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...
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R-U Fishing Yet
R U Fishing Yet Charters, led by Captain Richard Burson, offers personalized backcountry and fly fishing trips in the Florida Keys and Everglades. Target species include snook, redfish, sea trout, bonefish, tarpon, and permit. Family-friendly charters are available for anglers of all skill levels.
Whale Harbor Marina
Whale Harbor Marina — premier full-service marina and charter hub in Islamorada, Florida Keys.
Broadminded Charters
Broad Minded — high-performance 42′ charter boat for offshore and deep-water sportfishing out of Islamorada.
Reel Attack Charters
Reel Attack Charters — full-service fishing charters in Islamorada, where expert guides, big catches and unforgettable Florida Keys experiences converge.
Charlie Boy Charters
Charlie Boy Charters, led by Captain Joe Gargan, offers personalized backcountry fishing adventures in the Florida Keys, specializing in tarpon, snook, and shark excursions.
Express Bait
Express Bait — dedicated bait and tackle shop in Islamorada offering delivery to docks across the island.
Reel Screamer Charters
Reel Screamer Charters — offshore and reef fishing charters in Tavernier, where expert guides turn Florida Keys trips into unforgettable catch-and-fun adventures.
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.
Hold Tight Charters
Hold Tight Charters — expert flats, back-country and reef fishing charters out of Key Largo and the Florida Keys.
Glades & Bay Charters
Glades & Bay Charters – Islamorada — boutique flats and back-country fishing charters departing from Islamorada.
Oceanside Charters
Oceanside Charters — private sportfishing trips in Key Largo, where premium gear and expert guides turn your catch into a Keys adventure.
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.
Islamorada Spearfishing Adventures
Islamorada Spearfishing Adventures is Islamorada's premier spearfishing charter led by Captain Jordi, a Florida Keys-raised PADI Scuba Instructor with 16 years of diving experience, offering private spearfishing, lobster hunting, scuba diving, freediving, and snorkeling charters with a 5.0-star rating across 100-plus reviews.