Florida Keys Fishing Calendar (2026 Guide)
Introduction
The Florida Keys offer world-class fishing opportunities throughout the year. While some species are available year-round, others have peak seasons when fishing is at its best. Understanding what fish are most active each month can help anglers plan successful trips and target the species they want most.
This Florida Keys Fishing Calendar provides a month-by-month overview of some of the most popular game fish found throughout the Keys.
Florida Keys Fishing Calendar: Quick Month-by-Month Guide
How to read it: 🔥 = peak seasonal target ✅ = good opportunity — = generally not a primary seasonal target. Fishing conditions vary with weather, water temperature and location, and current FWC seasons and limits always apply.
| Month | 🔥 Peak / Best Bets | ✅ Also Good |
|---|---|---|
| January | Sailfish, Wahoo, King Mackerel | Blackfin Tuna, Snapper, Swordfish |
| February | Sailfish, Wahoo, King Mackerel | Blackfin Tuna, Cobia, Snapper |
| March | Sailfish, Tarpon, Permit | Wahoo, Cobia, King Mackerel |
| April | Tarpon, Mahi-Mahi, Permit | Wahoo, Sailfish, Mutton Snapper |
| May | Tarpon, Mahi-Mahi, Permit | Wahoo, Grouper, Mutton Snapper |
| June | Mahi-Mahi, Tarpon, Reef Fishing | Wahoo, Grouper, Mutton Snapper |
| July | Mahi-Mahi, Tarpon, Reef Fishing | Grouper, Mutton Snapper, Swordfish |
| August | Mahi-Mahi, Reef Fishing | Tarpon, Grouper, Mutton Snapper |
| September | Mahi-Mahi, Reef Fishing | Grouper, Mutton Snapper, Swordfish |
| October | Mahi-Mahi, King Mackerel | Grouper, Permit, Swordfish |
| November | Wahoo, Sailfish, King Mackerel | Cobia, Permit, Reef Fishing |
| December | Sailfish, Wahoo, King Mackerel | Cobia, Blackfin Tuna, Snapper |
Tip: Use this quick chart to pick a target, then scroll to the detailed month section below for tactics and species notes.
Top Species:
- Blackfin Tuna
- Sailfish
- Kingfish
- Yellowtail Snapper
- Mutton Snapper
Winter cold fronts often produce excellent offshore fishing conditions, especially for sailfish and blackfin tuna.
Top Species:
- Sailfish
- Blackfin Tuna
- Kingfish
- Yellowtail Snapper
- Grouper
February continues to provide some of the best offshore action of the year.
Top Species:
- Mutton Snapper
- Yellowtail Snapper
- Blackfin Tuna
- Kingfish
- Grouper
As water temperatures begin to rise, snapper fishing often improves significantly.
Top Species:
- Mutton Snapper
- Yellowtail Snapper
- Mangrove Snapper
- Blackfin Tuna
- Cobia
Spring fishing can be outstanding throughout the Florida Keys.
Top Species:
- Mahi-Mahi
- Mutton Snapper
- Yellowtail Snapper
- Mangrove Snapper
- Blackfin Tuna
May marks the beginning of excellent mahi-mahi fishing offshore.
Top Species:
- Mahi-Mahi
- Mangrove Snapper
- Mutton Snapper
- Yellowtail Snapper
- Permit
June is one of the most productive months for a variety of species.
Top Species:
- Mahi-Mahi
- Mangrove Snapper
- Yellowtail Snapper
- Snowy Grouper
- Tilefish
Summer weather often allows anglers to access deeper offshore waters.
Top Species:
- Mangrove Snapper
- Mahi-Mahi
- Snowy Grouper
- Tilefish
- Queen Snapper
Deep drop fishing is often excellent during calm summer conditions.
Top Species:
- Mangrove Snapper
- Mahi-Mahi
- Blackfin Tuna
- Snowy Grouper
- Queen Snapper
Many anglers enjoy lighter fishing pressure during September.
Top Species:
- Wahoo
- Blackfin Tuna
- Sailfish
- Yellowtail Snapper
- Mangrove Snapper
Cooling water temperatures begin to bring more pelagic species into the area.
Top Species:
- Wahoo
- Sailfish
- Blackfin Tuna
- Yellowtail Snapper
- Kingfish
November is often considered one of the best months for wahoo fishing.
Top Species:
- Wahoo
- Sailfish
- Blackfin Tuna
- Kingfish
- Yellowtail Snapper
Winter fishing patterns return and offshore action can be outstanding.
Best Deep Drop Fishing Months
Many anglers target deep-water species year-round, but some of the most productive months include:
- June
- July
- August
- September
These months often provide calmer seas and more opportunities to fish depths exceeding 800 feet.
Popular deep drop species include:
- Snowy Grouper
- Tilefish
- Queen Snapper
- Blackbelly Rosefish
Best Spearfishing Months
While spearfishing can be productive year-round, many divers prefer:
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
These months often offer warmer water and improved visibility.
Popular targets include:
- Hogfish
- Mangrove Snapper
- Mutton Snapper
- Grouper
Related Florida Keys Planning Guides
- Florida Keys Fishing Seasons Guide
- Best Florida Keys Fishing Spots by Species
- Interactive Florida Keys Fishing Map
Final Thoughts
There is no bad time to fish in the Florida Keys. Every month offers opportunities to target different species, from offshore pelagics and reef fish to deep drop species and inshore favorites.
Understanding seasonal patterns can help anglers maximize their success and plan trips around their preferred target species.
Related Florida Keys Fishing Guides
Planning your next fishing trip? Check out these helpful guides:
Wahoo Fishing in the Florida Keys (2026 Guide)
Learn when and where to target one of the fastest fish in the ocean.
Mahi-Mahi Fishing in the Florida Keys (2026 Guide)
Discover the best seasons, locations, and techniques for catching mahi.
Snowy Grouper Fishing in the Florida Keys (2026 Guide)
Explore one of the Keys’ premier deep drop species.
Mangrove Snapper Fishing in the Florida Keys (2026 Guide)
Learn how to consistently catch mangrove snapper throughout the year.
Best Florida Keys Bridges for Fishing (2026 Guide)
Find productive bridge fishing locations throughout the Keys.