Fishing Season: Winter

Florida Keys - FL

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Inshore Temp:

76

Offshore Temp:

76

The Saltwater Angler's Tip of the Week

Practice, practice, practice. There is no such thing as being too ready or dialed in. Pay attention to the all the details. Little differences can make the difference between a good and great day. Keep a good perspective and remain patient. Remember any day fishing beats a day at work.

Directions open in app

Map of Florida Keys

Tide data

Tidal Conditions

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

The Saltwater Angler

5-Day Outlook as of 11/20/24

The fall weather is starting to arrive. This week the forecast is calling for winds from 9 to 20+ mph. Monday and Tuesday are calling for easterly to southeasterly winds in the 13 to 18 mph range. Wednesday through Sunday the winds are forecasted to pick up to the low teen to twenty plus range, with the wind kicking around to the north and northwest. The forecast is calling for a mix of clouds and sunshine throughout the week. The temperature is set to be in the mid 60's to low 70's.

Techniques & Tips as of 11/20/24

Be able to side cast and comfortable with the "double haul". This will help you punch into the wind and lay your leader out better. Be safe!

Current Conditions as of 11/20/24

The weather is looking a little more promising for the next week. The winds will be in the 9 to 20+ mph range most of the week. Sunday are looking to be great fishing days. Captains have been reporting groups of Juvenile Tarpon, with some bigger fish mixed in with the right conditions. Bone fish have been a pleasant surprise with many fish being caught as the water temps cool down from the summer heat.. Look to find most Bones active on a tide change later in the day when the suns had a chance to warm the shallows up. Permit have still been slow this time of year. There have been some permit around, but as always they can be picky and elusive. The large Cudas are starting to show up out on the flats as the water temperature has started to drop. These guys are a great challenge on fly or light spin gear. Remember to get the fly moving fast to get their attention. They love live bait! Wishing everyone tight lines and fish boatside!

Local Species Available Winter

  • Fish Icon

    Bonefish

  • Fish Icon

    Permit

  • Fish Icon

    Tarpon

  • Fish Icon

    Jack Crevalle

  • Fish Icon

    Barracuda

  • Fish Icon

    Sharks

  • Fish Icon

    King Mackerel

  • Fish Icon

    Wahoo

  • Fish Icon

    Tuna and Cobia

The Saltwater Angler's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Orvis Tarpon Bunny tan 2
Enrico's Tarpon Pinfish Chart/white 1/0
Malzone's Purple Demon tan, olive 3/0,
Merkin Crab white, chart 2,4
Skok StrongArm Crab Tan 2
Kungfu Crab Pink 4
Grand Slam Crab various colors 1/0
Borski Bonefish Slider tan 1/0
Midnight Minnow White 1/0
Crease Flies Black/red 2/0

Orvis Tarpon Bunny

Tarpon fishing is a wild ride with this handsome fly on your line.

7.99

Item #1X55

Buy Now

The Saltwater Angler's Recommended Gear

Description: About Florida Keys

The Florida Keys and Key West are home to the best saltwater fly fishing in the world. Bold statement, but it's true. Nowhere else can can you find such a wide diversity of species with such easy access. Our reefs and blue water are alive with hard hitting, hard fighting fish willing to take a fly, and our flats offer the incredible challenge of chasing the largest Permit, Bonefish and Tarpon in the world.

Nearest Airport:

EYW-Key West

Bait Recommendations:

Ballyhoo, Pilchards, Thread-fin Herring, flying fish, mullet, Pinfish, crabs, squid, and shrimp