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.
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...
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.
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.
Filters
Catch 'Em All Sportfishing
Catch 'Em All Sportfishing offers reef, offshore, wreck, and tarpon fishing charters out of Marathon Sailfish Marina with Captain Jeff Shelar, a 20-plus-year Keys veteran and 12-time TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Award winner with a no-fish-no-pay guarantee.
Westward Expeditions
Westward Expeditions offers USCG-licensed light tackle and fly fishing charters from Islamorada to Biscayne Bay, Flamingo and the Upper Florida Keys.
Salty Bowline Charter Co.
Salty Bowline Charter Co. — premium private charters in Islamorada offering fishing, cruising & sunset trips, where speed, comfort and tailored adventures meet Florida Keys waters.
A Fishing Guide
A Fishing Guide offers light tackle and fly fishing charters in Islamorada, targeting species like tarpon, bonefish, permit, redfish, and snook. Captain Steve Friedman provides personalized trips for anglers of all levels. Family-friendly adventures available.
Reel Mell-O Fishing Charters
Reel Mell-O Fishing Charters offers flexible 5, 6, and 7-hour family fishing charters for up to four anglers in the flats and backcountry of Tavernier, Key Largo, Islamorada, and Everglades National Park with Captain Troy Mell, operating since 2003.
Kay K IV Fishing Charters
Kay K IV Fishing Charters — premier offshore fishing trips from Islamorada aboard a 40-ft Henriques.
SouthEastern Shrimp and Seafood
Fresh Key West pink shrimp, lobster and stone crab claws.
First Light Charters Key West
First Light Charters Key West offers offshore, reef, wreck, swordfish, and Dry Tortugas fishing charters out of Stock Island aboard a 31-foot Yellowfin with Captain Kody Michael, a South Florida native with deep expertise in offshore and deep-water fishing.
Salty Goat Fishing Charters
Salty Goat Fishing Charters — head boat reef‑fishing trips in Key West where families and groups enjoy fun, catch‑filled days on a 50‑ft “party” fishing vessel.
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.
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.
Black Tip Charters
Black Tip Charters — family-friendly fishing adventures targeting tarpon, sharks and offshore species in Islamorada.
Double Haul Charters
Fly Fishing in Key West offers expert-guided fly and light tackle fishing charters targeting species like tarpon, bonefish, permit, barracuda, and sharks. Led by experienced captain Geoff W. Colmes, they provide personalized trips in the Florida Keys.