Fishing in the Florida Keys
Fishing in the Florida Keys: A Guide to an Angler’s Paradise
The Florida Keys are a haven for anglers of all experience levels. With its warm, tropical waters and diverse marine life, the Keys offer an unparalleled opportunity to catch a variety of fish, from inshore species like redfish and snook to offshore giants like marlin and tarpon.
What Makes the Florida Keys a Fishing Paradise?
Contents
There are many reasons why the Florida Keys are considered a fishing paradise. Here are just a few:
- Warm, tropical waters: The Florida Keys have a subtropical climate, with warm water temperatures year-round. This makes it a great place to fish for a variety of species, as many fish are more active in warm water.
- Diverse marine life: The Florida Keys are home to an incredible diversity of marine life. There are over 600 species of fish found in the Keys, as well as sharks, dolphins, sea turtles, and manatees. This diversity makes the Keys a great place to target a variety of different fish.
- Access to different fishing grounds: The Florida Keys offer anglers access to a variety of different fishing grounds, from inshore flats and backcountry bays to offshore reefs and deep-sea waters. This makes it possible to target a variety of different species, depending on the time of year and the conditions.
What Can You Catch in the Florida Keys?
The Florida Keys are home to a variety of different fish species, including:
- Inshore species: Redfish, trout, snook, tarpon, bonefish, permit, pompano, flounder
- Reef species: Snapper, grouper, mackerel, cobia, barracuda
- Offshore species: Mahi mahi, tuna, billfish (marlin, sailfish, swordfish)
When is the Best Time to Fish in the Florida Keys?
The best time to fish in the Florida Keys depends on the species you are targeting. However, the Keys offer good fishing year-round.
- Redfish: Redfish can be caught year-round, but they are most active in the warmer months, from May to October.
- Trout: Trout are also most active in the warmer months, from May to October.
- Snook: Snook are a seasonal fish that can be caught from November to April.
- Tarpon: Tarpon can be caught year-round, but they are most active in the warmer months, from May to October.
- Bonefish: Bonefish are another seasonal fish that can be caught from December to April.
- Permit: Permit are a challenging fish to catch, but they can be caught year-round.
- Mackerel: Mackerel are a fast-moving fish that can be caught year-round.
- Snapper: Snapper are a popular reef fish that can be caught year-round.
- Grouper: Grouper are another popular reef fish that can be caught year-round.
- Mahi mahi: Mahi mahi are an offshore fish that can be caught from March to November.
- Tuna: Tuna are an offshore fish that can be caught year-round.
- Billfish: Billfish are an offshore fish that can be caught from March to November.
Where to Fish in the Florida Keys
There are many different places to fish in the Florida Keys. Here are a few of the most popular spots:
- Inshore flats: The inshore flats are a great place to fish for redfish, trout, snook, and tarpon.
- Backcountry bays: The backcountry bays are another great place to fish for redfish, trout, snook, and tarpon.
- Offshore reefs: The offshore reefs are a great place to fish for snapper, grouper, mackerel, cobia, and barracuda.
- Deep-sea waters: The deep-sea waters are a great place to fish for mahi mahi, tuna, and billfish.
Do you need a license to fish in the Keys?
Yes, you need a license to fish in the Florida Keys, except for freshwater fishing, unless you are on a licensed charter vessel.
Florida Keys fishing license
There are two types of fishing licenses available:
- Saltwater fishing license: This license is required for all saltwater fishing in Florida, including the Florida Keys. There are several different saltwater fishing licenses available, including annual, one-day, and three-day licenses.
- Freshwater fishing license: This license is required for all freshwater fishing in Florida, except for fishing from a licensed charter vessel. There are several different freshwater fishing licenses available, including annual, one-day, and three-day licenses.
You can purchase a fishing license online, at most bait and tackle shops, and at some county tax collector offices.
In addition to a fishing license, you may also need to purchase a saltwater harvest permit in order to fish for certain species, such as grouper, snapper, and snook. You can purchase a saltwater harvest permit online or at most bait and tackle shops.
It is important to check the regulations before you go fishing to make sure you have all of the necessary licenses and permits. You can find the latest fishing regulations on the website of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Tips for Fishing in the Florida Keys
Here are a few tips for fishing in the Florida Keys:
- Hire a guide: If you are new to fishing in the Florida Keys, hiring a guide is a great way to learn the ropes and increase your chances of catching fish.
- Do your research: Before you go fishing, do some research on the species you are targeting and the best time of year to catch them.
Florida Keys Attractions and Things to do
Orlando Attractions – Theme parks & Entertainment
Jet Ski & Watersport Rentals South Florida
Make The Most Of Your Winter Break While You’re In Florida
BEST Things to Do in Orlando
The Hidden Secrets of Miami
Fishing in the Florida Keys
Top 10 National Parks of United States
Best Kept Secrets of Florida Keys
