Southwest Florida Fishing Forecasts

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA FISHING FORECASTS

Over time, we have discovered that fish do not read calendars or follow an exact schedule. Instead, their behavior and abundance are determined by factors such as water temperature, bait movements, and weather patterns. Similarly, fish do not pay attention to geographical boundaries as outlined on maps.

When using our regional forecasts as a reference, it's a good idea to consider the conditions in nearby regions along the East Coast or the Gulf Coast. This will give you a better understanding of what species of fish might be biting before, during, and after your fishing trip. Additionally, local fishing guides who are on the water almost daily can provide more accurate and up-to-date information on current catches.

Our regional forecast takes a broader approach and focuses on the most sought-after gamefish in the region during each season. For example, bass fishing has a longer season and can be found throughout much of Florida. In such cases, we provide more detailed information on popular and productive fishing spots, such as streams and bodies of water.

 

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA SALTWATER FISHING FORECASTS

Please keep in mind the migratory patterns of fish along with near shore and offshore currents. Search nearby locations for a full picture on forecasts for the area you're looking to fish.

FISH FLORIDA SOUTHWEST REGION MONTHLY SALTWATER FORECASTS

JANUARY	FEBRUARY	MARCH	APRIL
MAY	JUNE	JULY	AUGUST
SEPTEMBER	OCTOBER	NOVEMBER	DECEMBER

 

JANUARY SOUTHWEST FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST

January can be a challenging month for fishing. During low tide, look for redfish tailing on shallow grass or in potholes and around docks. When it's high tide, target shallow grass flats in sunny afternoons for trout, blues, Spanish mackerel, pompano, and more. Action for these species on deep grass flats can be good, depending on conditions.

 

FEBRUARY SOUTHWEST FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST

February can be a difficult month for fishing due to frequent fronts and cool water temperatures, which can affect fish behavior. Good tides combined with favorable weather conditions can increase success. Trout and redfish are good shallow water options this month, as well as trout, blues, Spanish mackerel, pompano, and flounder on deep grass flats. Sheepshead, flounder, reds and more can be found around docks.

 

MARCH SOUTHWEST FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST

In March, anglers can expect good fishing for reds, trout, and snook in skinny water as baitfish become more plentiful. Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, cobia, tripletail, and false albacore (little tunny) can be found in the coastal gulf. Night snook fishing in the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) can also be productive this month.

 

APRIL SOUTHWEST FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST

Tarpon migration to SW Florida begins in April and is considered one of the most spectacular natural events for anglers. The Boca Grande Pass becomes the central hub for the best tarpon fishing in the world during May. The migration is a sight to behold for both fishermen and non-fishermen. Thousands of tarpon appear in the Pass to mate and replenish their species.

April is a good month for snook, redfish, and trout on warm, shallow flats due to an increase in baitfish. Spanish mackerel, blues, and pompano can be found in passes or on deep grass flats. Spanish mackerel, false albacore (little tunny), cobia, and tripletail are expected to make an appearance in the backcountry areas and in the coastal gulf later in the month.

 

MAY SOUTHWEST FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST

In May, tarpon, Spanish mackerel, tripletail, cobia, and false albacore (little tunny) can be found along the beaches in the coastal gulf. Snook will be in the passes and the surf, and redfish and trout are expected to feed heavily on shallow flats due to an increase in baitfish. Trout, blues, Spanish mackerel and more are good options on deep grass flats.

 

JUNE SOUTHWEST FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST

In June, tarpon should be abundant in the coastal gulf as schools of fish migrate along the beaches. Anglers can also expect to find cobia, tripletail, and false albacore (little tunny) in the coastal gulf.

 

JULY SOUTHWEST FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST

July has many fishing options including late-season tarpon, snook in the surf or at night, and reds or big trout in skinny water. Early morning is the best time for tarpon fishing in shallow waters.

 

AUGUST SOUTHWEST FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST

In August, tarpon will move into estuaries and there may also be juvenile tarpon in creeks, canals, and turning basins. Reds are expected to school on shallow flats, and big trout will be in the same waters at dawn. Trout can also be found on deep grass flats with blues, pompano, Spanish mackerel and more.

 

SEPTEMBER SOUTHWEST FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST

In September, fishing deep grass flats in Sarasota Bay can provide action with various species including trout, blues, and Spanish mackerel. Fishing near dock lights before dawn is also a reliable option for snook and other species, and may be a good way to avoid the heat. Juvenile tarpon and redfish may also be found near dock lights during this time.

 

OCTOBER SOUTHWEST FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST

Look for reds on shallow flats and trout on deep grass flats. Snook and big trout will continue to be good options in shallow water. False albacore (little tunny), Spanish mackerel, cobia and tripletail can still be found in the coastal gulf. Juvenile tarpon will be plentiful in backwaters and near lighted docks. Nighttime snook fishing will also be a good option in the ICW.

 

NOVEMBER SOUTHWEST FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST

Look for snook, reds, and big trout in skinny water and on dock lights around dawn and dusk. Spanish mackerel, blues, and pompano will be good options on deep grass flats and the coastal gulf. Tarpon may still be around in upper Charlotte Harbor and Tampa Bay but will be moving south as water temperatures cool.

 

DECEMBER SOUTHWEST FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST

Additionally, fishing deep grass flats can produce trout, blues and Spanish mackerel. In colder weather, look for redfish, trout, and snook in deeper water around structures like docks, piers, and bridges, where they may seek refuge from the cold.

 

FISH FLORIDA SOUTHWEST REGION "LOCAL EXPERT" SALTWATER FORECASTS

The following is our curated list of local saltwater fishing forecasts in Southwest Florida. We share links and informations from "locals" to give you the best resource to plan your next fishing excursion. Check back before your next trip for the current fishing forecasts to the area.

 

Naples, Florida - Fish The Salt Guide Service

Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, Florida - Pure Florida

Sarasota, Florida - Visit Sarasota

Siesta Key, Florida - CB's Saltwater Outfitters

Venice, Florida - Venice Jetty

 

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SOUTHWEST FLORIDA FRESHWATER FISHING FORECASTS

Florida's freshwater fisheries comprise more than 8,000 lakes, ponds and reservoirs, and approximately 12,000 miles of fishable rivers, streams and canals—with no closed seasons. The recreational fishery resources alone in these waters provide entertainment for more than 1.2 million anglers annually.

FISH FLORIDA SOUTHWEST REGION FRESHWATER PLANNERS

BLACK BASS

 

BLACK BASS

Largemouth bass are found in almost every body of freshwater in Florida. With more than 8,000 lakes and other waters available, anglers sometimes face a tough decision about where to fish. The following list of Top Spots for Black Bass aims to help anglers find a quality place to catch either good numbers of bass or to catch a trophy bass.

The largemouth bass is the best known and most popular freshwater game fish in Florida. Found statewide, largemouth bass have excellent growth rates, particularly in the productive waters of central Florida. Historically known for huge bass, Florida remains an outstanding destination to catch a trophy.

When to Fish: Spring is the best time of year to catch bass, when fish move into shallow water to spawn. Spawning may occur as early as January in extreme south Florida and as late as May in the panhandle, but March and April are peak months. Most large bass are taken at this time; after spawning, many large females move to offshore areas.

Range: Although the largemouth bass is by far our most common black bass, other species are found in Florida. The smaller Suwannee bass occurs in the Suwannee River and its tributaries, and in the Ochlockonee River. Favoring rock outcrops and moving water, Suwannee bass prefer crayfish to many prey items of largemouth. Crayfish-imitating crankbaits worked through deep-water bends will attract these hard fighting fish, as will plastic worms, plastic lizards or crayfish. The Santa Fe River is another good spot, and trophy-sized Suwannee bass up to three pounds can be found in the Ochlockonee River north of I-10.

These are the sites in Southwest Florida most likely to be best for black bass fishing in 2023.

FISH FLORIDA SOUTHWEST REGION "LOCAL EXPERT" FRESHWATER FORECASTS

The following is our curated list of local freshwater fishing forecasts in Southwest Florida. We share links and informations from "locals" to give you the best resource to plan your next fishing excursion. Check back before your next trip for the current fishing forecasts to the area.

 

Southwest Florida - FWC Fishing Regional Forecasts

 

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