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

December is a great month to be holding a fishing rod in the Florida Keys.

While much of the country is dealing with freezing temperatures, snow and ice, anglers in the Keys can be chasing sailfish offshore, trolling for wahoo, fishing for king mackerel or dropping baits around reefs and wrecks.

Winter fishing brings a different mix of opportunities than you’ll find during summer.

Mahi-mahi aren’t the main attraction anymore.

Instead, sailfish, wahoo, kingfish, blackfin tuna and reef species move higher on the list.

If you’re planning a Christmas vacation, winter getaway or dedicated fishing trip, December deserves serious consideration.

Here’s what you need to know about fishing the Florida Keys in December.

What Fish Are Biting in the Florida Keys in December?

Possible December catches include:

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

The exact bite changes with water temperature, currents, bait, wind and cold fronts.

That’s why checking recent fishing reports and talking with local captains shortly before your trip can be useful.

December is firmly part of the cooler-season fishing pattern.

For offshore anglers, that’s good news.

Is December a Good Month to Fish the Florida Keys?

Yes.

December can be one of the better months for anglers interested in offshore sportfishing.

Sailfish are a major attraction.

Wahoo are another highly sought-after winter target.

King mackerel become increasingly active during the cooler months.

Blackfin tuna can provide another hard-fighting offshore option.

Reef fishermen can target snapper and other species without necessarily making a long run into blue water.

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

That makes December a month with plenty of alternatives.

Sailfish Fishing in December

Sailfish are one of the biggest reasons to fish the Florida Keys in December.

The winter months are closely associated with Keys sailfishing.

These spectacular billfish are known for their:

• Large dorsal sails
• Incredible speed
• Aerial jumps
• Surface fights
• Long runs

Watching a sailfish explode from the water after being hooked is something most anglers don’t forget.

There are several ways captains target them.

Live Bait Fishing

Live bait is one of the classic Florida Keys sailfish techniques.

Baits may include species such as:

• Ballyhoo
• Pilchards
• Goggle-eyes
• Other local baitfish

Captains may drift or slow-troll live baits around reef edges and productive offshore water.

Kite Fishing

Kite fishing is another technique associated with Florida sailfishing.

A fishing kite holds bait near the surface while reducing the amount of visible terminal tackle near the bait.

It can also keep several baits spread apart.

When a sailfish attacks a live bait at the surface, the strike can be spectacular.

Trolling

Rigged ballyhoo and artificial lures can also be trolled while looking for sailfish and other offshore predators.

If catching a sailfish is your number-one goal, look for a charter that regularly targets sailfish rather than simply booking the first offshore boat you find.

Wahoo Fishing in December

December can be an excellent month to have wahoo on your target list.

Wahoo are built for speed.

They’re long, streamlined fish with razor-sharp teeth and an ability to make screaming runs after they’re hooked.

Common wahoo techniques can include:

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

Wahoo aren’t necessarily the fish you’ll catch all day long.

Sometimes a wahoo trip can mean a lot of trolling between bites.

But one quality fish can make the entire day worthwhile.

They’re also prized as table fare.

If your captain says wahoo have been biting, December is a good time to listen.

King Mackerel Fishing in December

King mackerel are another major December target.

Most anglers simply call them kingfish.

Kings frequently associate with:

• Reefs
• Wrecks
• Drop-offs
• Bait schools
• Current edges
• Offshore structure

Live baiting is popular.

Slow trolling is another common approach.

Artificial lures and rigged baits can also produce fish.

Kingfish have sharp teeth, so the right leader setup matters.

They also fight much harder than their shape might suggest.

A big king can make an impressive first run and quickly remind you to keep your fingers away from a screaming reel.

Blackfin Tuna Fishing in December

Blackfin tuna can add another possibility to a December offshore trip.

They’re smaller than some of the world’s famous tuna species, but don’t mistake smaller for weak.

Blackfin are powerful fish.

They can be targeted using:

• Live bait
• Trolling
• Chumming
• Jigging
• Casting

Birds can sometimes reveal feeding activity offshore.

Areas with concentrated bait are also worth attention.

If you catch a legal blackfin and plan to eat it, proper handling immediately after the catch makes a big difference in quality.

Ask the captain about bleeding and icing the fish quickly.

Yellowtail Snapper Fishing in December

Not interested in spending the entire day looking for one offshore fish?

Try reef fishing.

Yellowtail snapper are one of the species most closely associated with fishing the Florida Keys reefs.

A typical approach involves anchoring near productive structure and starting a chum line.

The chum attracts fish behind the boat.

Small baits are then drifted naturally through the feeding zone.

Yellowtails can be surprisingly cautious.

The Keys are known for clear water, and fish can have plenty of time to inspect your presentation.

Light leaders and small hooks may help.

Yellowtail fishing can be a good choice for:

• Families
• Beginning anglers
• Light-tackle fishermen
• People interested in catching dinner
• Anglers who prefer steady action

Mutton Snapper Fishing in December

Mutton snapper are another prized reef and wreck species.

These fish can grow substantially larger than many of the yellowtails caught around the reef.

Potential mutton habitat includes:

• Reefs
• Wrecks
• Drop-offs
• Rocky bottom
• Other structure

Live bait and dead bait are both commonly used.

Mutton fishing isn’t always fast.

Sometimes the better fish require patience.

But hooking a big mutton close to structure can turn into a serious fight very quickly.

Cero Mackerel Fishing in December

Cero mackerel can provide fast action around Florida Keys reefs.

They’re sleek predators that feed on baitfish and readily attack moving baits and lures.

Possible techniques include:

• Trolling
• Casting plugs
• Spoons
• Live bait
• Rigged baits

Ceros can be a lot of fun on lighter tackle.

They may not receive the attention given to sailfish and wahoo, but don’t overlook them if you mainly want to keep rods bending.

Barracuda Fishing in December

Barracuda are available throughout the Keys and can be an entertaining target during December.

They’re commonly found around:

• Reefs
• Wrecks
• Bridges
• Flats
• Channels
• Other structure

Barracuda are aggressive predators.

A lure moving quickly across the water can sometimes trigger a violent strike.

They can also make powerful runs and occasionally jump.

Barracuda fishing can be especially fun for anglers who aren’t interested in spending hours waiting for one specific trophy species.

Can You Catch Tarpon in December?

Yes, resident tarpon can be present during December.

But December is not the famous Florida Keys tarpon migration period.

That happens during the warmer spring season.

If your entire reason for visiting the Keys is to catch a giant migrating tarpon, plan your trip around the spring instead.

If you’re already visiting in December, asking a local captain about resident fish makes sense.

Tarpon can sometimes be found around:

• Bridges
• Channels
• Harbors
• Backcountry areas
• Areas holding bait

Tarpon fishing is primarily catch and release, and anglers should follow current Florida handling regulations.

Bonefish and Permit in December

December isn’t only about offshore fishing.

Flats anglers can still find opportunities for species such as bonefish and permit.

Success can depend heavily on weather.

A warm, sunny period may produce very different flats conditions than several days of cold wind following a front.

Bonefish and permit are typically targeted by sight-fishing.

That means anglers look for individual fish or schools moving across shallow flats.

Stealth matters.

Long, accurate casts can help.

For fly anglers and light-tackle fishermen, this can be one of the most challenging ways to fish the Keys.

Reef Fishing in December

Reef fishing is one of my favorite alternatives for December visitors.

You’re not relying on one species.

Depending on location and current regulations, a reef trip may put you around:

• Yellowtail snapper
• Mutton snapper
• Cero mackerel
• Barracuda
• Sharks
• Jacks
• Other reef fish

Reef fishing can work especially well for groups.

One angler might be perfectly happy catching yellowtails.

Another might hook a mackerel.

Someone else might suddenly have a shark grab a bait.

You never know exactly what is going to show up.

Wreck Fishing in December

The Florida Keys have numerous wrecks that attract baitfish and predators.

Wrecks may hold species such as:

• Snapper
• Mackerel
• Barracuda
• Sharks
• Jacks
• Other gamefish

Some wrecks are relatively shallow.

Others are located in much deeper water.

Fishing methods vary according to depth, current and target species.

Wreck fishing can also give your captain another option if offshore pelagic fishing isn’t producing.

Offshore Fishing in December

December is where offshore fishing can really shine.

Potential targets include:

• Sailfish
• Wahoo
• Kingfish
• Blackfin tuna

You may encounter other species as well.

The best approach is usually to remain flexible.

You can tell your captain what you’d love to catch, but don’t make the entire trip dependent on one fish.

For example:

“A sailfish would be incredible, but we’d rather follow whatever bite gives us the best chance of catching fish.”

That gives your captain room to adjust.

Fishing conditions can change quickly.

The best species to target on Monday may not be the best choice on Friday.

Backcountry Fishing in December

The backcountry gives you an entirely different Florida Keys experience.

Instead of blue water and trolling, you may be fishing:

• Mangrove shorelines
• Channels
• Shallow flats
• Bays
• Protected water

Possible catches can include:

• Tarpon
• Barracuda
• Sharks
• Snapper
• Jacks
• Other inshore species

The backcountry can also provide more protected water if strong winter winds make the Atlantic side uncomfortable.

That’s one reason having a flexible guide can be useful during December.

Where Is the Best Place to Fish in December?

There isn’t one location that’s best for everybody.

Choose based on the fishing you want to do.

Key Largo

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

It’s also convenient if you’re driving from Miami or elsewhere in South Florida.

You can get a legitimate Florida Keys fishing experience without driving the full length of the Overseas Highway.

Islamorada

Islamorada is one of the first places I’d consider for a dedicated fishing vacation.

You have access to:

• Sailfish
• Wahoo
• Kingfish
• Tuna
• Reef fishing
• Flats fishing
• Backcountry fishing

That variety is hard to beat.

It also makes Islamorada particularly attractive for a multi-day fishing trip.

Marathon

Marathon provides access to offshore water, reefs, wrecks, bridges and Florida Bay.

Its Middle Keys location gives anglers a lot of flexibility.

It’s also a good base for families who want fishing to be a major part of their vacation without making it the only activity.

Lower Keys

The Lower Keys are worth considering if you’re particularly interested in shallow-water and backcountry fishing.

You can still head offshore, but the expansive flats and backcountry areas are a big part of the appeal.

Key West

Key West gives anglers access to offshore, wreck, reef and flats fishing.

That makes it a strong choice for groups with different fishing interests.

One day you can chase sailfish.

The next you can fish a wreck.

Then you can spend a morning sight-fishing shallow water.

Florida Keys Bridge Fishing in December

You don’t need a charter to catch fish in December.

Bridge fishing gives shore-based anglers access to deep channels and moving water.

Possible catches can include:

• Snapper
• Barracuda
• Mackerel
• Jacks
• Sharks
• Other passing species

Tide matters.

Moving water can be especially important around bridges.

Stop at a local tackle shop and ask:

• What has been biting?
• Which tide has been better?
• What bait should I buy?
• What leader should I use?
• Where is fishing currently allowed?

That five-minute conversation can save a lot of trial and error.

Best Bait for December Fishing

There isn’t one December bait that catches everything.

Common natural baits may include:

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

Artificial choices include:

• Jigs
• Plugs
• Spoons
• Trolling lures
• Soft plastics

Match the bait to the fish.

The setup you’d use to catch yellowtail snapper is very different from what you’d troll for wahoo.

What’s the Weather Like in December?

December weather can feel fantastic compared with most of the country.

But don’t make the mistake of assuming every day will be hot and calm.

Cold fronts can reach the Keys during winter.

A front may bring:

• Strong winds
• Cooler temperatures
• Rougher offshore conditions
• Changing fishing patterns

The temperature on land can also be misleading.

A boat ride early in the morning with wind and spray can feel significantly colder.

Dress in layers.

Consider bringing:

• Polarized sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Lightweight fishing shirt
• Sweatshirt or light jacket
• Rain jacket
• Non-slip shoes
• Water

You can always remove a jacket later.

You can’t put on clothing you left in the hotel room.

What Happens After a Cold Front?

Cold fronts are part of winter fishing in the Keys.

They can affect both conditions and fish behavior.

Wind direction can change.

Water temperatures can drop.

Some flats species may become less active.

Offshore conditions may become uncomfortable.

That doesn’t necessarily mean the fishing trip is ruined.

A captain may change tactics, change target species or move to more protected water.

This is another reason to avoid arriving with only one acceptable fishing plan.

Flexibility can rescue a day.

Morning or Afternoon Charter in December?

Unlike the hottest summer months, you don’t necessarily need an early trip simply to avoid afternoon heat.

December departure times can be influenced more by:

• Target species
• Tides
• Current
• Wind
• Bait availability
• Recent fishing reports

Ask the captain what time makes the most sense.

If you’re sight-fishing the flats, sunlight may also matter because it helps anglers see fish in shallow water.

Half-Day or Full-Day Fishing Charter?

Both have advantages.

Half-Day Charter

A half day may work best if:

• You have young children.
• You’re a first-time angler.
• You’re worried about seasickness.
• You primarily want reef fishing.
• Fishing is only one part of your vacation.

Full-Day Charter

Consider a full day if:

• Sailfish are your main goal.
• You’re targeting wahoo.
• You want to fish offshore.
• Fishing is the main purpose of your trip.
• You want your captain to have maximum flexibility.

A full day gives the captain more time to look for productive water if the first plan isn’t working.

Fishing the Florida Keys During Christmas

Christmas week can be a fantastic time to escape to the Florida Keys.

You’re trading snow shovels for fishing rods.

There’s one disadvantage.

You’re not the only person with that idea.

December includes a major holiday travel period, so popular charter boats, hotels and vacation rentals can fill up.

If you’re traveling around Christmas or New Year’s, book earlier than you might for a random week.

That is especially true if you have a specific captain or boat in mind.

What Should You Bring on a December Fishing Charter?

First, ask what’s already supplied.

Most established charter boats provide much of the fishing equipment.

Your personal packing list may include:

• Polarized sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Light jacket
• Rain jacket
• Sun-protective shirt
• Non-slip shoes
• Water
• Snacks
• Camera
• Waterproof phone case
• Seasickness medication if needed

Don’t forget warm clothing just because you’re going to Florida.

December mornings can occasionally surprise visitors.

Do You Need a Fishing License?

That depends on where and how you’re fishing.

Customers fishing aboard a properly licensed Florida saltwater charter vessel are generally covered under the vessel’s charter license.

If you’re fishing independently, different licensing requirements may apply.

That includes people fishing from:

• Private boats
• Kayaks
• Bridges
• Shore
• Piers

There are exemptions in certain situations, so check Florida’s current requirements before fishing.

Check Current Fishing Regulations

Always check the current rules before keeping fish.

Don’t rely on an article written several years ago.

Florida saltwater regulations can include:

• Size limits
• Bag limits
• Vessel limits
• Closed seasons
• Gear restrictions
• Special management zones
• State-water rules
• Federal-water rules

Some fish you catch in December may be required to be released.

Other species may have different rules depending on where you’re fishing.

Check the current Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regulations before putting fish in the cooler.

Florida Keys December Fishing FAQ

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

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

Is December good for sailfish?

Yes. December falls within the traditional Florida Keys sailfish season.

Is December good for wahoo fishing?

Yes. December is one of the months associated with strong wahoo opportunities in the Florida Keys.

Can you catch kingfish in December?

Yes. King mackerel are an important cooler-season target in the Keys.

Can you catch mahi-mahi in December?

It’s possible, but December isn’t part of the main traditional mahi season. If mahi are the main reason for your trip, the warmer spring and summer period generally makes more sense.

Can you catch tarpon in December?

Resident tarpon may be encountered, but December is outside the main spring migration.

Is December good for snapper fishing?

Yes. Reef fishing for species such as yellowtail and mutton snapper gives December anglers another option.

Is December good for fishing in Islamorada?

Yes. Islamorada gives December anglers access to offshore, reef, flats and backcountry fishing.

Is December good for fishing in Key West?

Yes. Key West offers offshore, reef, wreck and flats fishing during December.

Is December too cold to fish the Florida Keys?

No. Fishing continues throughout winter. Cold fronts can bring cooler and windier weather, however, so dressing in layers and keeping your fishing plan flexible is smart.

Should I book a charter before arriving?

Yes, particularly if you’re visiting during Christmas or New Year’s week or want to fish with a specific captain.

Is December Worth It for a Florida Keys Fishing Trip?

If you enjoy offshore fishing, December can be one of the most interesting months of the year.

Sailfish are in season.

Wahoo are a legitimate target.

Kingfish are active during the cooler months.

Blackfin tuna add another offshore possibility.

Reef fishing can keep rods bent when you want something different.

And if offshore conditions aren’t attractive, you’ve still got flats, backcountry, wreck and bridge fishing to consider.

The biggest mistake you can make is arriving with only one acceptable species in mind.

Tell your captain what you’d love to catch.

Then ask what’s actually biting.

December gives you enough choices that changing the plan might be the difference between spending the day searching for one stubborn fish and having one of the best fishing days of your vacation.

And while everyone back home is scraping ice off their windshield, you’ll be fishing in the Florida Keys.

That’s not a bad way to spend December.