Florida Keys Summer Fishing Guide

Summer in the Florida Keys means one thing for anglers—prime fishing season. Warm water, long days, and abundant baitfish bring some of the best action of the year to inshore flats, offshore blue water, and everything in between. Whether you're here to chase tarpon in the backcountry, troll for mahi in the deep, or drop bait over sunken wrecks for snapper and grouper, the Keys deliver a world-class experience.

Here's your guide to the best of Florida Keys summer fishing.

Inshore Fishing

When the water heats up in summer, the shallows around the Keys become alive with movement. Bonefish cruise the flats, redfish hug the mangroves, and the mighty tarpon—the silver king—stalk bridges and channels during their famed summer migration.

What to expect:

• Early morning and evening are best for tarpon bites.

• Sight-fishing on the flats offers chances at bonefish and permit.

• Light tackle and fly gear shine here—bring your finesse game.

If you’ve never hooked into a 100-pound tarpon in less than four feet of water, this is your season to try!

Offshore Fishing: Summer Means Mahi

Offshore fishing heats up big time in the summer months, with mahi-mahi (dolphin) stealing the show. These fast, colorful, hard-fighting fish school around weed lines and floating debris in the Gulf Stream and are eager to strike a trolled bait.

Other species on the menu:

• Blackfin tuna—great fun on light gear

• Wahoo—fast, toothy, and explosive

Chumming and trolling are go-to methods, and the best part is: you never know what might show up in the spread!

Reef & Wreck Fishing

Just a few miles from shore, the Keys’ coral reefs and patchwork of wrecks offer nonstop action for bottom-dwelling species. Summer means snapper season, and the bite can be phenomenal, especially around the full moons.

Fish to target:

• Yellowtail snapper—especially in chum-slicks on the edge of the reef

• Mutton snapper—smart, strong, and great eating

• Grouper—including black and red varieties lurking in deep structure

• Amberjack and barracuda—for the drag-pulling thrill

Reef and wreck fishing is versatile and family-friendly, with action that can suit beginners and seasoned anglers alike.

Ready to Fish?

There’s no wrong way to fish the Florida Keys in summer—but there is a right way to do it: with an experienced crew that knows the tides, the temperatures, and where the bite is hot.

The Rhum Line is your launchpad to all of these adventures. Whether you're eyeing a full-day mahi run or reef fishing with the family, The Rhum Line delivers a tailored experience with all the gear, guidance, and local knowledge you need.

Book your charter aboard The Rhum Line during your stay at Grassy Flats and make this summer's fishing one for the books!