Florida has offshore fishing year-round, but the target species change with the seasons. This month-by-month guide gives a general picture of what is commonly caught offshore along the Atlantic coast and the Keys. Every year is different, water temperatures shift, and regulations change, so always check recent reports and current rules.
Winter (December to February)
- Sailfish: winter is prime time off Southeast Florida and the Keys, especially after cold fronts. See our sailfish trolling guide.
- Wahoo: cooler water brings wahoo along the reef edge and drop-offs.
- Blackfin tuna: often active, especially around wrecks and humps in the Keys.
- Kingfish: winter kingfish runs along the coast.
Spring (March to May)
- Mahi: numbers build through spring as fish push north along the Gulf Stream.
- Sailfish: still active early in spring.
- Blackfin tuna: spring is a strong time in the Keys.
- Wahoo: still possible early in the season.
Summer (June to August)
- Mahi: early summer is often peak, with weed lines and floating debris holding fish.
- Blackfin tuna: morning and evening bites around structure.
- Swordfish: daytime deep-drop swordfishing is popular off South Florida and the Keys.
- Marlin: occasional blue and white marlin offshore.
Fall (September to November)
- Wahoo: fall is a highlight as the first cool fronts arrive.
- Kingfish: fall migrations along the coast.
- Mahi: smaller fish often still around.
- Sailfish: numbers begin to increase late in the fall.
Gulf coast notes
Florida's Gulf coast offers yellowfin and blackfin tuna in deep water and around rigs, plus summer mahi and occasional billfish farther offshore.
Matching lures to the season
- Winter: high-speed lures for wahoo and small baits for sails
- Spring and summer: bright mahi lures and small tuna lures
- Fall: wahoo bullets and heavier lures
For lure picks, see the best saltwater lures for Florida, and check out wahoo fishing in the Florida Keys.
