Florida Keys Fishing Seasons Guide (2026)

Introduction

One of the biggest questions anglers ask before planning a trip is, “What fish are biting right now?” The Florida Keys offer excellent fishing opportunities throughout the year, but certain species are more active during specific seasons. For a month-by-month breakdown, use the Florida Keys fishing calendar.

This guide breaks down the best times to target some of the most popular game fish in the Florida Keys.

Spring is one of the best fishing seasons in the Keys. Water temperatures begin to rise, bait becomes more abundant, and many species become increasingly active.

Popular spring targets include:

Mahi-Mahi
Yellowtail Snapper
Mangrove Snapper
Blackfin Tuna
Tarpon
Kingfish

Tarpon fishing begins to heat up during the spring months, especially around bridges and channels throughout the Keys.

Summer offers excellent offshore fishing opportunities. Calm seas and warm water bring a variety of pelagic species within range.

Popular summer targets include:

Mahi-Mahi
Blackfin Tuna
Wahoo
Yellowtail Snapper
Mangrove Snapper
Mutton Snapper

Many anglers also target deep-water species such as snowy grouper and tilefish during the summer when weather conditions allow for long offshore runs.

Fall is often overlooked but can provide outstanding fishing with less boat traffic.

Popular fall targets include:

Mangrove Snapper
Grouper
Kingfish
Blackfin Tuna
Yellowtail Snapper

Cooling water temperatures often trigger increased feeding activity among reef and offshore species.

Winter brings cooler temperatures and some of the best reef fishing of the year.

Popular winter targets include:

Yellowtail Snapper
Mangrove Snapper
Grouper
Mackerel
Sailfish
Blackfin Tuna

Cold fronts can create excellent opportunities for sailfish along the reef edge.

Several species can be caught throughout most of the year in the Florida Keys:

Mangrove snapper are one of the most reliable species in the Keys and can be found around bridges, docks, mangroves, reefs, and wrecks.

Yellowtail snapper provide excellent action year-round, especially on patch reefs and offshore reef structures.

While peak seasons exist, blackfin tuna can be encountered throughout much of the year depending on water conditions and bait concentrations.

Related Florida Keys Fishing Guides

Getting ready to fish the Florida Keys? Check our Florida Keys fishing tackle checklist to make sure your essential gear is ready before leaving the dock.

For line, leaders, hooks and other rigging essentials, see our Florida Keys fishing line, leaders and terminal tackle guide.

Want help identifying productive structure and bottom contours? Compare options in our Florida Keys fish finder guide.

Final Thoughts

The Florida Keys provide world-class fishing opportunities during every season. Understanding seasonal patterns can help anglers target the right species at the right time and improve their chances of success.

Whether you’re fishing bridges, reefs, wrecks, or deep offshore structure, there is always something biting somewhere in the Florida Keys.