You really can't beat the experience of fishing in the florida keys in december, especially when most of the northern states are currently shivering under several layers of wool and flannel. While the rest of the country is shoveling snow, we're usually heading out to the reef with nothing more than a light windbreaker and a pair of polarized sunglasses. December is a bit of a transition month down here, and honestly, it's one of the most exciting times to have a rod in your hand because you never quite know what the cooler water is going to push into the area.
The vibe in the Keys changes during the holidays. It's a little busier on land, but out on the water, there's this sense of anticipation. The summer humidity has finally hit the road, and the "winter" weather—which is still gorgeous by anyone else's standards—starts to bring in the big pelagic fish. If you're planning a trip, here is the lowdown on what's actually happening beneath the waves during the final month of the year.
The Sailfish Show Up in Droves
If there is one thing that defines fishing in the Keys during December, it's the arrival of the Atlantic sailfish. This is the start of the high season for these incredible predators. They follow the baitfish that are moving south with the cooling water temperatures, and they congregate along the reef edge.
What's cool about December is that you don't have to run forty miles offshore to find them. Often, you're looking for that "blue water" edge where the depth drops off, sometimes as shallow as 100 to 150 feet. Most of the local captains in Islamorada—the self-proclaimed sailfish capital of the world—will tell you that a stiff North wind is actually your best friend. It ruffles the surface and gets the sails into a "tailing" mood, where they move with the current and look for an easy meal.
Kite fishing is the name of the game here. There is nothing quite like watching a sailfish rise to a live goggle-eye suspended from a kite. The strike is visual, heart-pounding, and usually followed by a series of acrobatic jumps that'll make your drag scream. Even if you aren't an expert, December is the time to learn because the sheer volume of fish increases your odds of a hookup significantly.
Filling the Cooler on the Reef
Not everyone wants to spend eight hours chasing a trophy fish they're just going to release anyway. Sometimes, you just want to bring home something that tastes great with a side of key lime pie. That's where the reef comes in. Yellowtail snapper are the bread and butter of the Florida Keys, and in December, they are usually hungry and plentiful.
The trick in December is dealing with the wind. If it's too breezy to head way out, the patch reefs offer plenty of protection and a ton of action. You can anchor up in 20 to 30 feet of water, get a good chum slick going, and have a blast with light tackle. Beyond snappers, you'll likely run into some beefy Mutton snapper and the occasional black grouper.
One thing to keep in mind: pay attention to the regulations. Grouper season usually closes at the end of December for the Atlantic side, so if you're looking to get some fillets for the freezer, you'll want to get your trip in before the new year hits. Also, keep an eye out for Cero mackerel. They love the cooler water and put up a hell of a fight on a spinning rod.
The Wahoo Full Moon Madness
If your trip happens to align with the full moon in December, you'd better be ready for some Wahoo action. These are some of the fastest fish in the ocean, and they love the deep wrecks and the drop-offs on the ocean side. Trolling at high speeds with dark-colored lures is the traditional way to target them, but some guys swear by live-lining small tunas or speedos near the deeper wrecks.
Wahoo are notoriously "toothy," so wire leaders are a must unless you enjoy losing expensive lures. There's something special about the way a Wahoo hits—it's not a subtle nibble; it's a freight train collision. Plus, they are arguably the best-tasting fish in the ocean, so the reward is well worth the effort of getting out there.
Backcountry and Flats Fishing
If the ocean is looking a bit too sporty due to a winter cold front, don't worry. One of the best things about the Keys is that there is always somewhere to fish. The "Backcountry"—the maze of islands and shallow flats on the Florida Bay side—becomes a playground in December.
As the water cools down, the Snook and Redfish move into the deeper holes and around the mangrove roots. I've found that a live shrimp under a popping cork is basically cheating this time of year. It's simple, effective, and everything in the bay wants to eat it. You might also find some Sea Trout showing up in the grassy basins as the temperatures dip.
For the fly fishing enthusiasts, Bonefish are still around, though they can be a bit more sensitive to the cold. On a warm, sunny December afternoon, you can still find them cruising the flats. Tarpon are mostly gone or "laid up" in the backcountry creeks, as they prefer the warmer summer months, but you might find some "baby" tarpon in the 5 to 20-pound range lurking in the residential canals or deeper bay holes.
What to Expect with the Weather
I'll be honest with you: December weather in the Keys can be a bit of a gamble. Most of the time, it's 75 degrees and sunny. But every now and then, a "Blue Norther" blows through. When a cold front hits, the wind cranks up from the north, the temperature might drop into the 60s (which feels like 40 to us locals), and the water gets a bit murky.
The good news? This "bad" weather often triggers the fish to feed. The key is to be flexible. If the offshore waters are too rough for your stomach to handle, tell your captain you want to stay in the bay or hit the bridges. Speaking of bridges, the Seven Mile Bridge and the various spans throughout the middle Keys are hotspots for Mangrove snapper and Sheephead when the water gets chilly.
Some Practical Advice for Your Trip
If you're heading down here, a few tips can go a long way. First, layers are your friend. You might start the morning in a hoodie and be in a t-shirt by 10:00 AM. Second, book your charters early. December is a popular time for families on vacation, and the best captains fill up their calendars months in advance.
Also, don't forget the sunblock. Even when it's 70 degrees and breezy, that Florida sun doesn't play around. I've seen plenty of tourists return from a day of fishing looking like a boiled lobster because they thought the "cool" breeze meant they weren't burning.
Lastly, keep an open mind. Fishing in the florida keys in december is about variety. If the sailfish aren't biting, go catch a dozen snappers. If the flats are too cold for bonefish, go find some big redfish in the mangroves. That's the beauty of this place—there is always something hungry, no matter what the thermometer says.
At the end of the day, there's nothing quite like sitting on the dock at sunset with a cold drink, watching the pelicans fight over your scraps after a successful day on the water. Whether you're a hardcore angler or just someone looking to escape the winter blues, December in the Keys is about as good as it gets.