Discover the Tiny U.S. Island Known as the “Fishing Capital of the World”

Discover the tiny U.S. Island known as the “fishing capital of the world” Islamorada. This Florida Keys village is comprised of six islands including Upper Matecumbe Key, Lower Matecumbe Key, Windley Key, Plantation Key, and offshore islands Lignumvitae Key and Indian Key. Located 90 miles south of Miami it is the “Sportfishing Capital of the World” because it is an angler’s paradise with offshore and charter boat fishing.

Indeed, some of the largest fish in the Atlantic Ocean are caught here because the Gulf Stream is a short distance away. People also come here to snorkel and dive in the clear, warm waters where they find shipwrecks and coral reefs home to sea creatures such as rays, sea turtles, and colorful fish.

What Draws People Here?

Florida is the fishing capital of the world because of the huge variety of fish that live here and the many types of fishing to choose from with year-round great fishing weather. There are 11,000 miles of saltwater shoreline and 7,600 freshwater lakes for fishing. The warm waters off Key West, the southernmost city in the continental U.S., create ideal conditions for world-class fishing. The Gulf and Atlantic regions are the most remarkable marine environments in the world where much of our commercial fish and seafood comes from.

When is the Best Time to Go?

The best time to fish at Islamorada is in the springtime from March through May. This is when the water temperatures increase and migrating fish begin their northward journeys. During this season offshore fishing includes wahoo, blackfin tuna, mahi-mahi, kingfish, and sailfish.

How Do I Get There?

The Overseas Highway is known as the “Highway that Goes to Sea.” This stretch of highway is 113 miles long from Key Largo to Key West and has 42 bridges over the Gulf of Mexico, Florida Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean. The distance from Key Largo to Islamorada is 17 miles. Additionally, Islamorada is centrally located between Miami and Key West airports.

What Types of Fish Are There?

Some of the best tarpon fishing is on Islamorada as they migrate through the area between March and September. Nearby Key Largo is the longest island in the Keys and home to over 600 species of fish. People who fish in Florida hold more world record fish catches than anywhere else. For example, Destin is one of the best places to fish in the state, located between the Gulf of Mexico and Choctawhatchee Bay it offers both offshore and inshore fishing. In addition, the Gulf of Mexico is one of the best places for scalloping. Some of the fish caught here include wahoo, mahi-mahi, tuna, marlin, and sailfish. When fishing offshore there are tarpon, permit, bonefish, and mangrove snapper. The hardest fish to catch include:

• Yellowfin tuna can weigh up to 400 pounds and put up a fight. They travel in schools, sometimes with other species of tuna.
• Blue marlin is endemic to the Atlantic Ocean and is notorious for being hard to catch as they are fast and strong fish. This is a popular sportfish because they put up lengthy battles that last for hours testing even the most experienced angler. They can weigh over 200 pounds.
• Tarpon can grow up to 8 feet and weigh around 280 pounds. They are powerful, have incredible stamina, and put up a fierce fight. Tarpons aren’t good to eat, they are exclusively catch and release.

What Else is There to Do?

For those who prefer not to fish, there are wildlife preserves and state parks in the area. For example, visit Long Key State Park for a nature walk to view local birds and wildlife. Additionally, there are historical sites, art galleries, and museums. The Indian Key Historic State Park displays the ruins of an old fishing village. Theater of the Sea teaches visitors about the local dolphins and how to interact with them. In the evenings enjoy the warm tropical temperatures with an outdoor music festival. Those interested in hiking can explore Windley Fossil Reef Geological State Park.

In Conclusion

For the consummate angler, there is nothing better than a trip to Islamorada to live the dream. Whether fishing on a charter boat or offshore, fishing here is unparalleled. And for those who don’t want to fish or if the angler needs a break there are many interesting activities to do in the Keys. The weather is good most of the time and the seafood is fresh! Discover the tiny U.S. Island known as the “fishing capital of the world.”

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Gema Alvarez Fernandez/Shutterstock.com