Bonefishing in Florida: the Keys and Biscayne Bay flats
Sight fish for bonefish, permit and tarpon on the flats with local Keys and Miami guides.
Bonefish are the classic flats game fish: wary, fast and hunted by sight in shin-deep water. Here’s where and when to go bonefishing in Florida, and where to book a guide.
Where is the best bonefishing in Florida?
The best bonefishing in Florida is in the Florida Keys and Biscayne Bay. Islamorada is the best-known bonefish town, and the flats from Key Largo to Key West hold big fish, while Biscayne Bay off Miami is famous for trophy bonefish. Fish spring and fall on a rising tide. Bonefish are catch and release only in Florida.
Albula vulpesMeet the bonefish
Also called: Gray ghost, phantom of the flats
- Typical size
- 3–8 lb in Florida; 10 lb+ fish are trophies
- World record
- 16 lb (IGFA all-tackle, Bimini, Bahamas, 1971)
- Where it lives
- Shallow sand and grass flats in the Keys and Biscayne Bay, moving with the tide
- How to spot it
- Silver mirror sides, dark back, pointed snout over an underslung mouth, deeply forked tail
- What it eats
- Crabs, shrimp, clams and small fish rooted from the bottom; look for “tailing” fish
- Can you keep it?
- No: catch and release only in Florida (FWC bonefish rules)
Bonefish are one of the “grand slam” flats fish, with tarpon and permit.
The flats grand slam: bonefish vs permit vs tarpon
Catch all three in one day for a “grand slam”:
| Bonefish | Permit | Tarpon | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 3–8 lb | 10–30 lb | 40–150 lb |
| Where | Shallow sand and grass flats | Flats edges, channels, wrecks | Channels, bridges, flats |
| Best bait | Shrimp, small crabs | Live crabs | Mullet, crabs, flies |
| Difficulty | Hard: spooky, fast | Hardest: picky eaters | Hard to hook, harder to land |
| Best season | Spring and fall | Spring and summer | April to July |
Bonefishing charters
Flats and backcountry trips in the Keys and Miami:
Bonefishing in Florida: what to know
From our old bonefishing guide, updated:
Why bonefish
Bonefish are one of the hardest fish to catch. Florida is known as the “Fishing Capital of the World”, and the Keys flats are a big reason why. Browse all Florida Fishing or every fishing trip.
The Keys
Book with Keys Captains in Islamorada or Key West, where the Key West National Wildlife Refuge and the Marquesas Keys hold big fish. The same trips catch Redfish and, offshore, Marlin.
Miami and Biscayne Bay
Miami Biscayne Bay is home to the 172,000 acre Biscayne Bay National Park, with flats near historic Stiltsville. Book Miami trips, or go offshore in South Florida for sailfish.
Elsewhere in Florida
Try inshore trips in Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach offshore, or the Tampa flats (Tampa is a mecca for hard-to-catch inshore fish). Prefer to paddle? See kayak, and canoe trips.
How to catch them
Wade or pole the flats on a rising tide, watch for tails and “nervous water”, and lead the fish with a shrimp or crab fly. Keep the fish in the water and release it fast. Rules: FWC bonefish rules.
Before you go
Polarized sunglasses are a must. Read our seasickness tips if you will also go offshore, see the adventure with iOutdoor on Florida bass lakes, try the deep seas, learn more about iOutdoors, or find spots on Fishidy.com. Or visit all our locations.
Best places to go bonefishing in Florida
Pick a spot (lowest trip price on its page, or call to book):
Fish you catch on the flats
Bonefish share the flats with:
Seasons, size and bag limits apply: see the FWC saltwater fishing regulations.
Bonefishing by season
Winter Dec–Feb
- Warm days after fronts
- Deeper flats and channels
- Afternoon tides
Spring Mar–May
- Prime time: tailing fish
- Big Biscayne Bay bonefish
- Grand slam chances
Summer Jun–Aug
- Early-morning flats
- Tarpon and permit too
- Watch the heat
Fall Sep–Nov
- Prime time again
- Cooler water
- Big fish return to the flats
Recent guest reviews
5.07 reviewsReviews from our Florida fishing trips.
Capt Brad was great for both of our fishing trips. He took great care to make my husbands birthday fishing experience amazing and taught me how to use a bait caster. His boat was immaculate and most importantly, he put us on fish.
Ashley Eubanks · April 2026 · Google
A most delightful town
The town of New Smyrna is worth seeing and visiting. We enjoyed walking along the waterfront. You can drive your car to the beach. Ate dinner near the water at one of the Town Tavern which featured a live band. My friend and I went fishing, what fun, highly recommend it!
Lisa Wilson · January 2021
Obstacles conquered!
Started out with a full moon the night before and wind blowing 3 times what was forecast but Captain Brad had a plan. We got out and in no time had fish on! I had no expectations for what we might catch which turned out great 8 different species and two nice redfish! I had a great time!
Doug M. · March 2019 · TripAdvisor
Loved fishing
I have to say, this was one of the most professional organizations I have experienced. Booking was easy and customer support answered all my questions. Even when I remembered them and called back hours later! :) What was recommended was an afternoon trip with Capt Brad. I chose the 6 hour trip…
Tim S · January 2019
Best Birthday Gift Ever !!!
I booked this trip for my Dad's Birthday he loves to fish but rarely catches anything. We went with Capt Brad Kayholm and he delivered an awesome trip he was on time ,very friendly ,knowledgeable and put us on the fish !!! I would definitely recommend booking a trip with him!!!
flhomesbyrich · October 2018
Best Birthday Gift Ever !!!
I booked this trip for my Dad's Birthday he loves to fish but rarely catches anything. We went with Capt Brad Kayholm and he delivered an awesome trip he was on time ,very friendly ,knowledgeable and put us on the fish !!! I would definitely recommend booking a trip with him!!!
flhomesbyrich · October 2018 · TripAdvisor
Four hour trip with Captain Brad
We had a great time with Captain Brad. He had us on the fish right away in the morning and always kept us moving looking for more. He was very knowledgeable.
Eli L · October 2018 · TripAdvisor
Book a bonefishing charter
Pick a spot and date, or let us match you with a flats guide.
Most Keys and Miami flats trips are booked by phone.
Saltwater license covered by the captain on saltwater trips. Free cancellation up to 72 hours before. Full refund or free reschedule if the captain cancels for weather. Questions? Call (407) 392-4593, 9 am – 6 pm.
Bonefishing FAQ
Where is the best bonefishing in Florida?
The Florida Keys and Biscayne Bay. Islamorada is famous as a bonefish capital, and the flats from Key Largo to Key West and the Marquesas hold big, wary fish. Biscayne Bay off Miami is known for some of the largest bonefish in the world.
When is the best time to go bonefishing in Florida?
Spring and fall are best, roughly March to May and September to November, when water temperatures are in the 70s and fish tail on the flats. Summer mornings are good; winter cold fronts push fish off the flats.
Can you keep a bonefish in Florida?
No. Bonefish are catch and release only in Florida. Keep the fish in the water as much as possible and release it quickly.
What is the best bait for bonefish?
Live or fresh shrimp and small crabs on spinning gear, or small shrimp and crab flies for fly anglers. Bonefish root on the bottom for crabs, shrimp and clams.
Why are bonefish so hard to catch?
They live in very shallow, clear water, spook at the slightest noise or shadow, and blend in like “gray ghosts”. Once hooked, a bonefish can run 100+ yards at high speed.
Can you eat bonefish?
Bonefish are full of fine bones and are catch and release only in Florida, so they are not eaten here.
How much does a bonefishing charter cost?
Bonefish trips are flats and backcountry charters. On iOutdoors, Marathon backcountry trips start from $575 per boat; Islamorada, Key Largo, Key West and Miami flats trips are booked by phone at (407) 392-4593.