Fishing Tips in The Florida Keys

For successful fishing in the Florida Keys, focus on your location, time of day, and the type of fishing you prefer (shore vs. boat). If you're targeting offshore pelagics, consider trolling for wahoo, pitching bait for sailfish, or using light tackle for blackfin tuna and mahi-mahi. For bottom fishing, explore reefs and wrecks for snapper and grouper, or venture deeper for queen snapper and other species. Shark fishing in Florida Bay is also popular, with barracuda making excellent shark bait.  

1. Location: 

• Key West: Known for yellowtail snapper and other reef fish.  

• Marathon: diverse range of fish species both in the Gulf of America and the Atlantic Ocean in the middle of the Keys. Inshore, flats, reef, and offshore. Deep fishing at the Marathon Hump.  

• Key Largo: Offers endless opportunities for various species.  

• Islamorada: A great sportfishing town in the middle of the Keys.  

• Florida Bay: Excellent for shark fishing.  

• Offshore: The Gulfstream and underwater structures make the Keys a prime destination for swordfish.  

• Bridge Fishing: Consider popular bridges like the Marvin D. Adams Waterway (Adams Cut) in Key Largo, Channel 5 bridge, and Long Key Bridge.  

2. Time of Day: 

• Offshore: A good time to target pelagic species. 

• Morning: Considered the best time for shark fishing.  

3. Fishing Methods: 

• Offshore: Trolling, pitching bait, light tackle, deep drop fishing.  

• Bottom Fishing: Reefs, wrecks, deeper water.  

• Flats Fishing: Use live bait like crabs, shrimp, mullet, pilchards for species like tarpon, snook, barracuda, permit, and bonefish.  

• Shore Fishing: Explore bridges like Adams Cut for snapper and snook. 

4. Essential Gear: 

• Rods and Reels: Sturdy and reliable, designed for offshore or bottom fishing. 

• Fishing Line: High abrasion resistance and strength. 

• Baits and Lures: Variety of artificial and live bait. 

• Terminal Tackle: Hooks, swivels, sinkers. 

• Safety Equipment: Life jackets, first aid kit, etc. 

• Sunscreen, Clothing: Sun protection and comfortable clothing.  

• Water: Bring plenty of water for everyone on the boat 

5. Important Notes: 

• Fishing Licenses: A saltwater fishing license is required to fish in the Florida Keys.  

• Weather: Monitor the forecast, as rain and thunderstorms are possible.  

• Chumming: For shark fishing, string bait on a float and use it as a chum line.