Welcome to the angler’s paradise, where crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and endless stretches of scenic coastline converge to create some of the world’s most coveted fishing grounds. Nestled amidst the azure expanse of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, the Florida Keys and the iconic Overseas Highway offer an unparalleled fishing experience that beckons both seasoned anglers and eager beginners alike.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll embark on a journey through the top fishing spots scattered along the legendary Florida Keys and the picturesque Overseas Highway. From renowned deep-sea fishing destinations to secluded backcountry havens, each location promises its own unique blend of adventure and excitement.
Whether you’re in pursuit of trophy gamefish, casting your line from shore, or venturing into the labyrinthine mangrove channels, the diverse array of fishing opportunities here ensures that there’s something for every angler’s preference and skill level. So, pack your tackle box, ready your rods, and join us as we uncover the best fishing hotspots that this sun-kissed paradise has to offer.
What do I need for fishing along the Overseas Highway and Florida Keys?
When planning a fishing trip along the Overseas Highway and in the Florida Keys, it’s essential to be well-prepared to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience. Here’s a comprehensive list of items you’ll need for fishing in this beautiful region:
- Fishing License: Make sure you have a valid Florida fishing license, as it’s required for both residents and non-residents who intend to fish in the state’s waters. Licenses can be obtained online or from local tackle shops.
- Fishing Gear:
- Rods and Reels: Bring a selection of rods and reels suitable for the type of fishing you plan to do, whether it’s spinning, baitcasting, or fly fishing.
- Tackle Box: Stock your tackle box with a variety of lures, hooks, sinkers, and other terminal tackle appropriate for the species you’ll be targeting.
- Fishing Line: Carry extra fishing line in case you need to re-spool your reels or replace worn-out line.
- Pliers and Hook Removers: These tools will come in handy for safely removing hooks from fish and handling other fishing-related tasks.
- Landing Net: A landing net can help you safely land and release fish, especially larger species.
- Bait:
- Live Bait: Depending on your target species, live bait such as shrimp, pilchards, pinfish, and crabs can be highly effective.
- Artificial Lures: Pack a selection of artificial lures, including jigs, spoons, plugs, and soft plastics, to entice a variety of fish species.
- Food and Water: Pack plenty of food and water to stay hydrated and energized throughout your fishing trip.
- Cooler: Bring a cooler with ice to store your catch and keep it fresh until you return to shore.
Florida Keys & Overseas Highway Fishing Spots & Bridges
Along with the iconic Overseas Highway connecting these picturesque islands, anglers have access to a plethora of fishing spots, including bridges that span the shimmering waters. When planning a fishing trip along the Overseas Highway and in the Florida Keys, it’s essential to be well-prepared to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience. Here’s a comprehensive list of items you’ll need for fishing in this beautiful region:
Overseas Highway & Florida Keys Fishing Spots:
1. Key Largo
Our journey begins at the northernmost island of the Florida Keys, Key Largo. Known as the “Diving Capital of the World,” Key Largo also boasts exceptional fishing opportunities. Anglers can explore the shallow flats for bonefish, tarpon, and permit, or venture offshore for mahi-mahi, tuna, and sailfish. The nearby John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park offers excellent reef fishing, where you can hook snapper, grouper, and amberjack amidst stunning coral formations.
2. Islamorada
Continuing south along the Overseas Highway, we arrive at Islamorada, often referred to as the “Sportfishing Capital of the World.” This renowned fishing destination offers a wide range of experiences, from backcountry flats fishing to deep-sea charters. Islamorada is famous for its tarpon fishing, particularly in the spring and summer months when the Silver King migrates through the area. Additionally, anglers can target bonefish, permit, and a variety of reef and offshore species.
3. Marathon
Midway between Key Largo and Key West lies Marathon, a laid-back island community with fantastic fishing opportunities. The area is known for its abundance of wrecks and reefs, which attract a diverse array of fish species. Anglers can target snapper, grouper, and amberjack on the wrecks, while offshore enthusiasts can pursue mahi-mahi, wahoo, and marlin. Marathon is also a popular destination for tarpon fishing, particularly around the iconic Seven Mile Bridge.
4. Big Pine Key
As we continue our journey southward, we come to Big Pine Key, home to the pristine waters of the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge. This secluded paradise offers excellent opportunities for flats fishing, with abundant bonefish, tarpon, and permit roaming the shallow waters. Big Pine Key is also known for its backcountry angling, where anglers can explore mangrove-lined channels and shallow bays in search of snook, redfish, and trout.
5. Key West
At the southernmost tip of the Florida Keys lies Key West, a vibrant island city with a rich maritime history and world-class fishing opportunities. Key West offers a diverse range of fishing experiences, from flats fishing in the backcountry to deep-sea charters in the Gulf Stream. Anglers visiting Key West can target trophy gamefish such as tarpon, permit, and bonefish on the flats, or head offshore in pursuit of sailfish, tuna, and marlin.
Overseas Highway & Florida Keys Fishing Bridges:
1. Bahia Honda Bridge
Our journey begins with one of the most iconic fishing spots along the Overseas Highway – the Bahia Honda Bridge. Spanning the turquoise waters between Bahia Honda Key and Spanish Harbor Key, this historic bridge offers anglers a chance to reel in a variety of species. From snapper and grouper to tarpon and permit, the waters beneath the Bahia Honda Bridge teem with life, providing anglers with an unforgettable fishing experience against the backdrop of breathtaking sunsets.
2. Long Key Bridge
As we journey further northward along the Overseas Highway, the Long Key Bridge beckons anglers with its promise of bountiful catches and stunning scenery. Situated between Long Key and Conch Key, this bridge spans the tranquil waters of the Florida Bay, offering anglers a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse themselves in nature. From mangrove snapper to mangrove snapper to bonefish, the waters around the Long Key Bridge abound with life, making it a must-visit destination for any angler exploring the Florida Keys.
3. Channel 2 Bridge – the best spot
Located near Big Pine Key, the Channel 2 Bridge is another hidden gem along the Overseas Highway that offers fantastic fishing opportunities. Anglers can expect to encounter a variety of species, including snapper, grouper, and even the occasional barracuda, while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding mangrove islands and turquoise waters. Whether fishing from the bridge itself or launching a kayak to explore the nearby flats, anglers are sure to find plenty of action at the Channel 2 Bridge.
4. Shark Key Bridge -Key West Harbor Bridge
As we reach the southernmost point of our journey along the Overseas Highway, the Key West Harbor Bridge emerges as a prime fishing spot in the heart of Key West. Anglers can cast their lines from the bridge or explore the nearby channels and flats in search of bonefish, permit, and tarpon. With its convenient location and abundant marine life, the Key West Harbor Bridge offers anglers a chance to experience the excitement of fishing in one of the most vibrant and historic cities in the Florida Keys.
After fishing, you can enjoy beautiful sunsets. To discover the best sunset spots in the Florida Keys and along the Overseas Highway, check out this blog post: Best 8 Spots to Watch the Sunset in the Florida Keys & Overseas Highway
👍 Find out more:
Explore the finest attractions along the Overseas Highway and Florida Keys with my travel guide, ‘Florida Keys Overseas Highway Travel Guide – 101 Best Stops,’ now available on Amazon. This comprehensive guide is your ultimate companion for those seeking adventure and wonder along THE OVERSEAS HIGHWAY & FLORIDA KEYS! Discover 101 amazing places with convenient ‘Scan QR and go’ functionality for easy navigation.
Author:
Mark Watson is a California-based member of a Los Angeles motorcycle club and an avid traveler. He has completed seven full journeys along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway on his Harley-Davidson and is passionate about promoting this historic drive to others. Mark has also explored the Alaska Highway and Route 66, and has authored four bestselling travel guides on Amazon: “Route 66 Travel Guide – 202 Amazing Places,” “Alaska Highway Travel Guide – 202 Best Stops,”, “Pacific Coast Highway Travel Guide – 202 Best Stops”, and “Florida Keys Overseas Highway Travel Guide – 101 Best Stops.”