Fall Fishing Report 2025

Fall in Miami generally stretches from late September through early December. The brutal summer heat begins to break, and water temperatures slowly fall from the upper 80s into the 70s. This subtle change creates a surge of marine activity. Schools of mullet, pilchards, and sardines migrate along the coast, providing a buffet for a variety of predators. The annual mullet run, in particular, is a highlight. The spectacle of thousands of baitfish streaming down the coastline attracts tarpon, snook, jack crevalle, sharks and more.

Inshore Action: Tarpon, Snook, and More

Inshore waters around Biscayne Bay, Haulover, and Government Cut come alive in the fall. Tarpon remain active through the season feeding on mullet along the beaches and jettijes. Juvenile tarpon crowd the back bays, while larger adult fish patrol inlets and bridges, especially during the mullet run. Night fishing around bridge lights can be productive as well. Drifting live mullet or casting slow-sinking swimbaits can produces violent strikes. When considering artificial lures, mullet look alikes such as the 5" or 7" R & R Tackle slide baits can be particularly effective this time of year.

In addition to tarpon, snook also hunt along the baches and inlets in search of an easy meal. Fall is prime time for using topwater lures during early mornings with  explosive strikes are a thrill unique to this season. For those preferring bait, live shrimp, pilchards, and finger mullet yield more consistent results.

On the grass flats especially in south Biscayne Bay, red fish and sea trout, while not as abundant as they are on Florida’s west coast, also provide solid action. With clearer water and milder wind, sight-fishing the flats becomes easier in October and November.

Nearshore and Reef Fishing: A Shift Toward Cooler-Water Species

Just a few miles offshore, Miami’s reefs and wrecks offer a different fall bounty. As the water cools, mutton snapper, yellowtail snapper, and grouper species become more active. Fall is one of the better times to target mutton snapper on the deeper reefs using live baits like ballyhoo or pinfish. You can also troll the reef for mutton snapper or grouper with more success during this shoulder season. 

Kingfish also begin their run along the South Florida's coastline during late fall. These hard-charging predators respond well kite baits, mid rods, and strips trolled behind planers. Their migratory push coincides nicely with the abundance of baitfish pushed south by shifting weather patterns. They get fired up chasing ballyhoo showers along the reef.

For anglers who enjoy vertical jigging or bottom fishing, fall conditions make it easier to hold position over wrecks and ledges thanks to calmer winds and currents. Amberjack, almaco jack, and blackfin tuna are all possible encounters, giving anglers a chance to test both strength and technique.

Offshore Opportunities: Sailfish Season Begins

Fall marks the early stages of Miami’s famous sailfish season. While peak action arrives in winter, late fall often brings the first consistent pushes of sailfish along the Gulf Stream’s edge. Kite fishing is a local specialty. Suspending live baits from kites creates a natural, lifelike presentation that sailfish find irresistible. This technique is particularly effective in South Florida where double digit days are not uncommon once the sails really turn on. 

Dolphinfish (mahi-mahi) are still present offshore as well, though their size and numbers decrease compared to summer months. Fall dolphin are often found closer to shore during the fall feeding on ballyhoo which makes them a welcome guest while kite fishing or trolling along the reef. 

A Season Worth Experiencing

Fall fishing in Miami is energetic, diverse, and often underrated. With cooler temperatures, active gamefish, and spectacular bait migrations, it offers some of the most exciting inshore and offshore action of the year. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a visiting newcomer, fall is the perfect time to explore Miami’s exceptional fishing scene. The flights and hotels are sometimes a bit more reasonable this time of year so it is a great time to visit South Florida.