The Florida Keys

Fishing & Travel Destination

Past Miami and the southern coast of Florida, warm Caribbean water mixes into the Florida Straits then mingles with Florida Bay and the primordial Everglades, cultivating an abundance of tiny ocean prey and the baitfish who feed upon them. This endless feast attracts countless species of gamefish to the Florida Keys, where they thrive among reefs and wrecks in blue water, backcountry, and open water, nourishing themselves to heart’s content and, frequently, record sizes. In turn, this idyllic chain of islands, whose surrounding waters comprise the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, has long been a prime destination for anglers of all ages and intent. 

Year-round temperate weather and a unique, tropical lifestyle provide endless enjoyment and opportunity for fishing the Florida Keys, which stretch lazily along and around some 126 miles of U.S.1, the Overseas Highway, south of Florida City. The Keys are dotted with hotels, condos, and bed-and-breakfasts of all ratings; and there are more marinas than parking lots, each with any number of capable charter guides who will bring you quickly and comfortably to your own fishing nirvana. Every bar and restaurant not only boasts another fantastic fish tale, but may likely serve it to you, cooked to perfection, in a laid-back, friendly environment.

In the Florida Keys, the only difficult aspect of landing a monster, or your daily limit, is deciding where to stop, and what kind of fish to target.

Peak fishing seasons don’t vary much in the Florida Keys, since temperatures remain warm all year, and it’s hardly ever too cold to sit outside. Most species of popular gamefish can be landed year-round at different locations Offshore, Inshore/Bays, and in Freshwater. A few seasonal exceptions: Blackfin Tuna, Bluefish, Blue Marlin, Cero Mackerel, Dolphin, Jack Crevalle, Swordfish, Tarpon, and Whiting. It is always advisable to check into seasonal availability before any fishing trip or vacation; but even if you make a mistake there will still be more biting than not. Your captain will be able to advise you should conditions be less than optimal. Still, the fish are out there, waiting – even the monsters. Here is where trophy fish are landed: The IGFA recognizes the Florida Keys for more than 10% of saltwater line class and fly fishing world records to date.

The Florida Keys island chain is divided by each key as you navigate the Overseas Highway. There are four main regions along this path, each its own municipality: Key Largo, MM 110-87; Islamorada, MM 86-66; Marathon, MM 65-40; Big Pine & the Lower Keys, MM 39-9; and Key West, MM 8-0. In addition to unlimited and abundant fishing, each region has its own special allure, making them all worth more than a glance above the water’s surface.