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
Islamorada
Triple D Charters
Triple D Charters — inshore & back‑country flats fishing in Islamorada with Captain Aaron “Nick” Dykes, aboard a 24′ South Shore skiff accessing the Keys’ pristine shallow water.
Islamorada
Hold Tight Charters
Hold Tight Charters — expert flats, back-country and reef fishing charters out of Key Largo and the Florida Keys.
Islamorada
Florida Keys Dive Center
Three-dive adventures, snorkeling & scuba charters from Islamorada with courses & lobstering.
Islamorada
Cloud Nine Charters Inc.
Islamorada Fishing Trips — premier private charter adventures for reef, offshore and big-game fishing in the Florida Keys.
Key West
Linda D Sportfishing
Linda D Sportfishing is a Key West fishing institution established in 1938, now led by fourth-generation Captain Billy Wickers, offering offshore and deep sea fishing charters aboard two custom 40-foot sportfishing vessels and holding the #1 record for catch-and-release marlin and sailfish in Key West since 1990.
The Lower Keys
Sugar Loaf Lodge
Thirty-one rooms at mile marker 17, every one facing Sugarloaf Sound with its own balcony or patio, thirteen miles up the highway from Key West. A heated pool, a tiki bar, a marina with free dockage and kayaks, and none of the Duval Street crowds or prices.
Islamorada
Custom Charters
Custom Charters — versatile private fishing trips in Islamorada for reef, sandbar, snorkeling or multi-day adventures.
The Lower Keys
Fair Winds Flats Fishing Charters
Fair Winds Fishing Charters offers guided flats fishing charters from Summerland Key in the Lower Florida Keys targeting tarpon, bonefish, permit, barracuda, and other inshore species.
Marathon
Slamtime Charters
Slamtime Charters offers offshore, reef, wreck, flats, backcountry, Everglades, bridge tarpon, and daytime swordfish charters throughout the Florida Keys and Key West with Captain Pablo Rodriguez, a 25-year veteran guide operating two vessels out of Marathon.
Islamorada
Captain Perry
Captain Perry Fishing Charters — seasoned back-country and flats fishing excursions out of Islamorada, Florida Keys.
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.
Key West
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.
Key West
Salty Goat Fishing Charters
A 73 foot party boat that has been fishing out of Marathon since 1958, with bait and a temporary fishing license included in the fare. Snapper, grouper and mackerel on the reef, and night trips through the summer.
Marathon
Captain Hook’s Marina and Dive Center
A Blue Star dive shop and marina at mile marker 53 on Vaca Cut, running reef and wreck trips twice a day, plus snorkeling, sunset cruises, boat rentals and a bait and tackle counter. They will also put you on a coral nursery dive with Mote Marine Lab, which is not something most dive shops can offer.
Key West
Captain Hook's Dive Key West
A NOAA Blue Star dive operator running two trips a day out to the Vandenberg, Sand Key Lighthouse and the reefs off Key West, with a divemaster in the water on every dive. Snorkelers get their own departures and all the gear, and no experience is required.
