Florida is known as the ‘Fishing Capital of the World’ for many reasons, some of which I’ve highlighted below. I’ve summarized the best time of year, places, and prime baits to use when targeting these most desired Florida species.
January – I love to target Sheepshead during the month of January because this species tends to spawn and thrive during this coldest time of year in Florida. Large schools of Sheepshead can easily be found near rocks, pilings, or any type of structure. Try sandfleas, fiddler crabs, or small pieces of shrimp as baitwhen targeting Sheepshead.
February – I enjoy searching for large Black Drum (aka Big Uglies) during the month of February because large schools can be found in the intercoastal waterways spawning and gorgefeeding. I prefer using cut blue crab and clam bellies as bait when targeting Black Drum.
March – If you ever wanted to target the Wahoo, March would be the best time to head offshore the east coast of Florida. Migration of larger Wahoo takes place between late February and the month of March. Be sure and use wire leader and ballyhoo when trolling for Wahoo.
April – Your best chance of running into a Cobia would be during the month of April when the Manta rays are found in larger numbers just off east coast Florida beaches. During the Spring, Cobia are more active near the surface making them a much easier target. Try using a larger bucktail, flare hawk, or larger swimbait when targeting Cobia.
May – Mahi-Mahi are by far my favorite fish to target offshore during the month of May. Search for weed lines, birds, or visible color change in the water to locate your fish. Trolling is a method that allows you to cover much more water usually resulting in more fish caught. Ballyhoo are typically the best bait for targeting Mahi/Dolphin offshore.
June – While the entire summer is good for targeting Kingfish, June is considered prime time on Florida beaches due to the ideal water temperatures and abundance of bait circulating. Use a wire leader to increase your chances of landing a kingfish. Menhaden, also known as Pogies are my favorite bait for targeting Kingfish.
July – I love targeting snook off the beach during the month of July because they actively feed this time of year in preparation for spawning. This is one of the easiest types of sight fishing from the beach that can produce some amazing results.
August – While peak Flounder season in Florida extends from late summer to early winter, I typically catch our largest fish in greater numbers in late August. Be sure to keep your bait near the bottom of the column if you plan to catch a Flounder.
September – Given the mullet run typically lands in the month of September, MANY species of fish can be found in the area but, the Tarpon (aka the Silver King) becomes a highly targeted fish for most Florida anglers. To target Tarpon during the mullet run in Florida, you can use a live mullet bait or a lure that resembles a live mullet for the best results.
October – Fall is the prime time of year to target Redrum as these fish are in their spawning season, making them larger, hungrier, and more aggressive feeders. During the month of October, Redfish can be found in larger numbers and in big schools making them easier target. Redfish love to feed on crustacean baits.
November – November is considered the official beginning of ‘Trout Season’ and is typically one of the best months to target this species in Florida. The cooler water temperatures and clear water makes for great Speckled Trout fishing conditions. Use a live shrimp under a popping cork for the best results.
December – Pompano and Permit are great targets during the month of December as these species prefer cooler water temperatures. When fishing from the beach, look for these species in runouts, rip currents, and troughs. Both Pompano and permit enjoy feeding on live shrimp and live sand fleas. I have even done well using Fish-Bites (Artificial bait) when fishing for Pompano from the beach.
Please make sure you first understand the Recreational Regulations placed on each species of fish before you set out to target them. The most accurate resource for identifying recreational fishing regulations would be: https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/ (https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/) .
If you’d like to target any of the species listed above, be sure to connect with me, Captain Martin Goldys of Reel Harmony Fishing Charters. I offer a wide variety of fishing styles for a diverse group of fish species. Reel Harmony specializes in customizing your families charter fishing experience.
Reel Harmony Fishing Charters
(386) 679-0317
Comments