{"id":18614,"date":"2020-09-17T16:13:00","date_gmt":"2020-09-17T14:13:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/blog\/?p=18614"},"modified":"2026-02-11T12:45:00","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T12:45:00","slug":"fishing-in-florida-keys","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/blog\/fishing-in-florida-keys\/","title":{"rendered":"Florida Keys Fishing: The Complete Guide for 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 11<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span><p>Lying just above the Florida Reef, the only living coral barrier reef in the US, the <a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/destinations\/region\/us\/florida-keys?utm_source=fishingbooker&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=post_content_link&amp;utm_term=18614\">Florida Keys<\/a> were bound to have amazing fishing! This string of tropical islands has some of the most beautiful beaches and the most amazing wildlife in the world. The archipelago is a favorite vacation spot for thousands of avid anglers who visit for their chance to reel in some prized fish and get a tropical holiday out of it.<\/p><script src=\"https:\/\/fast.wistia.com\/player.js\" async><\/script><script src=\"https:\/\/fast.wistia.com\/embed\/1enozachj9.js\" async type=\"module\"><\/script><style>wistia-player[media-id='1enozachj9']:not(:defined) { background: center \/ contain no-repeat url('https:\/\/fast.wistia.com\/embed\/medias\/1enozachj9\/swatch'); display: block; filter: blur(5px); padding-top:56.25%; }<\/style><wistia-player media-id=\"1enozachj9\" aspect=\"1.7777777777777777\"><div class=\"wistia_preload_transcript_outer_wrapper\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 100%; display:flex; justify-content:center; align-items: center; margin-top:-56.25%;\"><div class=\"wistia_preload_transcript_inner_wrapper\" style=\" overflow: auto;\"><p class=\"wistia_preload_transcript_text\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\" style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 5px !important;\">Asking an angler why you should go fishing in the Florida Keys is like asking a skier why they should go skiing in Colorado.\r\n\r\nAnyone who&#039;s dropped the line here will tell you that the Keys are one of the best places in the world to go fishing.\r\n\r\nIn this video, we&#039;ll go over the top reasons why fishing in the Keys is a must and why you should plan your next adventure here.\r\n\r\nTo see more videos like this, be sure to like and subscribe.\r\n\r\nThe Florida Keys are one of the top fishing vacation spots in the entire world, and the thousands of anglers who come here each year can confirm it.\r\n\r\nFrom Key Largo to Key West, you&#039;ll have plenty of spots to choose from no matter what kind of fishing you&#039;re into.\r\n\r\nWhat I love about fishing in the Keys is that you can do twelve months of fishing. You don&#039;t have to worry about cold weather or anything crazy like that. We have, they call it the sport fishing capital of the world because you can catch more species than anywhere else.\r\n\r\nIt only takes about twenty minutes to get from the shallow inshore flats to deep offshore canyons. In other words, this string of tropical islands holds some of the most diverse fishing grounds on the planet.\r\n\r\nDriving down from the north, your first stop along the archipelago is the island of Key Largo. Stretching thirty three miles long, it&#039;s the largest section of the Keys.\r\n\r\nWith the shallow Everglades on one side and the deep Atlantic on the other, you&#039;ll find no other place like Key Largo. Head west and you can fly fish and sight cast over flats. Head east and you can bottom fish over the only living coral barrier reef in the continental US.\r\n\r\nEstablished in nineteen sixty three, John Penicamp Coral Reef State Park is the first underwater park in the United States, which also protects part of the Great Florida Reef. Together with the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, this area covers about one hundred seventy eight nautical square miles of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves.\r\n\r\nKeep driving southbound, and it only gets better. The next spot you should check out is none other than the sport fishing capital of the world, Islamorada. This small fishing town definitely lives up to its expectations.\r\n\r\nJust like the rest of the islands, Islamorada is surrounded by flats, reefs, and deep blue sea. If you wanna stock the shallows, you&#039;ve gotta go tarpon fishing. Islamorada has one of the hottest tarpon bites all year round. The Silver King is the ultimate challenge for sight anglers and fly fishing fanatics.\r\n\r\nThey spook easily and put up an incredible fight once hooked. So if you&#039;re looking for a battle against this prehistoric monster, look no further than Islamorada. Extend\r\n\r\nyour trip even further south and check out the island of Key West, the southernmost tip of the continental From here, you can head offshore and target big game fish such as mahi mahi, wahoo, marlin, tuna, and much more.\r\n\r\nOther spots to check out are Marathon, Big Pine Key, Kudjoe Key, and Dry Tortugas.\r\n\r\nFor more details on key spots, head over to fishingbooker.com to see what charters are available based on your preferences. Whether you&#039;re looking for a relaxing inshore trip, a deep sea adventure, or if you&#039;d like to combine a fun family activity such as snorkeling with fishing, your options are endless.\r\n\r\nLike we mentioned earlier, the Florida Keys are one of the most diverse areas to fish in the entire world. But if you&#039;re planning your trip here, there are a few key species you&#039;re gonna wanna look out for.\r\n\r\nOne of the most iconic fish in the Keys is bonefish. It&#039;s an agile swimmer and a prized inshore gamefish in this part of the world. It doesn&#039;t grow to impressive sizes, but it more than makes up for that with the fight it puts up.\r\n\r\nSpecifically,\r\n\r\nthe flats around Key West are known to be very rich with Bonefish. Dipping your rod in these waters will have you reeling in some nice specimens in no time.\r\n\r\nIf you&#039;ll be sticking around the flats, some of your other main targets may be tarpon, redfish, jack crevalle, mangrove snapper, snook, and many more.\r\n\r\nMy heart is in snook fishing when it comes to the backcountry fishing. I just love snook. It comes naturally. My dad was a snookaholic, and I guess I have a little bit of it too. I love the pursuit of going up against mangroves and stuff, and having to work to get them out and everything, and then the reward of such a beautiful fish that we only have here in South Florida. They&#039;re not anywhere else in the continental United States. So to here, they&#039;re our treasure.\r\n\r\nReef fishing trips produce great bites as well,\r\n\r\nwhich make them great for the whole family, especially if you have kids. With little waiting time between catches, you&#039;ll be reeling in the likes of snapper, grouper, hogfish, cobia, and the list goes on. If you&#039;re looking for the perfect photo op while charter fishing, there&#039;s no better fish to take a picture with than the colorful mahi mahi. You&#039;ll find it by heading out off shore in literally any direction as they inhabit the waters all around the Florida Keys.\r\n\r\nI think the the most exciting fish would be mahi fishing during the summertime. The colors on these fish are amazing. The big jumps, the amount of fish that you actually see coming around the boat is unreal. You can have up to a thousand fish sometimes swimming around your boat, and and on special days, you might even have one eat a bear hook. I think that&#039;s my favorite favorite fishing.\r\n\r\nIf you&#039;re already out there trolling the deep blue waters of the Atlantic or the Gulf, you might as well go for even bigger, more elusive pelagic species such as wahoo. You can also try and go after various billfish such as sailfish, marlin, and even swordfish. With a bucket list like this, there&#039;s truly no other fishery like this in the world.\r\n\r\nIf you&#039;re a competitive angler, the Florida Keys is pretty much paradise for you as there are fishing tournaments here all year round. One of the biggest ones is the Key West fishing tournament, a multi month tournament from December to July, targeting over forty species of fish. You also got the annual Gold Cup Tarpon tournament in June and the Isla Mirada Sailfish tournament in December. Another one worth mentioning is the Marathon Offshore Bull and Cow Dolphin tournament in May, which includes a chance to win over thirty thousand dollars in cash prizes.\r\n\r\nIn other words, no matter when you go, you&#039;ll have a chance to showcase your skills, win some money, and record your name in the history books.\r\n\r\nAll in all, the Florida Keys is a great family vacation spot where you can combine a productive fishing trip with other fun activities.\r\n\r\nOther than fishing, this area is famous for snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and enjoying a frozen margarita by the beach. It doesn&#039;t get any more relaxing than that.\r\n\r\nIf you&#039;re here fishing on a budget, a great option is to hop on a party boat. This is basically a shared trip on a charter boat, which means it&#039;s less expensive and could be more fun if you&#039;re traveling solo. If you&#039;d like to meet some new people, then head out on a boat and enjoy a nice time with new friends without breaking the bank.\r\n\r\nWhen you&#039;re done fishing, head back to shore having your catch cleaned and filleted and prepared at one of the local restaurants. What better way to experience tropical Florida than to reap the benefits of what you caught earlier that day?\r\n\r\nNo matter where on the Keys you decide to plan your trip, FishingBooker is here to help. With hundreds of local guides, verified reviews, and hassle free online bookings, you&#039;ll save time and money and experience an exciting day on the water.\r\n\r\nSo go ahead and visit fishing booker dot com. Take a look at some of the charters in the area and start planning your Florida Keys fishing trip today.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/wistia-player><p class=\"text-after-video\">The coral islands of the Florida Keys start about 15 miles south of Miami and extend southwest into the Gulf of Mexico, forming the border of the Florida Bay. Comprising over 800 keys, this American slice of the Caribbean offers vast opportunities to anyone looking to have some fun. Its uniqueness leaves everyone breathless, and the fishing is considered the best in the world.<\/p><p>And how can it not be? Offering every type of <a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/blog\/saltwater-fishing\/\">saltwater fishing<\/a> under the sun, the Keys taking the top spot isn&rsquo;t really a surprise. The Florida Bay is at your fingertips in the Upper Keys, while the Lower Keys offer unparalleled access to the Gulf of Mexico. On the other side, you have the depths of the Atlantic, and Cuba is just 90 miles away from Key West if you&rsquo;re looking for a real adventure!<\/p><h2 id=\"best-fish-to-catch-in-the-florida-keys\">Best Fish to Catch in the Florida Keys<\/h2><p>Wondering what you can catch in the Florida Keys? Well, there&#8217;s a bit of everything! Inshore, there are oversized <strong>Redfish, Trout, Permit,<\/strong> and <strong>Pompano<\/strong>, with visiting <strong>Snook, Tarpon,<\/strong> and <strong>Bonefish<\/strong> only adding to the fun. Along the reefs, you&#8217;re looking at <strong>Snappers, Groupers, Mackerel, Cobia,<\/strong> and more. And the Keys are located close to the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean, so there&#8217;s <strong>Mahi Mahi, Tuna<\/strong>, and <strong>Billfish<\/strong> on the menu! <\/p><p>Read on to find out more about what makes each individual species special in this abundant natural environment.<\/p><h3 id=\"bonefish\">Bonefish<\/h3><p>One of the Florida Keys beloved fish, <a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/fish\/bonefish\/us\/florida-keys?utm_source=fishingbooker&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=post_content_link&amp;utm_term=18614\"><strong>Bonefish<\/strong><\/a> is truly a force to be reckoned with! It&#8217;s an agile swimmer and a prized inshore game fish in this part of the world. It doesn&#8217;t grow to impressive sizes, but it more than makes up for that with the fight it puts up.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135501\/Florida-Keys-Fishing-Bonefish.jpg\" alt=\"A young man holding a Bonefish in the waters of the Florida Keys\" class=\"wp-image-44721\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135501\/Florida-Keys-Fishing-Bonefish.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135501\/Florida-Keys-Fishing-Bonefish-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135501\/Florida-Keys-Fishing-Bonefish-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p>The <strong>flats<\/strong> around Key West are very fish-rich, and dipping your rod in these waters will have you reeling in some nice specimens in no time. This is a very feisty fish, but the effort is worth it! The bony structure doesn&#8217;t make it great table fare, and its game qualities make it a catch-and-release species.<\/p><h3 id=\"tarpon\">Tarpon<\/h3><p>This one needs no introduction. Everyone knows that the &#8220;Silver King&#8221; takes the number one spot! Revered as a top game fish in all of <a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/blog\/fishing-in-florida\/\">Florida<\/a>, the Keys have a rich history with this silver beast. It&rsquo;s big, beautiful, and puts up an amazing fight, leaping out of the water to get off the hook. Reeling one in is an adventure you should make sure not to miss.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135458\/Florida-Keys-Fishing-Tarpon.jpg\" alt=\"A man in sunglasses holding a Tarpon on a boat in the Florida Keys\" class=\"wp-image-44730\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135458\/Florida-Keys-Fishing-Tarpon.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135458\/Florida-Keys-Fishing-Tarpon-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135458\/Florida-Keys-Fishing-Tarpon-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p>While <a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/blog\/tarpon-fishing-florida-keys\/\"><strong>Tarpon<\/strong> fishing<\/a> is widespread throughout the Florida Keys, the <strong>Lower Keys<\/strong> see the most action. The vast <strong>flats<\/strong> surrounding Key West hold great numbers of Tarpon. Fly fishing enthusiasts flock here from all over the world for their chance to cast a fly and hook a trophy. If you&rsquo;re serious about fishing, this needs to be on your list!<\/p><div class='featured-charters-container' data-trigger='featured-charters' data-destination-id='1946' data-destination-title='Florida Keys' data-perpage='4' data-currency='USD'data-filter-field='fishFilter'data-filter-value='tarpon'data-headline='Top Tarpon Fishing Charters in Florida Keys'data-add-type='m'><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p><h3 id=\"snapper\">Snapper<\/h3><p>The waters around the Florida Keys hold a variety of Snapper species, each one more interesting than the next. You&rsquo;ll find <strong>Mutton, Yellowtail, Vermillion<\/strong>, and the beloved <strong>Red<\/strong> <strong>Snapper<\/strong> feasting in these blue waters. If you&rsquo;re in Florida, bottom fishing for Red Snapper is definitely something you shouldn&rsquo;t miss.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135459\/Florida-Keys-Fishing-Red-Snapper.jpg\" alt=\"A man in a cap and sunglasses holding a Red Snapper on a fishing boat in Florida Keys\" class=\"wp-image-44727\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135459\/Florida-Keys-Fishing-Red-Snapper.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135459\/Florida-Keys-Fishing-Red-Snapper-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135459\/Florida-Keys-Fishing-Red-Snapper-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p>This beautiful species is a trophy for any avid angler, and reeling it in is a real feat. Pulling them out of the depths is not easy, but there&rsquo;s nothing more fun than a fishing challenge in the Keys! For a change of pace, you can try <a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/blog\/florida-keys-spearfishing\/\">spearfishing<\/a> for them, it will be an unforgettable experience. Loved for its tender meat, this delicious fish will reward you with an amazing meal upon your return, leaving you craving more. Just beware that these fish are subject to strict seasons, so check them out to avoid disappointment.<\/p><h3 id=\"grouper\">Grouper<\/h3><p>Another bottom-dweller everyone loves to target. Are you looking to break some records? If so, some species of Grouper can get pretty big in the Florida Keys. <strong>Red, Gag, Snowy, Black,<\/strong> and the majestic <strong>Goliath<\/strong> variety are all in the cards. Reel in one of these beasts and they&rsquo;ll make for an amazing selfie you can brag about.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135500\/Florida-Keys-Fishing-Grouper.jpg\" alt=\"A smiling man in sunglasses and a cap holding a Black Grouper on a fishing boat in Florida\" class=\"wp-image-44723\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135500\/Florida-Keys-Fishing-Grouper.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135500\/Florida-Keys-Fishing-Grouper-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135500\/Florida-Keys-Fishing-Grouper-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p><strong>Red<\/strong> and <strong>Gag Grouper<\/strong> will probably end up your most frequent catches, and pulling these beasts out is an adventure in itself. If you happen to catch the biggest one of them, the <strong>Goliath<\/strong>, snap a once-in-a-lifetime photo while it&#8217;s still in the water before releasing. They are big and beautiful, but, like Snappers, they&rsquo;re also protected in these waters, so check the regulations before booking.<\/p><h3 id=\"mahi-mahi\">Mahi Mahi<\/h3><p>And if you&rsquo;re looking for a marine photo-op, there&rsquo;s no fish more photogenic than the elusive <strong>Mahi Mahi<\/strong>! You&rsquo;ll find it by heading out a bit offshore in literally any direction, as they inhabit the waters all around the Florida Keys. Fishing for this stunning yellow and green species is an adventure, and you should make sure to try it out while you&rsquo;re in the area.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135459\/Florida-Keys-Fishing-Mahi-Mahi.jpg\" alt=\"A smiling angler in sunglasses holding a Mahi Mahi fish in the waters of the Florida Keys\" class=\"wp-image-44725\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135459\/Florida-Keys-Fishing-Mahi-Mahi.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135459\/Florida-Keys-Fishing-Mahi-Mahi-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135459\/Florida-Keys-Fishing-Mahi-Mahi-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p>Reaching some great sizes, it&rsquo;s a trophy game fish everyone admires. And how can they not? Varying in color, no two Mahi Mahi specimens are the same, so it&rsquo;s a game of chance. Sink a line in deeper waters and play the game. What will your Mahi Mahi look like? Come and find out!<\/p><div class='featured-charters-container' data-trigger='featured-charters' data-destination-id='1946' data-destination-title='Florida Keys' data-perpage='4' data-currency='USD'data-filter-field='fishFilter'data-filter-value='dolphin_mahi_mahi'data-headline='Top Mahi Mahi Fishing Charters in Florida Keys'data-add-type='m'><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p><h3 id=\"billfish\">Billfish<\/h3><p>Another unavoidable fish family if you&rsquo;re in deep Florida waters. Billfish are by far the greatest game fish an avid angler can reel in while <a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/blog\/deep-sea-fishing-in-the-florida-keys\/\">deep sea fishing at the Florida Keys<\/a>. Just sail offshore for a day of adventure, and expect to battle <strong>Blue <\/strong>and<strong> White Marlin<\/strong>, <strong>Sailfish<\/strong>, as well as the iconic <strong>Swordfish<\/strong>. Fishing for these beasts is for the more experienced among you, but in the right conditions, you&rsquo;ll have the time of your life.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135459\/Florida-Keys-Fishing-Marlin.jpg\" alt=\"Four anglers holding a Blue Marlin on a boat in the Florida Keys\" class=\"wp-image-44726\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135459\/Florida-Keys-Fishing-Marlin.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135459\/Florida-Keys-Fishing-Marlin-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135459\/Florida-Keys-Fishing-Marlin-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p>The fun doesn&rsquo;t have to end there &ndash; so many fish species live in the waters around the Florida Keys and we would need a lot of time to mention them all. <strong>Barracuda<\/strong>, <strong>Bonefish<\/strong>, <strong>Permit<\/strong>, <strong>Sheepshead<\/strong>, <strong>Jacks<\/strong>, <strong>Sharks<\/strong>, <strong>Tuna<\/strong>, <strong>Mackerel<\/strong>, <strong>Cobia<\/strong>, <strong>Wahoo<\/strong>&hellip; we could go on and on, but you get the picture!<\/p><div class='reviews-fetcher-container' data-destination-id='1946' data-destination-title='Florida Keys' data-category-title='' data-category='' data-category-id='' data-trigger='reviews-fetcher' data-viewport-event='view_reviews_fetcher' data-action='In viewport' data-viewport-category='Reviews' data-label=''>\n                    <h3>What anglers said about fishing in Florida Keys<\/h3>\n                <\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p><h2 id=\"how-to-go-fishing-in-the-florida-keys\">How to Go Fishing in the Florida Keys<\/h2><p>As the Keys include a wide variety of habitats, there&rsquo;s a range of different types of fishing you can try out. <a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/blog\/florida-keys-flats-fishing\/\">Flats fishing in the Florida Keys<\/a> is off the hook, and the same goes for mangrove shorelines. The farther you go from land, the better the bite gets! Keep on reading to find your preferred way of exploring the area.&nbsp;<\/p><h3 id=\"florida-keys-charter-fishing\">Florida Keys Charter Fishing<\/h3><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135500\/Florida-Keys-Fishing-Charter-Fishing.jpg\" alt=\"A center console fishing boat on the calm waters of Florida keys\" class=\"wp-image-44722\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135500\/Florida-Keys-Fishing-Charter-Fishing.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135500\/Florida-Keys-Fishing-Charter-Fishing-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135500\/Florida-Keys-Fishing-Charter-Fishing-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p>By far the most prolific way to explore these waters, <a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/destinations\/region\/us\/florida-keys?utm_source=fishingbooker&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=post_content_link&amp;utm_term=18614\">charter fishing<\/a>, is a tradition in the Keys. What makes charter fishing so good? Well, considering the Keys are a string of small islands surrounded by water, fishing from a charter boat is easy and convenient. It can take you to the fishing grounds in no time, and you can cover a bigger area than by other means. Whether you&#8217;re in the mood for <a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/blog\/fly-fishing-florida-keys\/\">fly fishing<\/a>, beginner lessons, or chasing monsters offshore, you&#8217;ll find your guide here.<\/p><p>If you&rsquo;re a charter fishing enthusiast, you&rsquo;re in luck! There are charters dotted all along the Keys, from the Upper Keys all the way to Key West. Wherever you decide to visit, chances are there will be a lot of options to choose from. The captains in the area are experienced, so with their guidance, you&rsquo;re guaranteed to have a productive fishing excursion.<\/p><div class='featured-charters-container' data-trigger='featured-charters' data-destination-id='1946' data-destination-title='Florida Keys' data-perpage='4' data-currency='USD'data-filter-field=''data-filter-value=''data-headline='Top Fishing Charters in Florida Keys'data-add-type='m'><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p><h3 id=\"florida-keys-party-boat-fishing\">Florida Keys Party Boat Fishing<\/h3><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135457\/Florida-Keys-Party-Boat-Fishing.jpg\" alt=\"A party boat on its way to fishing spots on the waters of Florida Keys\" class=\"wp-image-44731\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135457\/Florida-Keys-Party-Boat-Fishing.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135457\/Florida-Keys-Party-Boat-Fishing-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135457\/Florida-Keys-Party-Boat-Fishing-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p>The charter business in the Florida Keys is big, there&rsquo;s no denying that. Fishing is the main outdoor activity one can do in the area, so it&rsquo;s not surprising that you can find a charter literally anywhere you go. However, renting a charter boat can be quite expensive for some, but luckily, there&rsquo;s an alternative!<\/p><p>A popular way of fishing here is hopping aboard a <a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/blog\/party-boat-fishing-florida-keys\/\">party boat<\/a>. This is basically a shared trip on a charter boat, which means it&rsquo;s less expensive and more fun! The only downside is that the captain might have less time to dedicate to you. However, if you&rsquo;d like to meet some new people, head out on a boat, and enjoy a nice time with new friends without breaking the bank, this is the trip to take. After you&#8217;re done with your fishing escapades, you can go to one of the <a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/blog\/restaurants-that-cook-your-catch-florida-keys\/\">many restaurants in the Keys<\/a> where they&#8217;ll cook the catch for you.<\/p><h3 id=\"florida-keys-kayak-fishing\">Florida Keys Kayak Fishing<\/h3><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135459\/Florida-Keys-Fishing-Kayak-Fishing.jpg\" alt=\"A close up of a kayak on a beach right next to the clear waters of Florida Keys\" class=\"wp-image-44724\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135459\/Florida-Keys-Fishing-Kayak-Fishing.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135459\/Florida-Keys-Fishing-Kayak-Fishing-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135459\/Florida-Keys-Fishing-Kayak-Fishing-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p>Looking for the most immersive experience on the water? Look no further than kayak fishing! This is a popular way to explore the waters in the Keys, and it&rsquo;s a great way to really see how fun the fishing here can be. Paddle out onto the oceanside flats, patch reefs, or the backcountry waters, and you&rsquo;ll be reeling in some trophies in no time.<\/p><p>Getting up close and personal with the natural life in the Keys is a unique experience. It&rsquo;s a way to really put your fishing skills to the test in a sublime tropical setting. You can enjoy the crystal clear waters, the abundance of wildlife, and not to mention the stunning scenery all around. No matter where in the Keys you hop in a kayak, it&rsquo;s going to be an adventure!<\/p><h3 id=\"florida-keys-shore-fishing\">Florida Keys Shore Fishing<\/h3><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135458\/Florida-Keys-Fishing-shore-fishing.jpg\" alt=\"The sunset at the Bahia Honda Bridge in Florida\" class=\"wp-image-44729\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135458\/Florida-Keys-Fishing-shore-fishing.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135458\/Florida-Keys-Fishing-shore-fishing-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135458\/Florida-Keys-Fishing-shore-fishing-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p>While heading out on the water is a great way to explore the area, shore fishing in the Florida Keys is just as fun. With numerous tropical beaches, surf fishing will yield some great results in the form of Snook, Permit, Jacks, and Mackerel. For more action, hit some of the bridges. <a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/blog\/florida-keys-bridge-fishing\/\">The Bahia Honda Bridge<\/a> is a great place to sink your line for some mighty Tarpon.<\/p><p>While it might be less exciting than deep sea fishing, fishing from the shore is a great way to unwind and enjoy your day. You can relax and cast a line, soaking in the sun and the beautiful views, all while enjoying a nice cold drink in a tropical setting. Sounds pretty nice, right? Don&rsquo;t get too comfortable though, cause the fish here bite fast and hard!<\/p><h3 id=\"expert-insights-caitlyn-gatrells-tips\">Expert Insights: <a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/blog\/author\/caitlyn-gatrell\/\">Caitlyn Gatrell<\/a>&#8216;s Tips<\/h3><blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>&#8220;Planning ahead can make the difference between good and unforgettable results. One key factor is choosing the right type of fishing for your skill level and schedule &ndash; especially if you&#8217;re only visiting for a few days.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote><div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/28142406\/caitlyn-grouper-keys.png\" alt=\"A woman sat on an inshore fishing boat in front of some mangrove trees, holding a Gag Grouper on a sunny day.\" class=\"wp-image-125714\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/28142406\/caitlyn-grouper-keys.png 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/28142406\/caitlyn-grouper-keys-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/28142406\/caitlyn-grouper-keys-768x576.png 768w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/28142406\/caitlyn-grouper-keys-150x113.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo courtesy of Caitlyn Gatrell<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>&#8220;Flats fishing in shallow waters offers calmer conditions and easy access to trophy species like Bonefish, Tarpon, and Permit &ndash; making inshore trips ideal for beginners or half-day trips. Offshore, deep sea excursions targeting Sailfish, Mahi-Mahi, or Tuna require more stamina and a long, full day. But they offer the thrill of larger catches and faster-paced action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;The time of day can also make a difference, especially for newer anglers. Early morning trips often provide cooler temperatures, calmer waters, and active feeding fish &ndash; with dusk being similar. Mid-day fishing trips can be a little too hot at times, and the fish will often hide or not want to bite either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Proper planning with trip timing and gear ensures you maximize both time on the water and the variety of fish you encounter.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote><h2 id=\"florida-keys-fishing-spots\">Florida Keys Fishing Spots<\/h2><p>As we said, there are over 800 islands comprising the Florida Keys, so you&#8217;re rightly wondering where&#8217;s the best fishing in the Florida Keys. While fishing is amazing anywhere you go, depending on your ambitions, there are some places you might not want to miss out on. Coming up, we have a list of top fishing spots in the Florida Keys!<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135457\/The-Keys-Map.jpg\" alt=\"An infographic showing a map of the Florida Keys with the top places to go fishing including Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine Key, Cudjoe Key, Key West, and Dry Tortugas\" class=\"wp-image-44732\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135457\/The-Keys-Map.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135457\/The-Keys-Map-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135457\/The-Keys-Map-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/blog\/key-west-fishing\/\">Key West<\/a>:<\/strong> Starting big, with the most populous city in the Florida Keys! Key West is rich in history, as well as beauty and nature. Today it&rsquo;s home to many angling enthusiasts, and people flock from all over to try out the fishing on offer. Expect to target every saltwater species imaginable!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/blog\/fishing-in-key-largo\/\">Key Largo<\/a>:<\/strong> This is the biggest key and the opportunities are endless. Part of the Upper Keys, it has great access to the shallow waters of the Florida Bay. But the deep Atlantic is at your fingertips as well! Whatever you want to target, you&rsquo;ll find it here.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/blog\/islamorada-fishing\/\">Islamorada<\/a>:<\/strong> Heading down towards the middle part of the Keys, you&rsquo;ll find this amazing sportfishing town. Everything from flats and backcountry, bottom and reef fishing, all the way to deep sea fishing is in the cards in the &ldquo;Sportfishing Capital of the World.&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/blog\/fishing-in-marathon\/\">Marathon<\/a>:<\/strong> Marathon boasts a lot of angling opportunities for anyone willing to do a bit of work. The Marathon Hump is a must-visit destination, as the waters here get really deep really fast. Anything from Snapper and Grouper to Marlin and Tuna is at your disposal here.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/destinations\/location\/us\/FL\/big-pine-key?utm_source=fishingbooker&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=post_content_link&amp;utm_term=18614\">Big Pine Key<\/a>:<\/strong> A great place to introduce yourself and your family to the Keys, this small town is a relaxing fishing haven. You can expect to find Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit, as well as Mahi Mahi, Marlin, and Sailfish.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/destinations\/location\/us\/FL\/cudjoe-key?utm_source=fishingbooker&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=post_content_link&amp;utm_term=18614\">Cudjoe Key<\/a>:<\/strong> This one doesn&rsquo;t see as many tourists as some of its neighbors, so if you&rsquo;re looking for a relaxing vacation with some amazing fishing opportunities, it&rsquo;s the one for you. Grouper, Snapper, Cobia, Tuna, and Billfish are all within easy reach.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/destinations\/region\/us\/dry-tortugas?utm_source=fishingbooker&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=post_content_link&amp;utm_term=18614\">Dry Tortugas<\/a>:<\/strong> This is a special one. It&rsquo;s the most remote Key of all, some 70 miles from Key West. It&rsquo;s an uninhabited National Park today, drenched in history, so it&rsquo;s definitely worth visiting. You can take a ferry or a seaplane from Key West, as well as hire a charter that will take you on this adventure.<\/li>\n<\/ul><p>For more information on the best fishing spots to hit when visiting the Florida Keys, consult <a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/blog\/best-fishing-spots-florida-keys\/\">this detailed guide<\/a> and pack your bags!&nbsp;<\/p><h2 id=\"when-to-go-fishing-in-the-florida-keys\">When to Go Fishing in the Florida Keys<\/h2><p>Fishing in the Florida Keys is always a good idea! Not only can you catch a fish whenever you wet your line in its fisheries, but you can also enjoy fishing tournaments throughout the year.<\/p><p>While <strong>summer<\/strong> is the best time of the year to fish here, there&rsquo;s no off-season in the Florida Keys. You can fish <strong>year-round<\/strong> in these waters. Certain species such as Red Snappers or Gag Grouper have season closures, but this doesn&rsquo;t apply to all game fish. To double-check which species are heavily regulated take a look at the <a href=\"https:\/\/myfwc.com\/fishing\/saltwater\/recreational\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">FWC website<\/a>.<\/p><h3 id=\"florida-keys-fishing-tournaments\">Florida Keys Fishing Tournaments<\/h3><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135457\/Key-West-street.jpg\" alt=\"A small street on Key West lined with small shops and restaurants\" class=\"wp-image-44733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135457\/Key-West-street.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135457\/Key-West-street-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135457\/Key-West-street-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p>You can only expect that in a place like the Florida Keys there are numerous fishing tournaments year-round. And you would be right! A big one, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.keywestfishingtournament.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Key West Fishing Tournament<\/a>, is a multimonth tournament from <strong>December to July<\/strong>, targeting over 40 species of fish. It&rsquo;s a must for anyone looking to make their mark in fishing.<\/p><p>Islamorada hosts a number of tournaments, some of which are the Annual Gold Cup Tarpon Tournament in <strong>June<\/strong>, and the Islamorada Sailfish Tournament in December. Another one worth mentioning is the Marathon <a href=\"http:\/\/www.marathonoffshoretournament.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Offshore Bull and Cow Dolphin Tournament<\/a> in <strong>May<\/strong> with over $30,000 in cash prizes up for grabs!<\/p><h2 id=\"florida-keys-fishing-regulations\">Florida Keys Fishing Regulations<\/h2><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1011\" height=\"674\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135458\/Florida-Keys-Fishing-Regulations.jpg\" alt='An infographic including a vector of a boat and the FishingBooker logo, and text saying \"Florida Keys Fishing Regulations: What You Need to Know\" against a blue background.' class=\"wp-image-44728\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135458\/Florida-Keys-Fishing-Regulations.jpg 1011w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135458\/Florida-Keys-Fishing-Regulations-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135458\/Florida-Keys-Fishing-Regulations-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1011px) 100vw, 1011px\" \/><\/figure><p>What&#8217;s the best month to fish in the Florida Keys? Well, this is easy &ndash; every one! In the Florida Keys, there&rsquo;s always something going on when it comes to fishing. It&rsquo;s in season all year long and it&rsquo;s always prolific. There&rsquo;s something to go after whenever you decide to visit. This is why fishing in the Keys is famous worldwide, and the top reason why the fishing industry is as strong as it is today.<\/p><p>However, not all species can always be targeted as there are strict regulations to prevent overfishing. For information about regulations, always consult the <a href=\"https:\/\/myfwc.com\/fishing\/saltwater\/recreational\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">FWC website<\/a>. These regulations are different depending on which side of the Keys you&rsquo;re fishing in &ndash; Gulf or Atlantic waters. Also, note that everyone over the age of 16 needs to buy a <a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/blog\/florida-fishing-license\/\">Florida fishing license<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h2 id=\"florida-keys-fishing-faqs\">Florida Keys Fishing FAQs<\/h2>\n<div id=\"fbgb-faq-69fa252aa9df5\" class=\"fbgb-faq-block aligncenter fbgb-faq-style-accordion\">\n    <div class=\"fbgb-faq-container\">\n                    <div class=\"fbgb-faq-item \" data-faq-item=\"0\">\n                <div class=\"fbgb-faq-question\" \n                     role=\"button\" \n                     tabindex=\"0\" \n                     aria-expanded=\"false\"\n                     aria-controls=\"fbgb-faq-69fa252aa9df5-item-0\">\n                    <span class=\"fbgb-faq-question-text\">Is there good fishing in the Florida Keys?<\/span>\n                    <span class=\"fbgb-faq-icon\">\n                        <svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M6.5 12.4L12 8l5.5 4.4-.9 1.2L12 10l-4.5 3.6-1-1.2z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n                    <\/span>\n                <\/div>\n                <div id=\"fbgb-faq-69fa252aa9df5-item-0\" \n                     class=\"fbgb-faq-answer \"\n                     aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <div class=\"fbgb-faq-answer-content\">\n                        <p>Absolutely! The Florida Keys boast some of the best fishing opportunities in the world, with flats and reef fishing, along with close proximity to deep waters of the Atlantic and Gulf.<\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fbgb-faq-item \" data-faq-item=\"1\">\n                <div class=\"fbgb-faq-question\" \n                     role=\"button\" \n                     tabindex=\"0\" \n                     aria-expanded=\"false\"\n                     aria-controls=\"fbgb-faq-69fa252aa9df5-item-1\">\n                    <span class=\"fbgb-faq-question-text\">What&#039;s the best month to fish in the Florida Keys?<\/span>\n                    <span class=\"fbgb-faq-icon\">\n                        <svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M6.5 12.4L12 8l5.5 4.4-.9 1.2L12 10l-4.5 3.6-1-1.2z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n                    <\/span>\n                <\/div>\n                <div id=\"fbgb-faq-69fa252aa9df5-item-1\" \n                     class=\"fbgb-faq-answer \"\n                     aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <div class=\"fbgb-faq-answer-content\">\n                        <p>You can\u2019t go wrong fishing the Florida Keys any time of the year. However, spring tends to be a popular time to visit, with May standing out as a time between the busy seasons but also with plenty of exciting inshore and offshore fish showing up.<\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fbgb-faq-item \" data-faq-item=\"2\">\n                <div class=\"fbgb-faq-question\" \n                     role=\"button\" \n                     tabindex=\"0\" \n                     aria-expanded=\"false\"\n                     aria-controls=\"fbgb-faq-69fa252aa9df5-item-2\">\n                    <span class=\"fbgb-faq-question-text\">Where is the best place to go fishing in the Florida Keys?\u2028<\/span>\n                    <span class=\"fbgb-faq-icon\">\n                        <svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M6.5 12.4L12 8l5.5 4.4-.9 1.2L12 10l-4.5 3.6-1-1.2z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n                    <\/span>\n                <\/div>\n                <div id=\"fbgb-faq-69fa252aa9df5-item-2\" \n                     class=\"fbgb-faq-answer \"\n                     aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <div class=\"fbgb-faq-answer-content\">\n                        <p>Islamorada has been dubbed the \u201cSportfishing Capital of the World,\u201d so it\u2019s a great starting place for exploring the rich fisheries of the Florida Keys. However, you can\u2019t go wrong wherever you go\u00a0\u2013 Key West, Marathon, Key Largo, and anywhere in between will serve you well.<\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fbgb-faq-item \" data-faq-item=\"3\">\n                <div class=\"fbgb-faq-question\" \n                     role=\"button\" \n                     tabindex=\"0\" \n                     aria-expanded=\"false\"\n                     aria-controls=\"fbgb-faq-69fa252aa9df5-item-3\">\n                    <span class=\"fbgb-faq-question-text\">How much does it cost to go fishing in the Florida Keys?<\/span>\n                    <span class=\"fbgb-faq-icon\">\n                        <svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M6.5 12.4L12 8l5.5 4.4-.9 1.2L12 10l-4.5 3.6-1-1.2z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n                    <\/span>\n                <\/div>\n                <div id=\"fbgb-faq-69fa252aa9df5-item-3\" \n                     class=\"fbgb-faq-answer \"\n                     aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <div class=\"fbgb-faq-answer-content\">\n                        <p>Fishing in the Keys can be as inexpensive or as costly as you want. You can head out to the flats on your own and fish DIY, for which you\u2019ll only need to pay the cost of a fishing license, or you can head offshore with a large vessel that can cost up to thousands of dollars for a full day. There really is something for everyone here!<\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n    \n    <\/div>\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Is there good fishing in the Florida Keys?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Absolutely! The Florida Keys boast some of the best fishing opportunities in the world, with flats and reef fishing, along with close proximity to deep waters of the Atlantic and Gulf.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What's the best month to fish in the Florida Keys?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"You can&#8217;t go wrong fishing the Florida Keys any time of the year. However, spring tends to be a popular time to visit, with May standing out as a time between the busy seasons but also with plenty of exciting inshore and offshore fish showing up.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Where is the best place to go fishing in the Florida Keys?\\u2028\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Islamorada has been dubbed the &#8220;Sportfishing Capital of the World,&#8221; so it&#8217;s a great starting place for exploring the rich fisheries of the Florida Keys. However, you can&#8217;t go wrong wherever you go&nbsp;&ndash; Key West, Marathon, Key Largo, and anywhere in between will serve you well.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How much does it cost to go fishing in the Florida Keys?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Fishing in the Keys can be as inexpensive or as costly as you want. You can head out to the flats on your own and fish DIY, for which you&#8217;ll only need to pay the cost of a fishing license, or you can head offshore with a large vessel that can cost up to thousands of dollars for a full day. There really is something for everyone here!\"}}]}<\/script><h2 id=\"why-the-florida-keys-why-not\">Why the Florida Keys? Why Not!<\/h2><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135501\/Florida-Keys-Fishing-2.jpg\" alt=\"An aerial view of Florida Keys and bridges that connect them with crystal blue waters around\" class=\"wp-image-44720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135501\/Florida-Keys-Fishing-2.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135501\/Florida-Keys-Fishing-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/09\/14135501\/Florida-Keys-Fishing-2-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p>No, seriously. When it comes to fishing, there&rsquo;s not a single downside to the Florida Keys. The climate is terrific, the beaches are stunning, the wildlife is beautiful, and the fishing is spectacular! It&rsquo;s open and productive year-round, and it has a world-class reputation as one of the best places to sink a line. So no more waiting, the time has come to try it out!<\/p><p><em>Have you ever visited the Florida Keys? Have you tried fishing in the area? Tell us all about your adventure in the comments below, and feel free to ask about anything you&rsquo;re interested in. We love hearing from you!<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Lying just above the Florida Reef, the only living coral barrier reef in the US, the Florida Keys were bound to have amazing fishing! This string of tropical islands has some of the most beautiful beaches and the most amazing wildlife in the world. The archipelago is a favorite vacation spot for thousands of avid [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":44,"featured_media":18640,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1472],"tags":[366,342,601,344,343,471,437,341],"class_list":["post-18614","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-where-to-fish","tag-billfish","tag-florida-keys","tag-gag-grouper","tag-islamorada","tag-key-west","tag-mahi-mahi","tag-red-snapper","tag-tarpon"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Florida Keys Fishing: The Complete Guide (Updated 2022)<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/blog\/fishing-in-florida-keys\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Florida Keys Fishing: The Complete Guide for 2026\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Fishing in the Florida Keys: Top spots &amp; species - 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