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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Key West Fly & Spin Fishing Charters
Key West Fly & Spin Fishing Charters offers guided fly fishing and spin fishing charters for tarpon, permit, bonefish, shark, and barracuda across the flats from Marathon to Key West and the Marquesas with Captain Steve Hancock.
Westward Expeditions
Westward Expeditions offers USCG-licensed light tackle and fly fishing charters from Islamorada to Biscayne Bay, Flamingo and the Upper Florida Keys.
Endless Summer Charters
Endless Summer Fishing Charters — premier guided fishing trips in Key West specializing in flats, back-country and reef adventures.
Sea Senorita Charters
Sea Señorita Charters — private offshore & reef fishing trips departing from Tavernier in the Florida Keys, where experienced Captain Casey takes small groups out aboard a 32′ SeaVee to chase mahi, wahoo, sailfish and more.
Danica Anne Sportfishing
Captain Wayne Parker Fishing Charters — veteran-led private deep-sea and sunset cruises from Tavernier, Florida Keys.
Robbie's of Islamorada
Robbie’s of Islamorada offers thrilling tarpon feeding, fishing, water sports, and vibrant local dining in the heart of the Florida Keys.
Whale Harbor Marina
Whale Harbor Marina — premier full-service marina and charter hub in Islamorada, Florida Keys.
Spartina guide service
Spartina Guide Service — light‑tackle, flats & back‑country fishing charters in Islamorada/Key Largo, where soft‑plastics, flies and sight‑casting in shallow water are the specialty.
Odyssea Key West Sportfishing
Odyssea Key West Sportfishing offers private offshore, reef, wreck, fly fishing, and swordfishing charters aboard a 34-foot SeaVee out of Key West with Captain Rush Maltz, a Florida Keys native and co-host of the nationally televised fishing show Local Knowledge.
Island to island charters
Island to Island Charters — private eco-tours, sandbar adventures and fishing excursions from Key West’s Garrison Bight Marina.
Time Out Sportfishing LLC, Islamorada
Time Out Sportfishing — full‑service deep‑sea, reef & wreck fishing charters in Islamorada with Captain Mike Mason, a 5th‑generation Keys guide.
Captain Rios Charters
Captain Rio's Charters offers personalized, adventure-filled boating experiences in Key West, specializing in spearfishing, lobstering, island exploration, and water-based activities aboard a 32-foot Stamas vessel.
Shallow Phins Charters
Shallow Phins Charters offers guided flats and backcountry fishing for tarpon, permit, bonefish, barracuda, and more throughout Key West, Sugarloaf Key, and Big Pine Key with Captain Ryan Phinney.
Fly Fish For Tarpon
Fly Fish For Tarpon offers guided fly fishing charters for tarpon, permit, and bonefish throughout Key West and the Lower Florida Keys with Captain Chandler Williams.
Got Em On Sport Fishing
Got Em On Sportfishing offers backcountry fishing charters in Key West and the Lower Florida Keys with Capt. Anthony Solmo targeting tarpon, permit, bonefish, and reef species.