Fishing in the Florida Keys Islamorada

Fishing in the Florida Keys: Islamorada

At the southern most part of the United States, located between the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Florida Bay are the Florida Keys. Not only is this one of the most amazing places to vacation, with breathtaking scenery, sandy beaches, and crystal clear water; but there is an abundance of fish that inhabit the warm waters of the Florida Keys. Here, the enormous variety of fish species ranges from Kingfish to Permit. You can go off shore fishing for the big game such as Tuna and Marlin, but the Keys are also ideal for flat fishing on the Florida Bay for Bonefish or Tarpon. Each of the Keys is acknowledged for a special type of fish. Although the species of fish available may vary in different seasons, there is always something to catch year-round in the Keys.

Islamorada is one of the Upper Keys, and known as the sport fishing capital of the world. There have been more record-breaking fish caught here than anywhere in the world. Unlike anywhere else on the Atlantic Coast, the waters of the Gulf Stream are only a few miles offshore. These waters carry hundreds of different species of fish, as well as all warm water game fish that swims in the Northern hemisphere.

Fly fishing is becoming increasingly popular in Islamorada, catching many different types of fish. Some of the most popular fish caught on fly are Spotted Trout, Blue Marlin, Tarpon, and Bonefish.

You may choose to go offshore fishing in the breathtaking blue-green waters of Islamorada. Here you will find fish such as Sailfish, Dolphin, Marlin, Kingfish, Yellowtail, Wahoo, and Mutton Snapper.

If you fish in the beautiful backcountry bays, you will likely find Redfish, Snook, Sea Trout, Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit, as well as many other fish. The waters here are calmer and shallower than that of the ocean. This allows for the use of flats and poling your boat.

Although you are likely to find most species of fish year round, there are certain seasons when specific fish are most abundant in the area.

Winter
Cobia, Grouper, Kingfish, Sailfish, Tuna, Shark

Spring
Blue Marlin, Dolphin, Snapper, Tarpon, Yellowtail, Wahoo

Summer
Tarpon, Dolphin, Yellowtail, Blue Marlin

Fall
Wahoo, Kingfish, Grouper, Bonefish, Snook

There are many fishing tournaments throughout the year in Islamorada. Some of these tournaments include; Captains take “the Cup”, Islamorada Swordfish Tournament, Islamorada Sailfish Tournament, Take Stock in Children Backcountry Challenge, George Bush Cheeca Lodge Bonefish Tournament, and Hog’s Breath King Mackerel Tournament.

There are hundreds of fishing charters, boat rentals, and guides located at the many marinas, to familiarize you with the best areas to fish. The different fishing charters include backcountry flats fishing, light tackle fishing, party boats, and offshore fishing. Because of the importance of local knowledge, it is best to choose fishing charter captains from locals who are familiar to fishing in the area.