What’s Biting in Islamorada? A Month-by-Month Guide to Florida Keys Fishing

If you’ve ever tried to plan a Florida Keys fishing trip and thought, “Okay…but what’s actually biting right now?” — this guide is for you.

Islamorada is the Sportfishing Capital of the World for a reason. Our seasons don’t really look like the rest of the country’s. We don’t thaw out, we don’t take winters off, and we certainly don’t stop fishing. Instead, the bite simply shifts, month to month, species to species, reef to offshore.

Here’s your clear, month-by-month breakdown of what to expect, what’s running, and when to book that dream trip.

January

Peak Sailfish Season
When the wind kicks up and the water pushes in, the sailfish stack along the edge. It’s prime time for kite fishing, tailing sails, and big numbers when all the conditions line up.

Also biting: Kingfish, Blackfin Tuna, Wahoo, Snapper

February

Still Sailfish… plus Wahoo heaters
The sails stay strong, and February cold fronts often trigger excellent wahoo fishing—especially around the moons.

Also biting: Yellowtail Snapper, Cobia on the wrecks, Permit (when weather allows)

March

Transition month with great variety
Sails taper slightly but are still catchable. Meanwhile, the spring push of mahi and blackfin starts to tease offshore.

Also biting: Wreck kings, Vermillion Snapper, Amberjack (if you're brave)

April

Blackfin Tuna Madness
This is when the blackfin bite explodes on the humps. Early mahi show up offshore, and the weather finally stabilizes.

Also biting: Mahi, Sailfish stragglers, Snapper on the edge

May

Mahi Season Kicks In
If you dream of green and gold-lit mahi darting under weedlines, this is your month. Big schools, great weather, and plenty of action.

Also biting: Blackfin Tuna, Wahoo (around the full moon), Yellowtail Snapper

June

Summer Mahi + Reef Season
Consistent mahi fishing continues, and the reef lights up. Calm seas mean longer runs, more variety, and smoother days.

Also biting: Mangrove Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Permit on wrecks

July

Peak Reef & Snapper Season
Warm water = happy snappers. Nighttime mangrove fishing is excellent, and daytime yellowtailing stays strong

Also biting: Mahi offshore, Blackfin (early/late), Bonita schools everywhere

August

Calm seas + deep-water species
August can be slick calm, making it ideal for deep drops and offshore hunts. Mahi are still around but more scattered.

Also biting: Snowy Grouper, Queen Snapper, Tilefish, Amberjack

September

Slow month for crowds, not for fishing
Fewer boats, same fish. Offshore can be hit-or-miss, but the reef is reliable, and early fall mahi show up around debris

Also biting: Blackfin, Yellowtail, Muttons, occasional Wahoo

October

The Fall Mahi & Wahoo Window
As temps drop (a little), offshore fishing perks up. Wahoo around the moon, schoolie mahi offshore, and solid snapper action.

Also biting: Blackfin Tuna, Kingfish creeping back in

November

Welcome to “Everything Season”
This is one of the most underrated months. Cool fronts start rolling through, pushing pelagics closer to shore.

Also biting: Blackfin Tuna, Wahoo, Kingfish, Sailfish (early)

December

Sailfish Return — and they come hungry
The winter bite fires off again. This is when things start to feel electric. Kite season begins, and the sails start showering ballyhoo along the edge.

Also biting: Blackfin, Wahoo, Muttons, Yellowtail, Cobia on the wrecks

Quick Cheat Sheet

• Sailfish: Dec–Feb (peak), plus scattered spring fish
• Mahi: April–September (peak May–July)
• Blackfin Tuna: April–June (peak), strong again in fall
• Wahoo: Moons in winter + fall
• Snapper: Year-round, with excellent summer reef fishing
• Deep drop species: Best in calm summer conditions

Planning Your Trip

If you want a specific species, match your trip to the season. If you just want action? Honestly—pick a date. Something is always biting in Islamorada.

For anglers who want help choosing the right month or the right style of trip, reach out anytime. We’ll point you toward the best bite and make sure you’re set up for the kind of day you’re hoping for.