Sportfishing boats in Miami, Florida

Boasting mostly sub-tropical weather and the powerful Gulf Stream current flowing just off the east coast of the state, the southernmost part of the continental United States is a sportfisherman’s playground and is an easy jumping-off point for charterers headed to the Bahamas to the east.

South Florida features the remarkable Florida Keys, a string of islands with the southernmost being the notable Key West. One can cruise the various Keys inside the reef in shoal-draft vessels off the eastern “ocean” side of the Keys, or make a straight shot from Miami to Key West running farther offshore. The “back country” side, off the western side of the Keys offers calm waters and tremendous island sunsets. The west coast of Florida also features quiet, calm-sea cruising, and no shortage of fishing opportunities.