Florida Keys Fishing in May

Florida Keys Fishing in May: What’s Biting, Where to Fish & What to Expect

May is one of the best months to fish the Florida Keys if you want variety.

Tarpon season is in full swing, mahi-mahi are becoming a major offshore target, bonefish activity improves on the flats, mutton snapper fishing is strong, and blackfin tuna, wahoo, grouper, permit, snapper, snook, and other species can all be part of the picture.

May also sits between the milder spring weather and the hotter, wetter conditions of midsummer.

That makes Florida Keys fishing in May attractive to serious anglers, families, first-time visitors, and anyone trying to build a fishing vacation around several different opportunities.

You could spend one day chasing tarpon around bridges and channels, another offshore looking for mahi-mahi, and another working reefs or shallow flats.

This guide covers what is biting in May, where to fish, the best fishing styles, charter options, weather considerations, and what to know before planning your trip.

Is May a Good Month to Fish the Florida Keys?

Yes.

May is one of the strongest all-around fishing months on the Florida Keys calendar.

The official Florida Keys fishing calendar places numerous popular species in their primary seasonal windows during May, including tarpon, mahi-mahi, bonefish, grouper, mutton snapper, blue marlin, permit, sailfish, snook, amberjack, and wahoo.

Possible May targets include:

• Tarpon
• Mahi-mahi
• Blackfin tuna
• Bonefish
• Permit
• Sailfish
• Wahoo
• Mutton snapper
• Yellowtail snapper
• Mangrove snapper
• Grouper
• Amberjack
• Snook
• Barracuda
• Sharks
• Swordfish

If you’re still comparing months, start with our Florida Keys Fishing Calendar.

What Fish Are Biting in the Florida Keys in May?

May gives anglers an unusually broad range of possibilities.

Here are some of the species that deserve the most attention.

Tarpon

May is prime time for tarpon fishing in the Florida Keys.

The main seasonal window commonly associated with Keys tarpon runs from March through August, putting May right in the heart of the spring migration.

Depending on location, tarpon may be found around:

• Bridges
• Channels
• Passes
• Harbors
• Flats
• Backcountry water

Tarpon can grow very large and are famous for explosive runs and jumps.

They are also primarily a catch-and-release fishery in Florida. Tarpon over 40 inches must remain in the water unless an angler is pursuing a state or world record with the appropriate tarpon tag.

If catching a tarpon is one of the main reasons you’re planning a Florida Keys vacation, May is a month I would put near the top of the list.

Mahi-Mahi

May is also an excellent time to start thinking seriously about mahi-mahi.

The Florida Keys seasonal fishing calendar lists mahi-mahi from April through October.

By May, offshore anglers are increasingly searching for mahi around:

• Weed lines
• Floating debris
• Current edges
• Birds
• Bait schools
• Changes in water color

Mahi fishing can sometimes involve long periods of searching followed by very fast action once a school is located.

They’re colorful, powerful, and one of the species most closely associated with a Florida Keys offshore trip.

Bonefish

May marks the beginning of the primary bonefish season shown on the official Florida Keys fishing calendar, which runs from May through October.

Bonefish are a completely different target from mahi or tarpon.

They are generally pursued on shallow flats using light tackle or fly-fishing equipment.

Successful bonefishing can depend on:

• Tides
• Water temperature
• Wind
• Sunlight
• Water clarity
• Accurate casting
• Quiet boat positioning

For anglers who enjoy sight fishing, May can be a good time to consider a flats trip.

Permit

Permit are another prized shallow-water species.

The Florida Keys fishing calendar lists permit from March through November.

However, there is an important May regulation.

Permit harvest is closed throughout the Florida Keys Special Permit Zone from April 1 through July 31, so permit caught during May must be released according to current regulations.

That doesn’t prevent sport fishing for permit.

It simply means May permit fishing is catch-and-release.

Blackfin Tuna

Blackfin tuna can be caught throughout the year in the Keys and can be an excellent offshore target during May.

They may be found around:

• Offshore humps
• Current edges
• Deep structure
• Areas holding bait

When schools are feeding, tuna fishing can turn into fast action.

Sailfish

May is near the end of the traditional Florida Keys sailfish season.

The official seasonal calendar lists sailfish from November through May.

That means anglers fishing offshore in May may still encounter sailfish while warmer-season species such as mahi-mahi become increasingly important.

This overlap is part of what makes May interesting.

Wahoo

Wahoo are another offshore possibility.

The Keys seasonal calendar lists wahoo from November through June, putting May near the later part of their main seasonal window.

These fish are famous for speed and powerful runs.

They are commonly targeted by trolling.

Mutton Snapper

May is a strong month for mutton snapper.

The Florida Keys fishing calendar lists mutton snapper from April through September.

Mutton snapper may be encountered around:

• Reefs
• Wrecks
• Hard-bottom areas
• Other structure

They can grow considerably larger than yellowtail snapper and are a favorite among Keys anglers.

Yellowtail Snapper

Yellowtail snapper are a year-round Florida Keys target.

They’re commonly associated with reef fishing and can provide plenty of action.

Yellowtail fishing can work particularly well for:

• Families
• Beginners
• Shorter charters
• Anglers hoping to keep legal table fish
• Visitors who prefer reef fishing to long offshore runs

Mangrove Snapper

Mangrove snapper are also listed as a year-round species in the Keys.

They may be found around:

• Bridges
• Reefs
• Wrecks
• Mangroves
• Channels
• Other structure

That makes them accessible through several fishing styles.

Grouper

May marks the beginning of the broader grouper season shown on the Florida Keys fishing calendar, which lists multiple grouper species from May through December.

Grouper may be found around:

• Reefs
• Wrecks
• Ledges
• Hard bottom

Actual harvest seasons vary according to grouper species and where you’re fishing.

Always check current Florida and federal regulations before keeping a grouper.

Amberjack

May is also within the March through May seasonal period listed for amberjack in the Keys.

Amberjack are often associated with deeper wrecks and other structure.

They’re powerful fish and can provide a serious test of both angler and tackle.

Blue Marlin

May marks the beginning of the May through October blue marlin period shown on the Florida Keys seasonal calendar.

Marlin fishing is far more specialized than a typical reef or mahi trip.

If catching a marlin is a major goal, look specifically for an offshore captain with experience targeting billfish.

Snook

Snook are another May possibility, particularly for anglers fishing backcountry and inshore areas.

The Florida Keys calendar lists snook from March through November.

They are more likely to be associated with mangroves, channels, and shallow-water environments than offshore fishing.

Best Types of Fishing in May

May is especially appealing because you have so many ways to fish.

Tarpon Fishing

For many anglers, this is the headline attraction.

May is right in the middle of the prime spring tarpon period.

Popular areas may include:

• Bridges
• Channels
• Passes
• Flats
• Harbors
• Backcountry water

If tarpon are your primary goal, choose a captain who specifically spends a lot of time targeting them.

Not every charter specializes in the same type of fishing.

Offshore Fishing

May can be a great offshore month.

Possible targets include:

• Mahi-mahi
• Blackfin tuna
• Sailfish
• Wahoo
• Blue marlin
• Swordfish

The Florida Keys fishing brochure describes offshore fishing as including trolling, drifting, kite fishing, anchoring, and deep dropping depending on conditions and target species.

Offshore fishing can require longer runs, particularly when captains are searching for mahi.

A full-day trip can provide more flexibility.

Reef Fishing

Reef fishing remains a strong choice in May.

Possible targets include:

• Yellowtail snapper
• Mangrove snapper
• Mutton snapper
• Grouper
• Barracuda
• Sharks

Reef fishing is also a good alternative for visitors who do not want to spend all day searching offshore.

Wreck Fishing

May wreck fishing can produce:

• Amberjack
• Mutton snapper
• Grouper
• Barracuda
• Sharks
• Permit

Wrecks can attract both resident fish and larger predators looking for bait.

Flats Fishing

May is one of the more interesting months for flats anglers.

Possible targets include:

• Bonefish
• Permit
• Tarpon
• Barracuda

The Florida Keys contain extensive shallow flats where bonefish, permit, and tarpon are among the signature targets.

This is often sight fishing, so conditions can matter as much as the date on the calendar.

Backcountry Fishing

The Florida Bay side of the Keys provides miles of mangroves, grass flats, shallow channels, and backcountry water.

Possible May targets include:

• Tarpon
• Snook
• Redfish
• Snapper
• Barracuda
• Sharks

Backcountry fishing can be especially attractive if you enjoy light tackle or want a change from open-ocean fishing.

Bridge Fishing

May is also an interesting month to fish Florida Keys bridges.

Depending on location, tide, and conditions, bridge anglers may encounter:

• Tarpon
• Snapper
• Permit
• Grouper
• Sharks
• Barracuda
• Jacks

The Florida Keys fishing brochure specifically highlights bridges as an accessible way to fish without owning a boat.

Always verify that the particular bridge section you plan to fish is legally open to fishing.

Where Should You Fish in May?

You can have a good May trip throughout the Keys.

Your destination should depend on your preferred fishing style and the rest of your vacation plans.

Key Largo

Key Largo can give you access to:

• Offshore fishing
• Reef fishing
• Wreck fishing
• Backcountry water
• Flats fishing

May can be a particularly good month if you want to combine offshore mahi fishing with reef or shallow-water fishing.

Read our Key Largo Fishing Guide.

Islamorada

Islamorada is especially attractive during May.

Potential targets include:

• Tarpon
• Bonefish
• Permit
• Mahi-mahi
• Blackfin tuna
• Sailfish
• Snapper

Its strong charter industry and access to both Atlantic and backcountry fishing make Islamorada worth serious consideration for a May fishing vacation.

Read our Islamorada Fishing Guide.

Marathon

Marathon can be a good choice for anglers interested in:

• Tarpon
• Offshore mahi fishing
• Reef fishing
• Wreck fishing
• Bridge fishing
• Backcountry water

Bridge channels around the Middle Keys make May especially interesting for tarpon anglers.

Read our Marathon Fishing Guide.

Key West

Key West offers:

• Offshore fishing
• Reef fishing
• Flats
• Backcountry water
• Tarpon
• Permit
• Bonefish
• Mahi-mahi

Key West can also make sense for groups where fishing is only one part of the vacation.

Read our Key West Fishing Guide.

Is May Good for Tarpon Fishing?

Yes.

May is one of the best months to plan a Florida Keys tarpon trip.

Tarpon fall within their primary March through August seasonal period, and May is right in the middle of the spring migration.

If catching one is a major goal, book a guide experienced with tarpon and tell them that tarpon are your priority.

Remember that Florida’s tarpon fishery is catch-and-release except for the limited record-tag exception.

Is May Good for Mahi-Mahi Fishing?

Yes.

May falls within the April through October Florida Keys mahi-mahi season.

As spring progresses, mahi become an increasingly important offshore target.

If mahi are your primary goal, ask the captain about current offshore conditions before booking because the location and abundance of fish can change quickly.

Is May Good for Bonefish?

Yes.

May marks the beginning of the primary May through October bonefish season shown on the Florida Keys fishing calendar.

Bonefish fishing is especially dependent on tides, weather, visibility, and shallow-water conditions, so hiring an experienced flats guide can be helpful.

Is May Good for Permit Fishing?

May can be good for catch-and-release permit fishing.

However, permit harvest is closed throughout the Florida Keys Special Permit Zone during May. The closure runs from April 1 through July 31.

Is May Good for Sailfish?

Yes, although May is toward the end of the primary sailfish season.

The Florida Keys fishing calendar lists sailfish from November through May.

If sailfish are your only target, winter may offer stronger seasonal odds.

If you want the possibility of sailfish along with mahi, tuna, tarpon, and other spring species, May has plenty going for it.

May Weather in the Florida Keys

May is warmer than March and April.

Daytime conditions become increasingly summer-like as the month progresses.

You should be prepared for:

• Warm temperatures
• Strong sun
• Increasing humidity
• Passing showers
• Thunderstorms
• Wind
• Changing offshore conditions

May is before the peak period of the Atlantic hurricane season, but marine weather can still change quickly.

Check the forecast before heading onto the water.

Half-Day or Full-Day Charter in May?

Both can work.

Consider a Half-Day Charter If:

• You’re fishing with children
• You’re a beginner
• You’re targeting reef fish
• You’re taking a backcountry trip
• Fishing is only part of your vacation
• You don’t want to spend all day on the water

Consider a Full-Day Charter If:

• Mahi-mahi are your main target
• You’re heading offshore
• You’re looking for tuna or billfish
• Longer runs may be necessary
• You’re a serious angler
• You want maximum flexibility

Our Florida Keys Fishing Charter Cost Guide can help you compare the expense.

Should You Book a Charter in May?

For most visiting anglers who want to take fishing seriously, a charter can make a lot of sense.

May conditions can change from day to day.

One day the best option might be mahi offshore.

Another might favor tarpon.

Another might be ideal for the reef or flats.

An experienced local captain can adjust to:

• Weather
• Tides
• Current
• Water temperature
• Bait movement
• Recent catches

If you’re deciding whether the expense is justified, read Is a Florida Keys Fishing Charter Worth It?.

Visitors trying to control costs can also compare a party boat with a private fishing charter.

Do You Need a Fishing License?

Fishing-license requirements depend on how you’re fishing.

Passengers aboard properly licensed Florida saltwater charter and headboat operations are generally covered by the charter vessel’s license.

If you fish independently, you may need an appropriate Florida saltwater fishing license unless an exemption applies.

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

Check May Fishing Regulations

Fishing regulations can change, so always verify current rules before keeping fish.

May is particularly worth checking because several seasonal rules can apply.

Permit harvest is closed throughout the Florida Keys Special Permit Zone from April 1 through July 31.

Tarpon are catch-and-release except for the limited state or world record tag exception.

Before keeping any fish, verify:

• Open season
• Minimum size
• Maximum size
• Bag limit
• Vessel limit
• Gear restrictions
• State versus federal regulations

Your charter captain should know the rules that apply to your trip, but independent anglers need to check them carefully.

What Should You Bring Fishing in May?

May sun can be intense.

Consider bringing:

• Polarized sunglasses
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Lightweight sun-protective clothing
• Rain protection
• Plenty of water
• Snacks
• Motion-sickness medication if needed
• Waterproof bag
• Appropriate footwear
• Phone or camera

If you’re booking a charter, ask what is already provided before bringing rods, large coolers, or unnecessary equipment.

Is May Good for Family Fishing?

Yes.

May gives families plenty of choices.

Possible options include:

• Half-day reef trips
• Backcountry fishing
• Party boats
• Shorter charters
• Bridge fishing
• Family-oriented private charters

If children are coming, tell the captain their ages before booking.

A shorter trip with consistent action may be far more enjoyable than spending an entire day running offshore.

Read Why Are the Florida Keys Perfect for Family-Friendly Fishing? for more ideas.

May Fishing Tips

Book Tarpon Trips Early

May is a popular tarpon month, and experienced tarpon guides can fill their calendars.

Stay Flexible Offshore

Mahi may be the plan, but tuna, sailfish, wahoo, or other species may offer better fishing that day.

Pay Attention to Tides

Tides can have a major impact on flats, bridge, and tarpon fishing.

Protect Yourself From the Sun

May temperatures and sun exposure can sneak up on you during a long fishing day.

Check Permit Regulations

Permit fishing can be good, but May falls inside the Florida Keys harvest closure.

Schedule Your Main Charter Early in Your Vacation

If weather creates a problem, you’ll have more opportunities to reschedule.

Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Keys Fishing in May

Is May a good month to fish the Florida Keys?

Yes. May offers tarpon, mahi-mahi, bonefish, permit, tuna, snapper, grouper, sailfish, wahoo, and other possibilities.

What fish are biting in the Florida Keys in May?

Possible targets include tarpon, mahi-mahi, blackfin tuna, bonefish, permit, sailfish, wahoo, mutton snapper, yellowtail snapper, grouper, amberjack, snook, barracuda, and sharks.

Is May good for tarpon fishing?

Yes. May falls in the heart of the Florida Keys tarpon season, which generally runs from March through August.

Is May good for mahi-mahi fishing?

Yes. Mahi-mahi are listed from April through October on the Florida Keys seasonal fishing calendar.

Can you catch bonefish in May?

Yes. May begins the May through October bonefish period shown on the Florida Keys fishing calendar.

Can you keep permit in May?

No. Permit harvest is closed throughout the Florida Keys Special Permit Zone from April 1 through July 31.

Is May good for reef fishing?

Yes. Yellowtail snapper, mangrove snapper, mutton snapper, grouper, barracuda, and other species can make reef fishing a good option.

Is May good for families?

Yes. Reef, backcountry, party boat, and shorter private charter trips can work well for families.

Where is the best place to fish the Florida Keys in May?

Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, and Key West can all produce good fishing. Choose based on your target species, fishing style, accommodations, and other vacation plans.

Plan Your May Florida Keys Fishing Trip

May gives you something that’s difficult to find in many fishing destinations: choices.

You can target migrating tarpon, search offshore for mahi-mahi and tuna, sight-fish shallow flats for bonefish and permit, work reefs for snapper and grouper, or spend a day fishing the backcountry.

That variety makes May one of the strongest months for someone who wants fishing to be a major part of a Florida Keys vacation.

Start with the Florida Keys Fishing Calendar to compare May with the rest of the year.

Then choose your destination using our Key Largo Fishing Guide, Islamorada Fishing Guide, Marathon Fishing Guide, or Key West Fishing Guide.

If you’re planning to hire a captain, use our Florida Keys Fishing Charter Cost Guide before setting your fishing budget.