Florida is a year-round fishing destination, but what’s biting changes a lot from month to month and from coast to coast. This Florida fishing calendar walks through the year so you can plan your trip around the fish you want to catch, whether that’s winter sailfish off Palm Beach, summer red snapper in Destin or fall fishing in the Keys.
Fishing seasons, size limits and bag limits change often and vary by species and location. Always check the current Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and federal rules, or ask your captain, before you keep any fish.
Florida Fishing Calendar at a Glance
| Month | Atlantic coast and Keys | Gulf coast |
|---|---|---|
| January | Sailfish, kingfish, wahoo, blackfin tuna | Grouper and snapper offshore, sheepshead nearshore |
| February | Sailfish, kingfish, cobia | Sheepshead, grouper, offshore wrecks |
| March | Sailfish, cobia, kingfish | Cobia migration, amberjack, triggerfish |
| April | Mahi-mahi arrive, kingfish, snapper | Cobia, kingfish, snapper |
| May | Mahi-mahi, mutton snapper, tarpon | Kingfish, amberjack, snapper |
| June | Mahi-mahi, yellowtail, tarpon | Red snapper season usually begins, grouper |
| July | Mahi-mahi, snapper at night | Red snapper, grouper, triggerfish |
| August | Snapper, mahi-mahi | Grouper, snapper, scamp |
| September | Snapper, kingfish, wahoo | Grouper, amberjack, fewer crowds |
| October | Kingfish, wahoo, mahi, snapper | Destin Fishing Rodeo, grouper, amberjack |
| November | Sailfish season begins, kingfish, wahoo | Grouper, snapper, cooler weather |
| December | Sailfish, kingfish, blackfin tuna | Grouper, sheepshead, offshore trips on calm days |
Winter (December to February)
Winter is sailfish season on Florida’s Atlantic coast. As cold fronts push baitfish south, sailfish, kingfish and wahoo follow them along the Gulf Stream off Palm Beach, Stuart and the Keys. Winter is also a great time for bottom fishing on calm days, though fronts can bring wind and cancelled trips, so build some flexibility into your plans.
Where to go: Palm Beach County, the Treasure Coast and the Keys. See our guides to deep sea fishing in South Florida and drift fishing in Palm Beach County.
Spring (March to May)
Spring is one of the best times to fish anywhere in Florida. Cobia migrate along both coasts, kingfish move north, and by April mahi-mahi start showing up off the Atlantic coast. In the Keys, spring brings excellent mutton snapper fishing and the start of tarpon season. Seas tend to calm down as winter fronts fade.
Where to go: just about anywhere. The Keys and the Panhandle are especially good. Read our Florida Keys party boat fishing guide.
Summer (June to August)
Summer means calm seas, hot days and some of the year’s best bottom fishing. On the Gulf side, red snapper season typically opens in summer, and Destin and the Panhandle get busy. On the Atlantic side and in the Keys, mahi-mahi fishing peaks, and night trips are a great way to beat the heat and catch snapper.
Where to go: Destin and the Gulf Coast for snapper, and the Keys and Southeast Florida for mahi and night fishing. See our Destin party boat fishing guide and night fishing charters in Florida.
September Fishing in Florida
September is one of Florida’s quietest months for crowds, so you’ll often get more room on the boat. Snapper and grouper fishing can be excellent, and kingfish start to show again on the Atlantic side. It’s also the peak of hurricane season, so watch the forecast, book with a boat that has a clear weather policy and keep your plans flexible.
October Fishing in Florida
October is a favorite month for many Florida anglers. The heat breaks, the crowds are still light and fish start feeding heavily ahead of winter. Kingfish and wahoo move along the Atlantic coast, and on the Gulf side, grouper and amberjack fishing can be excellent. In Destin, the month-long Destin Fishing Rodeo draws anglers from all over, and some boats run special long trips.
November Fishing in Florida
November brings cooler weather and the start of sailfish season on the Atlantic coast. Kingfish and wahoo stay strong, and offshore bottom fishing remains good on both coasts between cold fronts.
Fall Fishing Charters: Why Fall Is Underrated
- Fewer tourists and easier bookings
- Cooler, more comfortable days on the water
- Fish feeding heavily before winter
- Sailfish season starting in late fall on the Atlantic coast
How to Plan Around the Calendar
- Pick your target fish first, then choose your month and coast.
- Book early for summer weekends and holiday weeks.
- Stay flexible in winter and hurricane season, when weather can cancel trips.
- Ask the captain what’s been biting the week before your trip.
Find a boat for any season in our directory of Florida fishing charters, or read our guide to the best places to go deep sea fishing in Florida.
Florida Fishing Calendar FAQ
What is the best month to fish in Florida?
It depends on your target. April through June is excellent for variety and calm seas, while December through March is best for sailfish on the Atlantic coast.
Can you fish in Florida year-round?
Yes. Florida’s warm water means there’s always something biting, though seasons and closures apply to some species.
When is red snapper season in Florida?
Gulf red snapper season usually opens in summer, but the dates are set each year and can change. Check current FWC rules before your trip.
When is sailfish season in Florida?
Sailfish are most common off Southeast Florida from about November through March.
Is fall a good time to fish in Florida?
Yes. Fall brings fewer crowds, cooler weather and strong fishing for kingfish, wahoo, grouper and snapper.
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