In January, the weather can turn on a dime, making it often difficult to hit the reefs or flats. This is why anglers prefer sticking to the backwater. For those determined to head offshore, you’ll find Blackfin Tuna and Sailfish waiting.

The weather conditions still restrict the options somewhat. Backcountry continues to be a great safe bet. If the weather is calm, you can test the flats, as the Permit bite is great this time of the year. Hitting the wrecks can also be productive since Cobia are active right now.

March brings with it warmer temperatures and marks the end of the treacherous winter weather. This is great news for those heading to the flats, as the Tarpon and Permit bite continues to excel. Offshore charters are also picking up steam with the arrival of Mahi Mahi.

With the water warming up, Permit make their way to the reefs to spawn and Bonefish takes over the action in the flats. Reefs are also great Shark fishing grounds at this time. Offshore expeditions are still chasing Mahi Mahi, as well as Sailfish.

Tarpon are on the move and many large ones show up in the flats. This makes May a great month to go for the flats Grand Slam of Tarpon, Permit, and Bonefish. The weather is warm and the winds are calm, making the conditions ideal.

The temperatures are still climbing and the Tarpon are still on the move through the area’s waterways. This is the perfect month to see the legendary airborne acrobatics of the Silver King as you push yourself to the limit trying to reel one in.

It's still as hot as ever and the wind is keeping away. Atlantic reefs are the sight of some great Yellowtail and Mutton Snapper action. July is also the month of spawning for Mangrove Snapper, making the reefs the place to be.

The weather is as hot as the action in August. The calm conditions make flats the perfect fishing grounds, as tailing Permit and Bonefish become much easier to spot. Offshore, the bite is slowing down slightly for everything other than Blackfin Tuna, which is now coming into its prime.

The weather is beginning to cool down and the main action starts to move back to the flats. September is a great month for finding feeding schools of Bonefish, making it slightly easier to target this elusive fish.

In the latter months of fall, the reefs provide anglers the best action around. Plentiful baitfish that are now present in the area are making Mutton Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper, and various Grouper very active. This is a great time to catch some prime table fare.

The reefs still provide great action, with Grouper and Snapper still being targeted reliably. However, the weather may not be on your side in November. If this is the case, head to the flats or backcountry and you won’t be disappointed.

Unpredictable weather makes offshore and reef excursions less and less viable, meaning backcountry and flats fishing is your best choice most of the time. If you find a window to hit the reefs, you’ll be able to target Grouper before the season closes in January.