Bass Fishing

Florida Keys Fishing Seasons

By Mike Richardson 16 January, 2023 3 mins read

Knowing the Florida Keys fishing conditions is key to making the most of your trip. This will allow you to catch the fish that you want, such as Redfish or Bonefish, Sailfish or Grouper, during these seasons. Below you'll find some tips on when is the best time to visit the Keys. These fishing seasons will enable you to get more for your money as well as give you the chance to have a better time fishing in the Keys.

Redfish

Redfish fishing seasons in Florida Keys are determined by water temperature. Redfish find the warmest water temperatures in winter and their preferred feeding areas in the shallows. They will often seek shelter in mangroves, which is why baitfish are so attractive to them. This is a good time to fish for redfish. One small knock on the boat will send a school redfish racing to deeper waters.

Bonefish

If you are passionate about fighting fish, the Florida Keys fishing opportunities for bonefish will be a delight. These fish are fast and tough, and they'll do just about anything to get a piece of your catch. Bonefish will often charge or run at the angler so you need to be able to manage them correctly. Although a fight with a bonefish is not difficult, you should be ready for a lengthy fight.

Sailfish

Sailfish fishing seasons in Florida Keys vary depending on where you are located. They are most active in spring, when east winds push the darker waters of the bottom up against the clean surface. Sailfish are excellent sight fishers because they stick their tails out of the water while swimming against the current. These fishing seasons also make it the busiest time for other species in the area. It is therefore important to pick a spot.

Grouper

Grouper fishing seasons in the Florida Keys are governed by the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. Gulf waters extend nine nm offshore while Atlantic state waters extend three nm offshore. The Gulf does have a limit on its size, but all state waters require the use of non-stainless metal hooks. The Atlantic fishery also requires that you use dehooking tools. You will also need non-offset circle hooks north of 28° N.

Permit fishing

The best times to fish for permit in the Florida Keys are year-round, but there are certain months when fishing will be most productive. The first signs of spring coincide with permit spawning season, which makes it easy to sneak up on the fish. June is another great month to fish for permit. It is when the water is warm and the spawning period is over. Fly fishing is also possible due to the calmer weather.

Blue marlin

Blue Marlin can be found in the Florida Keys but are not common. Typically weighing between 150 and 600 pounds, these fish are caught and released. Blue Marlin can also be found in the Gulf and Atlantic, but prefer deeper water. It is also known that Gulf Shrimp boats can hold the fish during the summer and spring months. Blue Marlin fishing may prove difficult in the winter months.

Bonefishing in Intracoastal Waterway

The Florida Keys offer excellent bonefishing and are the ideal place. The state's most prized gamefish, the bonefish, is known as the "grey ghost on the flats". These fast-swimming, stealthy bonefish are a great thrill to catch. They can reach lengths of up to 3 feet and can weigh upto 15 pounds. The peak season for bonefish fishing in the Keys is March through October. These months are quiet for bonefish fishing as they tend to be hiding in deep water and not actively looking for food.

Sailfishing in Intracoastal waters

The Intracoastal Waterway, which runs through the Florida Keys from Fort Myers and Longboat Key, passes through Charlotte Harbor as well as Pine Island Sound. There are many fishing opportunities in this network of backwaters, canals, and channels. Inlet waters are home to redfish, tuna, grouper, snapper, and bluefish. Access to the water is made easy by a number of local ramps.

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FAQ

Can I get my kids interested in fishing?

Absolutely! Fishing is a favorite pastime of children. The majority of children who are raised fishing will never stop. Encourage your child to learn how to fish. You can show your child how to tie knots, make a fishing pole and teach them good fishing etiquette. You could also show them pictures of what fish look like and tell them stories about fishing.

Where can I get good fishing guides?"

Many services are provided by fishing guides. These guides can give advice on the best places to catch fish, offer tips on how to catch specific types of fish, or even show you how different types of fishing equipment works.

What kind of fishing gear do I need?

A rod, reel line, hooks, line, bait, tackle box and some snacks. To catch fish you need to be able to cast, set up hooks, and use the bobber. Be patient and wait until you catch the fish.

Are special licenses necessary to fish?

If you are planning to take fish out-of-state or across county lines, then no. Many states allow anglers to fish without any type of license. Check with your local Fish & Wildlife agency to see what is required.

Statistics

Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)
Orvis, Simms, and Fishpond have been making some of the best packs and vests for a long time, and it seems like 90% of the anglers around the area use these brands. (troutandsteelhead.net)
You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)
For most freshwater species you are most likely to target when first starting out, a reel size of 20 to 30 should be more than enough! (strikeandcatch.com)