The Florida Keys is famous for its shore fishing opportunities. Some anglers catch sharks, tarpon and many other species of fish that would be awesome catches for anglers on a chartered fishing trip. The Keys are so unique that you have so many opportunities to over such a large area to shore fish for so many different types of saltwater fish. It is still fishing though, so don’t be shocked if you struggle to catch nice fish at many of the shore fishing spots that you fish. However, if you put in the time and figure out where the better bite is occurring based on the tides and the time of year, you can really do well in the Keys.
The shore fishing spots get better as you get down to the southern side of Islamorada and you will find good fishing spots all the way down to Key West. The main reason for this is you will have access to so many bridges to shore fish in this part of the Keys. There are also some nice stretches of shoreline away from the bridges that offer good fishing too.
Take a look below to learn more about the different destinations you can visit and fish in the Florida Keys.
Big Pine Key & the Lower Keys
Big Pine Key and the lower Florida Keys offer a wide variety of water sports. Diving, snorkeling, boating and fishing are very popular here. The lower keys have many well-protected shallow bays, flats and mangrove islands that offer excellent fishing for bonefish, tarpon, permit, barracuda, sharks and other species.
Islamorada, FL
Islamorada is a part of the Florida Keys and it is known for its beautiful water, beaches and some of the best sport fishing in the world. You can catch sailfish, tuna, and dolphin offshore and permit, tarpon and bonefish in the backcountry waters of Florida Bay. If that weren’t enough, there are more than 200 other species available in these waters.
Key Largo, FL
Key Largo is the first of the Florida Keys and it is known as the Dive Capital of the World. Whether you want to kick back and relax or enjoy some of the outdoor activities, you are going to love the beauty of Key Largo. Diving, snorkeling, glass bottom boating, swimming, kayaking and fishing are just some of the activities that you can enjoy.
Key West, FL
Located at the very bottom of the Florida Keys, Key West is the southern most city in the continental United States. Key West has some fantastic restaurants, accommodations, crystal clear water and plenty of outdoor activities. Snorkeling, diving, boating and fishing are very popular on Key West. The fishing opportunities are endless with inshore, offshore and flats fishing for a variety of species.
Marathon, FL
Marathon is just a short drive from Key West to the south and Key Largo to the north. This 10-mile long island is located in the heart of the keys. There are plenty of nice places to stay from inns to hotels to resorts. Swimming, snorkeling, diving, boating and fishing are very popular. Fishing is excellent inshore, offshore or on the flats. With over 200 types of fish, anglers have so many options here.