The Florida Keys Fishing Guides Association proudly congratulates the recipients of the 2026 Captain Billy Knowles Memorial Scholarship, established to honor the legacy of one of the Upper Keys’ most respected fishing guides and community leaders. Captain Billy Knowles, a founding father of guiding in the Florida Keys is remembered for his passion for fishing, dedication [...]
The FKFGA would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our incredible sponsors who made this year’s Kids Fishing Expo possible. The Franco Family Foundation Jamie Engel & the Florida Keys Home Team Coldwell Banker Schmidt Mitchell Howell Withers Tool Die & Manufacturing Green Turtle Inn M.E.A.T Robbie's Marina Greg Moffett Doug Kimberly [...]
The 2026 Florida Keys Fishing Guides Association’s Kids Fishing Expo was an incredible success, and it simply would not have been possible without the generosity and support of our amazing community. Even with less-than-ideal weather, the enthusiasm was undeniable. More than 80 kids registered ahead of time, and even more showed up on the day, eager [...]
When cold temperatures swept across South Florida earlier this month, Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) and Florida International University (FIU) researchers partnered with fishing guides to document the event’s impact on the region’s fisheries. We thank the scientists and guides who committed time to this effort. Our team found that this 2026 cold-weather event, though a [...]
BTT and FIU are partnering with Florida Keys fishing guides to better understand the diet and resource use of permit and bonefish across the Florida Keys. We are looking for guides to collect samples from the Upper Keys and Biscayne Bay, in addition to our existing partnerships with Lower Keys guides. Sample collection is brief (~3 mins [...]
Join us for the 5th Annual Kids Fishing Expo on Sunday, March 15, 2026 10am-2pm at Founders Park Beach Pavilion and Great Lawn All kids 0-16 welcome! (13 and under must be accompanied by an adult) Learn how to Spin and Fly Cast, tie flies, knot tying, cast net throwing and much more from top Islamorada [...]
2026 Grand Champions - M.E Black fishing with her father Capt. Richard Black The 36th Annual Swamp Guides Backcountry Fishing Tournament was held Jan. 30-31st, 2026 in Islamorada, Florida Keys at Safe Harbor – Angler House Marina. The format was an All Release tournament for Bonefish, Redfish, Snook. See the 2026 results here Next [...]
Now that we have survived the blistering summer and are settling in for Fall fishing, it's time for our General Membership meeting where we will discuss the latest hot topics and other important matters aimed at strengthening our guide community. At the event, all members will have the opportunity to renew memberships and get a new [...]
FKFGA Commodore Captain Ted Wilson recently shared what Everglades restoration means to the Florida Keys community and progress being made to send the water south. https://youtu.be/1H0BRryXEYU?si=mzNVxLl6u1KchCHG
The Guide's Guide to Covid-19 Aid Resources Covid-19 has disrupted the busiest part of the Florida Keys fishing season. The backbone of a guide's income has been severed. Thankfully, there are several triage programs in place to help sustain small businesses in these uncertain times. The most recent is called Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security [...]
