Key Largo Fishing Charter: Your Unforgettable Fishing Trip

Key Largo is known for its flats, backcountry, and offshore fishing, with a wide range of species available to catch, including tarpon, bonefish, permit, redfish, snook, trout, snapper, grouper, tuna, mahi-mahi, and sailfish. The surrounding stunning natural beauty, includes crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and mangrove forests.

In addition to fishing, Key Largo offers a range of other activities, such as snorkeling and scuba diving, kayaking, and exploring the nearby Everglades National Park. Key Largo is just a short drive from Miami, making it an easily accessible destination for visitors from around the world.

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Fishing Seasons in Key Largo

The fishing seasons in Key Largo can vary depending on the type of fish you are targeting and the specific location where you are fishing. However, there are some general patterns that can help you plan your fishing trip:

1. Winter (December - February): This is peak season for backcountry fishing in Key Largo, with cooler temperatures attracting species like redfish, snook, and seatrout to the shallower waters.
2. Spring (March - May): Spring is a great time for offshore fishing in Key Largo, with mahi-mahi and tuna starting to show up in larger numbers.
3. Summer (June - August): Summer is prime time for tarpon fishing in Key Largo, with these sought-after game fish migrating through the area's waters. This is also a good time to target reef fish like snapper and grouper.
4. Fall (September - November): Fall is a transitional season in Key Largo, with the weather starting to cool down and fish beginning to move into their winter patterns. This can be a good time to target a variety of species, including bonefish, permit, and sailfish.

It's important to note that fishing conditions can vary year to year based on weather patterns and other factors, so it's always a good idea to check with local experts or fishing guides to get the most up-to-date information about the best times and locations to fish.

Fishing Spots in Key Largo

There are many great fishing spots in Key Largo, depending on the type of fish you're targeting and the style of fishing you prefer. Here are a few of the most popular spots:

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

This park offers a wide range of fishing opportunities, including offshore, reef, and backcountry fishing. The park's protected waters are home to a variety of species, including snapper, grouper, tarpon, and bonefish.

Everglades National Park

The backcountry waters of Everglades National Park offer some of the best flats fishing in Key Largo, with excellent opportunities to catch bonefish, permit, and tarpon.

Florida Bay

This expansive bay is a popular spot for backcountry fishing, with miles of shallow flats and mangrove islands that provide habitat for a variety of species.

North Key Largo

The waters off the northern tip of Key Largo offer excellent opportunities for reef fishing, with a variety of snapper and grouper species commonly found in the area.

Islamorada Humps 

Located offshore of Key Largo, the Islamorada Humps are seamounts that attract a variety of pelagic species, including tuna, mahi-mahi, and sailfish.

It's always a good idea to do some research and talk to local experts or fishing guides to find the best spots for your specific needs and preferences. 

Best Fishing Towns in Key Largo

Key Largo is itself a fishing town, but there are several other nearby towns in the Florida Keys that are known for their fishing culture and opportunities. Here are a few of the best fishing towns in the area:

Islamorada

Located just south of Key Largo, Islamorada is often referred to as the "Sport Fishing Capital of the World." The town is home to a variety of fishing charters, marinas, and seafood restaurants, and offers opportunities to target a wide range of species both inshore and offshore.

Marathon

Located about an hour's drive southwest of Key Largo, Marathon is a popular destination for anglers looking to target species like tarpon, bonefish, and permit in the area's flats and backcountry waters. The town is also known for its offshore fishing opportunities and hosts several high-profile fishing tournaments throughout the year.

Type of Fish in Key Largo

1. Redfish

Redfish, also known as red drum, can be found in Key Largo's waters year-round, but the best time to catch them is from September to February. These fish are typically found in shallow waters, such as grass flats and creeks, and are known for their hard fighting and tasty meat.

2. Trout

Speckled trout can be found in Key Largo's waters year-round, but the best time to catch them is from April to September. These fish are typically found in shallow waters and are known for their delicious meat and hard fighting.

3. Tarpon

A sizable, silver-colored fish species with a maximum length of 8 feet and a weight of more than 200 pounds. They are a well-liked game fish that are renowned for their powerful fighting skills and acrobatic jumps.

4. Snook

Snook is another popular game fish in St. Augustine, known for their fighting ability and acrobatic jumps. They are typically found inshore, around mangroves, docks, and bridges. The best time to catch snook in St. Augustine is from March to November.

5. Wahoo

Another common species of offshore fish, distinguished by their long, thin bodies and pointed teeth. They are well-known for their quick swimming and forceful strikes and are a common game fish.

6. Kingfish

Another common species of offshore fish, distinguished by their long, thin bodies and pointed teeth. They are a kind of predatory fish that may be found in both inshore and offshore seas. They are distinguished by their elongated bodies and strong teeth. They are well-known for their quick swimming and powerful fighting abilities and are a common game fish. Game fish are distinguished by their swift swimming and ferocious strikes.

7. Grouper

A bottom-dwelling fish species found in both inshore and offshore waters, known for their large size and firm, white flesh. They are a popular game fish and are known for their strong fighting ability.

8. Snapper

Another bottom-dwelling fish species found in both inshore and offshore waters, known for their vibrant color and delicious taste. They are a popular game fish and are known for their strong fighting ability.

9. Flounder

A flatfish species found in both inshore and offshore waters, known for their distinctive flattened body and ability to camouflage with the ocean floor. They are a popular game fish and are known for their delicate flavor. 

10. Mahi-Mahi

The common dolphinfish, also known as the mahi-mahi or dorado, are distinctive because of the play of colors on their bodies. Their sides are golden, with splotches of bright blue and green on the back and sides, and pectoral fins a shimmering blue, and underwater they can boast a myriad of other colors depending on where the light hits.

Fishing Equipment for Key Largo

The type of fishing equipment you'll need for your Key Largo trip will depend on the type of fishing you plan to do, the species you're targeting, and your personal preferences. Here are some general suggestions for the equipment you might need:

1. Rod and reel: Choose a rod and reel combo that's appropriate for the type of fishing you plan to do. For example, if you're targeting tarpon or other large game fish, you'll want a heavy-duty rod and reel with a high line capacity. If you're fishing in the backcountry or on the flats for species like bonefish or permit, a lighter rod and reel with a sensitive tip will be more appropriate.
2. Line: Make sure to choose a fishing line that's appropriate for the type of fishing you plan to do and the species you're targeting. Fluorocarbon lines are often recommended for their sensitivity and low visibility, while braided lines can provide added strength and sensitivity.
3. Terminal tackle: This includes hooks, sinkers, swivels, and other accessories that are attached to the end of your line. Make sure to choose terminal tackle that's appropriate for the species you're targeting and the type of fishing you plan to do.
4. Lures and bait: Depending on the type of fishing you plan to do, you may need a variety of lures and bait. Live bait is often used for species like tarpon, while artificial lures like jigs and soft plastics can be effective for a variety of species.
5. Safety equipment: Don't forget to bring important safety equipment like life jackets, a first aid kit, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun and other environmental hazards.
6. Other gear: Depending on your preferences and needs, you may also want to bring additional gear like a fishing net, pliers, a fishing hat, sunglasses, and a cooler to keep your catch fresh.

To receive more particular advice based on the type of fishing you want to conduct and the species you're targeting, it's always a good idea to speak with local experts or fishing guides.

Fishing Regulations in Key Largo

It's important to be aware of Florida fishing regulations to ensure a sustainable fishery and avoid potential fines or legal issues. Here are some of the most important regulations to keep in mind:

1. Fishing license: In Florida, anyone over the age of 16 is required to have a valid fishing license to fish in saltwater. You can purchase a license online, at a local tackle shop, or at a county tax collector's office.
2. Bag and size limits: Florida has bag and size limits for many species, which restrict the number of fish you can keep and the size of the fish you can keep. Make sure to check the current regulations for the species you plan to target before you go fishing.
3. Protected species: Some species are protected in Florida, which means they cannot be harvested or must be released immediately if caught. These include species like bonefish, tarpon, and sawfish.
4. Gear restrictions: Some types of fishing gear are prohibited or restricted in certain areas or for certain species. For example, spearfishing is not allowed in some areas, and certain types of nets are prohibited.
5. Seasons and closures: Some species have specific seasons or closures when they cannot be harvested or must be released immediately. Make sure to check the current regulations for the species you plan to target before you go fishing.

To make sure you are informed of the most recent rules and restrictions, it is always a good idea to visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website or speak with a nearby fishing guide or tackle store. Maintaining compliance with these rules promotes a sustainable fishery and safeguards Florida's priceless marine resources for future generations.

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Overall, Key Largo is a fantastic fishing location, offering a wide range of fishing chances and species all year long. Anglers of all ability levels love the region's mild climate, clear waters, and variety of habitats.

Key Largo is a fantastic fishing location overall, having much to offer fisherman of all interests and abilities. You're likely to discover lots of options for a fantastic day on the water, whether you're trying to target inshore species in the Intracoastal Waterway or head offshore in quest of pelagic species.

Book your Key Largo Florida Fishing Charter adventure with Guidesly today!

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