If you're planning a trip for florida keys december fishing, you're honestly picking one of the best times of year to be out on the water. While most of the country is busy shoveling snow or scraping ice off windshields, we're usually down here wearing a light hoodie in the morning and peeling it off by noon. It's that sweet spot where the humidity of the summer is long gone, but the "winter" weather—if you can even call it that—brings in some of the most exciting migrations of the year.
The thing about the Keys in December is that it's a bit of a transition period. You've got the tail end of the fall patterns clashing with the first real pushes of cool air from the north. That variety is exactly what makes it so fun. One day you're kite fishing for sailfish in the deep blue, and the next, you're tucked away in the backcountry mangroves catching redfish because a cold front kicked up the wind.
The Main Event: Sailfish Season Starts Now
If you talk to any local captain, they'll tell you that florida keys december fishing is synonymous with sailfish. Once those first few cold fronts start rolling through, the sailfish start moving south in big numbers. They love the "cool" water—relative to the Caribbean, anyway—and they follow the baitfish that are hugging the reef edges.
Kite fishing is the name of the game here. If you've never seen it, it's a trip. You literally fly a kite off the back of the boat to keep your live baits (usually goggle eyes or threadfins) splashing right at the surface. It keeps the line out of the water so the sailfish can't see it. When a sail hits, the line pops out of the clip, and it's game on. December is when you start seeing those multiple-hookup days where three or four rods go off at once. It's chaotic, loud, and probably the most fun you can have on a boat.
Don't Forget the Wahoo
While everyone is staring at the kites waiting for a sailfish, December is also a prime time to keep an eye on the lunar cycle for Wahoo. Around the full and new moons in December, these silver bullets really turn on. They're fast, they're mean, and they taste incredible.
Most guys will pull high-speed lures or troll a live bonito on a wire rig deep in the water column. The best part about catching a Wahoo during a florida keys december fishing trip is that they're often found right along the "drop-off" where the reef ends and the deep blue begins. You don't necessarily have to run 20 miles offshore to find them; sometimes they're just sitting there in 150 feet of water waiting for an easy meal.
The Reef is Your Best Friend
Let's be real: December can be windy. If a big front comes down from Canada, the offshore waters can get pretty sporty. But that doesn't mean you stay at the dock. This is when the reef becomes the hero of the day.
Yellowtail snapper are a staple for florida keys december fishing. They stay active all year, but in December, the bigger "flags" (large yellowtails) seem to be more prolific. The key is heavy chumming. You get a good slick going, wait for the fish to rise up in the water column, and then drift a piece of shrimp or silverside back to them on a light fluoro leader. It's relaxing, it's consistent, and you're almost guaranteed a fresh fish fry at the end of the day.
Also, don't forget that December is the last call for shallow-water grouper. The season usually closes on January 1st, so everyone is out there trying to pull a big Black or Gag grouper out of the rocks before the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve. There's something a little more urgent and exciting about those last few weeks of the season.
Hiding in the Backcountry
If the wind is really howling out of the North or Northeast—which happens quite a bit—the Atlantic side might be too rough for comfort. That's when you head into the backcountry. The Florida Bay and the winding creeks of the Everglades National Park offer a whole different vibe for florida keys december fishing.
When the water temperature drops a few degrees, the Snook and Redfish start to huddle up in the deeper holes and around the mangrove roots. They get a little more lethargic than they are in October, but if you put a live shrimp right in front of their nose, they can't help themselves. December is also a great time for "trout weather." The Speckled Trout show up on the grassy flats in big numbers. It's easy fishing—perfect if you have kids on the boat or just want a low-stress day with plenty of action.
What to Pack for the Trip
I know it's Florida, but don't show up with just a swimsuit and flip-flops. Florida keys december fishing can be surprisingly chilly when you're doing 30 knots across the water at 7:00 AM.
I always tell people to dress in layers. A good windbreaker or a lightweight rain jacket is a must. You'll probably want some long sleeves (fishing shirts with UPF protection are great) and maybe even a pair of lightweight pants. By noon, you'll likely be back in your shorts, but that early morning run out to the reef can be a bit nippy if you aren't prepared.
Also, polarized sunglasses are non-negotiable. Whether you're looking for a tailing bonefish in the shallows or trying to spot a sailfish in the spread, you need to be able to see through the surface glare. Copper or amber lenses are usually the best all-around choice for the varied light conditions you get in December.
Why This Month is Special
There's a specific energy in the Keys during December. The holiday spirit is there, but it's relaxed. You'll see Christmas lights wrapped around palm trees and Santa hats on boat consoles. But more than that, the fishing feels like a reward for getting through the year.
The crowds aren't quite as insane as they get during Spring Break or Lobster Mini-Season, so you can usually find a spot at the sandbar or a table at the local tiki bar without a two-hour wait. The fish are moving, the air is breathable, and the sunsets are—honestly—some of the best you'll ever see. The dust and haze of summer are gone, leaving the sky incredibly clear.
Whether you're hiring a charter out of Islamorada (the "Sportfishing Capital of the World") or taking a skiff out of Marathon, florida keys december fishing offers a bit of everything. You can go for the glory of a billfish trophy, the meat-haul of a snapper trip, or the technical challenge of fly fishing for redfish.
It's the kind of place where you can start the day fighting a 100-pound sailfish and end it by watching the sun go down with a cold drink and a plate of fresh fish tacos. If you're on the fence about booking a trip, just do it. December in the Keys is exactly where you want to be when the rest of the world is shivering. Just check the weather forecast for those north winds, grab some live shrimp, and get out there. The fish are waiting.