Florida Keys Fishing Guide — Your Complete Resource
The Florida Keys are a fishing destination unlike anywhere else on Earth. Stretching 120 miles from Key Largo to Key West, this chain of islands offers an unmatched diversity of fishing — from stalking permit and bonefish on crystal-clear flats to battling sailfish and mahi-mahi in the deep blue of the Gulf Stream.
Whether you’re a fly fishing purist chasing the Grand Slam or a family looking to bend rods on a reef trip, the Keys deliver.
Top Species
Tarpon — The Keys are the tarpon capital of the world. Fish migrate through from March through July, with peak season in April and May. Bridges, channels, basins, and oceanside flats all hold fish. Live bait, crabs, and fly tackle are the primary methods. A 100+ pound tarpon on light tackle is the fishing experience of a lifetime.
Permit — One of the most challenging fish in saltwater. Found on shallow flats and around wrecks. Sight-fishing permit on the flats with a live crab is considered the pinnacle of inshore fishing. Also caught jigging wrecks and bridges. The Keys are the best place in the world to target permit.
Bonefish — The “grey ghost” of the flats. Found on shallow sand and turtle grass flats throughout the Keys. Incredibly spooky and fast. Primarily a fly fishing and light tackle target. Best from fall through spring when water is cooler and clearer.
Sailfish — The Atlantic side of the Keys offers world-class sailfishing from November through April. Kite fishing and live bait are the primary methods. The Gulf Stream runs close to shore here, bringing blue water and pelagic species within a few miles.
Mahi-Mahi (Dolphin) — Found offshore in the Gulf Stream from spring through fall. One of the most colorful and acrobatic fish in the ocean. Caught trolling, pitching live bait to floating debris, and jigging. Excellent eating.
Yellowtail Snapper — The bread and butter of Keys reef fishing. Found over coral reefs in 40-120 feet of water. Chumming with ground chum blocks and fishing small hooks with cut bait is the standard technique. Delicious and plentiful.
Snook — Found around bridges, mangroves, docks, and channels throughout the Keys. Night fishing under bridge lights with live pinfish and pilchards is a Keys tradition. Some of the biggest snook in Florida live in the Keys.
Grouper — Black grouper and red grouper are found on reefs and wrecks. Bottom fishing with live bait and heavy tackle. Season and size limits apply — check FWC regulations.
Top Fishing Spots
Islamorada — Self-proclaimed “Sportfishing Capital of the World.” Home to more fishing guides per capita than anywhere. Backcountry flats, oceanside reefs, and offshore blue water all within minutes. The bridges here hold big tarpon and snook.
Key West — Deep water access to the Gulf Stream is closer here than anywhere in the Keys. World-class offshore fishing for sailfish, mahi, tuna, and swordfish. The flats and backcountry around Key West hold tarpon, permit, and bonefish.
Marathon — The heart of the Keys. The Seven Mile Bridge is one of the most famous fishing spots in Florida. Tarpon, snook, permit, and sharks all patrol the bridge pilings and channels. Great reef fishing offshore.
Key Largo — The gateway to the Keys and closest to the mainland. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park offers incredible reef fishing. The backcountry flats on the Gulf side hold redfish, trout, and snook in addition to bonefish.
Bahia Honda — Beautiful state park with a historic bridge that holds tarpon, snook, and permit. One of the best shore-accessible fishing spots in the Keys. The deep channel between the old and new bridges is a fish highway.
Backcountry Flats — The shallow Gulf-side flats stretching from Islamorada to Marathon are bonefish and permit territory. Crystal-clear water, white sand, and some of the best sight-fishing on the planet.
Best Times to Fish
Spring (March-May) — Peak season. Tarpon migration is in full swing. Permit are on the flats. Mahi-mahi show up offshore. This is when the Keys are at their fishing best — and their busiest.
Summer (June-August) — Tarpon fishing continues into June. Offshore fishing for mahi, tuna, and billfish is excellent. Lobster mini-season in July brings crowds. Hot and humid but the fishing is strong.
Fall (September-November) — The “secret season.” Crowds thin out after summer. Bonefish action picks up as water cools. Yellowtail snapper fishing on the reefs is excellent. Permit move onto the wrecks. Sailfish start showing up late fall.
Winter (December-February) — Sailfish season peaks. Bonefish are on the flats. Bridge fishing for snook is excellent at night. Cold fronts can push through but between fronts the fishing can be outstanding. Fewer tourists and lower prices.
The Grand Slam
In Keys fishing, a “Grand Slam” means catching a tarpon, permit, and bonefish all in the same day. It’s one of the most prestigious achievements in sportfishing. An “Inshore Grand Slam” adds snook to the mix. The Keys are one of the only places on Earth where this is even possible.
Recommended Gear
Flats fishing: 7′ medium-light spinning rod, 2500-3000 size reel, 10lb braid, 12-15lb fluorocarbon leader Reef fishing: 6’6″ medium-heavy rod, 4000 size reel, 20-30lb braid, 30lb fluorocarbon leader Offshore: 6’6″-7′ heavy rod, 5000-8000 size reel, 40-65lb braid, 40-60lb fluorocarbon leader Bridge fishing: 7′ medium-heavy rod, 4000 size reel, 20lb braid, 30lb fluorocarbon leader Must-have lures: DOA Shrimp, live crabs (for permit), Rapala X-Rap, bucktail jigs Live bait: Pilchards, pinfish, shrimp, blue crabs, ballyhoo (offshore)
Fishing Charters in the Keys
The Keys have more fishing guides per square mile than anywhere in Florida. From flats skiffs to offshore sportfishers, there’s a charter for every budget and target species. Check out our Keys charter reviews for honest recommendations.
Check back for our Florida Keys Fishing Report — covering conditions, hot species, and where to fish.