FLORIDA KEYS FISHING SEASONS
***Before you get to the fishy stuff. Remember that the weather/winds controls all. So go back up to the wind charts and look at which month you are thinking about coming down and factor in the winds to determine if it aligns with your plans as well as to help come up with secondary plans should the winds not cooperate.
FLORIDA KEYS FISHING SEASONS
January
FLATS FISHING
Permit, Sharks, Barracudas, Redfish, Cobia, and Jacks.
The flats are very susceptible to cold snaps and the warm water fish are greatly affected by it. Warming trends find Permit on the flats along with big Barracudas and Sharks. Just about any day you will have shots at Jack Crevalle and Cobia drafting the Sting Rays in the shallows.
BACKCOUNTRY
Pompano, Trout, Sharks, Redfish, Bluefish, Snapper, Barracudas, Jacks, Ladyfish, Tarpon, and Cobia.
Colds snaps help most of these species for the exception of the Tarpon. Tarpon will disappear when temps drop below 70's. Drift the basins casting Jigs and Shrimp, Bucktails, or artificial baits.
WRECKS AND REEF
Yellowtail Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Jacks, Barracudas, Permit, Sharks, Kingfish, Cobia, Cero, and Spanish Mackerel.
Permit are on the wrecks with Cobia in good numbers. Barracudas are a nice side catch here as well. The reef is inundated with great Snapper fishing with the cooler temps and schools of Baitfish migrating through. South Atlantic Grouper season is now closed till May.
BLUE WATER
Sailfish, Tuna, Wahoo, Dolphin, Kingfish, Spanish Mackerel, Cero Mackerel, and Bonito.
Hit or miss on all the species above for the exception of Kingfish, Bonito and any of the Mackerels. Wahoo are best on full moon and new moon along with any possibility of a Blue Marlin. Weather dependent as it can be windy. SE winds bring the Mahi in closer.
Steve's Choice – Big Cuda time on the flats. Gulf side inshore basins, outlets, and outside Gulf cuts for Trout, Bluefish, and Mackerels (Dependent on getting cold fronts). Atlantic reef edge and Patch reefs (Yellowtails, Cero Mackerels, Kings, etc).
February
FLATS FISHING
Permit, Sharks, Barracudas, Redfish, Cobia, and Jacks.
The flats are very susceptible to cold snaps and the warm water fish are greatly affected by it. Warming trends find Permit on the flats along with big Barracudas and Sharks. Just about any day or weather anglers will have shots at Jack Crevalle and Cobia drafting the Sting Rays in the shallows.
BACKCOUNTRY
Pompano, Trout, Sharks, Redfish, Bluefish, Snappers, Barracudas, Jacks, Ladyfish, Tarpon, and Cobia.
Colds snaps help most of these species for the exception of the Tarpon. Tarpon will disappear when temps drop below 70's. Tarpon get put down by cooler weather but everything else lights up. Tarpon are getting more plentiful but still not season. Great time for shallow water Mutton Snapper, Mangrove Snapper and Yellowtail Snapper.
WRECKS AND REEF
Yellowtail Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Jacks, Barracudas, Permit, Sharks, Kingfish, Cobia, Cero, and Spanish Mackerel.
Permit are on the wrecks with Cobia in good numbers. Barracudas are a nice side catch here as well. The reef is inundated with great Snapper fishing with the cooler temps and the copious amounts of bait fish. Some shots at Gulf Blackfin Tunas as they can show up behind the Shrimp boats. Grouper season closed till May.
BLUE WATER
Sailfish, Tuna, Wahoo, Dolphin, Kingfish, Spanish and Cero Mackerel, and Bonito.
Hit or miss on all the species above for the exception of Kingfish, Bonito and any of the Mackerels. This and January are the best months for a large Kingfish. Weather dependent as it can be windy. SE winds means Dolphin.
Steve's Choice – Big Cuda time on the flats. Gulf side inshore basins, outlets, and outside Gulf cuts for Trout, Bluefish, and Mackerels. Atlantic reef edge and Patch reefs.
March
FLATS FISHING
Permit, Sharks, Barracudas, Redfish, Cobia, and Jacks.
Great month for larger tailing Permit. The larger Permit are more educated but the March winds keep them from hearing so well. Also in March when it warms some Tarpon will start to lay up in certain areas of the deeper flats. Unless it is unseasonably warmer there are not many Bonefish around. With all the activity on the flats the Sharks are everywhere. Bull Sharks are spawning.
BACKCOUNTRY
Pompano, Trout, Sharks, Redfish, Bluefish, Barracudas, Snapper, Jacks, Ladyfish, Tarpon, and Cobia.
First month of Tarpon season. Tarpon are in the channels and eating bait very well. Cobia and Permit mixed in with the Tarpon. Shark fishing is amazing in March with big Sharks and lots of fights.
WRECKS AND REEF
Yellowtail Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Jacks, Barracudas, Permit, Sharks, Kingfish, Cobia, Cero, and Spanish Mackerel.
Permit in good numbers are on the wrecks with fewer Cobia than January and February. Barracudas are a nice side catch. Kingfish in the Gulf of Mexico and Blackfin Tunas around the Shrimp Boats. The reef is inundated with great Snapper fishing with the cooler temps and schools of Baitfish moving through. No Grouper as they are out of season.
BLUE WATER
Sailfish, Tuna, Wahoo, Dolphin, Kingfish, Spanish and Cero Mackerel, and Bonito.
Strong month for Sailfish, Dolphin and Blackfin Tunas. Windy month so look for Sailfish tailing down the edges.
Steve's Choice – Big Cuda time on the flats. Gulf side inshore basins, outlets, and outside Gulf cuts. Atlantic reef edge. Gulf side migrating Tarpon. Start looking for Tarpon moving along the Atlantic side flats. Permit Gulf side flats and channel edges.
April
FLATS FISHING
Permit, Sharks, Barracudas, Redfish, and Bonefish.
Bonefish are back for warm water in the shallows. Tarpon start working the edges and the tops of flats. Great for fly fishing toward the end of the month. The beginning of April is the tail end of the Shark Spawn but Shark Fishing is still really good on fly or artificial.
BACKCOUNTRY
Tarpon, Trout, Sharks, Redfish, Barracudas, Jacks, Ladyfish, and Snapper.
Tarpon Time. Other species are around and easy.
WRECKS AND REEF
Yellowtail Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Jacks, Barracudas, Permit, Sharks, Kingfish, Cobia, Cero, and Spanish Mackerel.
Permit in good numbers are on the wrecks and on the reef for the spawn through the new moon in May. Barracudas are a nice side catch. Good time for Black fin tunas around the shrimp boats. The reef is inundated with great snapper fishing. No grouper as they are out of season.
BLUE WATER
Sailfish, Tuna, Wahoo, Dolphin, Marlin, Kingfish, Spanish and Cero Mackerel, and Bonito.
Strong month for Sailfish, Dolphin and Blackfin Tuna. Fish close to the reef for most everything. Great month for blue water fishing. Large Mahi are routinely caught in April.
Steve's Choice – Tarpon everywhere. Start of calmer winds. Beginning of flats season. Beginning of Spring season and more warmer water fish and less migrating cold weather fish. Pelagics start moving toward Gulf Stream versus reef edge.
May
FLATS FISHING
Tarpon Permit, and Bonefish.
Tarpon, Permit and Bonefish on the flats. Fly or light tackle. Winds are light and fishing is awesome. Go for the Grand Slam.
BACKCOUNTRY
Tarpon, Trout, Sharks, Redfish, Barracudas, Jacks, Ladyfish, Snook, and Snapper.
Tarpon time. Mutton Snapper are shallow and fun to catch on plug. Sharks are done spawning and many big ones around preying on Tarpon. Good time to catch a Hammerhead at the bridges.
WRECKS AND REEF
Yellowtail Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Jacks, Barracudas, Permit, Sharks, Kingfish, Cobia, Cero, and Spanish Mackerel.
Permit are still in good numbers on the wrecks. Water clears up and gets pretty out there. Barracudas are a nice side catch. Great time for Blackfin Tunas around the Shrimp boats. The reef is inundated with great Snapper fishing as it is spawning time. Atlantic opens for Grouper.
BLUE WATER
Sailfish, Tuna, Wahoo, Dolphin, Marlin, Kingfish, Spanish and Cero Mackerel, and Bonito.
Strong month for Sailfish, Dolphin and Blackfin Tunas. Fish close to the reef for most everything. Large dolphin are caught in May. Great month for blue water fishing.
Steve's Choice – Tarpon everywhere. Flats fishing. Offshore trolling. Wrecks. Take advantage of low winds. Pretty much can do anything.
June
FLATS FISHING
Tarpon Permit, and Bonefish.
Tarpon, Permit and Bonefish on the flats. Fly or light tackle. Winds are light and fishing is great but it is hot out there.
BACKCOUNTRY
Tarpon, Trout, Sharks, Redfish, Barracudas, Jacks, Ladyfish, Snook, and Snapper. Tarpon fishing time. Mutton Snapper and Grouper are in shallow and fun to catch on plug.
WRECKS AND REEF
Yellowtail Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Jacks, Barracudas, Permit, Sharks, Kingfish, Cobia, Cero, and Spanish Mackerel.
Permit still in good numbers on the wrecks. Water clears up and it's pretty out there. Barracudas are a nice side catch. Great time for Blackfin Tunas around the Shrimp boats. The reef is inundated with great Snapper fishing. Atlantic opens for Grouper.
BLUE WATER
Dolphin, Marlin, Wahoo, and Sword Fish and Deep Dropping.
Strong month for Dolphin. Decent sized fish found between the reef and 1500 ft of water and lots of them. The beginning of schooling season. Blue and White Marlin during the full moons and the occasional Wahoo. Sword fishing is epic along with deep dropping due to calmer sea conditions.
Steve's Choice – Bored of big Tarpon, switch to Juvenile Tarpon. All Flats fishing. Offshore trolling. Wrecks. Take advantage of low winds. Pretty much can do anything. Water temps are very warm. Early morning or late evening/nights are best. Watch out for Summer storms, quick and dangerous.
July
FLATS FISHING
Permit, Bonefish, Tarpon, and Baby Tarpon.
Its Hot…. But the flats fishing is awesome. A Grand Slam month where a shot at all three is totally possible. Bonefish and Permit tailing up a storm. Permit fishing on the flats is story book.
BACKCOUNTRY
Tarpon, Trout, Sharks, Redfish, Barracudas, Jacks, Ladyfish, Snook, and Snapper.
Still Tarpon time early in the morning and late in the evening to take advantage of the cooler temps.
WRECKS AND REEF
Yellowtail Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Jacks, Barracudas, Permit, Sharks, Kingfish, Cobia, Cero, and Spanish Mackerel.
Reef fishing to the West is very productive. Grouper and Mutton Snapper are big and easy. Permit still in good numbers on the wrecks. Water clears up and it is beautiful out there, but it is hot.
BLUE WATER
Dolphin, Marlin, Wahoo, Sword Fish, and Deep Dropping.
If there was a month in Key West for Marlin, July is it. Also a strong month for Dolphin. Fish get smaller but more numerous and are found between the reef and 1500 ft. of water. The beginning of schooling season. Blue and White Marlin during the full moons and the occasional Wahoo. Sword fishing is epic along with deep dropping due to calmer sea conditions.
Steve's Choice – Bored of big Tarpon, switch to Juvenile Tarpon. All Flats fishing. Offshore trolling. Wrecks. Take advantage of low winds. Pretty much can do anything. Water temps are very warm. Early morning or late evening/nights are best.
Watch out for Summer storms, quick and dangerous.
August
FLATS FISHING
Permit, Bonefish, Tarpon, and Baby Tarpon.
Same as July. Its Hot…. but the flats fishing is EPIC. A Grand Slam month where a shot at all three is totally possible. Bonefish and Permit tailing up a storm. Permit fishing on the flats is story book. Flat calm conditions are not uncommon so tailing Bonefish and Permit are easy to see and there are plenty of them.
BACKCOUNTRY
Tarpon, Trout, Sharks, Redfish, Barracudas, Jacks, Ladyfish, Snook, and Snapper.
August is still Tarpon time early in the morning and late in the evening when the temps are cooler.
WRECKS AND REEF
Yellowtail Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Jacks, Barracudas, Permit, Sharks, Kingfish, Cobia, Cero, and Spanish Mackerel.
Just like July, trips to the West are very productive. Grouper and Snapper are big and easy. Permit still in good numbers on the wrecks. Water clears up and its pretty out there but hot. The run to the West is not bumpy do to the light winds but the heat can be brutal.
BLUE WATER
Dolphin, Marlin, Wahoo, Sword Fish, and Deep Dropping.
Marlin Fishing is coming off its peak. Also a strong month for Dolphin although they keep getting smaller and a bit less numerous. Blue and White Marlin during the full moons and the occasional Wahoo. Great month for Sword fishing and deep dropping.
Steve's Choice – Bored of big Tarpon, switch to Juvenile Tarpon. All Flats fishing. Offshore trolling. Wrecks. Take advantage of low winds. Pretty much can do anything. Water temps are very warm. Early morning or late evening/nights are best.
Watch out for Summer storms, quick and dangerous.
September
FLATS FISHING
Permit, Bonefish, Tarpon, and Baby Tarpon.
September and October are without a doubt the best in flats fishing we have here in the Keys. Bonefish, Tarpon and Permit. The weather can be tricky as our hurricanes are still threatening but if you get it right it can be epic.
BACKCOUNTRY
Tarpon, Trout, Sharks, Redfish, Barracudas, Jacks, Ladyfish, Snook, and Snapper.
Tarpon slows up but not done. Always some that hang around.
WRECKS AND REEF
Yellowtail Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Jacks, Barracudas, Permit, Sharks, Kingfish, Cobia, Cero, and Spanish Mackerel.
Just like July trips to the West are very productive. Grouper and Snapper are big and easy. Permit still in good numbers on the wrecks. Bottom fishing peaks.
BLUE WATER
Dolphin, Marlin, Wahoo, Sword Fish, and Deep Dropping.
Still a strong month for Dolphin. Fish keep getting smaller and a bit less numerous. Great month for Sword fishing and deep dropping. Blue and White Marlin during the full moons and the occasional Wahoo.
Steve's Choice – Bored of big Tarpon, switch to Juvenile Tarpon. All Flats fishing. Offshore trolling. Wrecks. Take advantage of low winds. Pretty much can do anything. Water temps are very warm. Early morning or late evening/nights are best.
My favorite month. Low winds, some cooler weather, start seeing a few winter migration species, and Back to school so less tourists.
October
FLATS FISHING
Permit, Bonefish, Tarpon, and Baby Tarpon.
September and October are without a doubt the best in flats fishing we have here in the Florida Keys. Bonefish, Tarpon and Permit are everywhere.
BACKCOUNTRY
Tarpon, Trout, Sharks, Redfish, Barracudas, Jacks, Ladyfish, Snook, and Snapper.
Tarpon slows up but not done.
WRECKS AND REEF
Yellowtail Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Jacks, Barracudas, Permit, Sharks, Kingfish, Cobia, Cero, and Spanish Mackerel.
Just like July trips to the West are very productive. Grouper and Snapper are big and easy. Permit still in good numbers on the wrecks. Bottom fishing has peaked.
BLUE WATER
Dolphin, Marlin, Wahoo, Sword Fish, and Deep Dropping.
Still a strong month for Dolphin. Fish keep getting smaller and a bit less numerous. Great month for Sword fishing and deep dropping. Blue and White Marlin during the full moon and the occasional Wahoo.
Steve's Choice – Juvenile Tarpon, flats are still full of target species, beginning of Winter weather changes on the mainland which begins to force migrating fish South. Start seeing a trickle of them. Good mix of Summer fish with a sprinkling of Winter fishery.
November
FLATS FISHING
Permit, Barracudas, and Sharks.
Winter is coming. The first cold fronts show up in the first week of November. Shuts down our warm water species like Bonefish. Permit fishing is still great and there may be some Tarpon still around. As the temps get cooler, the Barracuda fishing on the flats is warming up.
BACKCOUNTRY
Tarpon, Trout, Sharks, Redfish, Barracudas, Jacks, Ladyfish, Snook, and Snapper.
Winter fishing begins. Casting and jigging for Trout and all the other species for rod bending action. Easy to catch many different species of fish and lots of them.
WRECKS AND REEF
Yellowtail Snapper, Grouper, Mutton Snapper, Jacks, Barracudas, Permit, Sharks, Kingfish, Cobia, Cero, and Spanish Mackerel.
Just like July to October, trips to the West are very productive. Grouper and Snapper are big and easy. Permit still in good numbers on the wrecks. Bottom fishing is still peaking.
BLUE WATER
Wahoo, Sailfish, Blackfin Tunas, Kingfish, and Dolphin.
November can be tough due to temp changes. A transition month for many species but the Wahoo bite is awesome during the full moon. Reef bite is a great back up for blue water trips in case the wind is blowing.
Steve's Choice –Winter weather officially starts, but has been getting later and later. The good thing is that cooler weather means less Hurricane risk. Windy conditions start. Time to have multiple fishing options dependent on winds and temperatures. When temps drop into the 60's for more than one day, it causes most inshore species to scatter to deeper water.
December
FLATS FISHING
Permit, Barracudas, and Sharks.
Winter is here and the fronts have cooled the waters. Shuts down our warm water species like Bonefish, but permit fishing is still good.
BACKCOUNTRY
Tarpon, Trout, Sharks, Redfish, Barracudas, Jacks, Ladyfish, Snook, and Snapper.
Winter fishing is a blast…. Casting and jigging for Trout and all the other species in the basins and channels. Easy to catch many different species of fish and lots of them.
WRECKS AND REEF
Yellowtail Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Jacks, Barracudas, Permit, Sharks, Kingfish, Cobia, Cero, and Spanish Mackerel.
Trips to the West are still very productive. Grouper and Snapper are big and easy. Permit still in good numbers are on the wrecks and structure. Bottom fishing is still peaking if you can get out. Last month of Atlantic Grouper season.
BLUE WATER
Wahoo, Sailfish, Blackfin Tuna, Kingfish, and Dolphin.
December is typically a great weather month. Winter species are in place but Wahoo bite is also good during full moon. Do not discount the possibility of Mahi in December. A good SE wind can bring them in closer.
Steve's Choice – Beginning of Cuda time on the flats. Gulf side inshore basins, outlets, and outside Gulf cuts for Trout, Bluefish, and Mackerels (Dependent on getting cold fronts). Atlantic reef edge and Patch reefs (Yellowtails, Cero Mackerels, Kings, etc).
Adapted from Dream Catcher Charters Keys Fishing Seasons. https://thekeywestfishingreport.com/fishing-seasons-of-key-west/
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