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.

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...

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.

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.

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Key Largo

The Fish Guyz

The Fish Guyz — a Florida Keys‑based fishing TV series featuring Captains Lain Goodwin and George Clark Jr., blending inshore and offshore angling with laid‑back humor and expert tips.

Islamorada

That's Right Charters

That’s Right Charters offers guided fishing experiences in the Florida Keys, specializing in backcountry and flats fishing with knowledgeable local captains and a personalized, on-the-water adventure.

Islamorada

Hound Dawg Charters

Hound Dawg Charters — upscale offshore sportfishing charters out of Islamorada aboard a 48-ft Viking.

Islamorada

Pisces Connections Charters

Islamorada Charter Fishing — premier sport-fishing charters in Islamorada, where experienced guides and deep-water access deliver world-class catches.

The Lower Keys

Captain Zach Stells Florida Keys Fly Fishing

Captain Zach Stells offers guided fly fishing charters for tarpon, bonefish, permit, and redfish on the flats of the Lower Florida Keys and Everglades out of Big Pine Key.

Islamorada

Pirates For Hire Charters

Pirates For Hire Charters — custom private boat charters in Islamorada, where flexible adventures meet laid-back island fun.

Marathon

Living Like Larry Charters

Private boat charters in the Florida Keys for unforgettable ocean adventures.

Marathon

Wet Tails Charters

Wet Tails Charters is a Marathon fishing charter operating out of Captain Hook's Marina aboard a 31-foot Stamas with a private bathroom, offering family-friendly reef, offshore, wreck, and big game fishing trips with Captain Ed Traylor and first mate Mikey.

Islamorada

Caribee Marina

Caribee Boats Marina — full-service marina and boat sales in Islamorada, where 75+ years of Keys boat-lifestyle expertise meets prime waterfront access.

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.