Two people holding a large fish beside a boat in clear turquoise water.

Fishing

From skinny-water flats to deep-blue runs offshore, The Florida Keys give anglers plenty of ways to bend a rod. Sight-cast for Bonefish, Tarpon and Permit in the backcountry, or head for open water in search of Sailfish, Mahi-Mahi, Tuna and more. Local captains know the tides, the bite and the spots worth chasing, whether you’re hoping for a personal best or fresh catch for dinner. Around here, the hardest part is deciding where to fish first.

Diver swims above a bright green mahi-mahi underwater.

Fishing Information

Everything you need to plan a Florida Keys fishing trip, from finding and booking a local charter to checking the best times to target different...

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.

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.

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...

Josh Benton

4Reel Charters — premier offshore fishing charters out of Islamorada, Florida Keys.

Islamorada

Big Dave Charters and Tours

Big Dave Charters & Tours — luxury fishing charters, boat tours and vacation rentals in Islamorada and the Florida Keys.

Islamorada

Moon Cast Anglers

A premier fly-and-light-tackle charter in Islamorada specializing in flats and back-country fishing for tarpon, bonefish, permit, snook and redfish.

Marathon

Two Conchs Fishing Charters

Capt. Jack Carlson has guided the Keys for more than 20 years, and all three of his sons run boats now too, which is how one family ends up with a fleet this size. More than 20 boats from 17 to 43 feet means the boat gets matched to your day, whether that is poling a flat for bonefish or a long run out to the Dry Tortugas.

Islamorada

On Your Mark Fishing Charters

Capt. Mark Gilman’s Fishing Charters — inshore & backcountry fishing adventures in Islamorada, where experience, expertise, and unforgettable catches come together.

Islamorada

A Fishing Guide

Captain Steve Friedman helped build the sanctuary's Blue Star Fishing Guide program and fishes under its certification. Sight fishing for tarpon, bonefish, permit, redfish and snook out of Islamorada, on a poling skiff or a bay boat with room for the whole family.

Key West

Tarpon Diem

Tarpon Diem Fishing Charters — owner‑operated Key West flats & tarpon charter based at Hurricane Hole Marina, where bucket‑list tarpon battles and shallow‑water sight fishing meet personalized service.

Key Largo

FnR Charters

FnR Charters — versatile private fishing trips in Key Largo, Florida Keys covering flats, back-country and deep-sea adventures.

The Lower Keys

Chaos Theory Charters

Chaos Theory Charters offers guided fly fishing and light tackle sight fishing for bonefish, permit, tarpon, barracuda, and sharks throughout the Lower Florida Keys and Key West with Captain Rob Kramarz.

Islamorada

Fisher Guide Service

Tarpon Slayer — elite fly- and light-tackle tarpon charters in the Florida Keys offering unforgettable “Silver King” angling experiences.

Key West

Tailing Water Expeditions

Tailing Water Expeditions offers guided flats, backcountry, and fly fishing charters for tarpon, permit, bonefish, and barracuda throughout Key West and the Lower Florida Keys with Captain Nick LaBadie.

Key West

Key West Party Boat Fishing

Four hours on the water out of Historic Charter Boat Row with no more than ten anglers aboard, which is a third of what you would share a rail with on the big boats. Rod, reel, bait, tackle and your fishing license are all in the fare, and they bag and fillet whatever you keep.