Location
The Florida Keys are a coral cay archipelago located off the southern coast of Florida, forming the southernmost part of the continental United States.
It is home to 5 of the most sought – after game fishing among recreational anglers: Bonefish, Tarpon, Permit, Redfish and Snook.
It is also near the Atlantic Ocean. In this area are some of the great sport fish in the world: Blue and While Marlin, Sailfish, and Swordfish.
History
"Key" is derived from the Spanish word cayo, meaning small island. There are over 800 keys in total, stretching over 180 miles. So it is easy to understand that this is a great place for anglers.
The area is rich both in species and numbers. Inshore, you can see Tarpon, Snook, Redfish, Sheepshead, and Jacks. The reefs are a big home of Snapper, Grouper, Amberjack. And when you go fishing offshore, there are plenty of Marlin, Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Cobia around you.
Keys are surrounded by water, fishing from a boat is easy and convenient. It can take you to the fishing ground in no time, and you can cover a bigger area than in other places.
If you are a charter fishing enthusiast, you definitely find “paradise” for your favorite fishing. But it is not easy to decide which spot to sink your line in, depending on your ambitions.
1/ Key Largo
Key Largo deep sea fishing is great year – round. The most popular catches include Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, Tuna, Cobia, Kingfish, Wahoo, and many more. Just venture beyond the reefs and enjoy the hunt.
Key Largo’s coral reefs offer some of the best grounds for Sailfish. You will be fishing just outside the reefs with ballyhoo and a light spinning rod for one of the fastest fish in the ocean. There are also Marlins and Amberjacks around, ready to hook your bait.
You have to go fishing in Key Largo. You will have an equally good time exploring the ocean, plenty of fish with your family.
2/ Islamorada
If Billfish is at the top of your bucket list, it’s worth heading to Islamorada – home to some of the best Swordfishing in the world. You absolutely have to try fishing in Islamorada, you can get Bonefish, Tarpon, Permit, Snook, and a variety of Snapper, all while still standing on dry land.
Islamorada faces both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico and can yield almost any type of fish, regardless and its season, size, hue and feeding habits. You can go deep sea fishing around Islamorada at any time, truly. There is something about the water and the terrain here that gives fishing a nice touch.
3/ Key west
It is the most populous city in the Florida Keys. It is a part of the Upper Keys, it has great access to the shallow waters of the Florida Bay.
Whenever you visit, you will find great weather and a ton of tasty fish. Key West’s mangroves are full of fish like Bonefish, Tarpon, Permit.
If you have time and want to see many anglers, you can go here in July. There are Del Brown Permit Tournament and The Key West Marlin Tournament.
4/ Marathon
Marathon is a 13 – island paradise that will meet your every angling expectation. From the shallow water around the islands, or hit the nearshore reefs, wrecks to head out further offshore, you will be surprised about number and species of fish you see. One worth mentioning is the Marathon Offshore Bull and Cow Dolphin Tournament in May always attract anglers in the US.
5/ Cudjoe Key
It is a great place for anglers. Compared to other locations, this area is much more quiet than others. If you prefer having a vacation than taking a serious fishing trip, this is an excellent choice.
6/ Big Pine Key
Just choose between the Gulf and the Atlantic, you will see a beautiful, little town. You can fish for just about anything in these waters. Inshore, you see Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit, Redfish, Speckled Trout. Near the reefs, there are big Snapper, Grouper. Go further offshore, Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Tuna, Marlin will be caught by your bait easily.
Before you go, not only choose good clothing for you, here, you also need to consult the FWC website. These regulations are different depending on which side of the Keys you will go fishing