Bonefish in Islamorada

The Florida state-record bonefish came from near Islamorada, and Bud N’ Mary’s says some of the largest bonefish anywhere are found around it. They are fished by sight, in water often under a foot deep.

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Where do you catch bonefish in Islamorada?

On the shallow flats around the islands, often in water under a foot deep, fished by sight from a skiff. FWC’s state record, 16 lb 3 oz, was caught near Islamorada, and FWC puts peak Keys bonefish season at March through October. Bonefish are catch and release only in Florida.

A bonefish over sand

The fish

FWC says bonefish average 3 to 5 pounds, with fish over 10 pounds found in Florida, and travel in small schools over grass beds and sand flats hunting shrimp and crabs, often in water less than a foot deep. Bonefish & Tarpon Trust says Keys bonefish grow two to three times faster than in the Caribbean. FWC research found that a bonefish held out of the water for more than ten seconds is six times less likely to survive.

The Florida state record, 16 lb 3 oz, came from near Islamorada, and Bud N’ Mary’s says some of the largest bonefish are found around Islamorada.

When

FWC puts peak Keys bonefish season at March through October. The Keys tourism council grades bonefish Peak in May, June, July, September and October and Lower in January, February and December. Big Dave lists bonefish as a top fish in September and October, and Islamorada’s backcountry tournaments that include bonefish fall in January, October and November.

Can you keep bonefish?

Since 2013 bonefish are catch and release only, and multiple hooks with natural bait are prohibited when targeting them.

Every limit is on what fish you can keep.

Florida state-water rules as they apply in the Keys, Islamorada included, read on FWC’s page on 6 October 2026. FWC changes these; its page is the final word.
RuleFWC, Keys state waters
Minimum size—
Bag limitCatch and release only
SeasonAll year
SourceFWC: Bonefish

Which trip to book

A flats or backcountry trip on a skiff: $700–$1,200 per boat in October 2026. See backcountry and flats fishing.

Read for this page on 6 October 2026: FWC: bonefish profile (state record) ; Bud N’ Mary’s: flats fishing .

Check it at the source

Bonefish: questions

What is the biggest bonefish caught in Florida?

FWC lists the state record as 16 lb 3 oz, caught near Islamorada.

When is bonefish season in the Florida Keys?

Bonefish can be caught all year in the Keys, but FWC puts the peak at March through October. The Keys tourism council grades them lower in December to February.

Next step

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