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...

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.

Islamorada

Spartan Charters

Spartan Charters — full‑service fishing charters in Islamorada, where experienced captains guide you on in‑shore, offshore, tarpon and lobster trips out of the Florida Keys.

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

White Waters Paradise Bait & Tackle

Open at 7 every morning, seven days a week, at mile marker 74.5 with live shrimp and crabs in the tanks and everything you need for lobster season. It shares a roof with Lobster Walk, so you can buy bait on the way out and dinner on the way back.

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.

The Lower Keys

Captain Hook's Looe Key Reef Adventures

Explore vibrant reefs, snorkeling, diving, and fishing adventures at Big Pine Key!

Islamorada

Sea Senorita Charters

Sea Señorita Charters — private offshore & reef fishing trips departing from Tavernier in the Florida Keys, where experienced Captain Casey takes small groups out aboard a 32′ SeaVee to chase mahi, wahoo, sailfish and more.

Key Largo

Sailors Choice Fishing Boat

A 65 foot all aluminum party boat at the Holiday Inn Marina, mile marker 100 in Key Largo, Coast Guard certified for 49 passengers and running public trips daily. Rod, reel, bait and tackle come with the fare, and the crew will clean and fillet whatever you keep.