Florida Keys — Warm breezes, crystal-clear waters, and a calendar packed with fishing events and tournaments make the Florida Keys an angler’s playground May through August. Fishing competitors can chase the thrill, aiming for cash prizes or look for an excuse to swap fish tales at dockside bars, and tournaments throughout the destination, from Key Largo to Key West. The competition (and the fish) can be fierce, but the vibe stays laid-back. It is the Keys, after all.

Ready to fish? Check out some of the upcoming events to get in on the action in the Keys.

MAY: MAHI MADNESS, MEMORIALS & TARPON UNDER THE STARS

19th Annual Mother’s Day Dolphin Tournament: Fish for a Cause (May 9-10, Marathon)

Celebrate moms, mahi, and making a difference. This one-day tournament supports Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys and features four angler divisions, from pros to juniors. Expect a lively Friday night captain’s meeting and a festive awards banquet on Saturday. habitatmiddlekeys.org/dolphin-tournament

Ladies Let’s Go Fishing “Learning on the Water” & Screamin’ Reels” Tournament (May 16-18, Islamorada) This welcoming, no-pressure event was designed with women in mind — to introduce them to the sport of fishing. Best part? No experience is needed! Enjoy hands-on instruction, beginner-friendly charters, and the chance to reel in your very first catch alongside other adventurous women. With expert guidance, fun prizes, and a supportive atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to learn, laugh, and discover a new passion on the water. ladiesletsgofishing.com

Golden Fly Tarpon Tournament (May 19-21, Islamorada)

This invitation-only fly-fishing event attracts top anglers and legendary guides to the tarpon capital of the world — beautiful Islamorada! Competitors chase silver kings in style, with custom artwork and gear awaiting the winners. goldenfly.org

Skippers Dolphin Tournament (May 30–June 1, Key Largo)

Hosted by Skippers Dockside, this high-energy tournament pays out more than $60,000, including $25,000 for the first place team. Family-friendly with divisions for ladies and juniors, it’s a fun way to end May on a high note. skipperstournaments.com

JUNE: TARPON TRADITIONS, DOLPHIN DERBIES & ISLAND HOSPITALITY

51st Annual Don Hawley Invitational Tarpon Fly Tournament (June 2-6, Islamorada)

Since 1975, this legendary five-day tournament has served as a true test of fly-fishing finesse. Limited to 25 elite anglers using 12-pound tippet, the event supports the Guides Trust Foundation, aiding Florida Keys fishing guides and conservation programs. guidestrustfoundation.org

Ladies Dolphin Tournament (June 6-7, Tavernier)

Hosted by the Florida Keys Elks Lodge, this enticing event unites women anglers for a fun, spirited competition. Prizes go to the top three teams with the heaviest aggregate dolphin catch. floridakeyselks1872.com

Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce Dolphin Tournament

(June 6-8, Big Pine Key & Lower Keys)

This Florida Keys favorite offers cash and prizes including $10,000 for the first place boat. Everyone is welcome to this family-friendly competition. lowerkeyschamber.com/chamber-events

Ladies Tarpon Fly Tournement (June 10-12, Islamorada)

A prestigious all-release fly tournament for women, this event dates back to 1977 and celebrates connecting women worldwide through competition and conservation. ladiestarponfly.org

Father’s Day Dolphin Derby (June 13-14, Marathon)

Give Dad what he really wants — a shot at cash prizes for the heaviest dolphin catch. Open to all ages and skill levels, this laid-back tournament is a longtime Florida Keys tradition, which celebrates its 39th year in 2025. fathersdaydolphintournament.com

Key West Gator Club Dolphin Derby (June 13-15, Key West)

Reel in dolphin fish to compete for $15,000 in cash prizes. Proceeds fund scholarships for Key West High School grads who are University of Florida-bound. instagram.com/kwgatorclubdolphinderby

62nd Annual Gold Cup Tarpon Tournament (June 16-20, Islamorada)

Known as the “Wimbledon” or “World Series” of tarpon fishing, this elite, invitation-only event tests the mettle of the most skilled anglers in the world. In fact, only 25 people make the cut each year. The Grand Champion will have his or her name engraved on the perpetual trophy alongside past champions that read like the who’s who of saltwater fly fishing. goldcuptt.com

UM Sports Hall of Fame Celebrity Fishing Tournament (June 19-21, Islamorada) Fish with University of Miami Hurricanes legends and raise funds for scholarships and other worthy nonprofits. The event will kick off with a star-studded party at the UM Hall of Famer Gary Dunn’s Ocean View Inn and Sports Pub on June 19. canesfish.com

VFW Fishing Tournament (June 20-22, Key West)

This family-friendly event awards more than $30,000 in prizes and supports disabled and in-need veterans in Monroe County. vfw3911.org/di/vfw/v2/default.asp?nid=2

IFC Captain’s Cup Dolphin Tournament (June 25-26, Islamorada)

This compact, high-stakes tournament hosted by the Islamorada Fishing Club, features up to $25,000 in prize money for the heaviest three-fish dolphin catch. theislamoradafishingclub.com

Florida Keys PBA Dolphin Tournament (June 27–29, Stock Island)

Reel for a reason in this event benefiting the Autism Society of the Keys and other local charities. With prizes for top PBA members, juniors and more, it’s a feel-good weekend for all. keysdolphintournament.com

JULY & AUGUST: POOR BOYS, HEMINGWAY & A TOAST TO THE LOCALS

Billy Knowles Memorial Poor Boys Tarpon Fly Tournament (July 4-6, Islamorada)

A local Independence Day Weekend favorite, this no-frills tarpon fly tournament is open to all anglers, with or without experience. The team with the most releases of four-foot-or-longer tarpon takes home bragging rights. poorboys.info

Del Brown Invitational Permit Tournament (July 7–10, Sugarloaf Key)

Named after the legendary local angler Del Brown, this fly fishing-only tournament brings anglers and guides together on the flats of Sugarloaf Key. delbrown.com

Key West Marlin Tournament (July 23–26, Key West)

Coinciding with the popular Hemingway Days Festival, this event awards $50,000 in prizes and draws anglers of all skill levels looking to hook marlin and more. In addition to spectacular fishing, the tournament features nightly festivities, including the infamous Captains dinner. keywestmarlin.com

Bartenders Dolphin Tournament (August 18, Layton)

The season wraps with this fun, one-day tournament just for restaurant industry pros. Held at Florida Boy Restaurant, it’s all about blowing off steam and chasing one last big mahi. facebook.com/p/Islamorada-Bartenders-Tournaments-100068661284410

About The Florida Keys & Key West

The Florida Keys & Key West is a premier getaway destination located at the southernmost tip of Florida and the continental United States. The Keys stretch over 125 miles connected by 42 bridges and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf. Discover the spectacular array of diverse activities offered in the Florida Keys like fishing, diving, natural wonders, fine dining and cultural heritage. From large resorts, secluded waterfront hideaways and courtyard guest houses, visitors can uncover the perfect place for their vacation. Restoration, renovation and preservation have become a way of life in the Florida Keys. Whether you’re driving or flying into the Keys, one thing is for sure: there’s simply no place quite like it. Want more reasons to visit The Florida Keys & Key West? Get inspired at Fla-keys.com and follow us @thefloridakeys on social media.