A personal favorite time of year, summertime in the Lower Florida Keys often reveals some of the most beautiful weather we see. This year we have experienced some serious heatwaves, making it very important to hit the water before sunrise. Tarpon, permit, and bonefish still have to eat and they often do so during AM hours. Wind conditions are often very low, and those iconic flat calm views without another boat in sight are common. A great time of year to find permit and bonefish swimming across shallow water flats with tails up. Greatly looking forward to see what this year's fall fishing will show as permit and bonefish numbers appear to be on the rise in the Lower Florida Keys.
It's no secret that May is the most popular time of year to fish the Florida Keys for migratory schools of tarpon in gin clear shallow water. Sometimes epic, and sometimes downright frustrating. Weather conditions, cloud cover, and the simple animalistic attitude of Tarpon play a huge factor when targeting these oceanic migratory gamefish. Everyday is different when we consider the simple fact that these prehistoric monsters travel thousands of miles each year during their long lifetime. All things considered, expect amazing fishing when the stars align. Florida Keys flats fishing guides often book up years in advance for this single most epic month.
The Silver King, a dang good reason to hit the water early this time of year! Fishing guides and anglers alike wait all year for this special time of year when these incredible gamefish migrate through the Florida Keys flats and backcountry. April is a particularly complicated month to find these gamefish, as they are not yet swimming the oceanside flats where anyone with a flats boat and anchor can sit and wait for the more easy to find path of shallow water tarpon. April tarpon fishing marks the arrival of Gulfside Tarpon, often more aggressive and eager to eat if you know where to find em. The Florida Keys backcountry (Gulfside), is vast, hard to navigate, and tides/moon-phase mean everything when finding the opportunity to catch these often largest tarpon seen annually.
This year's gamefish season has gotten off to a blustery, cool wind start. Luckily the Florida Keys backcountry offers plenty of protected mangrove complex channels, fun to explore and often rewarding with a little patience. With winds over 20mph, some beautiful honey-hole spots can be found where the bite is hot despite less than perfect weather conditions. Tarpon, large Mangrove Snapper, and Goliath Grouper inhabit these hideaway spots. An absolute blast exploring these areas with mild weather temps, and best of all, no bugs this time of year!
The Great Atlantic Barracuda: Every winter these incredible gamefish move into the Florida Keys nearshore shallow waters to warm-up and chase baitfish. It's true, barracuda do have somewhat of a checkered reputation. Watch one of these large aggressive fish chase down artificial lures with almost unreal speed, and you'll think otherwise. Barracuda are amazing fish, and every year I take repeat clientele in pursuit of these seasonal trophy size barracuda. Most of this action is found while "sight-fishing", and always while using a cast and retrieve artificial lure technique. It's all day action!
My absolute favorite inshore fish to eat. Winter is also a great time of year to find large size Mangrove Snapper throughout the scenic backcountry. Often caught alongside secluded mangrove island shorelines, these hard fighting fish can be found in any weather condition. Many local restaurants will "cook-your-catch", fresh filleted and bagged by yours truly.
A personal favorite, fall fishing in the Florida Keys brings a nice atmosphere to the flats. A great time of year to find big bonefish and permit pushing into shallow water with the change in seasons. Weather is typically very nice this time of year, and fishing pressure is low. Lasting well into December, expect to be the only boat insight during this awesome time of year!
I'm happy to report this year's tarpon fishing has been on point. When the weather cooperates, and tarpon are seen swimming shallow, one can't complain. As long as these fish keep migrating through the Florida Keys, you'll find me chasing em. Very excited to see what this October and November's tarpon fishing has to offer.
Spring time brings good tarpon fishing, but so does the fall season. Ask any fishing guide, the change in seasons brings good fishing. Knowing where to find it is the trick. Florida Keys fall flats fishing is considered a best kept secret.
