Fishing in The Florida Keys

Taking the trip south via U.S. 1 in Florida, it’s easy to become memorized by the turquoise waters surrounding some of the top fishing destinations in the world. The Florida Keys are home to some of the most diverse species of fish. On any given day boats with fishermen cab can be seen headed out to seek the catch of the day. Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, and Key West is the perfect launchpad for boats of all sizes. There are plenty of stretches along the drive that allow car visitors to the Keys to watch boaters catch tarpon or snapper. Makes for a beautiful drive, doesn’t it?

 The Florida Keys is a coral archipelago stretching far into the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, providing numerous launch points to some of the most diverse and productive salt waters in North America. The coral shores lead to pristine flats and coral reefs, with the reef edges acting as the final step out to deep blue water. Anglers in flats skiffs and bay boats explore the extensive grass-and-sand flats, deep channels, and bridge structures. Offshore center consoles and sport-fishers roam the open waters in search of pelagics. The Keys remain a saltwater angler's paradise.

 Fishing From Your Florida Keys Home

The great thing about living in the Florid Keys is that you’re either on the water or not too far from it. This makes getting your boat out to sea a virtual breeze. Many homes for sale in the Florida Keys are equipped with a dock. This allows you to tie your boat in the water or lift it out for safe storage after a long day of fishing. If you prefer a more inland dwelling, you can still have access to an almost endless supply of docks and marinas from which to set sail or store your boat.

 Houses along the 125-mile-long chain of islands that comprises the Florida Keys create a fishing environment unique in the world and means a noteworthy or at least edible catch is possible virtually any time of year.

 Do You Need A License To Fish in The Florida Keys?

Florida residents and visitors are required to possess a Florida hunting, freshwater fishing, or saltwater fishing license when engaged in fishing and hunting activities. A license is required to attempt to take fish. If you cast a line or catch and release, you need a fishing license.

 A saltwater fishing license is required to attempt to take any native or nonnative marine organisms, such as crabs, lobsters, and marine plants. Licenses and permits are required to help or assist in the take. Someone who is passively participating (setting decoys, calling birds or baiting hooks), whether actively fishing or hunting or not, must have a license and appropriate permits.

 What Types of Fish Can Be Caught in the Florid Keys?

Lying just above the Florida Reef, the only living coral barrier reef in the United States, the Florida Keys has an abundance of amazing fish! This archipelago has some of the most beautiful beaches and the most amazing species of fish in the world. The Florida Keys has become home to thousands of avid anglers who have purchased homes in the Florida Keys just for the fishing.

 The Florida Keys is home to multiple species of fish. Some are common while others are indigenous to the area and can only be found there. The great thing about fishing in the Florida Keys is the weather is usually good year-round. This is great for the fish and also means that there is always a variety of species that are in season all year.

Some of the more popular types of fish include:

  • Snapper – Red, Mutton, Yellowtail, and Vermillio

  • Redfish

  • Bonefish

  • Grouper

  • Tarpon

  • Kingfish

  • Permit

  • Dolphin

 Even though there is year-round fishing available in the Florida Keys, not all species are allowed to be caught year-round. Local conservation laws are in place to prevent overfishing and allow the population to stay within recommended numbers.

 Florida Keys Fishing Tournaments

You can only expect that in a place like the Florida Keys there are numerous fishing tournaments year-round. And you would be right! A big one, the Key West Fishing Tournament, is a multimonth tournament from December to July, targeting over 40 species of fish. It’s a must for anyone looking to make their mark in fishing. There are many other tournaments like the Sailfish tournament in Islamorada, the Gold Cup Tarpon tournament, and the Bull and Cow tournament to name a few.

 Why Move to The Florida Keys

When thinking of reasons to move to the Florida Keys, great fishing is defiantly up there with great weather and wonderful beaches. Fishing is open year-round and accessible from boat or land. If you’re looking for a great home in the Florida Keys check out our list of beautiful homes in the fishing paradise that is the Florida Keys. Check out our inventory of available Florida Keys houses for sale and contact us here or call 3053996297 to set up a viewing today.

 

                                                                                                                                                                  

 

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