Fishing in the Florida Keys

Whether you’re new to fishing or an experienced angler, the Florida Keys offer a world-class fishing experience. With the right guidance, you can catch a wide range of fish, from sailfish to mahi-mahi.

If you’re looking for a truly immersive experience, kayak fishing is your best bet! It’s a great way to explore the backcountry or patch reefs, and reel in some big catches.

Fishing Guides

Choosing the right Florida Keys fishing guide can make all the difference in your overall experience. These experienced, professional charter captains and crews can navigate the waters for you to find first-class fishing that is appropriate for your age and skill level.

They know the fish species and their seasonal migration patterns and will put you on the fish that are most likely to bite at a given time. They also offer excellent customer service and reliable equipment and boats.

These fishing guides can also help you learn the ins and outs of fishing, from how to tie a good hook to the best gear for specific fish species. They are also dedicated to promoting sustainable fishing practices, including protecting marine resources in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

The Florida Keys are world-famous for their flats fishing, and you can catch a wide variety of tropical gamefish on the fly or rod and reel. Tailing Water Expeditions offers next-level inshore, flats, and backcountry fishing trips that will leave you with unforgettable memories.

The new Blue Star Fishing Guides program recognizes charter boat captains who are committed to sustainable fishing and educating their customers about resource protection in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Guides must complete an online training course and participate in education opportunities. They are also expected to take part in stewardship activities such as marine debris cleanups and cooperative research programs.

Fishing Trips

With a tropical climate, stunning beaches, and incredible wildlife, the Florida Keys are one of the most premier fishing destinations in the world. This is why people from all over the world flock to this area for a chance to fish in these clear, crystal waters.

While you may be tempted to try and reel in a big catch on your own, you might want to book a fishing trip to increase your chances of success. These trips are guided by seasoned fishermen who know the best fishing spots to find fish and have extensive experience in the local water.

If you’re a novice, they will also provide tips and tricks to improve your fishing skills. For example, they can help you re-tie your line after you’ve caught a fish that has been pulled from the water.

Some Florida keys fishing charters also have a crew that will help you hoist up your catch and reel it in. This will give you the extra strength and confidence when you’re tackling that big catch.

The summer is an especially good time to take a charter, as the Keys are typically less crowded and fishing can be excellent. This is also the best time to go tarpon fishing, as this is the season when the big fish are spawning.

Fishing Tips

The Florida Keys offer a plethora of fishing opportunities, from inshore flats and mangrove channels to offshore canyons. These waters are teeming with game fish and table fare, from king mackerel to mahi mahi.

While most anglers tend to target the famous spots, you can also find great fishing in places that don’t receive as much media attention. For instance, Cudjoe Key has some of the best fishing in the Florida Keys, thanks to its channels and mangrove islands.

These waters are teeming for snapper, grouper, bonefish, permit and tarpon. You can also reel in barracuda, snook and jacks.

In addition to the typical species, sharks are a common sight in these waters from February through April. Blacktip, spinner and hammerhead sharks will go after sand-dollar crabs, says guide Nate Wheeler.

For a more exotic experience, try fishing around the Bahia Honda bridge. This is a popular spot for tarpon, and it’s also a great spot for anglers who like to fish with a fly rod.

Another excellent choice is the Lower Keys. The shallow flats of the Lower Keys attract permit, with Capt. Lenny Leonard sight-fishing in less than 3 feet of water with fly tackle, or spinning gear for light-tackle fishers.