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A Fisherman's Paradise

Florida Keys Fishing

In the Florida Keys, fishing isn’t something we do, it’s how we live. The Florida Keys is consistently ranked in the Top 10 lists of Best Places for Deep Sea Fishing. Wide Open Spaces calls the Florida Keys, “one of the best places to catch game fish in North America.”

Florida’s Fishing Capital

Year-round tropical weather makes the Florida Keys a fisherman’s paradise. The unique arrangement of limestone islands serves as a gateway to the Dry Tortugas and puts anglers right in the heart of epic fishing grounds. But, if you're heading out to catch mahi mahi, blackfin tuna or any specific species, make sure to check out our Florida Keys fishing calendar before planning your next trip. 

Backcountry Fishing

On one side of Duck Key, anglers can easily access the Florida Bay for backcountry fishing. Some of the most sought-after game fish around can be caught here, including Tarpon, Redfish, Bonefish, Permit and Snook.

Offshore Fishing

Boat past the Florida Bay toward the Gulf of Mexico or head east toward the Atlantic Ocean for deep sea fishing in the Florida Keys. Here, anglers will find both light tackle and big game fish like Yellowtail Snapper, Grouper, Mahi Mahi, Marlin, Sailfish and Swordfish. Unique to the Keys is daytime swordfishing which is a relatively new technique explained in Saltwater Sportman.

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  • The image shows several fish swimming in clear blue water, likely in an aquarium or ocean setting.

Off Shore Fishing

Blackfin Tuna

The blackfin can be taken on live or artificial baits. One of the smallest of the tunas, the blackfin rarely reaches a weight of more than 30 lbs. The Florida record, caught in the Keys, is 45.5 pounds.

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  • A man is holding a large, spotted fish with sharp dorsal fins over green water, possibly preparing to release it.

Offshore Fishing / Light Tackle Fishing

Grouper Fishing

There are nearly a dozen different species of grouper found in Florida waters, but most charter boats fishing in The Keys target the big three - gag, red and black grouper.

Florida Record (Black): 113.38 lbs.

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  • A vibrant, greenish fish leaps out of the deep blue water, creating a splash against the backdrop of the ocean waves.

Offshore Fishing

Mahi Mahi Fishing

Visually speaking you won't find a prettier fish in the Atlantic Ocean or Gulf of Mexico. With electric hues of blue, yellow and green, dolphin fish are like free swimming neon signs - caught year 'round!

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  • The image shows a large fish swimming underwater near the surface, with light reflecting off the water above.

Back Country/Flats Fishing

Snook Fishing

Snook fishing is a Florida Keys specialty. Most catches are 3 to 15 lbs, 16 to 30-pounders are also common here in The Keys. Snook fishing is best in the spring and summer months.

Florida Record: 45.75 lbs.

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  • The image shows a marlin leaping out of the ocean, with its body partially out of the water. The sea is rough, with visible waves and splashes.

Offshore Fishing/Big Game Fishing

Swordfish Fishing

Averaging 9.8 ft. (3 m) in length and 200 lbs. (90.7 kg), Swordfish are among the ocean's fastest, largest and most powerful fish.

Florida Record: 612.75 lbs.

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  • A sea turtle swimming in clear, greenish water is shown in the image, with ripples on the surface.

Back Country/flats Fishing

Tarpon Fishing

Common weight from 40 to 50 pounds, big fish of 100 to 150 pounds aren't uncommon in our Florida Key waters. Renowned for their challenging fight and jump, these fish are best from February - June.

Florida Record: 243 lbs.

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  • An underwater photo showing a large fish, possibly a salmon, swimming near a net in clear, blue-green water.

Flats Fishing/Off Shope Fishing

Cobia Fishing

Sometimes called ling by traveling anglers, Cobia are among the true treats of Florida Keys fishing. Generally in the 30-50" range, Cobia can grow to more than 100 lbs and put up a great fight.

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  • A marlin is emerging from the water with its mouth open in the blue ocean, surrounded by splashes and ripples in the water.

Offshore Fishing

Big Game Fishing

Sailfish & Swordfish roam our deep waters. Most blue-water hunters target the superstar of the Florida Keys, the legendary Blue Marlin, an open- ocean predator known for its epic trans-Atlant migrations.

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Florida Keys Charter Boats at Hawks Cay Resort

Duck Key, home to Hawks Cay Resort and Marina is just a cast away from the Florida Bay, Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Professional anglers and recreational fishermen alike catch their limits fishing the flats, backcountry, inlets and ocean all year long. Head out on a Live2Fish board or take off with a skilled fishing guide for deep sea fishing. Whether you want to throw out a line for bonefish or fly cast on the coast, our Florida Keys sport fishing charters will be at Hawks Cay Marina ready to take you on an unforgettable fishing trip.

Hawks Cay Marina

Discover the best marina in the Keys and the only one attached to a full-service resort with five on-property restaurants from casual to fine dining, a world-class spa, five pools and Tiki Beach. So, in the off chance you are traveling with someone who doesn’t want to fish (crazy right?!) there is plenty of fun for everyone to enjoy.

Saltwater Experience & Into the Blue Television Series

We aren’t just saying Hawks Cay is famous for fishing, it’s official. If you’ve ever watched the Saltwater Experience TV show, you’ve seen the epic fishing at Hawks Cay. The well-known fishing series is filmed right here on property. You might even catch a chance to see Tom, Rich and the Saltwater Experience film crew swapping some stories on the deck at Angler.

But that’s not the only fishing show filmed at Hawks Cay Resort. We are also home of Into the Blue with hosts Steve and Scott. Having two fishing shows filmed out of your marina is a pretty good endorsement of our fisherman's paradise.

Ready to Fish the Florida Keys from Hawks Cay Resort?

We’ve put together some fishing vacation offers for anglers looking to hook a good time at a great value. Check out our special offers page for the best deal for your Florida fishing vacation. If you aren’t bringing your boat, be sure to check out our fishing charters. Our knowledgeable, professional fishing captains know the waters off the Florida Keys like nobody else and will expertly guide you whether you are looking to fish inshore or offshore.

Whatever you’re looking to chase, however you wanna go after it, the weather’s warm and the fish are always biting in the heart of Florida’s fishing capital!

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