Florida · Keys
FLOUNDER FISHING
IN KEY LARGO
Key Largo is a solid destination for flounder fishing. Book a charter and target flounder with local experts.
About Flounder Fishing in Key Largo
A prized flatfish found along sandy bottoms and structure. Excellent table fare and fun to catch on light tackle.
Flounder are unique flatfish that lie camouflaged on sandy or muddy bottoms, ambushing prey from below. Gulf flounder and Southern flounder are the primary species in southern waters, while Summer Flounder (fluke) dominates from the Carolinas northward. Both eyes migrate to the top (left) side as juveniles, creating their distinctive flat profile. The "eyed" side is brown-green with irregular spots and blotches that change to match the surrounding bottom — a remarkable camouflage ability.
Scientific name: Paralichthys albiguttata
Flounder Seasonal Calendar — Key Largo
Month-by-month availability for flounder in Key Largo, FL.
How to Catch Flounder in Key Largo
Techniques & Bait
Drifting live bull minnows (finger mullet or mud minnows) on a Carolina rig or knocker rig along sandy channel edges and drop-offs is the most productive method. Bounce a 1/4-3/8 oz jighead with a live minnow or Gulp! swimming mullet along the bottom near structure transitions (sand to mud, channel edges). "Flounder gigging" at night with underwater lights is popular in shallow bays. In passes and inlets, fishing the outgoing tide with live bait near the bottom produces the largest fish.
Recommended Tackle
Medium-light spinning rod (7 ft), 2500 reel, 10-15 lb braid, 20 lb fluorocarbon leader, 1/4-1/2 oz jig heads or Carolina rig with 1/0-3/0 wide-gap hooks. Patience is key — flounder often mouth the bait before committing, so wait for the second thump before setting the hook.
Best Inshore Fishing Spots in Key Largo
Top spots where local captains target flounder and other inshore species.
Blackwater Sound
Blackwater Sound is a large shallow basin on the bayside of Key Largo, featuring extensive grass flats and mangrove shoreline that hold bonefish, permit, redfish, and snook. The sound's clear water allows sight-fishing on calm days, with bonefish tailing on the flats during incoming tides. It is one of the northernmost reliable bonefish fisheries in the Florida Keys.
Dusenbury Creek
Dusenbury Creek winds through dense mangrove forest on the bayside of Key Largo, providing sheltered habitat for snook, tarpon, and juvenile gamefish. The creek's deeper holes and undercut banks hold fish on low tides when the surrounding flats drain. Small boats and kayaks excel in the creek's narrow passages where larger vessels cannot navigate.
Tarpon Basin
Tarpon Basin is a sheltered bay on the oceanside of Key Largo near mile marker 99, surrounded by mangroves and connected to the Atlantic through tidal channels. Tarpon, snook, and barracuda patrol the basin year-round, with the best tarpon action from April through July. The basin's calm waters make it an ideal spot for fly fishing and light-tackle enthusiasts.
Garden Cove
Garden Cove sits within John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park on the northern end of Key Largo, with mangrove-lined shorelines holding snapper, barracuda, and snook. The cove's proximity to the Atlantic and its mix of hard bottom and grass provides diverse habitat. It serves as an easily accessible inshore spot for anglers staying in the Key Largo resort area.
Other Species in Key Largo
More fish you can target while visiting Key Largo.
Flounder Fishing in Key Largo — FAQ
Flounder fishing in Key Largo is productive during .
Flounder fishing charters in Key Largo are typically inshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Drifting live bull minnows (finger mullet or mud minnows) on a Carolina rig or knocker rig along sandy channel edges and drop-offs is the most productive method. Bounce a 1/4-3/8 oz jighead with a live minnow or Gulp! swimming mullet along the bottom near structure transitions (sand to mud, channel edges). "Flounder gigging" at night with underwater lights is popular in shallow bays. In passes and inlets, fishing the outgoing tide with live bait near the bottom produces the largest fish.
No — when you book a charter in Key Largo, your captain provides all required Florida fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Flounder regulations in Florida include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Flounder in Key Largo, you may also catch Blackfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Tarpon, Sailfish, Mangrove Snapper. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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