The Florida Keys
Florida, United States · Flats, patch reef and blue water
A 120-mile chain separating shallow backcountry flats from the Gulf Stream. The same day can offer sight-fished permit on a hard-bottom flat, yellowtail snapper over patch reef and mahi in blue water a few miles offshore.
Fishing The Florida Keys
The Florida Keys sits in Florida and fishes as flats, patch reef and blue water. The headline species are Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit, Mahi Mahi, Yellowtail Snapper, and the productive window is tarpon mar–jun; sailfish and mahi through winter and spring.
Access: US-1 runs the length of the island chain, with public ramps at Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon and Key West. Guides and charters operate from every key. If you are travelling to fish here, build flexibility into the trip — weather, water clarity and run timing move around every season, and the anglers who do best plan around conditions rather than dates.
Local tactics
- ▸Backcountry flats fish best on light wind and a rising tide — plan around the forecast, not the calendar.
- ▸Yellowtail snapper respond hard to a steady chum trail anchored up-current of a patch reef.
- ▸Large sections of the reef sit inside the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary with zone restrictions.
Licences and rules
A Florida saltwater fishing licence is required for most anglers. Fishing from a licensed charter or with a licensed guide is generally covered by their vessel licence. Seasons, bag limits and closures change through the year, so confirm the current rules with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission before you fish The Florida Keys.
Frequently asked questions
What fish can you catch at The Florida Keys?
The Florida Keys holds Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit, Mahi Mahi, Yellowtail Snapper. A 120-mile chain separating shallow backcountry flats from the Gulf Stream. The same day can offer sight-fished permit on a hard-bottom flat, yellowtail snapper over patch reef and mahi in blue water a few miles offshore.
When is the best time to fish The Florida Keys?
Tarpon Mar–Jun; sailfish and mahi through winter and spring. As everywhere, the hours either side of first light, last light and a moving tide or current change produce the most fish.
How do you get to The Florida Keys?
US-1 runs the length of the island chain, with public ramps at Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon and Key West. Guides and charters operate from every key.
Do you need a fishing licence at The Florida Keys?
A Florida saltwater fishing licence is required for most anglers. Fishing from a licensed charter or with a licensed guide is generally covered by their vessel licence. Confirm the current position with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission before you fish.
Get the free weekly bite report
Tides, moon phase and the species firing around Australia this week — plus early access to new spots and Pro offers. Free, unsubscribe any time.