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...

Key West

Landboat Charters

Fish The Bridges — shore-side bridge fishing charters in Key Largo, where accessible, exciting angling meets local expertise.

Islamorada

Florida Keys Boat Rentals, Jetski & Island Tours

Boats, jet skis and the Lignumvitae ferry, all out of Robbie's Marina at mile marker 77.5 bayside. The ferry runs Friday through Sunday afternoons to an island you cannot otherwise reach without a boat.

Key Largo

Beyond Blessed Charters

Beyond Blessed Charters offers unforgettable fishing adventures in the Florida Keys, targeting species like mahi mahi, snapper, tarpon, and more. Led by an experienced captain, guests enjoy a fully equipped, family-friendly trip on the waters of Key Largo and Islamorada.

Marathon

Crazy Banana Charter

Premier private fishing charters and scenic sunset cruises in Marathon and the Florida Keys — target mahi, tuna, wahoo and more with expert captains.

Islamorada

Lightly Salted Charters

Private Islamorada boat tours: snorkel, sandbar, fishing—book your adventure.

Key Largo

Living Aloha Excursions

Your dog is invited. Living Aloha Excursions runs private boat charters from the Caribbean Club dock in Key Largo, and you build the day yourself: sandbar, snorkel, sunset, backcountry fishing, or all of the above.

Islamorada

Whale Harbor Marina

Whale Harbor Marina — premier full-service marina and charter hub in Islamorada, Florida Keys.

Islamorada

So Flo Charters

SO FLO Charters — guided inshore/back‑country fishing trips in Islamorada, where Captain Eric Rodriguez offers custom light‑tackle and fly‑fishing experiences for all skill levels.

Islamorada

Fisher Guide Service

Tarpon Slayer — elite fly- and light-tackle tarpon charters in the Florida Keys offering unforgettable “Silver King” angling experiences.

Key West

Folklure Charters

Folklure Charters offers offshore, reef, and wreck fishing trips aboard the 27-foot "Leviathan" in the Florida Keys. Led by Captain Frank Betz, they provide 4, 6, 8, and 10-hour charters targeting species like mahi-mahi, tuna, grouper, marlin, yellowtail, tarpon, and kingfish.

The Lower Keys

Kingfisher Backcountry Charters

Kingfisher Backcountry Charters offers guided flats and backcountry fishing for tarpon, bonefish, permit, snook, and redfish throughout the Lower Florida Keys with Captain Robert Horachek, a lifelong Keys resident with over 20 years of fishing experience.