Fishing in Islamorada: What You Can Catch Each Season

Islamorada is a fishing paradise all year round. But each season brings different fish. Let's see what you might catch throughout the year in Islamorada.

Winter Fishing (December - February)

Winter in Islamorada is nice and mild. It's the best time to catch sailfish - they're fast and jump out of the water, which is super exciting! You can also catch lots of kingfish and wahoo. These fish are really quick and fun to catch. If you go further out to sea, you might find blackfin tuna. Near the coral reefs, you can catch grouper and snapper. Winter is great for fishing on the reefs.

Spring Fishing (March - May)

When the water gets warmer in spring, more fish start showing up. This is when the big tarpon, nicknamed the "silver king," comes to town. You might also catch colorful mahi-mahi and more blackfin tuna out in the deep water. If you like fishing in shallow water, spring is perfect for catching permit. Lots of people love fishing in spring because you can catch so many different kinds of fish.

Summer Fishing (June - August)

Summer is hot, and so is the fishing! This is the best time to catch mahi-mahi. They're beautiful fish that put up a good fight and taste great too. If you're really lucky, you might even catch a blue marlin - that's a big deal for any fisher! Tarpon are still around, and you can catch lots of different kinds of snapper near the reefs. Summer is perfect if you want to go fishing far out in the ocean.

Fall Fishing (September - November)

As it starts to cool down, fall brings its own special fishing. You can catch bonefish in shallow water, and sailfish and kingfish start coming back. Near the reefs, it's a great time to catch grouper. Fall is usually less busy, so it's nice if you want a more relaxed fishing trip. The weather is pleasant, and you can still catch lots of different fish.

What Fish to Catch Each Month

Tips for Fishing in Islamorada

1. Always check the weather - The weather in Islamorada can change fast. Before you go fishing, look up the forecast. Check for things like wind and waves. The best fishing days usually have calm water and light winds. This is great whether you're fishing close to shore or far out in the ocean.
2. Ask local fishing guides what's biting - Fish in Islamorada don't always follow the same patterns each year. Talk to local fishing captains or stop by bait shops. They know what's going on right now. They can tell you if sailfish are jumping, if lots of mahi-mahi are around, or if tarpon are swimming in the shallow areas.
3. Be ready to switch things up - When fishing in Islamorada, it's good to be flexible. You might want to catch one type of fish, but sometimes that doesn't work out. If the water's rough far from shore, try fishing near the reefs for snapper and grouper. Or, you could fish in calm, shallow water for bonefish and permit.
4. Bring the right fishing stuff - Having the right gear is super important. If you're fishing far out in the ocean for big fish like marlin or tuna, you need strong rods and reels. For fishing near reefs or in shallow water, lighter gear works better. Don't forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat – the Florida Keys sun can be really strong!
5. Know the fishing rules - Before you go, learn about the fishing rules in the Florida Keys. Some fish can only be caught at certain times of the year. There are also rules about how big fish need to be to keep them, and how many you can catch. For example, you might not be able to keep grouper or snapper all year round. Also, some fish like really big grouper and certain sharks need to be let go if you catch them.

Come Fishing with Big Dave Charters and Tours

No matter when you visit Islamorada, you can always catch great fish. Big Dave Charters and Tours knows all about the local waters and fish. We can help you plan an awesome fishing charter any time of year. Contact Big Dave Charters and Tours at 786-601-7096 to book a charter. Let's go fishing and make some great memories!