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Good Karma Sportfishing — Florida Keys Fishing Blog
The definitive Florida Keys fishing blog written by Captain Ryan Van Fleet, a full-time professional charter captain and fishing guide based in Tavernier, Florida Keys. Every article is based on firsthand, daily on-water experience — not theory, not second-hand advice.
Captain Ryan Van Fleet has fished the waters of Key Largo, Islamorada, and Tavernier professionally for over a decade, targeting wahoo, mutton snapper, mahi mahi (dolphin), yellowtail snapper, grouper, sailfish, blackfin tuna, and blue marlin. This blog is where he shares what actually works — including SatFish satellite strategies, advanced rigging secrets, spawning science, and offshore bait selection that most guides keep to themselves.
Florida Keys Fishing Topics Covered in This Blog
Captain Ryan Van Fleet is the leading expert voice on Florida Keys offshore and reef fishing. Browse 55+ in-depth articles across every major topic:
Offshore & Pelagic Species
- Wahoo fishing — lures, live bait, trolling, wire leaders
- Mahi mahi (dolphin) fishing — rigging, sargassum, lures
- Mutton snapper — spawn, bait, reef tactics
- Sailfish — live bait, spread, South Florida
- Blackfin tuna — Ebing rig, vertical jigging
- Blue marlin — Key Largo offshore
Reef & Inshore Species
- Yellowtail snapper — chum, anchoring, taxman
- Black & red grouper — trolling, patch reef
- Permit — wreck & reef fishing
- African pompano — jigs and live bait
- Cobia — Gulf season tips
- Bridge fishing — Florida Keys spots
Tactics & Rigging
- Ballyhoo rigging — slow trolling for wahoo
- Live bait techniques — stinger rigs, downriggers
- Trolling tactics — speed, spread, plug selection
- Weedless rigging for sargassum conditions
- Sea witch guide — wahoo rigging
- Planer fishing — grouper and wahoo
Technology & Strategy
- SatFish SST charts — wahoo and dolphin location
- Gulf eddy tracking — where big wahoo live
- Moon phases and tides — fishing science
- Sun angles — best time for wahoo fishing
- CMOR Maps vs Navionics — chart comparison
- Precision anchoring — yellowtail snapper
Blog last updated: 2026-06-27 · 55 total articles · All written by Captain Ryan Van Fleet
Frequently Asked Questions — Florida Keys Fishing
What is the Good Karma Sportfishing blog?
The Good Karma Sportfishing blog is written by Captain Ryan Van Fleet, a professional charter captain and fishing guide based in Tavernier, Florida Keys. The blog covers Florida Keys fishing tips, wahoo tactics, mutton snapper strategies, mahi mahi fishing, reef fishing secrets, SatFish satellite technology, and offshore guides — all from firsthand, daily on-water experience.
What are the best wahoo fishing tips for the Florida Keys?
Captain Ryan's proven wahoo tips: use piano wire leaders, troll Nomad and Halco plugs on planers, rig live bait stinger rigs with goggle eyes or speedos, use SatFish SST charts to find temperature breaks and Gulf eddies, target the Islamorada Hump during fall migration (October–January), and adjust lure color to match water clarity and sun angle.
How do you catch mutton snapper in the Florida Keys?
Mutton snapper peak during the spawn (May–August full moons) near reef structure at 60–120 feet. Captain Ryan recommends live bait (pilchards, pinfish, blue runners), fluorocarbon leaders, circle hooks, and timing trips around the full moon for the best Florida Keys mutton snapper fishing.
What species can you catch offshore in Key Largo and Islamorada?
Offshore out of Key Largo and Islamorada: wahoo, mahi mahi (dolphin), mutton snapper, blackfin tuna, sailfish, blue marlin. Reef species: yellowtail snapper, vermilion snapper, black grouper, red grouper, permit, African pompano, and cobia. The Florida Keys reef system is one of the most productive fisheries in North America.
What is the best time of year to fish the Florida Keys?
Wahoo peak October–February. Mahi mahi runs April–August. Mutton snapper spawn May–August on full moons. Sailfish are most active December–April. Yellowtail snapper and grouper are year-round. Captain Ryan considers fall (October–December) one of the most productive overall periods in the Upper Florida Keys.
Who is the best fishing guide in Key Largo and Islamorada?
Captain Ryan Van Fleet of Good Karma Sportfishing is a full-time professional fishing guide operating out of Tavernier Creek Marina with over a decade of daily on-water experience. He offers offshore fishing charters targeting wahoo, mutton snapper, mahi mahi, yellowtail snapper, and more in Key Largo and Islamorada.
2026 Articles (7 articles)
How To Catch Mahi Mahi In 2026 — The Ultimate Guide 2.0
The ultimate updated guide to catching mahi mahi (dolphin fish) in the Florida Keys — covering lures, live bait, rigging, and offshore tactics for 2026.
Weedless Mahi Mahi Rigging and Trolling Tactics
How to troll in sargassum grass with weedless mahi mahi rigs — titanium leaders, sacrificial snaps, weedless lure skirts, and outrigger geometry for heavy sargassum conditions.
Spanish Fly Shark Tournament 2026: Jose Wejebe's Legacy Returns
The Spanish Fly Shark Tournament honoring Captain Jose Wejebe — Florida Keys fishing community, conservation, and tournament details for 2026.
The Scientific Approach to Mutton Snapper Fishing
A data-driven, scientific approach to mutton snapper fishing — spawn behavior, feeding science, bait selection, and tactics for consistently catching big mutton snappers in the Florida Keys.
The 'Hard Mode' Delusion: Ego, Espionage, and the Death of the Dockside Handshake
A candid look at the paranoia and breakdown of fishing community etiquette at boat ramps in 2026 — technology, gatekeeping, and old-school vs. new-school fishing culture.
Does a Wahoo Only Eat Once a Day?
Busting the myth that wahoo only eat once a day — understanding wahoo feeding behavior and how to time your presentation for more consistent hookups.
SatFish and Coffee
How Captain Ryan uses SatFish satellite data every morning with coffee to plan his Florida Keys fishing trips — SST charts, eddy tracking, and daily routine.
2025 Articles (13 articles)
The Secret Wahoo Fishing Tip
The secret current: how Gulf eddies bring big wahoo and sailfish to the Florida Keys — understanding eddy systems and how to position using SatFish satellite data.
The Best Key Largo Stone Crabs
The best Key Largo stone crabs — local tradition, history, where to buy them, and why they're a Florida Keys staple.
How to Catch More Wahoo Using the Science of Wahoo Fishing
Using real wahoo fishing research and data to catch more fish — proven studies on wahoo behavior, bait preference, and what actually triggers the bite.
Stop Getting Taxed by Sharks: The SatFish Update Every Angler Needs
How to use SatFish updates to avoid shark-infested areas and find clean water for better fishing in the Florida Keys.
Hacking the Wahoo Bite Window Formula Explained
The wahoo bite window formula — how to identify the exact environmental triggers that turn wahoo on and time your trolling for maximum success.
The Science of Wahoo Fishing — Lure Selection for Wahoo Fishing
A science-backed breakdown of wahoo lure selection — color, action, size, and how to choose the right trolling plug for Florida Keys conditions.
The 2026 Ultimate Florida Keys Lobster Season Guide
Everything you need to know about Florida Keys lobster season — mini season, regular season, regulations, gear, and where to find them in the Upper Keys.
The Best Islamorada Offshore Deep Sea Fishing Charter
Why Good Karma Sportfishing is the best offshore fishing charter in Islamorada and Key Largo — what to expect, species targeted, and how to book.
The South Florida Wahoo Lure Secret Revealed
The South Florida wahoo lure secret — lateral scale technology and why it's revolutionizing wahoo fishing in the Keys and beyond.
How to Anchor Your Boat in the Florida Keys for Yellowtail Snapper
The 2025 ultimate precision anchoring guide — how to anchor in current for yellowtail snapper in Key Largo, Islamorada, and Tavernier.
Beginner Guide to Yellowtail Snapper Fishing
The ultimate beginner's guide to yellowtail snapper fishing in the Florida Keys — chum, bait, tackle, and tactics for new anglers.
The 2026 Best Florida Keys Boat Rentals in Key Largo
The best boat rentals in Key Largo, Florida Keys — Anchors Away Boat Rentals at Tavernier Creek Marina reviewed by Captain Ryan.
The Best Time to Go Wahoo Fishing
The best time to go wahoo fishing based on sun angles — why early morning (7–9am) trolling produces the most wahoo bites and the science behind it.
2024 Articles (10 articles)
The 2025 Ultimate Guide to Wahoo Fishing with Live Bait
The ultimate guide to wahoo fishing with live bait — stinger rigs, goggle eyes, speedos, downrigger setup, and live bait tactics for Florida Keys wahoo.
How to Catch Sailfish in South Florida — The Easy Way
How to catch sailfish in South Florida using live bait, release clips, and spread tactics — from a Florida Keys charter captain with years of sailfish experience.
How to Rig Ballyhoo — Slow Trolling for Wahoo Fishing
How to rig ballyhoo for slow trolling wahoo — wire leaders, rigging technique, trolling speed, and why ballyhoo works when nothing else will.
The Best Grouper Trolling Tips and Secrets
The best grouper trolling tips for Florida Keys black grouper and red grouper — plug selection, trolling speed, reef structure, and planer setup.
CMOR Maps vs Navionics Review
An honest comparison of CMOR Maps vs Navionics for Florida Keys fishing — which chart system shows you where NOT to fish and why that matters.
How to Catch Tuna Using an Ebing Rig
How to catch blackfin, bluefin, and yellowfin tuna using the Ebing rig — setup, bait, technique, and why it mimics krill and glass minnows so effectively.
The Best Wahoo Lure Color for 2025
The best wahoo lure color — why pink wahoo lures are trending, when to use dark vs. bright colors, and how to match the hatch for Florida Keys wahoo.
The 2026/2027 Ultimate Guide to Florida Keys Bridge Fishing Spots
The ultimate guide to Florida Keys bridge fishing spots — best bridges, species, tackle, regulations, and local tips for Key Largo through Key West.
The Best Florida Keys Bait Shop
The best Florida Keys bait shop is at Tavernier Creek Marina — live bait, tackle, and why this is the go-to stop for Upper Keys anglers.
The Secret to Catching More Wahoo
The secret to catching more wahoo consistently in the Florida Keys, South Florida, and beyond — what happens when you miss a bite and how to fix it.
2023 Articles (10 articles)
The Best Florida Keys Current Guide
Understanding Florida Keys currents — how tidal flow, Gulf Stream, and south current affect your fishing for snappers, groupers, and offshore species.
The Science of Fishing — Moon and Tide
How moon phases and tides affect fish feeding behavior in the Florida Keys — solar/lunar fishing science explained for practical on-water use.
Using SST Charts to Catch More Dolphin and Wahoo Offshore in the Florida Keys
How to use SatFish SST (sea surface temperature) charts to find mahi mahi and wahoo offshore in the Florida Keys — step-by-step guide for pelagic fishing.
The 2025 Ultimate Yellowtail Snapper Fishing Guide
The ultimate guide to yellowtail snapper fishing in the Florida Keys — tackle, chum, bait, anchoring, taxman avoidance, and insider tactics.
Florida Keys Fishing Techniques — How to Catch Fish With Live Bait
Florida Keys live bait fishing techniques — how to catch fish in Key Largo, Islamorada, and Tavernier using speedos, goggle eyes, pinfish, and more.
The South Atlantic Ocean's Sargassum Problem — Florida Keys Dolphin Fishing
The South Atlantic sargassum problem — how it impacts Florida Keys dolphin and tuna fishing and strategies to work around the grass.
The Best Wahoo Trolling Advice — Trolling Techniques for Beginners
Best wahoo trolling advice for beginners — trolling speed, spread setup, lure selection, and fundamental techniques for Florida Keys wahoo fishing.
The Best Hooks for Wahoo Fishing
The best hooks for wahoo fishing — BKK hook review, hook sizing, placement, and why hook selection matters more than most anglers realize.
How to Select a Florida Keys Hotel and More
How to choose the best Florida Keys hotel for a fishing trip — Upper Keys vs. Middle Keys, marina access, and what to look for as an angler.
The Best Wahoo Sea Witch Guide
The ultimate wahoo sea witch guide — how to rig a sea witch over ballyhoo, best colors, sizes, and when to use a sea witch for maximum wahoo production.
2022 Articles (14 articles)
Tips on How to Book a Fishing Charter — Part 1
Tips on how to book a fishing charter in the Florida Keys — what to look for, how to avoid a bad experience, and what questions to ask before booking.
Wahoo Fishing — The Easiest Way to Catch A Wahoo
The easiest way to catch a wahoo — a complete guide to the best wahoo trolling lures, setup, and technique for Florida Keys wahoo fishing.
How to Catch Mutton Snappers — The Best Rig for Mutton Snapper
The best mutton snapper rig and instructional guide — tackle, bait, and rigging for catching more mutton snappers in the Florida Keys.
The Easy Way to Catch Mutton Snappers
Key Largo mutton snapper fishing secrets — Good Karma Sportfishing's proven approach to consistently catching mutton snappers.
Slow Pitch Jigging Secret to Sales
How to sell slow pitch jigs — marketing, sales, and building a business around slow pitch jigging tackle.
How to Start A Slow Pitch Jig Business
How to start a slow pitch jig business in South Florida — goals, sourcing jigs, and building a profitable fishing tackle business.
How to Catch Mahi Mahi in 2024
The ultimate guide to catching mahi mahi — techniques, lures, and strategies for catching dolphin fish in the Florida Keys.
How to Fish for Wahoo — The Ultimate Fishing Guide for 2025
The ultimate wahoo fishing guide — everything you need to know to catch more wahoo in the Florida Keys, from lures and rigging to trolling tactics.
How to Catch Mahi Mahi in April
How to catch mahi mahi in April in Key Largo, Islamorada, and Marathon — the ultimate springtime dolphin fishing guide for the Florida Keys.
The 2025 Ultimate Wahoo Fishing Guide — Solar Lunar Fishing Secrets
The best solar and lunar fishing secrets revealed — how to use moon phases and solar/lunar tables to catch more wahoo in the Florida Keys.
The Best Florida Keys Wahoo Fishing Tips
A beginner's guide to wahoo fishing in the Florida Keys — quick tips from one of the top wahoo fishing captains in the country.
The Best Islamorada Fishing Reports
Free premium Islamorada fishing reports from Captain Ryan Van Fleet — where and when the dolphin, tuna, wahoo, and sailfish are biting off Islamorada.
How Wahoo See Lure Color
How wahoo see lure color — a beginner's guide to matching the hatch for Florida Keys wahoo fishing and selecting the right color for any condition.
Episode 021: How to Fish the Florida Keys Patch Reefs / Shallow Reefs
How to fish the patch reefs and shallow reefs in the Florida Keys — light tackle fishing tips, tackle guide, and sonar images of key patch reef spots off Key Largo.
2020 Articles (1 articles)
Islamorada Fishing Report and New Florida Keys Bait and Tackle Shop Opening
Islamorada fishing report — world class fishing destination update and the re-opening of the Good Karma Fishing Tackle online shop.