Call the Sport Fishing Capital of the World home and never dock empty-handed—Islamorada is the best spot worldwide for fighting fish like Wahoo, Amberjack, and Sailfish. The warm Gulf Stream waters sustain a vast array of sea life, from plankton and tiny shrimp to Goliath Grouper and spiny lobster. Many larger species are drawn by schools of spawning grunt, grouper, and snapper each spring—you’ll find sharks around the reefs and wrecks the juvenile fish call home. For the best fishing in the Florida Keys, even the best fishing in the world, Islamorada is the place to be.

A boat is the quintessential Keys luxury item—so much so it’s almost a necessity. Public marinas simplify launching, and bait and tackle shops are the best places for tips on what’s biting, and where. Whether you want to fish the flats in a bass boat or troll for sharks in air-conditioned luxury, you’ll find the right boat on Islamorada. For those travelling through or who don’t want the hassle and expense of maintenance, Islamorada is home to a large and very experienced fleet of charters ready to show you the fish (and the ropes, if necessary). These captains are often Florida Keys natives, and know the waters and the fish well enough that they can virtually guarantee you an afternoon of action and an evening meal of fresh fish.

Of course, everything has a season. Anglers who prefer the hot summer months (May through September) should look for Marlin and Dolphin, also known as Mahi Mahi. The cooler months bring more fish in higher quantities, though, so there’s reason to don a light sweater (it’s never really cold in the Keys, just windy) and head offshore. Big game fish—Tuna, Cobia, Kingfish, and Sailfish—prefer the span from November to late April, while Wahoo hit hardest between March and May. In the backcountry flats, Permit, Bonefish, and Snook school especially heavily from February to May, and return briefly during September and October. Barracuda and snapper varieties hardly ever leave the Keys waters, so you’re likely to run into them whenever, and wherever, you troll.

Fierce competitors enjoy participating in the dozens of fishing tournaments held off the beaches of Islamorada, which hosts the highest concentration of fishing tournaments in the U.S., especially those targeting Sailfish. There are five tournaments in both June and December, four in January, and ten more spread throughout the rest of the year. Compete against the world’s top anglers—and sporting celebrities—for record Dolphin, Tarpon, Bonefish, Sailfish, and more. Competitions range from World Cup to junior angler, with prizes ranging from rings to cash to fame and glory.

The Florida Keys Lobster Mini-Season is one of the busiest times of the year, and for good reason. These delicious little critters are open for capture every year on the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July, beginning at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday and ending midnight Thursday. Fill your bag and enjoy them at home, or take them to a local restaurant—most will prepare your catch of the day to your liking.