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.

1 of

Islamorada

Westward Expeditions

Westward Expeditions offers USCG-licensed light tackle and fly fishing charters from Islamorada to Biscayne Bay, Flamingo and the Upper Florida Keys.

Islamorada

A1A Watersports and Boat Rentals

A1A Watersports & Boat Rentals is a family-owned operation at Mile Marker 85.9 in Islamorada offering year-round jet ski tours, WaveRunner freedom rides, and self-guided boat rentals with a large fleet and guided island adventures.

Islamorada

Tackle Center of Islamorada

Tackle Center of Islamorada — premier fishing tackle & bait shop in Islamorada (MM 82‑83), where anglers find top gear, live bait and local expertise for back‑country and offshore fishing.

Key West

Key West Charter Fishing – Shallows

Key West Charter Fishing – Shallows offers catch-and-release light tackle and fly fishing charters for lane snapper, spotted seatrout, mutton snapper, tarpon, yellowtail snapper, and pompano in the shallow inshore waters of Key West aboard a 19-foot Xplor skiff with Captain Blake.

Islamorada

Reel Screamer Charters

Reel Screamer Charters — offshore and reef fishing charters in Tavernier, where expert guides turn Florida Keys trips into unforgettable catch-and-fun adventures.

Islamorada

TAN MAN Charters

Islamorada Offshore Charters — full‑service offshore & reef fishing charters in Islamorada, Florida, where experienced captain Matt “Tan Man” Davis leads anglers after sailfish, mahi‑mahi, wahoo and more.

Islamorada

Cayo Vida Marina

Cayo Vida Marina is a full-service marina in Tavernier, Florida, offering fishing and snorkeling charters, live and frozen bait, and exclusive Cayo Vida gear for your Florida Keys adventure.

Islamorada

DirtyBoat Charters

DirtyBoat — premier deep-sea fishing charters out of Islamorada, Florida Keys aboard a tournament-rigged 42′ Liberty.

Key West

Fury Water Adventures

Fury Water Adventures offers the ultimate Key West experience, from thrilling water excursions to convenient land rentals

Islamorada

Can-O-Worms Fishin'

Can-O-Worm’s Fishin’ — personalized back-country charter fishing in Islamorada with Captain Jimi “Worm” Fickling.

Key West

Off the Charts!

Off the Charts! offers personalized fishing charters, eco-tours, and sandbar excursions aboard a 32' Whitewater center console in Key West. Led by a captain with over 40 years of experience, they provide all necessary gear, safety equipment, and fishing licenses are included.