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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Captain Mel’s Sportfishing Charters
Capt. Mel’s Sportfishing Charters — personalized private fishing adventures in Key West, Florida Keys.
Coco's Deli & General Store & Tackle
A deli, a grocery and a bait counter in one small building on Coco Plum Drive, just off US-1 at mile marker 52. Order a Cuban, grab a bag of ice and some bait, and you are provisioned for the whole day.
Key Largo Fishing Adventures
Key Largo Fishing Adventures — premier sportfishing charters based in Key Largo offering reef, wreck and offshore trips.
Caloosa Cove Resort
Fifteen acres on the ocean at mile marker 73.5, with 30 suites that all have kitchens, balconies and water out the front door, plus a heated pool and a sandy beach. Tie your boat up out back, walk over to Habano's for Cuban food, and never move the car.
Under The Radar Charters
Under The Radar Charters — back‑country and flats fishing in Islamorada where expert fly‑ and light‑tackle guide Riley Holden takes anglers into shallow‑water hotspots for tarpon, redfish, snook, bonefish and more.
Captain Hook's Looe Key Reef Adventures
Explore vibrant reefs, snorkeling, diving, and fishing adventures at Big Pine Key!
Landboat Charters
Fish The Bridges — shore-side bridge fishing charters in Key Largo, where accessible, exciting angling meets local expertise.
Edgewater Lodge
Sixteen rooms on the bay side at mile marker 65.5, every one with a kitchenette and a private balcony, plus a pool, a private beach and a boat ramp on the property. Sunset happens straight off your balcony, which is the whole argument for staying bayside.
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.
Black Tip Charters
Black Tip Charters — family-friendly fishing adventures targeting tarpon, sharks and offshore species in Islamorada.
Showtime Charters, LLC
Showtime Charters Key West — private fishing & snorkeling charter in Key West where Captain Sam Shaw offers customized trips from reef to sand‑bar adventures.
Sassylady Fishing Charter
Sassy Lady Charter — seasoned offshore sportfishing charters out of Islamorada, Florida Keys.
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.
Bank and Bight Backcountry
Bank & Bight Backcountry Charters — premier private flats and back-country fishing adventures in Islamorada, Florida Keys.
Straw Hats Fishing Charters
Straw Hats Fishing Charters — private reef, wreck and offshore fishing charters in Key West where every trip is full‑boat (up to ~6 anglers) and fully equipped for a premier angling experience.