What can you fish in the Florida Keys?

Asked by: Shawn Harper

Florida Bay, edged by the “inner” curve of the Keys and the Florida mainland, is referred to locally as the backcountry, home to five of the most sought-after game fish among recreational anglers: bonefish, tarpon, permit, redfish (red drum) and snook.

Which Florida Key is best for fishing?

To help you plan the perfect trip, here are seven of the best Florida Keys fishing spots.

1. Marathon. Marathon is a city that encompasses several islands nestled in the middle of the archipelago. …
2. Big Pine Key. …
3. Florida Bay. …
4. Key West. …
5. Key Largo. …
6. Boca Chica Channel Bridge. …
7. Islamorada.

What fish can you catch off Key West?

Types of Fish You Can Catch in Key West, Florida

• Dolphin. One of the most sought after game fish during late spring and throughout summer is the Dolphin. …
• Grouper. Key West is renowned for its excellent reef and wreck fishing. …
• Kingfish. …
• Marlin. …
• Sailfish. …
• Snapper. …
• Tuna. …
• Wahoo.

What fish are in season in Florida Keys?

TUNA

What fish are caught by the Keys?

You can expect to find Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit, as well as Mahi Mahi, Marlin, and Sailfish. Cudjoe Key: This one doesn’t see as many tourists as some of its neighbors, so if you’re looking for a relaxing vacation with some amazing fishing opportunities, it’s the one for you.

What is the best fish to catch in Key West?

10 Best Tasting Fish In Florida Keys

• Grouper. There are a number of grouper species. …
• Mahi Mahi. Also referred to as Dolphin or Dorado. …
• Wahoo. This is one fish on our list that received a lot of votes for Best Tasting Fish in the Florida Keys. …
• Yellowfin Tuna. …
• Red Snapper. …
• Blackfin Tuna. …
• Swordfish. …
• Yellowtail Snapper.

Where can you not fish in Florida Keys?

Sanctuary Preservation Areas and Ecological Reserves in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary are marked by 30″ diameter yellow buoys around the perimeter of the zone. Mooring buoys within these zones will be marked with a sticker which denotes that fishing is not allowed.

Do you need a fishing license in the Keys?

Florida Waters. One thing is certain, if you want to go fishing in the Florida Keys you need a license to fish. This has been laid down by law by the state of Florida so there is no bending of the rules. But that is a small price for experiencing probably the greatest fishing anywhere in the world.

Can you fish from shore in the Florida Keys?

One of the really great things about the Florida Keys is the ability to see a great looking fishing spot from the road and pull the car over and fish there. We have 150 miles of water on both sides of the road and there are some great places for shore fishing. Many places that look really good are tide dependent.

Can you fish from shore in Florida without a license?

Residents and non-residents are required to carry a valid Florida fishing license to fish in freshwater, whether you are fishing from the shore, from a boat, from a dock, jetty or from a pier. Exceptions are for anglers under 16, resident or non-resident, and Florida residents 65 and over.

Are snook good eating?

Snook (Family Centropomidae)



Snook are a highly prized game fish due to it’s aggressive fighting ability and delicious white flesh. Snook are excellent eating and fun to catch but do have strict catch limits and closures. Snook can grow as large as 44 pounds and feed on small fish, shrimp and an occasional crab.

Why can you not eat tarpon?

Tarpon is also called Silver Sides, Silver King, or Sabalo (Spanish). Tarpon is edible but people rarely eat them because their meat contains a lot of small bones and it’s reported that they don’t taste very good.

Is sheepshead good to eat?

The short answer is that the sheepshead taste is actually sweet and delicious with a slight shellfish flavor. The varied diet for this fish makes it not just delicious but also very nutritious. The somewhat flaky and tender flesh is often considered to have a flavor that faintly resembles shellfish when cooked.

Can you eat redfish and snook?

Eat which if you like that then you like it if you don't you don't but the actual texture of the fish is very amazing and you can do so much with it it's perfect for ceviche.

Is red drum good eating?

In short, Yes, Redfish are good to eat. But, you may want to focus on Redfish smaller than 24 inches or so. Redfish are a very popular with anglers across the Southeast. Overall, It’s a great food fish and can be prepared in many different ways.

Can you eat puppy drum?

Puppy drum are great eating, fun to catch on light tackle, making them a perfect winter time species for both the table and junior anglers. I think of this fish on crummy days when you just don’t want to head out too far.

Can you eat black drum?

Black drum fish can be eaten raw, but usually, this preparation is reserved for the smaller fish (under five pounds). The meat of the larger fish is coarse, so it doesn’t make the best choice for raw dishes. Both sashimi and ceviche are recommended dishes for small black drums, but it’s safe to eat raw in any form.

Do all black drum have worms?

Spaghetti worms are common parasites of saltwater fish in the drum family, which include speckled and white trout, black drum, redfish, and croakers. While they look alike to most fishermen, several different worms use these fish as hosts.

Can you eat bluefish?

Bluefish is best eaten as fresh as possible, as it tends to degrade over time and doesn’t keep or freeze well. It has a delicate flavor but can be more “fishy” than other types of seafood. Marinate or cook in acidic liquids to minimize fishiness. Bluefish is soft, and is best grilled, baked, broiled, or smoked.

What does drum fish taste like?

Black Drum Fish have a mild, sweet flavor with firm flesh and large, moist flakes. It is comparable to Red Snapper. Very fresh Red Drum Fish have an emerald green tint to the raw flesh, while larger fresh Red Drum Fish have a red tint.

What is the best eating freshwater fish?

Best Freshwater Fish to Eat

1. Catfish. Catfish is one of the most popular freshwater fish, and for good reason. …
2. Largemouth Bass. If you live in North America, then you know bass as one of the most prominent freshwater fish. …
3. Trout. …
4. Salmon. …
5. Walleye. …
6. Pike.

Does anyone eat freshwater drum?

Freshwater drum can be filleted in the same way as any other fish. As with most gamefish, the fillets will contain nothing more than a few “pin” bones – small secondary ribs that can be eaten, removed after cooking, or removed before cooking with a V-cut depending on your preference.