Islamorada in the keys is the Sportfishing Capital of the World. Why is the fishing so great? Basically, the Gulf Stream passes really close to the keys, and the Gulf Stream is where big game fish like sailfish, tuna and marlin, can be found. Closer to the islands, large schools of migratory fish like Dolphin (the fish, not the mammal) are plentiful. They are often found just beyond the reefs under vast floating seaweed patches, where they feed on smaller fish. Also just beyond the reefs, large sport fish like amber jack, permit and kingfish are abundant. On the reefs and numerous shipwrecks, several species of snapper, grouper and flourish. On the bayside of the keys, (known as the backcountry) anglers fish for enormous tarpon, snook and red snapper.
Private charters are available, with a captain and crew all to yourself. You’ll find them at nearly every local marina. Party boats are another option, most offer full and/or half-day trips. To bridge fish all you need is a license, your rod, tackle, and bait. Below is a list of our recommended Offshore Fishing Charters. For Bayside fishing, see our Backcountry Fishing Charters Directory.
KEY LARGO FISHING ADVENTURES
99701 Overseas Highway, Key Largo
305-942-9982
http://www.keylargofishingadventures.com
BUD N MARY’S FISHING
79851 Overseas Highway, Islamorada
800-742-7945
www.budnmarys.com
GOLD RESERVE CHARTERS
Mile Marker 84.5 at Holiday Isle, Islamorada
305-394-0792
www.goldreservesportfishing.com
CARIBSEAS CHARTERS, INC
Islamorada
305-664-3121
www.caribseacharters.com
CATCHALOTTAFISH CHARTERS
81576 Overseas Highway, Islamorada
305-803-1321
catchalottafish.com
DOGHOUSE OFFSHORE FISHING
Mile Marker 83.5 Whale Harbor Marina, Islamorada
305-393-0436
http://www.doghouseoffshorefishing.com
FEARLESS FISHING CHARTERS
Mile Marker 79.8 Bud N Mary’s Marina, Islamorada
786-295-2162
www.fearlessfishing.net
ROBBIE’S OFFSHORE FISHING CHARTERS
Mile Marker 77.5 Robbie’s Marina
877-664-8498
www.robbies.com
REDFISH SPORTFISHING CHARTERS
Mile Marker 79.8 Bud N Mary’s Marina, Islamorada
305-664-8497
www.redfishsportfishing.com
WIDE OPEN SPORTFISHING
83413 Overseas Highway, Islamorada
305-978-3916
www.wideopensportfishing.com
BLU SUSHI FISHING
Mile Marker 81.5 Worldwide Sportsman Marina, Islamorada
305-942-0832
www.blusushifishing.com
BLUE CHIP TOO
Mile Marker 83.5, Whale Harbor Marina, Islamorada
305-852-8477
www.bluechiptoo.com
BLUE HAVEN FISHING CHARTERS
Mile Marker 77.5 Robbie’s Marina, Islamorada
305-481-0697
www.blueheavencharter.com
DREAM CATCHER CHARTERS
Key West
888-362-3474
www.dreamcatchercharters.com
EVA MARIE KEY WEST FISHING CHARTER
Galleon Resort and Marina
619 Front Street, Key West
305-304-6283
www.evamariekeywest.com
KEY WEST FLORIDA FISHING COMPASS ROSE
Historic Charter Boat Row
Roosevelt Blvd, Key West
305-395-3474
www.fishnkw.com
KEY WEST PRO GUIDES
1-866-259-4205
www.keywestproguides.com
LINDA D SPORTFISHING
Historic Charter Boat Row
Roosevelt Blvd, Key West
800-299-9798
www.charterboatlindad.com
MEAN GREEN CHARTERS
Key West
305-304-1922
www.meangreenfishing.com
PREMIUM TIME SPORTFISHING
700 Front Street, Key West
305-432-0046
www.fishmonstercharters.com
SALTY CREWS SPORTFISHING
Conch Harbor Marina
305-814-6420
www.saltycrews.com
SEABORN CHARTERS
202 William Street, Key West
305-849-3384
www.seaborncharters.com
SOUTHPAW FISHING CHARTERS
5950 Peninsular Avenue, Key West
305-393-2306
www.fishingsouthpaw.com
TAILCHASER CHARTERS
5130 US Highway 1, Key West
1877-290-4413
www.tailchasercharters.com
THE SALTWATER ANGLER
243 Front Street, Key West
305-296-0700
www.thesaltwaterangler.com