Is fishing good in the Keys in December?


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Best Fishing In The Florida Keys In December December is definitely one of the cooler months in the Florida Keys and the temperatures fluctuate. The ocean water is cooling down significantly and new fish are coming around. The average high temperature is 79, and the average low is 69.

What fish are biting in the Florida Keys in December?

The most consistent fishing all winter will be Snook and Redfish. But, if it’s not too cold the Tarpon bite can be good to epic. The Bonefish and a few Permit can be found all over Biscayne Bay and the Florida Keys however, the wind will be the biggest factor when targeting them.

Is fishing good in December in Key West?

Early December can still offer good conditions for Key West Flats fishing if you want to go on the hunt for baby Tarpon, Bonefish, and Permit. On the days that don’t warm up quite enough to get the Bonefish and Permit up on top of the Flats, you can fish the Backcountry channels.

What is the best time to fish in the Florida Keys?

While most tourists flock to the Florida Keys in Spring, the best fishing is actually from January through May. Good fishing with lesser crowds can be also be found June through October for various species of gamefish.

What is the best fish to catch in Florida in December?

You can catch numbers of black drum, redfish, and even snook. Snook season is closing but you can find them in the inlet areas still. Right now, the black drum and redfish are biting the best. Crabs, pinfish, and croakers are all great options to help land the fish of your dreams.

What deep sea fish are in season in Florida in December?

Some of the most popular deep-sea species during winter are: snapper, grouper, king mackerel, amberjack, tuna, cobia, hogfish and wahoo.

Is fishing good in December in Florida?

Bass fishing in Florida is usually great in the month of December. Bass are starting to feed up for the spawn. Cold fronts have started rolling through the state not only cooling off our air temperatures, but also our water temperatures.

Is fishing better in Key Largo or Key West?

If you’re into fishing, either fly-fishing or hook-and-line, you’ll find that Key West is by far the better option. Key West has multiple fishing championships and tournaments throughout the year at various locations around the island and in the surrounding waters.

Where can you not fish in the Keys?

Sanctuary Preservation Areas and Ecological Reserves in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary are marked by 30″ diameter yellow buoys around the perimeter of the zone. Mooring buoys within these zones will be marked with a sticker which denotes that fishing is not allowed.

What is the best time to fish in Key West?

Best Times to Fish in Key West March-October are the best months; November-February offer decent fishing. April & May are the best months; June-August offers decent fishing.

Where is the best fishing in the Florida Keys?

  1. Marathon. Marathon is a city that encompasses several islands nestled in the middle of the archipelago.
  2. Big Pine Key. Big Pine Key is one of the larger islands in the Lower Keys.
  3. Florida Bay.
  4. Key West.
  5. Key Largo.
  6. Boca Chica Channel Bridge.
  7. Islamorada.

What fish are in season in Islamorada?

The two most popular fish we target are Dolphin (spring, summer) and Sailfish (fall, winter); both are so popular and bountiful that they are referred to as dolphin season and sailfish season. However, there are many other types of fish we target and many we catch as a by-catch when targeting something else.

Are the Florida Keys warm in December?

December Weather at Florida Keys Marathon International Airport Florida, United States. Daily high temperatures decrease by 3ยฐF, from 79ยฐF to 76ยฐF, rarely falling below 67ยฐF or exceeding 84ยฐF. Daily low temperatures decrease by 4ยฐF, from 70ยฐF to 66ยฐF, rarely falling below 56ยฐF or exceeding 76ยฐF.

What is the best month to fish tarpon in Florida?

The best time to fish for large migratory tarpon in the Florida Keys is when the water temperatures reach and stay above seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit. That can be as early as mid-March, but usually equates to late March to as late as early April. May is all safe as well as most of June.

Is mahi mahi in season?

Mahi Mahi doesn’t have a closed season so they are available for harvest year-round. The best time to target mahi mahi is from April through June.

What fish bite in the winter in Florida?

  • Sheepshead. A member of the porgy family, sheepshead generally migrate to inshore waters from November through February.
  • Spotted Seatrout.
  • Redfish.
  • Pompano.
  • Black Drum.
  • Tripletail.

Do fish bite when its cold in Florida?

Fish are cold blooded so therefor the water temperature regulated the fish body temperature. When a cold front is coming down, fish become more active and feed more, but when that front passes over, well, the bite is off.

Is fishing good in Florida during the winter?

This means that even in the winter you can have a great warm water fishing experience. With great natural parks, beautiful rivers, and warm waters off the coast, you can expect to get your hands on snapper, snook, and bass. Where the fresh water meets the saltwater, you can also find redfish and trout.

Is December good for deep sea fishing?

The wintertime brings cooler water, and some of the best deep-sea fish love the water to be just a bit chilly. Grouper is one of those families of fish that like the water in winter. Other targets for December and January include Yellowtail snapper.

Where can I fish in the winter in Florida?

Fishing the Deep Grass Flats in Winter Submerged grass beds in deeper water can be great spots to fish in Florida in the wintertime. Flats in water with nice grassy bottoms in depths of 6 feet to 10 feet will hold speckled trout, Spanish mackerel, pompano, bluefish, and other species.

What is the best month to fish in Florida?

The best time to fish in the state of Florida in saltwater is normally April through September whereas the best times to fish freshwater are spring through November. Each species of Florida gamefish will have its peak high seasons.

What is the prettiest Key in Florida?

Key Largo – John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Key Largo is home to one of the Florida Keys’ most famous scenic views with the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.

Which side of the Florida Keys is best?

Key West. Easily the most famous of the Florida Keys, there’s a reason why Key West is the most popular destination in the Keys. With everything from gorgeous historical buildings (like Hemingway’s Home) to bumping nightlife and great food, a stop here is a no-brainer.

Do I need a fishing license in the Florida Keys?

Is a Fishing License Required? A saltwater fishing license is required to fish independently in the Keys, even from area bridges or from shore. These can be purchased at many bait and tackle shops, online at www.myfwc.com or by calling 1-888-FISH-FLORIDA (888-347-4356) toll-free.

What do I need to know about fishing in the Keys?

  • How to Attract Game Fish. Free-line pilchards or cigar minnows on light tackle to attract choice game fish.
  • Mahi Mahi, Not Flipper. Be on the lookout for dolphin.
  • Check out the Bay. For shark fishing, check out Florida Bay.
  • Swing by Mangrove.

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