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
Express Bait
Express Bait — dedicated bait and tackle shop in Islamorada offering delivery to docks across the island.
Fly+Spin Poling Guide
Andy Janoski — expert fly- and spin-fishing charter guide based in Islamorada, Florida Keys.
Spartan Charters
Spartan Charters — full‑service fishing charters in Islamorada, where experienced captains guide you on in‑shore, offshore, tarpon and lobster trips out of the Florida Keys.
Fishbone Fishing Charters
Capt. William Chapman LLC — premier private fishing charters based in Key Largo, Florida Keys.
Dog House Charters
Dog House Sportfishing Charters — premier full-day sportfishing adventures in Islamorada targeting sailfish, mahi-mahi, tuna and more.
Chelsea Charters
Florida Keys Charter Fishing — full-service offshore, reef and wreck charters out of Islamorada’s Whale Harbor Marina.
That's Right Charters
That’s Right Charters offers guided fishing experiences in the Florida Keys, specializing in backcountry and flats fishing with knowledgeable local captains and a personalized, on-the-water adventure.
Captain Mike Venezia
Capt. Mike Venezia — seasoned back-country and flats fishing guide in Islamorada, Florida Keys.
6th Generation Charters
6th Generation Charters — multi-generational Keys fishing charter delivering sportfishing, back-country flats and sand-bar adventures in Islamorada.
FireFly Charters
FireFly Charters — expert fly-fishing and light-tackle back-country charters in Islamorada and Key Largo.
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.
Leatherneck Backcountry Fishing
Leatherneck Backcountry Fishing — veteran-owned Islamorada charter offering unforgettable backcountry, flats, and inshore fishing adventures in the Florida Keys.
Catchalottafish Charters
Catchalottafish Charters — top-tier Islamorada fishing charters delivering reef, wreck, offshore and Gulf of Mexico adventures.
Midnight Fly Charters
Experience expert fly, spin & light tackle fishing with Captain Mark on the waters of Islamorada.