The Florida Keys are known for warm saltwater fishing and Marathon is famous for its fishing opportunities and all-around amazing ocean water and island experiences.
The Florida Keys truly are a year-round season for vacations, especially for avid fishermen and women. The average annual temperature in the Florida Keys is 85 degrees Fahrenheit for the high and 74 degrees for the low. Absolutely perfect.
As for the ocean annual temperature averages, the coldest month for the water is in January when the temperature is around 69 degrees. The warmest annual average is in August when the temperature is around 87 degrees. Terrific for diving and spearfishing, year-round.
For purposes of planning your vacation around your fishing passion and objectives, we have put together this guide to fishing by month in the Florida Keys with a description of typical conditions and a list of the fish species that are in season for a particular month.
The summaries of general fishing conditions are categorized by the different fishing methods most popular in the Florida Keys.
We researched this information from several different reliable sources including The State of Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, local fishing guides, and experienced residents. If a fish is in season, it will be listed under that month.
Best Fishing By Month In The Florida Keys
December, January & February
March, April & May
June, July & August
September, October & November
MOST COMMON TYPES OF FISHING IN THE FLORIDA KEYS:
Reef Fishing:
The Florida Keys has over 130 miles of living coral reefs with unlimited opportunities for reef fishing. The Keys are an incredible destination for sport fishing enthusiasts and seafood lovers.
Reef fishing means fishing from a boat along the underwater reef outcroppings where many reef fish live and their predators can be found lurking around.
This method of fishing is good and suitable for all types of anglers from novice to pro with great results most days.
Back Country Fishing:
Backcountry fishing in the Florida Keys means fishing around small, uninhabited islands in shallow, secluded waters not far from the main shore.
Flats Fishing:
Flats fishing in the Florida Keys takes place in very shallow water locations known as the flats which are long and level areas of the ocean. The fish, both large and small, swim in the shallow water where many times you can see them (at times just several inches deep). The boats are specialized boats that can navigate the shallow waters with a pole as its propulsion in certain the ultra shallows. ?
Deep Sea Fishing:
Deep-sea fishing in the Florida Keys starts at only 10 miles offshore at about 350 feet of ocean depth. At 20 miles from the islands, the depth is generally 650 feet and 30 miles out can mean more than 1000 feet of deep water.
Best Fishing Charters In The Florida Keys
There are several great fishing charters in the Florida Keys and we provide a list of many of our favorites in Marathon to our vacation rental guests and in our free Marathon Florida Keys Travel Guide.
