Florida Keys fishing forecast
Florida Keys is a saltwater fishing spot in Florida Straits, United States. Anglers here target Indo-Pacific Sailfish, Mahi-Mahi, Tarpon, Permit. The most productive months are typically January, February, March, April, November, December.
Current conditions
| Sea surface temp | 30.5 °C |
|---|---|
| Wind | 21 km/h from ESE |
| Wave height | 0.7 m at 4 s |
| Current | 0.43 m/s toward ENE |
| Pressure | 1016 hPa |
| Depth | 2 m |
| Cloud cover | 5% |
Last updated Jul 22, 2026 (UTC). Conditions refresh through the day.
What the score means at Florida Keys
Florida Keys currently scores 95 out of 100 (Good). Water temperature is 30.5 °C. 8 forecast signals are active in this score. As a rough guide, a score above ~65 reflects conditions experienced anglers would typically fish; below ~45, consider waiting for a better window or targeting different species. The score blends live weather and ocean signals and can change through the day.
Bite windows
Best months for Florida Keys:
About this spot
Straits funnel strong tidal currents. Fish tend to feed around slack water and in the first hour of the flood or ebb, when bait is pushed through.
What you can catch
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Istiophorus platypterus
-
Coryphaena hippurus
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Megalops atlanticus
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Trachinotus falcatus
Best months by species at Florida Keys
| Indo-Pacific SailfishIstiophorus platypterus | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mahi-MahiCoryphaena hippurus | ||||||||||||
| TarponMegalops atlanticus | ||||||||||||
| PermitTrachinotus falcatus |
Months reflect typical catchability by species at this latitude; local seasons and closures apply.
Local regulations
| Species | Bag limit | Min size | Open season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tarpon | 1/day | min 190.5 cm | — |
Licensing:
- saltwater-recreational — residents Florida residents 16–64 must purchase a Saltwater Fishing License; $17/yr (short-term rates available)., non-residents Non-residents 16+: $17/3-day, $30/7-day, $47/annual.
- saltwater-recreational — residents Federal Recreational Fishing License may be required in addition to state license when fishing federal (EEZ) waters., non-residents Same as residents. Many states require their own license even in federal waters.
Some rules may have changed since our last verification — always confirm with the authority before you fish.
FishRadar regulations are summaries for informational purposes only. Always verify current rules at myfwc.com before fishing. Seasons and limits change annually.
Check Florida Keys before you go
Live scores update through the day. Get the full forecast, bite windows, and your own saved spots in the FishRadar app.
Download on the App StoreNearby spots
Explore 5 more fishing spots within 178 km of Florida Keys.
-
Florida Keys Reef
Marathon Hump
Marco Island Florida
Dry Tortugas
Miami Offshore
Frequently asked questions
What fish can you catch at Florida Keys?
Anglers at Florida Keys target Indo-Pacific Sailfish, Mahi-Mahi, Tarpon and Permit.
When is the best time to fish Florida Keys?
The most productive months at Florida Keys are typically January, February, March, April, November, December.
What is the fishing forecast for Florida Keys right now?
Florida Keys currently scores 95 out of 100, based on live ocean and weather conditions — see the full breakdown on this page.
Do you need a licence to fish Florida Keys?
Fishing at Florida Keys follows the local rules for Florida Straits, United States. Bag limits, size limits, seasons and licence requirements are summarised in the Local regulations section above, with a link to the official authority.
Fishing guides for this spot
- How to Catch Mahi-Mahi / Dorado: Chasing the Electric-Green Ghosts of the BluewaterHow to Catch Tarpon: The Silver King PlaybookHow to Read Tides for Fishing
Scores and conditions are forecasts for guidance only and can change rapidly. Always check local rules and current conditions, follow all fishing regulations, and prioritise your safety on the water.