While Islamorada bills itself as the "Sportfishing Capital of the World," the entire Florida Keys island chain offers outstanding fishing options. Your choices begin with which side of the road you'd like to fish from.

In the "backcountry," or the mazes of mangrove islands and sandbars that populate Florida Bay and the Everglades, flats fishing is the way to go. The bait of choice is a fly and the aim is for mighty tarpon, shy bonefish or powerful permit. 

On the ocean side, two main realms of fishing exist: inshore and offshore. Bottom fishing along the reef line and over wrecks can yield snapper and grouper of every size. 

Beyond the reef line is where the deep sea fishing takes place. Trolling for record marlin, sporty sailfish or some dolphin (mahi-mahi) for dinner never gets old.

Most serious anglers take to the water, be it in their own vessel or by chartering with a captain or guide. In the Keys you can fish from anything–powerboats, sailboats, kayaks, paddleboards, docks and historic bridges.

Tips & Regulations

Made up of several fragile and unique ecosystems, the waters of the Florida Keys are protected by many state and federal agencies. It is important that you know where you are and what rules apply. 

If you are unfamiliar with the local waters and looking to go fishing for the first time, the best way to get a taste of Florida Keys fishing is to hire an experienced charter captain or backcountry guide. They can show you where to go, what to catch and what tackle to use. 

The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary stretches from Biscayne and Everglades National Parks in the north to Dry Tortugas National Park in the west and offshore to 300 fathoms. Special rules apply inside the sanctuary, and there are many marked "Special Preservation Areas" along the reef line where fishing and lobstering are prohibited. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations prior to your arrival. 

​​NOTE: Florida requires a separate fishing license for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. The easiest way to get a license is online, but the licenses are available through sporting goods stores and at the county offices. Just do not wet your lines in Florida without it.​​

Endangered & Protected Species

If you strike out on your own, keep in mind that many species in the Keys are protected or have special regulations. The following species are protected and it is unlawful to harvest or be in possession of them:

• Rays (including eagle and manta rays)
• Sea turtles (any species)
• Small tooth sawfish
• Sharks  (including reef, hammerhead and tiger sharks)
• Sturgeon

Special regulations apply to the following species: 

• Bonefish - Catch and release only.
• Lobster - Monroe County bag limits apply. A special stamp is required along with a saltwater fishing license.
• Nassau and Goliath grouper - Catch and release only)
• Permit - Special permit zone rules apply (one per person bag limit with no less than 22-inch fork length). Season is closed from April 1 to July 3.
• Snook - Catch and release only. A special stamp is required along with a saltwater fishing license.

​Note that the information provided here is for example only and is not intended to be all-inclusive.

Responsible Catch & Release

Responsible angling means knowing which species you can take and how to catch and release while minimizing stress and impacts on the fish. Unfortunately, many fish are inadvertently killed by anglers who are trying to be responsible. 

Here are a few tips to ensure the least amount of stress on the fish and give it the maximum chances of survival. This is very important for protected or undersized fish, but also important if it's not a fish you plan to keep and eat. Returning it safely keeps the fish populations stable and helps ensure that they will be around for generations to come.

• Be prepared with de-hooking tools.
• Use only circle hooks and consider removing or crimping the barbs for easier removal. The barb really doesn't affect the likeliness of landing the fish. Never use treble hooks when a circle hook will do!
• Keep the fish in the water as long as possible.
• When handling a fish, use wet hands and hold the fish horizontally. Never hold a fish up by its jaw or gills vertically. Return it to the water as soon as possible.
• Never use stainless steel hooks. If you are unable to recover a regular hook, it will rust and fall out within a few days.
• If the fish has swallowed the hook, cut the line as close to the fish as you can. It doesn't want to drag around yards of fishing line, which will risk entrapment or getting tangled.
• If you've caught the big one, never try to pull it onto the boat. Leave the fish in the water and remove the hook there. When releasing a fish, always release it head first into the water so that water moves over its gills.

NOTE: More information about responsible fish handling is available from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Spearfishing

Spearfishing is heavily regulated in south Florida and the Keys. This includes with spear guns, pole spears and slings. Be cautious and review all of the applicable regulations for the various parks and sanctuaries before setting out. 

Even the possession of spearing equipment is prohibited in the Everglades, Biscayne and Dry Tortugas National Parks and all of the Florida state parks (including the waters of John Pennekamp State Park up to 3 miles offshore).

Spearing is prohibited within 3 miles of the ocean side shoreline and 9 miles of the bay side shoreline from Long Key north to the Miami-Dade County line. This includes the towns of Islamorada, Tavernier and Key Largo. Spearing is also not allowed within 100 feet of any pier, jetty or swim area and prohibited inside any man-made canal in Monroe County.

The following species may not be speared: billfish (including swordfish), bonefish, crab, spiny lobster, Goliath grouper, Manta ray, Nassau grouper, permit, pompano, red drum, sharks (all species), snook, spotted eagle ray, spotted seatrout, sturgeon, tarpon and tripletail (among others). This list changes so check Spearing on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission site before spearfishing.

The Right Tackle & Gear

Entire books have been written about having the "right tackle." It depends on the type of fishing you're going to do, the species you're after, time of year, mood of the fish, color that's in fashion and...you get the idea.

A good tackle box is the angler's suitcase and while the contents may vary, most will include the essentials: bobbers, sinkers, leaders, weights, swivels, hooks and excess line. In general, you can fish with pretty much whatever you have. Walk the many fishing bridges along U.S. 1 and you'll see hand reels, spinning reels, heavy offshore rods, beach rods and cast nets. 

Take a cruise in the creeks of the backcountry, and you'll see folks out playing with light-weight spinning rods with spoons or jigs and heavy bottom gear with cut bait. You'll even see some people trying their luck with a fly.

Offshore, the tackle choices are even more mind-boggling. You'll want some heavy-duty rods and reels, but electric reels are popular for the big fish. Trolling boats try to get as much bait in the water as possible–be it live bait, cut bait or big soft lures. You could use spreader bars or dredges to get even more bait running. 

Squid and ballyhoo are probably the most commonly used bait choices. Then again, you are likely to see a guy in an outboard boat with just one hand reel and a big skirted lure, happily trolling along.

Should you decide to rent a boat and strike out on your own, ask if the fishing boat rental company provides any fishing essentials, such as bait, chum bags, cutting boards and knives, nets, long gaffs, a multiple rod rocket launcher, outriggers and downriggers and shrimp buckets.