Florida's fish and fishing is at its biggest and best in the Florida Keys. Pictures of Hemingway standing next to car-size marlin may come to mind. Yet today it isn't only 'The Old man and the Sea', scores of big game fishers test their line's strength on the ocean's biggest fish. Deep sea fishing is usually an all day excursion in the Gulf Stream. Dolphin fish, shark, wahoo, tuna and, of course, marlin ride the ocean current below just waiting to end up proudly mounted on mantle tops. Big fish, deep sea fishing is pricey, running around $700 a day for small power boat, gear, and skipper.

Another slightly cheaper option is backwater fishing. Shallow draft boats traverse mangrove swamps and narrow inlets in hunt of fish hideaways. A host of beautiful species live in the backwaters and expert guides are an important hire to find them. Less intense fishermen can hire larger yachts for a more relaxing day on the water. These can be great for larger groups or families and still have great catches. Charter boats have fishing permits so visitors don't need to arrange their own prior to the outing. Different fish have different seasons but most types are available most the year.