Why Winter Fishing in Miami Is Special

While the winter months in much of the United States mean bundling up and waiting for spring, south Florida’s subtropical climate keeps saltwater fishing productive and exciting. From Biscayne Bay’s shallow flats to the deep blue waters of the Gulf Stream just offshore, winter in Miami (December through February) offers a unique blend of inshore and offshore opportunities that draw anglers from around the world. 

Unlike other parts of the country where lakes can freeze and rivers slow to a crawl, Miami’s water temperatures remain relatively warm during winter. The Atlantic coastal waters drop slightly, but not drastically this time of year. The Gulf Stream keeps nearshore waters in the 70 degree range and Biscayne Bay rarely dip into the 60s.

Inshore Waters: What to Expect During Winter

Winter in Miami means mild temperatures and less rain. Contrary to summer months when fish are often active during the early morning and late evening, winter fishing can often spread out the bite throughout the day with less extreme temperatures. 

Good inshore winter fishing areas include: 

1. Biscayne Bay grass flats and finger channels
2. Creek mouths and mangrove shorelines of south Biscayne Bay
3. Inshore wrecks and structure
4. Bridges and inlets (especially at night when shrimp runs trigger predator feeding)  

 Top 5 Inshore Species to Target in Winter

Here are the best inshore targets on your winter fishing trip to Miami:

1. Bonefish

One of the most prized flats species, bonefish remain active during winter and often school up especially after the biggest cold fronts. Bonefish are targeted on light tackle, flies, small jigs, and shrimp patterns while sight fishing. These are one of the hardest fighting gamefish pound for pound and one of the big 3 inhore species (tarpon, bonefish permit).

2. Tarpon

Tarpon push south along the beaches during winter and start populating the inlets such as Haulover and Government Cut. The tarpon typically feed less on mullet and more on shrimp as they begin to run during January-March. Tarpon are strong fighters with explosive runs and even though they can weigh up to 200 pounds, the best bait this time of year is often shrimp. Tarpon can be caught free-lining live bait and shrimp or crabs near the beaches, inlets, and bridges all winter long especially during the early morning, late evening, and nighttime. Target the outgoing tide for the most success. 

3. Spotted Seatrout

Winter is ideal for chasing spotted seatrout on Biscayne Bay’s grass flats and sandy potholes. Although the population isn’t as healthy as it used to be due to habitat depredation, we still have a decent seasonal seatrout fishery if you know where to look. Find a grassy area with decent waterflow (2-6 feet deep) in north or south Biscayne Bay and set up a drift. Take long casts with Cajun Thunders (popper), 3 feet of leader, and gulp shrimp. Work the baits over the flats and you should catch a few fish. If you find an area that is particularly productive, you can try soft plastics or even top water to switch things up.

4. Mangrove Snapper 

Mangrove snappers hold on structure in deeper inshore channels and edges during winter months. If you have wrecks in Biscayne Bay, this is a great time to go fish some live shrimp or pilchards if you want to catch 2-3 lb fish. In addition to mangroves, gag grouper area nice surprise in the bay during winter months.

5. Yellow Jacks and Mutton Snapper

Try the finger channels or nearshore patch reefs during December or January if you want to catch some mutton snapper or yellow jacks, both of which are hard fighting and great eating. Both species inhale live pilchards if you can get them. If you are able to net enough bait, try live chumming as well.

Winter Offshore Fishing: Conditions & Tips

Just three to five miles off Miami’s coast, the Gulf Stream brings deep, nutrient-rich water close to shore. This attracts migratory gamefish and pelagic species that thrive in winter, making offshore winter fishing both productive and thrilling. Some of our most exciting gamefish migrate along the coast during the winter months.

Offshore Conditions During Winter

When conditions are right offshore, Miami becomes a playground for pelagic gamefish. We are often looking for blue water, north current, and a bit of north wind often helps the bite this time of year. These five species are among the best to target from December through February.

1. Sailfish

The true star of Miami’s winter offshore scene is the sailfish. These acrobatic billfish migrate through the Gulf Stream and are most abundant during winter and spring. We kite fish almost every trip this time of year in hopes of catching sailfish. When the conditions line up (blue water and strong current), this is a great time of year to catch double digits.

2. Kingfish

Kingfish (aka king mackerel) are incredibly fast and powerful gamefish that move along our reefs this time of year. Winter and early spring can be a great time to catch smokers (30+ pound fish) while kite fishing. In addition to kingfish, wahoo area always a possibility while kite fishing or trolling during the winter.

3. Blackfin Tuna

The blackfin tuna bite doesn’t peak until spring but we still catch a few “footballs” in the 8–15 pound range this time of year. Blackfin tuna migrate closer to shore as winter waters cool, creating great action for anglers looking strong fish that taste as good as they look.

4. African Pompano

These species are still a rare catch any time of the year but if you are going to try for one, December and January are the months. Try fishing live baits on wrecks or reefs in the 100-150 foot range for the most success. AP’s are an exotic, great tasting, and hard fighting fish that you won’t soon forget.

5. Swordfish

Winter is one of our favorite times of the year to fish for swordfish during the day as we often see decent numbers of fish and a decent probability of catching a big one. The only caveat with swordfishing during the winter is that cold fronts can bring north wind that make the sword grounds a bit too rough to fish. If you are keen to try for a sword, look for a good weather window and you’ll have a great shot this time of year.

Book a Winter Trip

Winter in Miami offers something truly special for anglers. Whether you’re throwing lures across glassy flats at sunrise or chasing sails offshore beneath bright blue skies, the city’s winter fishing scene is diverse, accessible, and exciting. Feel free to book a trip as you can’t go wrong this time of year.