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Florida Keys Fishing in November: What’s Biting and Where

November is a month Florida Keys anglers should pay attention to.

The hot summer fishing pattern has faded, water temperatures begin dropping, and several of the fish associated with winter start showing up in greater numbers.

Sailfish season gets underway.

Wahoo become a serious offshore target.

King mackerel move through Keys waters.

Blackfin tuna can provide another offshore option.

And if you’d rather stay near the reef, snapper and other reef fish give you plenty of reasons to bring a rod.

November can be especially attractive for anglers who like variety.

Here’s what you need to know before planning a Florida Keys fishing trip in November.

What Fish Are Biting in the Florida Keys in November?

Possible November targets include:

Sailfish
Wahoo
King mackerel
Blackfin tuna
Yellowtail snapper
Mutton snapper
Cero mackerel
Barracuda
Sharks
Permit
Bonefish
Tarpon

What you actually encounter depends on currents, bait, water temperatures, winds and the part of the Keys you’re fishing.

November is also a transition month.

An early-November fishing trip can be quite different from one during Thanksgiving week.

That’s one reason talking with local captains shortly before your trip can be so useful.

Is November a Good Month to Fish the Florida Keys?

Absolutely.

November marks the beginning of one of the most exciting portions of the Florida Keys offshore fishing calendar.

Sailfish become increasingly important.

Wahoo can show up.

Kingfish become common targets.

Tuna can add another possibility.

Meanwhile, reef fishing continues to offer opportunities for anglers who aren’t interested in spending an entire day searching offshore.

You can also fish the backcountry, flats, wrecks, bridges and shoreline.

That gives you plenty of backup plans if the weather doesn’t cooperate with your original idea.

Sailfish Fishing in November

If you’ve always wanted to catch a sailfish, November is where things start getting interesting.

The cooler months are associated with the Florida Keys sailfish season, and November marks the beginning of that traditional period.

Sailfish are famous for:

Long runs
Acrobatic jumps
Incredible speed
Their large dorsal “sail”
Spectacular fights near the surface

Live bait is one of the most popular ways to target them.

Depending on location and conditions, captains may use:

Pilchards
Ballyhoo
Goggle-eyes
Other live baitfish

Kite fishing may also be used to suspend baits near the surface while keeping terminal tackle less visible.

Trolling rigged ballyhoo is another option.

If catching a sailfish is your main goal, book with a captain who spends a lot of time specifically targeting them.

A general offshore captain may certainly catch sails, but a sailfish specialist is likely to have the equipment, bait strategy and experience built around this fishery.

Wahoo Fishing in November

November is also an exciting month for wahoo.

Wahoo are among the fastest fish you’re likely to encounter in the Florida Keys.

They’re long, streamlined predators with razor-sharp teeth.

Hook one and things can get exciting very quickly.

November falls within one of the periods when wahoo receive extra attention in the Keys.

Common techniques include:

High-speed trolling
Trolling rigged baits
Trolling artificial lures
Working reef edges
Fishing around offshore structure
Fishing near temperature and current changes

Wahoo are often solitary or found in small groups, so the action may not resemble finding a huge school of mahi.

But a single big wahoo can make your entire fishing trip.

King Mackerel Fishing in November

King mackerel, commonly called kingfish, become another major offshore and reef-edge target during November.

Kingfish are built for speed.

Even medium-size fish can strip a surprising amount of line from a reel.

They’re often found around:

Reef edges
Wrecks
Bait schools
Offshore structure
Drop-offs

Live baiting and slow trolling are popular ways to catch them.

Artificial lures can also work.

King mackerel have extremely sharp teeth, so anglers targeting them often use tackle designed to withstand those teeth.

November can be a great time to pursue kings because their cooler-season activity is beginning to ramp up.

Blackfin Tuna Fishing in November

Blackfin tuna give November anglers another reason to head offshore.

These fish don’t need to weigh hundreds of pounds to put up a serious fight.

Blackfin are fast, powerful and capable of long runs.

Possible techniques include:

Live baiting
Chumming
Trolling
Jigging
Casting to feeding fish

Look for areas holding concentrated bait.

Bird activity can also reveal feeding fish.

Blackfin tuna are excellent table fare, provided the fish is legal to keep under current regulations.

If you’re interested in bringing fish home, ask your captain about proper bleeding and icing immediately after the catch.

Yellowtail Snapper Fishing in November

You don’t have to spend November chasing pelagic fish.

The Florida Keys reef fishery can provide plenty of action.

Yellowtail snapper are one of the classic Keys targets.

A typical yellowtail trip involves anchoring near productive reef structure and creating a chum line behind the boat.

Small baits are then drifted naturally through that chum.

The idea sounds simple.

Getting suspicious yellowtails to eat in clear water can be another story.

Light leaders and natural presentations can make a major difference.

Yellowtail fishing is especially appealing for:

Families
Beginners
Anglers who prefer lighter tackle
People hoping to bring home dinner
Anyone who doesn’t want to run far offshore

A productive yellowtail bite can keep everyone on the boat busy.

Mutton Snapper Fishing in November

Mutton snapper offer a different challenge.

These fish can grow much larger than the typical yellowtail snapper and can provide a strong fight.

Look for muttons around:

Reefs
Wrecks
Rocky bottom
Drop-offs
Other structure

Live bait and dead bait can both be productive.

Mutton snapper can require patience.

Sometimes you’ll wait a long time between quality bites.

Then the rod bends and all that waiting suddenly doesn’t seem so bad.

Cero Mackerel Fishing in November

Cero mackerel are another fish worth keeping in mind during November.

They’re fast predators commonly associated with reefs and areas holding bait.

Ceros can be caught using:

Live bait
Trolled baits
Spoons
Plugs
Other artificial lures

They’re smaller than many kingfish but can still provide excellent action.

If your goal is simply to catch fish and have fun rather than target one trophy species, cero mackerel can add excitement to a reef trip.

Barracuda Fishing in November

Barracuda don’t always get the respect they deserve.

That’s unfortunate.

They’re aggressive, fast and capable of spectacular strikes.

You’ll often find them around:

Reefs
Wrecks
Channels
Flats
Bridges
Other structure

Large barracuda can be surprisingly powerful.

They’re also an interesting target for anglers fishing without a boat because smaller barracuda frequently patrol shorelines, bridges and channels throughout the Keys.

What About Mahi-Mahi in November?

Mahi-mahi are much more strongly associated with spring and summer in the Florida Keys.

By November, I wouldn’t plan an entire trip around mahi.

That doesn’t mean catching one is impossible.

Offshore fishing is unpredictable, and mahi can show up outside their prime seasonal period.

If mahi are your dream fish, however, you’re usually better off planning a late-spring or summer Keys trip.

November has other strengths.

Sailfish, wahoo and kingfish are the fish I’d be more interested in discussing with an offshore captain.

Can You Catch Tarpon in November?

Yes, but expectations matter.

November is not part of the famous spring tarpon migration.

That migration is what brings anglers from around the world to the Florida Keys.

Resident tarpon can still be found at other times of the year.

Possible places include:

Bridges
Channels
Harbors
Backcountry areas
Areas holding bait

If you’re already visiting the Keys in November, there’s nothing wrong with asking a local guide about tarpon.

But if catching a big tarpon is the single reason you’re planning the vacation, spring would usually make more sense.

Reef Fishing in November

November reef fishing can be an excellent option.

Possible targets include:

Yellowtail snapper
Mutton snapper
Cero mackerel
Barracuda
Sharks
Other reef species

Reef trips can work well for people who aren’t sure they want to commit to a full offshore day.

The run may be shorter.

The fishing can be more active.

And you can encounter a surprising variety of species.

For families with children or first-time anglers, I’d seriously consider reef fishing.

Offshore Fishing in November

Offshore is where November really starts separating itself from the warmer months.

Possible offshore targets can include:

Sailfish
Wahoo
Kingfish
Blackfin tuna
Occasional mahi-mahi
Other pelagic species

The exact plan should depend on what has been happening during the days immediately before your charter.

You may have a particular species in mind, but flexibility can give the captain more options.

Instead of saying:

“I only want to catch a wahoo.”

Try telling the captain:

“We’d love a wahoo, but we’d rather have a good day of fishing than spend eight hours chasing one fish.”

That gives the captain room to adjust if another bite is much stronger.

Backcountry Fishing in November

Offshore fishing isn’t your only choice.

The Florida Keys backcountry offers mangroves, channels, shallow flats and protected water.

Potential catches vary by location but may include:

Tarpon
Barracuda
Sharks
Snapper
Jacks
Other inshore species

Backcountry fishing can also become especially useful when wind makes an offshore trip uncomfortable.

You may be able to find protected water and still enjoy a productive fishing day.

Where Should You Fish in November?

Different areas of the Florida Keys offer different advantages.

Key Largo

Key Largo gives anglers access to Atlantic reefs, offshore waters and Florida Bay.

It’s also the first major fishing destination you’ll encounter driving south from mainland Florida.

That makes it attractive for anglers who want the Keys fishing experience without driving all the way to Key West.

Islamorada

Islamorada is one of the most famous sportfishing destinations in the Keys.

Its location gives you easy access to several fishing environments.

You can fish:

Offshore
Reefs
Wrecks
Flats
Florida Bay
Backcountry

That versatility is one reason Islamorada works so well for multi-day fishing vacations.

Marathon

Marathon is another good choice if you want variety.

Possible trips include:

Reef fishing
Wreck fishing
Offshore fishing
Bridge fishing
Backcountry fishing

Its Middle Keys location also puts you within driving distance of numerous other fishing areas.

Lower Keys

The Lower Keys give anglers access to large areas of shallow and backcountry water while still providing offshore possibilities.

This area can be especially attractive if flats and light-tackle fishing interest you.

Key West

Key West provides offshore, reef, wreck and flats fishing within reach of one vacation base.

That makes it useful for groups who want more than one type of fishing.

You could chase sailfish offshore one day and spend the next sight-fishing shallow water.

Bridge Fishing in November

You don’t need a charter boat to fish the Keys.

Bridge fishing gives anglers access to deeper channels and moving water directly from land.

Possible catches include:

Snapper
Barracuda
Mackerel
Jacks
Sharks
Other passing species

Pay close attention to tides.

Moving water around Florida Keys bridges can make a major difference.

A local tackle shop can also be a good place to ask what bait and rigs have been working recently.

Before fishing, verify that fishing is allowed at the bridge or access point you’ve chosen.

Best Baits for November Fishing

The best bait depends on your target species.

Common choices around the Keys include:

Ballyhoo
Pilchards
Goggle-eyes
Shrimp
Crabs
Squid
Cut bait
Other live baitfish

Artificial options include:

Trolling lures
Jigs
Plugs
Spoons
Soft plastics

For sailfish, wahoo and kingfish, your setup can be very different from what you’d use for yellowtail snapper.

Decide what you’re targeting first.

Then choose the bait.

What’s the Weather Like in November?

November can bring some welcome relief from the summer heat.

Temperatures generally become more comfortable as the month progresses.

Humidity can also feel less oppressive than during midsummer.

That doesn’t mean every November day is calm and perfect.

Cold fronts can move through South Florida and create wind.

A front can make offshore conditions uncomfortable or cause a captain to change plans.

Bring:

Polarized sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hat
Sun-protective clothing
Light rain jacket
Light jacket or sweatshirt
Water
Non-slip shoes

Don’t assume you’ll need only shorts and a T-shirt.

A chilly morning boat ride combined with wind and spray can feel surprisingly cold.

Is November Still Hurricane Season?

Yes.

Atlantic hurricane season officially continues through November 30.

Tropical activity generally declines considerably from its September peak, but November storms can occur.

If you’re traveling during November, continue monitoring tropical forecasts until your trip.

Flexible travel reservations are still useful.

Morning or Afternoon Fishing?

November gives anglers more flexibility than the hottest summer months.

You don’t necessarily need to leave at sunrise just to avoid oppressive afternoon heat.

Fishing conditions should play a larger role.

Ask your captain about:

Tides
Wind
Current
Recent bite
Target species

For sailfish, the captain may choose departure timing around bait availability and offshore conditions.

For bridge or flats fishing, tides may be particularly important.

Half-Day or Full-Day Charter?

Both can work.

Half-Day Charter

A shorter trip may be a good choice if:

You’re fishing with kids.
It’s your first charter.
Reef fishing is your main goal.
You’re worried about seasickness.
You want plenty of vacation time for other activities.

Full-Day Charter

Consider a full day if:

Sailfish are your main goal.
You want to target wahoo.
You’re fishing offshore.
You want the captain to have maximum flexibility.
Catching fish is the main purpose of your vacation.

More fishing time doesn’t automatically mean more fish.

But it does give the captain additional time to relocate if the first area isn’t productive.

What Should You Bring on a November Charter?

Most charter boats supply the actual fishing equipment.

Ask before hauling your own gear aboard.

Useful items can include:

Polarized sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hat
Lightweight long-sleeve shirt
Light jacket
Rain jacket
Non-slip shoes
Water
Snacks
Camera
Waterproof phone case
Motion-sickness medication if necessary

Dress in layers.

You can remove clothing as the day warms up.

Do You Need a Florida Fishing License?

License requirements depend on how you’re fishing.

Anglers aboard properly licensed saltwater charter boats may be covered by the vessel’s license.

People fishing independently may need their own saltwater fishing license unless they qualify for an exemption.

Check Florida’s current licensing requirements before fishing.

Don’t rely on something you read in an old forum post.

Check Current Fishing Regulations

Always check current regulations before keeping fish.

Rules can cover:

Minimum size
Maximum size
Bag limits
Vessel limits
Open seasons
Closed seasons
Gear requirements
State waters
Federal waters

Some species may be legal to catch but not legal to keep during a particular period.

Regulations can also vary by location.

Check the current Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission rules before your trip.

Florida Keys November Fishing FAQ

What fish can you catch in November in the Florida Keys?

November anglers may encounter sailfish, wahoo, king mackerel, blackfin tuna, yellowtail snapper, mutton snapper, cero mackerel, barracuda, sharks and other species.

Is November good for sailfish?

Yes. November marks the beginning of the traditional Florida Keys sailfish season.

Is November good for wahoo?

Yes. November is one of the better months to consider targeting wahoo in the Florida Keys.

Can you catch kingfish in November?

Yes. King mackerel become a major cooler-season target around the Florida Keys.

Can you catch mahi in November?

Mahi can occasionally be caught during November, but their primary Florida Keys season is associated more strongly with spring and summer.

Is November good for snapper fishing?

Yes. Yellowtail and other snapper species can provide reef-fishing opportunities during November.

Is November good for fishing in Islamorada?

Yes. Islamorada gives November anglers access to sailfish, wahoo, kingfish, reef fishing, backcountry fishing and other possibilities.

Is November good for fishing in Key West?

Yes. Key West provides offshore, reef, wreck and flats fishing opportunities during November.

Is November hurricane season?

Technically, yes. Atlantic hurricane season runs through November 30.

Is Thanksgiving a good time to fish the Florida Keys?

It can be. November falls within a productive period for several cooler-season offshore species. Holiday demand can affect charter availability, so booking ahead is a good idea.