The Village says Islamorada is “known by many as the sportfishing capital of the world.” A fishing season here means two things: when a fish bites, and when you may keep it. Charter captains talk about the first. This page is about the second, which the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) publishes. We read every FWC page below on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. Rules change, sometimes by executive order in the middle of a season, so check FWC before you go.
- The Village says Islamorada is "known by many as the sportfishing capital of the world" and that it has perhaps the world's highest density of professional offshore charter boats. Islamorada, Village of Islands: Why Islamorada Matters
Is it open on your date?
Pick a date. The checker shows FWC’s open and closed windows for snook, grouper, gag, hogfish, mutton snapper, lobster and stone crab, the fishing tournaments on our list, and whether the date falls in the Atlantic hurricane season.
Decision tool · what's in season?
What's open, in season or on in Islamorada on this date?
Pick a date. We check it against the published rules and schedules: FWC's recreational seasons for the fish and shellfish people come here for, the lobster and stone crab seasons, dated events from their organisers, and hurricane season.
Planning your trips around the seasons and starting to think about a second home here? LPE Realty LLC, a licensed Florida real estate brokerage, will answer your questions by phone or through the contact form.
Dated events coming up
WedNov 18
History of Diving Museum "Immerse Yourself!" talk, 3rd Wednesday 7pm · 7 pm
ThuNov 19
Morada Way Art Walk, third Thursday 6 to 9pm · 6 to 9pm
WedDec 16
History of Diving Museum "Immerse Yourself!" talk, 3rd Wednesday 7pm · 7 pm
ThuDec 17
Morada Way Art Walk, third Thursday 6 to 9pm · 6 to 9pm
WedJan 20
History of Diving Museum "Immerse Yourself!" talk, 3rd Wednesday 7pm · 7 pm
ThuJan 21
Morada Way Art Walk, third Thursday 6 to 9pm · 6 to 9pm
The published seasons and schedules this checker uses
- Spiny lobster regular season OPEN: FWC's regular spiny lobster season runs August 6 to March 31, with a daily bag limit of 6 per person. Outside it, lobster is closed except during the two-day sport season. FWC: Spiny Lobster recreational regulations
- Spiny lobster sport season (mini season) 2027: FWC lists the 2027 sport season as Wednesday and Thursday, July 28 and 29, 2027, for residents and non-residents. FWC: Spiny Lobster recreational regulations
- Stone crab claws OPEN: FWC's state-waters season is open October 15 to May 1 and closed from May 2. Claw minimum 2 7/8 inches; 1 gallon of claws per person or 2 gallons per vessel a day, whichever is less. FWC: Stone Crab recreational regulations
- Snook harvest CLOSED, Southwest region incl. the Keys: FWC's Southwest region, which takes in the Keys, closes snook harvest December 1 to the end of February and May 1 to September 30. When open: a 28 to 33 inch slot and 1 fish per person per day. FWC: Snook recreational regulations
- Atlantic shallow-water grouper OPEN (black, red, scamp, yellowfin, yellowmouth, hinds, coney, graysby): Under FWC's Atlantic rules (black, red, scamp, yellowfin and yellowmouth grouper, hinds, coney and graysby) the season is May 1 to December 31, so these grouper are closed January 1 to April 30. FWC: Groupers recreational regulations
- Atlantic gag grouper OPEN: FWC lists the Atlantic gag grouper season as May 1 to August 1 and closed Atlantic state waters to recreational gag from August 2 by executive order. FWC: Groupers recreational regulations
- Hogfish OPEN (Atlantic rules, incl. Florida Keys): FWC's Atlantic hogfish rules include the Florida Keys: open May 1 to October 31, 16 inch fork length minimum, 1 per harvester. FWC: Hogfish recreational regulations
- Mutton snapper OPEN year-round (Atlantic): FWC lists Atlantic mutton snapper as open year-round: 18 inch total length minimum, 5 per person within the 10-snapper aggregate. FWC: Snappers recreational regulations
- Tarpon: catch-and-release only, all year: Catch and release all year. FWC says a tarpon over 40 inches must stay in the water unless the angler is pursuing a record with a tarpon tag ($51.50 a year). FWC: Tarpon recreational regulations
- Bonefish: catch-and-release only, all year (peak March to October): Catch and release only since September 1, 2013 (FWC). FWC says bonefish can be caught year-round in the Keys, with peak season generally March through October. FWC: Bonefish
- Atlantic hurricane season: June 1 to November 30 every year (NOAA National Hurricane Center). Trips, tournaments and events can be called off at short notice. NOAA National Hurricane Center: Tropical Cyclone Climatology
- Morada Way Art Walk, third Thursday 6 to 9pm: Every third Thursday of the month, 6 to 9 PM, on Morada Way (Morada Way Arts and Cultural District). Morada Way Arts & Cultural District: Art Walk Information
- History of Diving Museum "Immerse Yourself!" talk, 3rd Wednesday 7pm: "Immerse Yourself!" talks on the third Wednesday of every month at 7 PM, free, at 82990 Overseas Highway (History of Diving Museum). History of Diving Museum: home page
- 22nd Annual Islamorada Holiday Fest: Friday, December 4, 2026, 4 to 10 PM on the Great Lawn at Founders Park, with the parade at 7:30 PM (Islamorada Chamber of Commerce). Islamorada Chamber of Commerce: Holiday Fest 2026
- 63rd Islamorada Sailfish Tournament: Fishing days Saturday and Sunday, December 5 and 6, 2026; festivities begin Friday, December 4 (the tournament). Islamorada Sailfish Tournament: home page
- 9th Fish for Holly Sailfish Tournament: January 8 and 9, 2027, based at the Islander Resort (the tournament). Times were not posted when we checked. Fish for Holly Sailfish Tournament: Tournament page
- 35th Annual Island Fest: Saturday and Sunday, April 10 and 11, 2027, 10 AM to 5 PM at Founders Park (Islamorada Chamber of Commerce). Islamorada Chamber of Commerce: Island Fest
- 8th Annual Trunk or Treat: Saturday, October 24, 2026, 6 to 8:30 PM at Founders Park; the Village lists a $15 parking fee. Islamorada, Village of Islands: 8th Annual Trunk or Treat (News Flash, Oct. 1, 2026)
Worked out from rules and schedules checked October 21, 2026, on each agency's or organiser's own page. Fishing rules change, sometimes at short notice: check FWC's current regulations (and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary rules on the water) before every trip. This checker is a planning aid, not a legal statement of the rules.
Coming back every season? See what living in Islamorada is like.
Season table for Keys waters
| Species | Harvest season (FWC) | Size and bag (FWC) |
|---|---|---|
| Snook (Southwest region) | Closed December 1 to end of February and May 1 to September 30; open March 1 to April 30 and October 1 to November 30 | 28 to 33 inch slot, 1 per person per day; snook permit required |
| Shallow-water grouper (black, red, scamp, yellowfin, yellowmouth, rock/red hind, coney/graysby) | Open May 1 to December 31 | 3 grouper/tilefish aggregate per person per day |
| Gag grouper (Atlantic) | Season May 1 to August 1; executive order closed Atlantic state waters from August 2 | See FWC |
| Hogfish | Open May 1 to October 31 | 16 inch fork length minimum, 1 per harvester |
| Mutton snapper | Open year-round | 18 inch total length minimum, 5 per person within the 10 snapper aggregate |
| Dolphin (mahi) | FWC’s page states no season | 20 inch fork length minimum; 5 per person or 30 per vessel, whichever is less |
| Tarpon | Catch-and-release only | Over 40 inches stays in the water unless pursuing a record with a tag |
| Bonefish | Catch-and-release only since September 1, 2013 | None kept |
| Spiny lobster | Sport season July 28 to 29, 2027; regular season August 6 to March 31 | 6 per person per day in Monroe County; carapace larger than 3 inches |
| Stone crab claws | Open October 15 to May 1 | 2 7/8 inch claw minimum; 1 gallon per person or 2 per vessel, whichever is less |
- In the Southwest region FWC closes snook harvest December 1 to the end of February and May 1 to September 30, with a 28 to 33 inch slot and 1 fish per person per day. FWC: Snook recreational regulations
- In Atlantic waters FWC lists black, red, scamp, yellowfin, yellowmouth, rock/red hind and coney/graysby grouper as open May 1 to December 31, within a 3 grouper/tilefish aggregate per person per day. FWC: Groupers recreational regulations
- FWC lists the Atlantic gag grouper season as May 1 to August 1, and issued an executive order closing Atlantic state waters to recreational gag harvest starting August 2. FWC: Groupers recreational regulations
- FWC says Atlantic hogfish rules include the Florida Keys: open May 1 to October 31, 16 inch fork length minimum, 1 per harvester. FWC: Hogfish recreational regulations
- FWC lists Atlantic mutton snapper as open year-round, 18 inch total length minimum, 5 per person within the 10 snapper aggregate. FWC: Snappers recreational regulations
- FWC lists Atlantic state waters dolphinfish rules as a 20 inch fork length minimum and 5 fish per person or 30 per vessel, whichever is less; captain and crew may not keep a bag limit. FWC: Dolphinfish/Mahi-Mahi recreational regulations
- FWC's dolphinfish (mahi) page lists size and bag limits but does not state a season, when we checked on October 21, 2026. FWC: Dolphinfish/Mahi-Mahi recreational regulations
- FWC says tarpon is a catch-and-release only fishery; one tarpon tag per person per year may be bought when pursuing a Florida state or world record. FWC: Tarpon recreational regulations
- FWC says tarpon over 40 inches must remain in the water unless the angler is pursuing a record with a tarpon tag. FWC: Tarpon recreational regulations
- FWC says bonefish became a catch-and-release only fishery effective September 1, 2013. FWC: Bonefish
- FWC lists the 2027 spiny lobster sport season as July 28 to 29, 2027 (the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday of July), for residents and non-residents. FWC: Spiny Lobster recreational regulations
- FWC lists the regular spiny lobster season as August 6 to March 31, with a daily bag limit of 6 per person. FWC: Spiny Lobster recreational regulations
- During the sport season FWC sets the daily bag limit at 6 per person for Monroe County and Biscayne National Park, 12 per person elsewhere in Florida. FWC: Spiny Lobster recreational regulations
- FWC requires a lobster carapace larger than 3 inches, measured in the water, and a measuring device at all times. FWC: Spiny Lobster recreational regulations
- FWC lists the state waters stone crab season as open October 15 to May 1, closed on May 2. FWC: Stone Crab recreational regulations
- FWC sets a stone crab claw minimum of 2 7/8 inches and a daily bag of 1 gallon of claws per person or 2 gallons per vessel, whichever is less; up to 5 traps per person. FWC: Stone Crab recreational regulations
Snook: the Keys use the Southwest rules
FWC places the Florida Keys in its Southwest snook region, which runs from near Vanderbilt Beach Rd in Collier County through the Keys to the Monroe/Miami-Dade line. In Islamorada, snook harvest is closed December 1 to the end of February and May 1 to September 30, with a 28 to 33 inch slot and 1 fish per person per day. Some fishing pages quote Atlantic snook dates; those do not apply here. On the day we checked, October 21, 2026, snook sat in the fall open window, which ends November 30. You need a snook permit, $10.00 a year, in addition to a saltwater license, even from shore, and snook are hook and line only. Read the rule on FWC’s snook page.
- FWC places the Florida Keys in its Southwest snook region, which runs from near Vanderbilt Beach Rd in Collier County through the Florida Keys to the Monroe/Miami-Dade line. FWC: Snook recreational regulations
- FWC requires a snook permit plus a recreational fishing license, including for shoreline fishing; hook and line only. FWC: Snook recreational regulations
- FWC lists a snook permit at $10.00 a year and a spiny lobster permit at $5.00 a year, both in addition to a saltwater license. FWC: Recreational Saltwater Licenses & Permits
Grouper, hogfish, snapper and mahi: Atlantic rules
FWC applies its Atlantic grouper regulations to all state waters of Monroe County, and its Atlantic hogfish rules include the Keys, so do not use a Gulf rule here. Gag is the one that catches people out: FWC’s season reads May 1 to August 1, but an executive order closed Atlantic state waters to recreational gag from August 2. For dolphin, captain and crew on a for-hire trip may not keep a bag limit. Anglers 16 and older fishing from a private vessel for reef fish such as mutton and yellowtail snapper, hogfish, gag, and red and black grouper need FWC’s no-cost State Reef Fish Angler designation.
- FWC applies its Atlantic grouper regulations to all state waters of Monroe County. FWC: Groupers recreational regulations
- FWC requires a no-cost State Reef Fish Angler designation for anglers 16 and older fishing for certain reef fish (including mutton and yellowtail snapper, hogfish and gag, red and black grouper) from a private vessel. FWC: State Reef Fish Survey
Tarpon and bonefish: catch and release
FWC says tarpon is a catch-and-release only fishery. A tarpon over 40 inches must stay in the water unless you are pursuing a Florida state or world record with a tarpon tag, one per person per year, $51.50, sold at tax collector’s offices only. Bonefish have been catch-and-release only since September 1, 2013. FWC says bonefish can be caught year-round in the Keys, with peak season generally March through October.
- FWC lists the annual tarpon tag at $51.50, available at tax collector's offices only, with no exemptions. FWC: Recreational Saltwater Licenses & Permits
- FWC says bonefish can be caught year-round in the Keys, with peak season generally March through October. FWC: Bonefish
Lobster and stone crab
FWC lists the 2027 lobster sport season as July 28 to 29, 2027, the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday of July. Night diving for lobster is prohibited in Monroe County only during the sport season. You need a saltwater license and a $5.00 lobster permit unless exempt, a measuring device at all times, and lobster must be landed whole. FWC’s off-the-water possession line still names July 29 and 30, 2026, so check FWC’s lobster page for the 2027 possession dates. Stone crab traps are limited to 5 per person.
- FWC prohibits night diving for lobster in Monroe County only during the sport season. FWC: Spiny Lobster recreational regulations
- FWC requires a recreational saltwater fishing license and a lobster permit, unless exempt, and lobster must be landed whole. FWC: Spiny Lobster recreational regulations
- FWC says lobster harvest is prohibited at all times in no-take areas of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, and in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park during the sport season. FWC: Spiny Lobster recreational regulations
- FWC's lobster page lists the 2027 sport season as July 28 to 29, 2027, but its off-the-water possession line still names July 29 and July 30, 2026. Check FWC before the season for the 2027 possession dates. FWC: Spiny Lobster recreational regulations
Licenses for visitors
FWC says that if you cast a line, even to catch and release, you need a license. Non-resident saltwater licenses cost $17.00 for 3 days, $30.00 for 7 days and $47.00 for a year. The no-cost shoreline-only license is a resident license, and FWC listed no non-resident shoreline option when we checked. Youth under 16 are exempt from licenses and from snook and lobster permits, and anglers on a for-hire vessel with a valid charter license are exempt too. Prices are on FWC’s license page.
- FWC says that if you cast a line or catch and release, you need a fishing license. FWC: Do I need a license or permit?
- FWC lists non-resident saltwater fishing licenses at $47.00 annual, $17.00 for 3 days and $30.00 for 7 days. FWC: Recreational Saltwater Licenses & Permits
- FWC lists a Resident Annual Saltwater Shoreline-Only license at no cost; it is not valid from a vessel, from a shoreline reached by vessel, or when swimming or diving. FWC: Recreational Saltwater Licenses & Permits
- FWC's license page lists the no-cost shoreline-only saltwater license as a resident license; it did not list a non-resident shoreline option when we checked on October 21, 2026. FWC: Recreational Saltwater Licenses & Permits
- FWC exempts youth under 16 from recreational fishing licenses and snook and lobster permits. FWC: Do I need a license or permit?
- FWC exempts anglers saltwater fishing from a for-hire vessel (guide, charter, party boat) with a valid charter license. FWC: Do I need a license or permit?
Where you cannot fish
Fishing by any means is prohibited in the Sanctuary Preservation Areas, Alligator Reef among them. On shore, Founders Park, Library Beach Park and Anne’s Beach all say no fishing.
- In Sanctuary Preservation Areas, diving, snorkeling and boating are allowed, but fishing by any means, removing or possessing marine life, touching or standing on coral, and anchoring on coral or when a mooring buoy is available are prohibited. NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary: Sanctuary Preservation Areas
- Founders Park rules include zero tolerance for alcohol, no glass, no smoking, no fishing, no loud amplified music and no dogs on the beach, playground, picnic areas, soccer fields or pool area. Islamorada, Village of Islands: Founders Park Rules
- The Village says Anne's Beach has little to no wave action and a shallow swimming area; no open flame or grill and no fishing. Islamorada, Village of Islands: Parks & Beaches
Charters, the public ramp and tournaments
Charter fleets work from marinas including Bud N’ Mary’s, 79851 Overseas Highway at MM 79.8 oceanside, and Whale Harbor Marina at 83413 Overseas Highway; Robbie’s at MM 77.5 bayside runs party-boat fishing. With your own boat, the Village ramp at Plantation Yacht Harbor Marina, MM 87 bayside, is open 8 am to 6 pm and charges non-residents $30 each way. The 63rd Islamorada Sailfish Tournament fishes December 5 and 6, 2026, with festivities from Friday, December 4; it is the primary fundraiser of the Islamorada Charter Boat Association. Fish for Holly follows on January 8 to 9, 2027 at Islander Resort. The series site lists the Islamorada Fishing Club tournament on January 20 and the Cheeca Lodge Presidential on January 23 and 24, 2027, dates we could not confirm on the hosts’ own pages.
- The Islamorada Sailfish Tournament says its 63rd annual event fishes December 5 and 6, 2026, with festivities starting Friday, December 4; it is the primary fundraiser of the Islamorada Charter Boat Association. Islamorada Sailfish Tournament: home page
- Fish for Holly says its 9th Annual Fish for Holly Sailfish Tournament is January 8 to 9, 2027 at Islander Resort, Islamorada. Fish for Holly Sailfish Tournament: Tournament page
- The tournament site says the Islamorada Sailfish Tournament opens the 2027 Florida Keys Gold Cup, followed by the Islamorada Fishing Club Sailfish Tournament on January 20, 2027 and the Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tournament on January 23 and 24, 2027. Islamorada Sailfish Tournament: home page
- The Islamorada Fishing Club and Cheeca Lodge Presidential sailfish dates come from the Gold Cup series site; we did not confirm them on each host's own page when we checked on October 21, 2026. Islamorada Sailfish Tournament: home page
Fishing FAQ
Why is Islamorada called the Sportfishing Capital of the World?
The Village says Islamorada is "known by many as the sportfishing capital of the world" and has perhaps the world's highest density of professional offshore charter boats.
Source: Islamorada, Village of Islands: Why Islamorada Matters
Does the Florida Keys tourism council use the sportfishing capital name too?
Yes. The tourism council calls Islamorada "the Sport Fishing Capital of the World," with tarpon, bonefish and sailfish among its draws.
Source: Florida Keys tourism council (visitfloridakeys.com, fla-keys.com redirects here): Islamorada
How much does it cost to feed the tarpon at Robbie's?
Robbie's posts admission at $2.50 per person and $5 per bucket of fish. The tarpon dock is open daily 7 am to 9 pm.
What is a Sanctuary Preservation Area?
NOAA says SPAs protect shallow reefs; there are 17 in the sanctuary covering about 12 square miles. Diving, snorkeling and boating are allowed, but fishing and collecting are not.
Source: NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary: Sanctuary Preservation Areas
When is lobster mini season in 2027?
FWC lists the 2027 sport season as July 28 to 29, 2027, the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday of July.
What is the lobster limit in the Keys during mini season?
FWC sets 6 per person per day in Monroe County and Biscayne National Park during the sport season. Night diving is prohibited in Monroe County during the sport season.
When is regular lobster season?
FWC lists August 6 to March 31, with a daily bag limit of 6 per person.
What do I need to catch lobster?
FWC requires a saltwater fishing license and a lobster permit unless exempt, a measuring device, and a carapace larger than 3 inches measured in the water. Lobster must be landed whole.
When is stone crab season?
FWC lists the state waters season as open October 15 to May 1, closed on May 2.
What are the stone crab claw limits?
FWC sets a 2 7/8 inch claw minimum and 1 gallon of claws per person or 2 gallons per vessel, whichever is less.
When is snook season in the Florida Keys?
FWC puts the Keys in its Southwest snook region, closed December 1 to the end of February and May 1 to September 30. The slot is 28 to 33 inches, 1 per person per day.
Do I need a snook permit?
Yes. FWC requires a snook permit plus a recreational fishing license, including from shore.
Which grouper rules apply in Islamorada?
FWC applies its Atlantic grouper rules to all state waters of Monroe County. Black, red and most shallow-water groupers are open May 1 to December 31.
When is gag grouper open on the Atlantic side?
FWC lists May 1 to August 1, and an executive order closed Atlantic state waters starting August 2.
When can I keep hogfish in the Keys?
FWC says Atlantic rules, which include the Florida Keys, allow hogfish May 1 to October 31, 16 inch fork length minimum, 1 per harvester.
Is mutton snapper open year-round?
FWC lists Atlantic mutton snapper as open year-round, 18 inch total length minimum, 5 per person within the 10 snapper aggregate.
What are the mahi (dolphinfish) limits?
FWC lists Atlantic state waters rules as a 20 inch fork length minimum and 5 per person or 30 per vessel, whichever is less.
Can I keep a tarpon?
FWC says tarpon is catch-and-release only. One tarpon tag per person per year may be bought when pursuing a state or world record.
Can I take a big tarpon out of the water for a photo?
FWC says tarpon over 40 inches must remain in the water unless you are pursuing a record with a tarpon tag.
How much is a tarpon tag?
FWC lists the annual tag at $51.50, available at tax collector's offices only.
Can I keep bonefish?
No. FWC says bonefish became a catch-and-release only fishery on September 1, 2013.
Source: FWC: Bonefish
When is the best bonefish season?
FWC says bonefish can be caught year-round in the Keys, with peak season generally March through October.
Source: FWC: Bonefish
How much is a non-resident saltwater fishing license?
FWC lists $47.00 annual, $17.00 for 3 days and $30.00 for 7 days.
Do I need a license to fish from shore or a bridge?
FWC says you need a license if you cast a line, even for catch and release. Its no-cost shoreline-only license is listed as a resident license.
Do I need my own license on a fishing charter?
FWC exempts anglers fishing from a for-hire vessel (guide, charter, party boat) with a valid charter license.
Do kids need a fishing license?
FWC exempts youth under 16 from recreational fishing licenses and snook and lobster permits.
What is the State Reef Fish Angler designation?
FWC requires this no-cost designation for anglers 16 and older fishing from a private vessel for certain reef fish, including mutton and yellowtail snapper, hogfish and several groupers.
Source: FWC: State Reef Fish Survey
When is the Islamorada Sailfish Tournament?
The organizer says the 63rd tournament fishes December 5 and 6, 2026, with festivities starting December 4.
When is the Fish for Holly Sailfish Tournament?
Fish for Holly says its 9th annual tournament is January 8 to 9, 2027 at Islander Resort, Islamorada.
What other sailfish tournaments are in the Gold Cup?
The tournament site lists the Islamorada Fishing Club Sailfish Tournament on January 20, 2027 and the Cheeca Lodge Presidential on January 23 and 24, 2027.
Dates, rules and hours can change. The organisers have the final word: Village of Islamorada (official site)