Target Species
Islamorada Fishing Calendar
A seasonal look at what’s biting offshore and in the backcountry in the Florida Keys.
Offshore Fishing Calendar
Offshore fishing in Islamorada shifts with the seasons, bringing different pelagic species through the area as water temperature, currents, and bait patterns change. Here’s a seasonal look at what we typically see offshore throughout the year.
Spring
March - May
Spring is one of the best times for offshore fishing in Islamorada. Clean water, steady current, and warming temperatures bring a strong mix of pelagic species.
Most Active Species:
- Mahi-mahi
- Blackfin tuna
- Wahoo
Expect reliable action, bright blue water, and long windows of fish movement throughout the day. Many anglers consider spring to be “prime time.”
Summer
June - August
Summer offers calm seas and consistent offshore patterns. Warm water pushes mahi and tuna into range, and many days provide steady bites close to shore.
Most Active Species:
- Blackfin tuna
- Wahoo
- Mahi-mahi
It’s a great season for families and anglers looking for steady, relaxed offshore fishing.
Fall
September - November
Fall brings cooler mornings and strong offshore opportunities with fewer boats on the water. Tuna fishing stays productive, and the first signs of the winter sailfish season begin to show.
Most Active Species:
- Blackfin tuna
- Kingfish
- Early-season sailfish
- Snapper
It’s a balanced season with a mix of pelagics and reef fish.
Winter
December - February
Winter is classic sailfish season in Islamorada. Cold fronts ignite fast-moving packs of sails along the edge, and wahoo fishing can be excellent around the moons.
Most Active Species:
- Sailfish
- Wahoo
- Kingfish
- Blackfin Tuna
A strong season for anglers who enjoy fast-paced action and crisp winter conditions offshore.
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Inshore Fishing Calendar
Islamorada’s backcountry changes with temperature, tide flow, bait movement, and seasonal patterns. From tarpon migrations to wintertime snook and trout, each season has its own rhythm. Here’s what we typically see throughout the year.
Spring
March - May
Spring is one of the best seasons in the backcountry. Warming water, steady tides, and strong bait movement make the flats and channels come alive.
Most Active Species:
- Tarpon
- Snook
- Redfish
- Mangrove Snapper
- Trout
This is prime time for tarpon, with early-morning and late-afternoon bites and great light-tackle action.
Summer
June - August
Summer brings calm mornings, warm evenings, and steady inshore fishing. Tarpon remain active early in the season, while snook and reds stay strong around the mangroves and shorelines.
Most Active Species:
- Tarpon
- Snook
- Redfish
- Mangrove Snapper
It’s a great season for relaxed, shallow-water trips with plenty of opportunities on soft plastics, live bait, and topwater lures.
Fall
September - November
Fall offers some of the most comfortable inshore fishing of the year. Cooler mornings help snook and reds feed aggressively, and bait pushes deep into the bay.
Most Active Species:
- Snook
- Snapper
- Trout
- Redfish
Light crowds and active fish make fall a solid time for both beginners and experienced anglers.
Winter
December - February
Winter brings clean, cool water and excellent light-tackle fishing. Trout gather in deeper channels, and snook and redfish settle into patterns around structure.
Most Active Species:
- Snook
- Snapper
- Trout
- Redfish
Warm afternoons can still produce tarpon, but winter is best known for calm-water action on snook, reds, and trout.
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