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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Salty Bowline Charter Co.
Salty Bowline Charter Co. — premium private charters in Islamorada offering fishing, cruising & sunset trips, where speed, comfort and tailored adventures meet Florida Keys waters.
Reefhouse Resort & Marina
Escape to Reefhouse Key Largo: luxury bayside resort with beach, spa, and marina.
Six Fins Charters
Private luxury boat and jet ski charters in Key West — explore hidden reefs, sandbars, and dolphin playgrounds.
Slamtime Charters
Slamtime Charters in Marathon offers private Florida Keys fishing charters targeting offshore, reef, wreck, and backcountry species with an experienced local captain.
Glades Built Backcountry
Glades Built Backcountry Charters — expert fly- and light-tackle guiding across the Everglades & Florida Keys from Islamorada.
Florida Keys Dive Center
Three-dive adventures, snorkeling & scuba charters from Islamorada with courses & lobstering.
A1A Watersports and Boat Rentals
Jet skis and boats on the bayside at mile marker 85.9, open 8 to 5 every day of the year. The two hour guided tour covers 26 miles of reef, sandbar, mangrove tunnels and backcountry, and the snorkel gear comes with it.
The Tackle Box
A Marathon tackle shop that has been in the same old post office building since the 1950s, open 7 to 5 every day with live shrimp, pinfish and crabs in the tanks. They will also clean and repair your reel, spool your line properly, and book you a charter.
Sea Spirit Offshore Fishing
Sea Spirit Offshore Sportfishing — full‑service deep‑sea & reef fishing charters in Key Largo, where expert captains guide you to mahi, tuna, sailfish and more aboard a 43′ sport‑fisher.
Wild Bill Charters
Wild Bill Sport Fishing — premier charter fishing in Key West, where tournament-level experience and family-friendly fun meet.
Manic Sportfishing
Manic Sportfishing is a top-rated Florida Keys fishing charter in Marathon offering private offshore, reef, and family-friendly fishing trips with experienced captains and premium boats.
Captain Moe's Lucky Fleet
Captain Moe’s Lucky Fleet — high-performance sportfishing charters based in the Historic Seaport of Key West.
Cowboy Cowgirl SportFishing Charters
Six boats out of Garrison Bight, from a 34 foot Contender to a 47 foot Hatteras, run by the third generation of a family that started here in 1965. Shared trips from $200 a head, private charters from $850, with the fishing license and the fish cleaning already in the price.
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.