PRIME SPECIES & BEST BITES BY MONTH
January
Prime Species: Sailfish, Wahoo, Grouper, Blackfin Tuna, Yellowtail Snapper, Mutton Snapper, African Pompano, Cobia, Mangrove Snapper, Bonefish, Snook, Mackerel
What’s Hot: Peak sailfish season is underway and reef fishing is excellent. Far Gulf trips are producing Blackfin Tuna behind the shrimp boats, while Gulf wrecks are loaded with Cobia, African Pompano, and Grouper. Dry Tortugas trips offer outstanding bottom fishing for Mutton Snapper.
February
Prime Species: Sailfish, Kingfish, Grouper, Wahoo, Cobia, Queen Snapper, Bonefish, Tarpon (beginning to show)
What’s Hot: Offshore pelagics remain strong with excellent reef fishing. Far Gulf trips continue producing Blackfin Tuna, Cobia, African Pompano, and Grouper. Wahoo fishing remains productive along the reef edge and offshore current breaks.
March
Prime Species: Tarpon, Blackfin Tuna, Permit, Cobia, Bonefish, Kingfish
What’s Hot: Spring transition begins and the tarpon bite starts heating up. Far Gulf fishing is productive for Tuna, Permit, Cobia, and Kingfish. Reef and wreck fishing remain consistent with improving weather windows.
April
Prime Species: Tarpon, Mahi-Mahi, Permit, Blackfin Tuna, Mutton Snapper, Black Grouper
What’s Hot: One of the best all-around fishing months in the Florida Keys. Tarpon fishing is in prime form while offshore Mahi-Mahi begin showing in good numbers. Far Gulf trips are excellent for Permit and Grouper.
May
Prime Species: Tarpon, Mahi-Mahi, Blackfin Tuna, Mutton Snapper, Grouper, Yellowtail Snapper, Snowy Grouper, Tilefish, Bonefish, Red Snapper
What’s Hot: Prime tarpon migration meets the beginning of the summer Mahi-Mahi run. Far Gulf fishing is excellent for Permit, Goliath Grouper, Red Grouper, and African Pompano. Atlantic Red Snapper season opens toward the end of the month.
June
Prime Species: Mahi-Mahi, Blackfin Tuna, Swordfish, Bonefish, Tarpon, Mutton Snapper, Grouper, Red Snapper
What’s Hot: Calm seas and hot offshore fishing make June one of the best months of the year. Gulf Red Snapper season opens and bottom fishing is outstanding. Pulley Ridge trips produce Warsaw Grouper and a variety of deep-water species.
July
Prime Species: Mahi-Mahi, Grouper, Permit, Mangrove Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper, Mutton Snapper
What’s Hot: Excellent reef and offshore fishing continue through summer. Gulf fishing remains productive for Red Snapper and Grouper. Pulley Ridge deep-drop trips continue producing quality bottom species.
August
Prime Species: Mahi-Mahi, Wahoo, Mangrove Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Grouper
What’s Hot: Deep dropping and reef fishing stay strong through late summer. Lobster season opens and Far Gulf trips produce Grouper, Red Snapper, and other bottom species. Pulley Ridge fishing remains productive.
September
Prime Species: Swordfish, Wahoo, Blackfin Tuna, Mutton Snapper, Mahi-Mahi
What’s Hot: Smaller crowds and consistent offshore action make September a hidden gem. Mahi-Mahi remain productive and Gulf fishing continues to produce quality bottom fish and deep-drop species.
October
Prime Species: Grouper, Sailfish, Mutton Snapper, Swordfish, Bonefish, Cobia
What’s Hot: Cooling water temperatures trigger the fall transition. Swordfish is excellent and Sailfish begin arriving in better numbers. Far Gulf wrecks start producing Cobia and Pulley Ridge trips are highly productive.
November
Prime Species: Sailfish, Kingfish, Wahoo, Yellowtail Snapper, Blackfin Tuna, Grouper, Cobia, Bonefish
What’s Hot: Big winter pelagics arrive in the Florida Keys. Gulf wrecks produce strong Cobia and Kingfish action while Florida Bay snapper fishing becomes very productive.
December
Prime Species: Sailfish, Grouper, Yellowtail Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, Cobia, Mackerel
What’s Hot: Winter reef fishing is at its best. Gulf wrecks produce Cobia, Goliath Grouper, Kingfish, and Snapper while Florida Bay fishing is excellent for Mackerel and Mangrove Snapper.