Fishing conditions and outlook as of January 16, 2026.
Happy New Year, fish fans and ocean adventurers! January has given us some of the nicest conditions I have seen for this month. If you have been watching the snow pile up back home, I can understand why a day on the water sounds pretty good.
Of course, January likes to keep us humble. As I write this, we are looking at a change from about 75°F today to around 55°F tomorrow, with plenty of wind coming along for the ride. That is classic winter weather in the Keys: beautiful stretches, passing fronts, and a fishing plan that needs room to move.
Planning a Charter Around Winter Weather
How do you book a trip when the weather keeps changing? Start with what your group would enjoy, choose an activity that makes sense for the season, and leave some flexibility in the details.
When you book through my website, use the notes to tell me about your group. Fishing experience, swimming comfort, anything you are especially excited about, and anything you are worried about all help me prepare. Make sure the people coming with you know what the trip involves, too.
I know my boat and these waters. I do not know your family yet. Our first trip together is a little like a first date, and a little background makes the matchmaking easier.
About 48 hours before your scheduled trip, we can look more closely at the forecast and work through the details. I will explain the options, and we can decide what fits your group and the conditions. We may need to adjust again as the weather develops.
I also take last-minute bookings when I can. Several trips over December and early January came together with very little notice and worked out well. More planning time is helpful, but it never hurts to ask.
January Fishing Around Marathon
Much of my January fishing takes place on the reefs and within about seven miles of shore. As the water cools, fish move around, and we often get more opportunities closer in. The deep reef, shallow patches, bridges, and bayside spots can all come into play.
A four-hour reef trip gives us several possibilities, with the route depending on the weather and who is aboard. Snappers, groupers, jacks, and mackerel make up much of what we encounter. Seeing a fish on the line does not necessarily mean it can go in the cooler; what we keep depends on the applicable regulations.
Sailfish, wahoo, African pompano, and sharks can add some variety, whether we are deliberately looking for them or getting a surprise. Everything is moving around this time of year. That is part of what keeps winter fishing interesting.
Farther offshore, the tuna bite around the Marathon Humps has been holding steady at the time of this update, mostly with blackfin tuna and some skipjack. Getting out there depends on suitable conditions, so it is an option to discuss rather than something to count on for every trip.
Winter Snorkeling Takes Some Flexibility
Snorkeling is harder to call during the winter months. Shifting winds and passing fronts can change visibility quickly. Clear water in the morning does not guarantee clear water that afternoon.
We can plan for snorkeling, but we only get in when conditions are suitable. If a fishing-and-snorkeling trip becomes a fishing trip because the water will not cooperate, that decision is part of the job you hired me to do.
During Christmas week, I found a brief opportunity at a protected shallow reef after a cold front. That gave one group a chance to fish and snorkel on a challenging weather day. Local knowledge helps me look for those openings, but it cannot create one every time.
For the weeks following this January update, my rough estimate was water temperatures around 65–68°F. That was an outlook, not a measurement or a promise. If snorkeling is on your list, ask about water temperatures and wetsuit rental options at Captain Hook’s before your trip.
A Captain’s Perspective on Choosing a Charter
The boat is in excellent shape, and I have been using quieter days to work on the advertising and administrative side of the business. I would generally rather be fishing, but somebody has to do the paperwork.
The second half of 2025 was slower for my business, which sent me looking closely at how people find charters online. TripAdvisor helped me build this business years ago. Looking through listings again reminded me how much information a guest has to sort through before choosing a trip.
My advice is to look beyond a listing’s position on the page. Read the trip details, look through recent reviews, and ask questions. Find out who will captain your trip, which boat you will be on, and where it actually departs.
It is also worth asking whether you are booking with the operator directly or through a service that places you with another captain. The useful question is whether you understand what you are booking and who will be taking you out.
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
The ocean is my happy place. Put me on the boat with a good plan and a group ready to give it a try, and I am right where I want to be.
I also know that everyone experiences a boat day differently. Cold, heat, motion sickness, or uncertainty about getting in the water can change somebody’s whole afternoon. Tell me about those concerns beforehand so I can factor them into the plan.
Dress for the forecast, bring a towel if getting in the water is part of the plan, and think through what your children will need to stay comfortable. Share the preparation information with everyone in your group. A few minutes before the trip can make a real difference once we leave the dock.
I will adjust throughout the day; that is part of being a captain. But the better prepared we are together, the more time we can spend enjoying the trip we came out to do.
One small favor after your trip: consider leaving an honest Google review. A few words about your experience help future guests decide whether I am the right captain for them, and they help an independent business like mine get found. I appreciate you taking the time.
Not sure which trip fits your crew? Tell me a little about your group, or call (305) 481-0589 and leave a message. We can talk through what you want to do, what everyone is comfortable with, and the options that make sense for your visit.
