UTERRedfish fishing in The Florida Keys
In The Florida Keys, redfish are around year-round but never at the peak of their run, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. January: Backcountry fish in Florida Bay toward Flamingo — not an oceanside fish.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Redfish in The Florida Keys, month by month
- JanuaryAroundBackcountry fish in Florida Bay toward Flamingo — not an oceanside fish.
- FebruaryAround
- MarchAround
- AprilAround
- MayAround
- JuneAround
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberAround
- NovemberAround
- DecemberAround
Where to fish redfish near Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon
Oceanside flats and patch reefs inside the reef line, the reef itself, then the Gulf-side banks and basins of Florida Bay and the backcountry. Bridges and channels connect the two. The clearest, warmest water in the state.
Fish Scouter charts 5,035 grass flat, 871 mangrove shoreline, 339 dock / pilings, 88 bridge, 49 pass / inlet spots in the The Florida Keys map area — the kinds redfish hold on.
What to use for redfish
- Live shrimpUnder a popping cork or free-lined, hooked under the horn on a #1 to 2/0 circle hook; on a jig head for the bottom. The universal inshore bait.
- PinfishHooked through the back ahead of the dorsal on a 2/0 to 4/0 circle hook; the small ones free-lined, the big ones on a fish-finder rig.
- Finger mulletLip-hooked on a 2/0 to 4/0 circle hook and free-lined, or on a fish-finder rig in the surf. Cut mullet on the bottom for redfish and drum.
- Blue crabsWhole and small for permit and tarpon; halved or quartered on the bottom for black drum, redfish and cobia.
- CroakersHooked through the back on a 2/0 to 3/0 circle hook, free-lined or on a Carolina rig — big trout and redfish can't leave them alone.
- Leader20–30 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook1/0–3/0
- Jig head1/8–3/8 oz
- Braid10–20 lb
Feeds in 58–90°F water, best at 65–82°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch redfish in The Florida Keys?
Redfish are in The Florida Keys year-round, but the calendar never marks a peak here. January: Backcountry fish in Florida Bay toward Flamingo — not an oceanside fish.
Where do redfish hold in The Florida Keys?
Look on grass flat, pass / inlet, channel edge, bridge — around Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine, Key West.
What is the best bait for redfish in The Florida Keys?
Live bait: live shrimp, pinfish, finger mullet, blue crabs. Live shrimp: Under a popping cork or free-lined, hooked under the horn on a #1 to 2/0 circle hook; on a jig head for the bottom. The universal inshore bait. Tackle: leader 20–30 lb fluorocarbon, hook 1/0–3/0, jig head 1/8–3/8 oz, braid 10–20 lb.
What are the rules for redfish in The Florida Keys?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and change — read the current rule at https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/ before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://myfwc.com/license/recreational/.
Fish it with the tide in your pocket
Fish Scouter scores redfish for this hour on this water, draws every reef, wreck and access point near you, and keeps your spots. $9.99 a month, 14 days free.
Start 14 free daysMore
All about redfish · The Florida Keys, the whole year