Fishing Seasons in Florida: Everything You Need to Know About the Year-Round Calendar for Catching Fish in Florida
If we were to dub one place “anglers’ dream destination”, we’d pick Florida in a heartbeat.
The Sunshine State is brimming with freshwater and saltwater bodies, from lakes and flats to bays and the deep waters of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. The environmental diversity extends to fish species, ranging from massive Bass and challenging Snappers to all types of Tuna, Trout, Flounder, and more.
With such exceptionally lucrative fishing opportunities, you’re bound to have something biting on your bait. It’s no surprise that Florida is known as the luckiest fishing hub in the world!
To make sure you always get in on the action, you need to know when to catch what and where to do it.
Today’s guide to fishing seasons in Florida outlines the best times for catching different fish species and the ideal spots to explore the state’s glorious underwater wealth!
Fishing Seasons in Florida by Climate
Like most of the country, The Sunshine State experiences the four climatic seasons; Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
The thing is, these seasons aren’t an effective way to classify fishing seasons because they provide a too-broad categorization that doesn’t properly fit the majority of fish species in Florida.
For example, the fishing seasons of some species correspond to multiple climatic seasons, while other species are only in season during a certain period of a single climatic season.
That said, the four climatic seasons can provide fishermen with a general overview of Florida’s fishing seasons before getting a specific outlook in the by-month section.
Spring
Many fish species breed and spawn during Spring with shallow water bodies turning into the main site for reproduction and growth. Once strong enough, the new fish move to off-beds or deeper water.
During spring, largemouth bass are particularly active in freshwater whereas saltwater bodies buzz with Marlin, Amberjack, Speckled Trout, Redfish, and Snook.
For this season, offshore fishing spots are where you need to be. The warm waters of the deep waters and backwaters are typically rich with Billfish, Mahi, and Tuna.
If you’re interested in catching Panfish and Bass in the Spring, head to just about any local pond.
Summer
For most fish species, Summer represents a spike in activity.
The desire to find food goes up as metabolism also increases, pushing the fish to venture boldly and become more willing to nibble on your bait.
The abundant fishing opportunities during Summer in Florida include inshore catches such as Snook, Trout, and Redfish in the Gulf, whereas the Atlantic side witnesses plenty of Wahoo, Sailfish, and Mahi Mahi.
As for offshore species, King Mackerel, Grouper, Red Snapper, and Amberjack are common finds close to reefs and shipwrecks.
Fall
The increase in activity for fish species in Florida reaches its peak in the Fall. It’s also around the same time that tourist numbers decline, so your fishing experience can take a more exclusive turn, especially backwater and inshore.
Fish species such as Snook, Speckled Trout, Flounder, and Redfish are prevalent inshore. Although offshore catches may not be as abundant, you can still get bites from Mahi Mahi, Blackfin Tuna, and Snook.
Winter
As water temperatures fall, metabolism follows suit. Most fish species in Florida are less eager to find food, so they become reluctant to bite and prefer to move to deep water.
The action, as such, relocates to Southern areas such as the Florida Keys where Tarpon, Permit, and Bonefish are widely present.
If you go close to piers and bridges, your chances of catching Sheepshead will be at their highest. If you’re near Palm Beach and Miami, your offshore catch will probably include Sailfish.
You can also target Spanish Mackerel simply by casting close to the beach. Otherwise, fishing inshore species is your best bet during this time.
Fishing Seasons in Florida by Month
Now that you have a general idea of the fishing seasons in Florida according to climate, it’s time to get more specific and look at what each month has in store for anglers. This will help you make the most of your time on the water depending on what you’re planning to target.
January
Many anglers make their way to South Florida in January where warmth is very much the case.
It’s not just the sunshine, but also the fewer crowds that attract fishing enthusiasts to spots like The Keys. Over there, January offers fishing opportunities for various species including Tarpon and Bonefish inshore, as well as Wahoo, Sailfish, and Tuna offshore.
If you’re after something more hands-on, you can catch Flounder, Sheepshead, Redfish, and Speckled Trout out in the bays and flats of the Panhandle. While you’re at it, be sure to swing by Homosassa to enjoy manatee spotting.
February
There isn’t much of a difference in water temperatures between January and February, so the fishing experience is more or less the same.
Freshwater and inshore species, such as Wahoo, Kingfish, Cobia, Sailfish, and Groupers, are ripe for action in zones stretching from Jacksonville to Miami.
The Sun Coast region is also buzzing with fish, featuring Redfish, Flounder, Sheepshead, and Trout on top of the list.
March
Although it shares some common aspects with January and February, March is also when things in the fishing scene start changing as Spring rolls in.
If your goal is freshwater species, you’ll have decent chances of bagging Largemouth Bass, Panfish, and Crappie.
If you’re in the Everglades, Keys, or Panhandle, tempting inshore species to go after include Tarpon, Triggerfish, Permit, Redfish, and Bonefish. The reefs also offer ample opportunity for catching Mackerel, Snappers, and Groupers.
April
Spring is in full swing during April, which means that many species are abundant for anglers looking to experience the best fishing that Florida has to offer.
In saltwater bodies, Marlin, Amberjack, Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Snook are largely available for action. In freshwater bodies, Crappie and Largemouth Bass take the reins.
If you’re in the Keys, flat fishing of Tarpon, Bonefish, and Permit is guaranteed to get your blood pumping.
May
Following April, Florida’s fishing landscape only gets better. Thanks to the rising water temperatures, May is lush with opportunities for anglers, both inshore and offshore.
For deep-sea anglers, you can expect plenty of run-ins with Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, and Marlin. In the Panhandle and the Keys, the Permit, Bonefish, and Tarpon trinity are as abundant as ever.
June
The peak of summer is also the peak of Florida’s fishing scene.
The population of inshore species such as Redfish and Snook is at its most dense. Tarpon activity begins to slow down, but Hogfish and Sailfish start taking over.
The Gulf Coast ushers its Red Snapper season, which is why you need to book your Destin and Pensacola accommodation early if you want to take part in the fun.
July
Anglers interested in offshore fishing can’t pass up July in Florida. Mahi Mahi, Red Snapper, Amberjack, Grouper, King Mackerel, and Wahoo are all readily available around this time.
Inshore fishing is just as exciting with Trout, Snook, Redfish, Tarpon, and Bonefish filling up the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, as well as the Keys’ flats.
August
Sailfish, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, Grouper, and Red Snapper are all available for offshore fishing in the Gulf and Atlantic waters. Also during August, Bonefish, Snook, and Permit are largely present through the Keys for inshore fishing.
September
As fall rolls in, September represents fewer crowds and a terrific time for anglers to snag the opportunity.
Blackfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Red Snapper, Grouper, and Sailfish provide an exciting scene for offshore fishing. As for the Keys and Miami, expect a reopening of the Snook season.
October
As temperatures drop, inshore fishing sees more action.
The flats and mangroves of the Indian River, Mosquito Lagoon, and Tampa Bay house lots of Speckled Trout, Snook, Mangrove Snapper, Spanish Mackerel, Flounder, Bonefish, and Redfish.
The St.Johns River becomes a primary destination for anglers targeting Flounders. Also offshore, the Grouper, Red Snapper, and Mahi Mahi remain a big attraction.
November
While the St.Johns River becomes a fantastic location for catching Crappie and Largemouth Bass, the general fishing landscape moves to Southern Florida.
Specifically in the Keys, where temperatures are warmer, your chances of getting bites from Bonefish, Permit, and Tarpon are quite big. Additionally, Palm Beach and Miami offer opportunities for Sailfish fishing along their shores.
December
Last but not least, December is the perfect time for catching Sheepshead across Florida near the shore around piers and bridges.
Kingfish, Sailfish, Grouper, and Wahoo remain the shining stars of offshore fishing, while Spotted Seatrout, Snook, and Redfish still dominate inshore.
Fishing Seasons in Florida by Availability of Species
| Month Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Redfish | Low | Medium | High | High | High | High | High | Medium | Medium | Medium | Low | Low |
| Largemouth Bass | Low | Medium | High | High | High | High | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | Low | Low |
| Peacock Bass | Low | Medium | High | High | High | High | High | Medium | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
| Bonefish | Medium | Medium | High | High | High | High | High | High | High | High | High | Medium |
| Snook | Low | Medium | Medium | High | High | High | High | High | High | Medium | High | Medium |
| Flounder | High | High | High | High | Medium | Low | Low | Low | Medium | High | High | High |
| Crappie | High | High | Medium | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Medium | High | High |
| Gag Grouper | Season closed | Season closed | Season closed | High | High | Medium | Season closed | Season closed | Low | Medium | High | High |
| Goliath Grouper | Low | Low | Low | Medium | High | High | High | High | High | Medium | Low | Low |
| Mangrove Snapper | High | High | High | High | High | High | High | High | High | High | High | High |
| Red Snapper | Season closed | Season closed | Season closed | Season closed | Season closed | High | High | Season closed | High | High | Season closed | Season closed |
| Wahoo | Medium | High | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | High | High | High | High | Medium |
| Sailfish | High | High | Medium | Low | Low | Medium | High | Medium | Medium | Low | High | High |
| Amberjack | Low | Low | Medium | Medium | Medium | High | High | High | High | Medium | Medium | Low |
| Hogfish | Low | Medium | Medium | Low | Low | Medium | Medium | Medium | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| Mahi Mahi | Medium | Medium | Medium | High | High | High | High | High | Medium | Low | Medium | Medium |
| King Mackerel | High | High | Medium | Medium | Low | Low | Low | Low | Medium | Medium | High | High |
| Spanish Mackerel | High | High | High | High | High | High | High | High | High | High | High | High |
| Blackfin Tuna | High | High | High | High | High | High | High | High | High | High | High | High |
| Yellowfin Tuna | Low | Low | Low | Medium | High | High | High | High | High | Medium | Low | Low |
| Jack Crevalle | Low | Low | Medium | Medium | High | High | High | High | High | Medium | Medium | Low |
| Sheepshead | High | High | High | High | High | High | High | High | High | High | High | High |
| Bonefish | Medium | Medium | High | High | High | High | High | High | High | High | High | Medium |
| Spotted Seatrout | Medium | Medium | High | High | High | High | High | High | High | High | Medium | Medium |
| Tarpon | Low | Low | Low | Medium | High | High | High | High | Medium | Medium | Low | Low |
| Permit | Low | Low | Low | Medium | High | High | High | High | High | Medium | Low | Low |
| Blue Marlin | Low | Low | Low | Medium | High | High | High | High | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
Summary
As you can tell by now, Florida is overflowing with fish species, be it offshore or inshore.
This great abundance makes it all the more important for anglers to keep track of the fishing seasons in Florida. Knowing when and where to go to catch certain species is the best way to have a fulfilling fishing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time of year is the best fishing in Florida?
This depends on the species of fish you’re after as they thrive at different times throughout the year.
What months are best for fishing in Florida?
We recommend scheduling your fishing trip for fall months as the temperatures go cooler and the crowds become fewer.
