From the archives: This outlook is from February 2013. The conditions, fishing expectations and grouper-season reference below reflect that time, not current conditions or regulations.
Winter brings new fishing opportunities
My phone was ringing all day, and I’d worn jeans three days straight—good signs that winter visitors were returning to the Keys. After an unusually warm stretch, cooler weather had arrived, and I expected seasonal fish to start moving into the area in greater numbers.
In this February outlook, I anticipated more mackerel and sailfish, along with reef fish moving into shallower water close to shore. Anglers could choose between chasing hard-fighting fish and targeting snapper and other reef species for the table. On the bayside, I expected Spanish mackerel to follow bait schools, with mangrove snapper, cobia, kingfish and sharks also among the possibilities.
At the time, the Gulf Stream was close to the reef, and the water had been around 76°F with excellent clarity when wind and tide lined up. That made for good snorkeling and spearfishing conditions, though visibility could still change with the weather. I was seeing hogfish and grouper on the reef, plus amberjack on the wrecks and cero mackerel in between.
I was also looking ahead to grouper season, which I expected to open April 1 under the rules in effect then. Season dates and regulations change, so check current official rules before planning a trip around a particular species.
The outlook was improving, with more options for fishing and in-water activities. If you’re planning a Florida Keys trip, contact me to discuss current conditions and options for your group.
