UTERLemon shark fishing in The Florida Keys
In The Florida Keys, lemon shark peak October–April and are around year-round, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. January: Cruising the flats on the warm afternoons.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Lemon shark in The Florida Keys, month by month
- JanuaryPeakCruising the flats on the warm afternoons.
- FebruaryPeak
- MarchPeak
- AprilPeak
- MayAround
- JuneAround
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberPeak
- DecemberPeak
Where to fish lemon shark 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, 49 pass / inlet spots in the The Florida Keys map area — the kinds lemon shark hold on.
What to use for lemon shark
- 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 runners (hardtails)Nose-hooked and slow-trolled on a wire stinger rig for kings; bridled for sailfish and cobia.
- Cut ladyfishA whole ladyfish or a head on a 9/0 circle hook and wire for sharks; chunks on the bottom for redfish and drum. The best shark bait in Florida.
- Bonito (cut)Whole on cable for tiger and bull sharks; fillets and chunks on the bottom for grouper and snapper; strips trolled for wahoo.
- Leader80–150 lb mono
- Hook8/0–16/0
- Braid65–150 lb
Feeds in 68–90°F water, best at 74–86°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch lemon shark in The Florida Keys?
Peak season is October–April. Lemon shark are here year-round. January: Cruising the flats on the warm afternoons.
Where do lemon shark hold in The Florida Keys?
Look on grass flat, channel edge, pass / inlet — around Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine, Key West.
What is the best bait for lemon shark in The Florida Keys?
Live bait: finger mullet, blue runners (hardtails), cut ladyfish, bonito (cut). Finger mullet: Lip-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. Tackle: leader 80–150 lb mono, hook 8/0–16/0, braid 65–150 lb.
What are the rules for lemon shark 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/.
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All about lemon shark · The Florida Keys, the whole year