickers, offering offshore and deep sea fishing charters aboard two custom 40-foot sportfishing vessels and holding the #1 record for catch-and-release marlin and sailfish in Key West since 1990.