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
Islamorada
Blackfly Charters
BlackFly Charters — expert back-country and flats fishing guided by a fourth-generation Florida Keys skipper.
Key Largo
Dirty Waters Charters
Dirty Waters Charters — expert back-country and flats fishing excursions out of Key Largo and the Upper Florida Keys.
The Lower Keys
Fish Sugarloaf Key
Fish Sugarloaf Key — expert flat-water fishing charters on Sugarloaf Key targeting tarpon, bonefish, permit and sharks.
Key Largo
Tails Up Fishing Charters
Tails Up Fishing Charters, led by Captain Kerry Wingo, offers personalized backcountry and flats fishing trips in the Florida Everglades and Key Largo. Specializing in catch-and-release of tarpon, permit, bonefish, redfish, and snook, they provide eco-conscious adventures for anglers of all skill levels.
The Lower Keys
Hot Water Fishing Charters
Hot Water Fishing Charters offers guided fly and light tackle backcountry fishing trips for tarpon, bonefish, permit, redfish, and snook throughout the Lower Florida Keys and Everglades National Park with Captain Justin Bachert.
Key West
My Ohana Fishing Charters
My Ohana Fishing & Charters offers sport fishing, snorkeling, reef & sandbar tours, and custom boat adventures in Key West.
Key West
Dream Catcher Charters
Top-tier fishing, snorkeling & eco-charters out of Key West since 1994.
Marathon
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.
Key West
Rusty's Bucket Charters
Rusty's Bucket Charters offers private fishing trips, snorkeling, sunset cruises, and sandbar adventures aboard a 24' Sea Hunt center console. Led by Captain Russ, they provide a hands-on experience for up to six guests, with trips tailored to your preferences.
The Lower Keys
Lower Keys Kayak Fishing
Lower Keys Kayak Fishing offers guided kayak fishing charters for bonefish, permit, tarpon, and more on the flats and backcountry waters of the Lower Florida Keys and Key West with guide Randy Morrow.
Marathon
Flat Out Sportfishing
Experience thrilling flats fishing in the Florida Keys with expert Captain Diego!
Islamorada
Bamboo Charters
Bamboo Charters, led by Captain Matt Bellinger, offers personalized fishing, snorkeling, sandbar, and sunset excursions aboard the "Chubby Mermaid," providing unforgettable experiences in the Florida Keys.
