Islamorada

With temperatures averaging about 70 degrees, Winter hardly puts you off getting out on the water in Islamorada. Chase Redfish and Trout in the backcountry or head offshore for Sailfish and Wahoo.

February is usually dryer but cooler than January in Islamorada. Towards the end of the month, Tarpon start showing up in the channels. If the weather is too cold for them, head offshore for Sailfish. Both are rewarding.

Spring Break sees temperatures on the rise and occasional March winds in Islamorada. Sight fish the flats for big Bonefish, watch the Tarpon bite pick up, and catch big Permit on the reefs.

As the Sailfish and Kingfish bites drop, Wahoo and Blue Marlin fishing picks up. Bonefish is biting well on the flats and Tarpon is getting really hot. Test your skills in the Islamorada Spring Classic Tournament.

Late spring is a great time for fishing in Islamorada. Expect to see Mahi Mahi and Wahoo offshore, with possibilities for Blue and White Marlin. Big Tarpon are biting aggressively on the flats, along with Bonefish and Permit.

Warm days make a shady boat a plus. Make the most of the great reef fishing at this time of year: Snappers and Groupers are spawning, and so are big Permits. Catch Lemon Sharks in shallow waters inshore.

July offers excellent inshore fishing in Islamorada, with Tarpon, Bonefish, Redfish, and Snook biting well. Permit are still spawning around the reefs, while Marlin and Swordfish hunt offshore.

Permit are back on the flats, joining all your other shallow-water favorites. You can also catch treats like Hogfish and Yellowtail Snapper around the reefs, or try for big Mahi Mahi offshore.

The fall is the best time of year to fish the flats in Islamorada, and you'll see this in September. With fewer crowds, lots of Bonefish and Permit on the flats, and Snook in the mangroves, you're in for a treat.

Flats fishing gets better and better in October, while Wahoo and Blackfin Tuna, bite well offshore. As the waters cool, reef fishing also picks up, with lots of delicious Grouper and Snapper.

Cobia start to appear, sometimes in big schools. The mullet migration brings Sailfish close to the shore, along with the last of the Blackfin Tuna. This is also a great time for Trout and Redfish in the shallows.

The Florida Keys high season approaches, with plenty of folks coming down south to escape the cold. Get away from the crowds on land and head offshore for Wahoo. Sailfish, and King Mackerel.