Florida Keys fishing in March

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

March is when Florida Keys fishing starts to change.

Winter species such as sailfish and king mackerel are still in the picture, but warmer spring conditions bring some of the Keys’ most famous gamefish into greater focus.

Tarpon season begins.

Permit become a major target.

Amberjack enter their traditional spring period.

Snook fishing also becomes more interesting.

And if you’d rather stay on the reef, yellowtail and mangrove snapper remain year-round possibilities.

March is a great month for anglers who want choices.

If you’re deciding between several months, start with our Florida Keys Fishing Calendar to compare the fishing throughout the year.

Here’s what you should know about fishing the Florida Keys in March.

What Fish Are Biting in the Florida Keys in March?

Some of the fish worth targeting in March include:

• Tarpon
• Permit
• Sailfish
• King mackerel
• Cobia
• Cero mackerel
• Spanish mackerel
• Amberjack
• Snook
• Yellowtail snapper
• Mangrove snapper
• Blackfin tuna
• Barracuda
• Sharks
• Swordfish

The exact bite changes with water temperature, tides, wind, currents, bait and weather.

March is particularly interesting because several winter and spring fishing periods overlap.

The official Florida Keys fishing calendar lists tarpon beginning in March, permit from March through November, amberjack from March through May and snook from March through November. Sailfish, kingfish, cobia and cero mackerel are also still within their traditional seasonal windows during March. See the Florida Keys fishing calendar

Is March a Good Month to Fish the Florida Keys?

Yes.

March may be one of the more versatile months on the Florida Keys fishing calendar.

You’re not completely out of winter fishing.

But spring opportunities are beginning.

You can potentially spend one day targeting sailfish offshore and another looking for tarpon around bridges and channels.

You could chase permit on the flats.

You could fish wrecks for amberjack.

Or you could stay around the reef and target snapper.

March gives you options.

Tarpon Fishing in March

March marks the beginning of the traditional Florida Keys tarpon period.

That alone makes this an important month.

Tarpon are one of the fish most closely associated with the Florida Keys.

They’re large.

They’re powerful.

They jump.

And they have a habit of turning otherwise sensible anglers into people who plan entire vacations around catching one.

The official Florida Keys fishing calendar lists tarpon from March through August.

That doesn’t mean every March day offers peak tarpon fishing.

The migration tends to build as spring progresses.

But March is when tarpon should begin moving much higher on your list.

Where Can You Catch Tarpon in March?

Depending on conditions, tarpon may be found around:

• Bridges
• Channels
• Harbors
• Passes
• Backcountry water
• Areas holding bait

Islamorada is particularly well known for tarpon fishing, but opportunities exist throughout the Keys.

What Bait Is Used for Tarpon?

Depending on location and conditions, captains may use:

• Live mullet
• Crabs
• Pilchards
• Other live bait

Artificial lures and flies can also produce fish.

If tarpon are your primary target, I’d strongly consider booking a captain who regularly fishes for them rather than simply booking a general charter.

Can You Keep a Tarpon?

Florida tarpon fishing is essentially catch and release.

FWC currently requires tarpon over 40 inches to remain in the water unless the angler is pursuing a qualifying state or world record with the required tag. Check current Florida tarpon regulations

Treat these fish carefully.

A big tarpon can provide an incredible fight without ever needing to come aboard the boat.

Permit Fishing in March

March also marks the beginning of a major permit period in the Keys.

Permit are one of the most respected gamefish on the flats.

They’re also one of the most frustrating.

A permit may:

• Follow your bait
• Inspect your bait
• Circle your bait
• Make you believe it’s about to eat
• Change its mind

That’s part of the attraction.

Catching one feels like an accomplishment.

Where Are Permit Caught?

Permit may be targeted around:

• Flats
• Channels
• Wrecks
• Reefs
• Deeper structure

Live crabs are one of the classic permit baits.

Fly anglers also travel to the Keys specifically to pursue permit on shallow flats.

The official Florida Keys fishing calendar places permit from March through November.

March is therefore a great time to start considering them as a primary target.

Check Permit Regulations

Permit regulations can vary by location and season, particularly within the Special Permit Zone that includes waters around the Florida Keys.

Before keeping any permit, check the current FWC rules. Current Florida permit regulations

Many anglers choose to release these valuable gamefish regardless.

Sailfish Fishing in March

Don’t assume sailfish season is finished because spring is beginning.

It isn’t.

March remains within the traditional Florida Keys sailfish period.

That gives anglers an interesting combination:

Tarpon season is beginning while sailfish season is still underway.

Possible sailfish techniques include:

• Live baiting
• Kite fishing
• Trolling
• Drifting

Sailfish are one of the most spectacular fish you can catch in the Keys.

They fight near the surface, make long runs and frequently jump.

If you’ve always wanted to catch one, March can still be a good month to try.

King Mackerel Fishing in March

King mackerel remain an important March target.

The official Keys fishing calendar lists kingfish from October through April.

Kingfish commonly associate with:

• Reef edges
• Wrecks
• Bait schools
• Drop-offs
• Offshore structure

Slow-trolling live bait is one of the classic approaches.

Artificial lures and rigged baits can also work.

Kings have extremely sharp teeth, so proper leader material is important.

They also make powerful runs.

A quality kingfish can empty line from a reel in a hurry.

Cobia Fishing in March

Cobia remain within their traditional Florida Keys season during March.

The official fishing calendar lists them from November through April.

They may be found:

• Around wrecks
• Near reefs
• Around rays
• Near structure
• Cruising near the surface

One of the most exciting ways to catch cobia is sight-fishing.

You spot the fish first.

Then you put a bait or lure in front of it.

That’s considerably more exciting than dropping a bait into water when you have no idea what’s underneath you.

Cobia are strong fish and can get surprisingly large.

Amberjack Fishing in March

March marks the beginning of the traditional amberjack period listed by Florida Keys tourism information.

Amberjack are associated with:

• Wrecks
• Reefs
• Deep structure

They have a reputation for brute strength.

Hook a good amberjack near a wreck and the fish usually has one idea:

Get back to the structure.

Your job is to stop it.

Heavy tackle and strong drag settings may be required.

Amberjack aren’t always the glamorous fish on a Florida Keys vacation brochure, but anglers who have fought large ones usually remember them.

Spanish Mackerel Fishing in March

March is at the tail end of the traditional Spanish mackerel period.

These fish can provide excellent action on relatively light tackle.

Possible methods include:

• Spoons
• Small trolling lures
• Live bait
• Jigs

Spanish mackerel are smaller than king mackerel but can make up for size with speed and aggressive feeding.

If you’re looking for action rather than one trophy fish, they can be a lot of fun.

Cero Mackerel Fishing in March

Cero mackerel are another possibility.

The official fishing calendar lists cero mackerel from November through April.

They may be caught around reefs and areas holding baitfish.

Possible techniques include:

• Trolling
• Casting plugs
• Live baiting
• Spoons

Ceros don’t receive the attention that mahi, tarpon and sailfish get.

That doesn’t mean you should ignore them.

They’re fast, aggressive and fun on light tackle.

Blackfin Tuna Fishing in March

Blackfin tuna may also be part of your offshore options.

These compact tuna can fight extremely hard.

Possible fishing methods include:

• Live baiting
• Trolling
• Chumming
• Jigging
• Casting

Bird activity can help reveal tuna feeding near the surface.

If tuna have been active during the days before your charter, they can make an excellent addition to an offshore fishing plan.

Yellowtail Snapper Fishing in March

Reef fishing remains a solid option.

Yellowtail snapper are a year-round Keys species according to the official fishing calendar.

A typical yellowtail trip may involve:

• Anchoring near reef structure
• Establishing a chum line
• Drifting small baits naturally
• Fishing relatively light leaders

Yellowtails can be difficult to fool in clear water.

Natural presentation matters.

Yellowtail fishing is particularly good for:

• Families
• Beginners
• Light-tackle anglers
• Visitors interested in catching dinner

It can also involve less searching than chasing highly mobile offshore fish.

Mangrove Snapper Fishing in March

Mangrove snapper are another year-round possibility.

You may find them around:

• Bridges
• Reefs
• Wrecks
• Channels
• Rocky structure

Live shrimp, baitfish and cut bait can all work depending on the fishing situation.

They’re also one of the species shore and bridge anglers may encounter.

Always check current harvest regulations before keeping fish.

What About Mahi-Mahi in March?

March is right before the traditional mahi-mahi season listed on the Florida Keys fishing calendar.

The official calendar places mahi from April through October.

Can mahi appear in March?

Of course.

Fish don’t carry calendars.

But if mahi are the only fish you care about catching, I’d generally plan your trip later in spring or during summer.

March has plenty of other strengths.

Tarpon, permit, sailfish, cobia and kingfish are much stronger reasons to choose this month.

Reef Fishing in March

If you’re visiting with a family or simply want action, don’t overlook reef fishing.

Potential catches can include:

• Yellowtail snapper
• Mangrove snapper
• Mackerel
• Barracuda
• Sharks
• Other reef fish

A reef charter can sometimes involve a shorter run than offshore fishing.

That can be helpful for:

• Children
• Beginners
• People concerned about seasickness

It also gives you a chance to encounter several species rather than betting the entire trip on finding one offshore fish.

Wreck Fishing in March

March can be a particularly interesting month for wreck fishing because amberjack and cobia can enter the conversation along with snapper, barracuda and other species.

Wrecks create structure.

Structure attracts bait.

Bait attracts predators.

Possible catches can include:

• Amberjack
• Cobia
• Snapper
• Barracuda
• Sharks
• Jacks
• Other gamefish

Wreck fishing methods vary considerably based on depth and current.

Offshore Fishing in March

March offshore trips can give you access to:

• Sailfish
• Kingfish
• Blackfin tuna
• Wahoo
• Cobia
• Other pelagic fish

One of the smartest things you can do is ask the captain what has been biting recently.

You might arrive wanting a sailfish.

The captain may tell you blackfin tuna have been feeding heavily.

Remain flexible.

The point is to have a good fishing day, not force the ocean to follow the itinerary you created three months earlier.

If you’re wondering how much a private trip might cost, see our Florida Keys Fishing Charter Cost Guide.

Backcountry Fishing in March

Spring can make the backcountry increasingly interesting.

You might target:

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

Backcountry fishing can also be an alternative if wind makes the Atlantic side rough.

The mangrove islands, channels and shallow waters behind the Keys provide a completely different fishing experience from offshore trolling.

Flats Fishing in March

March can be a particularly exciting flats month because permit move onto the seasonal radar.

Flats fishing usually involves:

• Searching for fish
• Quiet boat positioning
• Sight-casting
• Light spinning tackle or fly gear

Instead of dropping a bait and waiting, you may see the fish before you cast.

That makes flats fishing feel more like hunting.

Permit can be especially challenging.

For some anglers, that’s exactly why they want to catch one.

Bridge Fishing in March

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

Bridge fishing can produce:

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

March becomes particularly interesting because tarpon activity can begin increasing.

Moving water around bridges can be important.

Pay attention to the tides rather than simply fishing whenever it’s convenient.

Also verify that fishing is currently allowed from the specific bridge or access area you’re using.

Where Should You Fish in March?

Different sections of the Florida Keys offer different advantages.

Key Largo

Key Largo gives anglers access to:

• Offshore water
• Reefs
• Wrecks
• Florida Bay

It’s also the closest major Keys destination to mainland South Florida.

That can make it attractive for shorter trips.

Islamorada

Islamorada may be one of the strongest March choices.

Possible fishing includes:

• Tarpon
• Permit
• Sailfish
• Kingfish
• Cobia
• Reef fishing
• Backcountry fishing

If you want to combine offshore and inshore fishing during the same vacation, Islamorada is difficult to beat.

Marathon

Marathon gives anglers access to:

• Offshore fishing
• Reefs
• Wrecks
• Bridges
• Florida Bay

The Middle Keys location also makes it convenient for exploring several types of water.

Lower Keys

The Lower Keys are particularly attractive for:

• Flats fishing
• Permit
• Tarpon
• Backcountry fishing
• Light tackle

This can be a great choice if your dream trip involves poling shallow water rather than trolling offshore.

Key West

Key West gives you access to:

• Offshore fishing
• Wrecks
• Reefs
• Flats
• Backcountry

That variety makes Key West a good base for several days of fishing.

You can do a completely different style of trip each day.

Half-Day or Full-Day Charter in March?

That depends on your target.

Consider a Half-Day Charter If:

• You’re fishing with young children.
• You’re a beginner.
• You’re mainly reef fishing.
• You’re fishing backcountry.
• Fishing is only one part of your vacation.

Consider a Full-Day Charter If:

• You’re targeting a specific offshore species.
• Fishing is the main reason for your vacation.
• You want maximum flexibility.
• You may need to travel farther.
• You’re an experienced angler.

If you’re torn between the two, a six-hour trip can be a good compromise.

Is a Florida Keys Fishing Charter Worth It in March?

For many visitors, yes.

March gives captains several different fisheries to work with.

If one bite isn’t cooperating, another type of fishing may be available.

A local captain can help you decide whether to:

• Chase tarpon
• Hunt permit
• Fish sailfish
• Work the reefs
• Fish wrecks
• Head into the backcountry

If you’re debating the expense, read Is a Florida Keys Fishing Charter Worth It? before booking.

What Should You Bring?

A basic March charter packing list includes:

• Polarized sunglasses
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Lightweight sun-protective clothing
• Non-slip shoes
• Light jacket
• Rain protection
• Water
• Snacks or lunch
• Phone or camera
• Waterproof bag
• Motion-sickness medication if appropriate

March temperatures may be comfortable, but early-morning runs can still feel cool.

Dress in layers.

Do You Need a Fishing License?

It depends on how you’re fishing.

FWC says nonresidents fishing from a properly licensed for-hire charter, guide or party boat do not need their own recreational saltwater fishing license for that trip. Check Florida visitor fishing-license requirements

If you’re fishing independently from shore, bridges, a kayak or private boat, different requirements may apply.

Check before fishing.

Check Current Fishing Regulations

Don’t rely on a fishing article for exact bag limits years after it was published.

Florida regulations can change.

Rules can cover:

• Seasons
• Minimum sizes
• Maximum sizes
• Bag limits
• Vessel limits
• Gear restrictions
• State waters
• Federal waters

Use the current FWC saltwater regulations before keeping fish.

This is particularly relevant in March as species such as tarpon and permit enter the seasonal fishing conversation but have specific handling or harvest rules.

Florida Keys March Fishing FAQ

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

Possible March targets include tarpon, permit, sailfish, king mackerel, cobia, amberjack, cero mackerel, Spanish mackerel, snapper, blackfin tuna, barracuda and sharks.

Is March good for tarpon fishing?

Yes. March marks the beginning of the traditional Florida Keys tarpon period, although the fishery can continue building later into spring.

Is March good for permit?

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

Can you catch sailfish in March?

Yes. March remains within the traditional November through May Keys sailfish period.

Can you catch kingfish in March?

Yes. King mackerel remain within their October through April seasonal period.

Can you catch cobia in March?

Yes. March falls within the November through April cobia period listed on the Florida Keys fishing calendar.

Is March good for amberjack?

Yes. March marks the beginning of the traditional March through May amberjack period.

Can you catch mahi-mahi in March?

You can encounter mahi, but March is just before the traditional April through October period listed by the Florida Keys tourism bureau.

Is March good for reef fishing?

Yes. Yellowtail and mangrove snapper are year-round Keys species, giving reef anglers options throughout March.

Is March good for fishing in Islamorada?

Yes. Islamorada gives March anglers access to tarpon, permit, sailfish, reef fishing, offshore fishing and the backcountry.

Is March good for fishing in Key West?

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

Is March good for beginners?

Yes. Beginners can choose reef, backcountry or private charter trips based on comfort level and desired fishing style.

Is March Worth It for a Florida Keys Fishing Trip?

March is one of those months when the Florida Keys fishing calendar starts getting crowded.

Tarpon are entering the picture.

Permit season is beginning.

Sailfish are still around.

Kingfish and cobia remain options.

Amberjack season begins.

Snapper are available around the reefs.

And you’re getting closer to the spring mahi period.

That variety makes March a great time for anglers who don’t want their entire vacation dependent on one species.

Tell your captain what you’d love to catch.

Ask what’s been biting recently.

Then stay flexible.

You might arrive thinking about sailfish and leave talking about the tarpon that jumped six times beside the boat.

That’s the fun of fishing the Florida Keys in March.