The Florida Keys offer a diverse range of fishing opportunities throughout the year, with each season presenting its own unique set of target species and optimal conditions. Whether you’re an avid angler or a casual fishing enthusiast, understanding the fishing seasons in the Florida Keys can help you plan the perfect fishing trip and maximize your chances of catching your desired species.
Tarpon Season
- Season: Year-round
- Best: June – October
Tarpon, often referred to as the “silver king,” are a prized game fish in the Florida Keys. These powerful fish can be found in the region’s flats, channels, and backcountry waters year-round, but the peak season for targeting them is from June through October.
Grouper Season
- Season: January 1 – May 31, November – March
- Best: November – March
Grouper, including species like gag, red, and black grouper, are a popular target for anglers in the Florida Keys. The grouper season is open from January 1 to May 31, as well as from November through March, with the best fishing typically occurring during the winter months.
Snapper Season
- Season: Year-round
- Best: March – May
Snapper, including species like mangrove, mutton, and yellowtail snapper, are abundant in the Florida Keys. While they can be caught year-round, the best time to target snapper is typically from March through May, when they are most active and feeding aggressively.
Marlin Season
- Season: March – October
- Best: April – May
The Florida Keys are renowned for their excellent marlin fishing, with both blue and white marlin making their appearance in the region’s waters. The marlin season runs from March through October, with the peak months being April and May.
Kingfish Season
- Season: September – April
- Best: December – March
Kingfish, also known as king mackerel, are a popular target for anglers in the Florida Keys. The kingfish season runs from September through April, with the best fishing typically occurring during the winter months of December through March.
Sailfish Season
- Season: Year-round
- Best: December – March
Sailfish are another highly sought-after species in the Florida Keys. While they can be caught year-round, the peak sailfish season is from December through March, when these majestic fish are most abundant in the region’s waters.
Tuna Season
- Season: Year-round
- Best: December – February
Tuna, including species like blackfin, yellowfin, and skipjack, are a popular target for anglers in the Florida Keys. While tuna can be caught year-round, the best time to target them is typically from December through February.
Dolphin (Mahi-Mahi) Season
- Season: April – September
- Best: May – June
Dolphin, also known as mahi-mahi, are a highly prized game fish in the Florida Keys. The dolphin season runs from April through September, with the peak months being May and June.
Wahoo Season
- Season: Year-round
- Best: April – May, October, December
Wahoo are a fast and powerful game fish that can be found in the waters of the Florida Keys year-round. However, the best times to target them are typically in April and May, as well as during the months of October and December.
Cobia Season
- Season: November – April
- Best: January – March
Cobia, also known as lemon fish, are a popular target for anglers in the Florida Keys. The cobia season runs from November through April, with the peak months being January through March.
Yellowtail Snapper Season
- Season: Year-round
- Best: April – June
Yellowtail snapper are a staple of the Florida Keys fishing scene. While they can be caught year-round, the best time to target them is typically from April through June, when they are most active and feeding aggressively.
Mutton Snapper Season
- Season: Year-round
- Best: March – May
Mutton snapper are another highly sought-after species in the Florida Keys. While they can be caught year-round, the best time to target them is typically from March through May.
Blue Marlin Season
- Season: March – October
- Best: April – May
The Florida Keys are also renowned for their excellent blue marlin fishing. The blue marlin season runs from March through October, with the peak months being April and May.
Fishing Tournaments
The Florida Keys host a variety of fishing tournaments throughout the year, offering anglers the opportunity to compete for prizes and bragging rights. One of the most notable tournaments is the Key West Fishing Tournament, which takes place from May to November and features a wide range of species and categories.
Costs and Timings
The cost of fishing trips in the Florida Keys can vary depending on the type of fishing, charter, and duration. Typically, a half-day deep sea fishing trip can cost around $800-$1,200, while a full-day trip can cost $1,200-$2,000. Fishing trips in the Florida Keys typically start early in the morning, around 7:00 AM, and can last from 4 to 8 hours.
Directory and Hours
- Dream Catcher Charters: 1-305-292-7212, available for inshore, flats, and deep sea fishing.
- Hawks Cay Marina: Offers fishing charters and excursions, operating directly out of the marina.
Rates and Value
The rates for fishing trips in the Florida Keys vary depending on the charter and type of fishing. Generally, a half-day trip can cost around $800-$1,200, while a full-day trip can cost $1,200-$2,000. The value of fishing in the Florida Keys lies in the diverse range of species, experienced guides, and the unique fishing experiences offered.
References
- Lime Tree Bay Resort. (n.d.). Florida Keys Fishing Seasons – Lime Tree Bay Resort. Retrieved from https://limetreebayresort.com/amenities-activities/fishing-calendar/
- The Key West Fishing Report. (n.d.). Fishing Seasons Of Key West. Retrieved from https://thekeywestfishingreport.com/fishing-seasons-of-key-west/
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. (n.d.). Saltwater Recreational Fishing Regulations | FWC. Retrieved from https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/
- Fishing Florida Keys. (n.d.). Florida Keys Fishing Seasons Calendar. Retrieved from https://www.fishingfloridakeys.com/florida_keys_fishing_seasons.htm
- Hawks Cay Resort. (n.d.). Florida Keys Fishing Calendar — Best Times to Fish. Retrieved from https://www.hawkscay.com/florida-keys-fishing/fishing-calendar