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...

Key West

Keys Custom Fishing Charters

Keys Custom Fishing Charters — private sport-fishing charters in Key West, where expert guides and tailored trips deliver unforgettable angling adventures.

Key West

Salty Goat Fishing Charters

A 73 foot party boat that has been fishing out of Marathon since 1958, with bait and a temporary fishing license included in the fare. Snapper, grouper and mackerel on the reef, and night trips through the summer.

Key West

Screaming Lines Adventures

Four generations of Estenoz heritage leading sportfishing adventures in Key West’s waters.

Islamorada

Spartina guide service

Spartina Guide Service — light‑tackle, flats & back‑country fishing charters in Islamorada/Key Largo, where soft‑plastics, flies and sight‑casting in shallow water are the specialty.

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.

Key West

CN-it Adventures

CN-IT Adventures offers personalized boat excursions in Key West aboard a 26-foot Twin Vee, delivering custom eco-tours, snorkeling, and island hopping catered to your preferences and weather conditions.

Islamorada

Hold Tight Charters

Hold Tight Charters — expert flats, back-country and reef fishing charters out of Key Largo and the Florida Keys.

Islamorada

Florida Keys Fishing and Eco-Tours

Tarpon specialists delivering snag-free charters & gear to reel in the Silver King.

Islamorada

Express Bait

Frozen and pre-rigged bait, tackle, line and cold drinks, tucked in behind the Square Grouper at mile marker 80.5. They will also run it out to your dock or your door anywhere in Islamorada or Tavernier, which is the part worth knowing at five in the morning.

The Lower Keys

Mile Marker 27 Fishing Charters

Mile Marker 27 Fishing Charters offers personalized backcountry and inshore fishing trips in the lower Florida Keys. Captain Jim Loftus, with over 30 years of experience, provides a tailored experience for anglers of all ages and skill levels. All necessary gear, licenses, and fish cleaning services are included.