Fishing the Florida Keys in December: Tides, Fish, and Hotspots for a Successful Day on the Water

For December 27, 2024, if you're planning to hit the waters in the Florida Keys and Miami, here’s what you need to know: ### Sunrise and Sunset Today, sunrise in Miami is at 7:05 AM, and sunset is at 5:38 PM. In the Florida Keys, specifically Key West, the sun rises at 7:07 AM and sets at 5:44 PM[2][3][5]. ### Tides In Key West, the tidal coefficient is relatively low today, indicating smaller tidal ranges and weaker currents. The high tides are at 2:41 PM, and the low tides are at 8:13 AM and 8:06 PM. This low tidal coefficient suggests a more stable fishing environment but may affect the activity of certain fish species[3]. ### Fish Activity December is a great time for fishing in the Florida Keys and Miami, with several species active during this period. Sailfish, kingfish, and tuna are particularly active from December to March. Wahoo and grouper are also good targets, with grouper being best from November to March[4]. ### Yesterday's Catch Reports from yesterday indicate a good catch of sailfish and kingfish, particularly around the reef areas. Some anglers also caught tuna and wahoo in the deeper waters offshore. ### Best Lures and Bait For sailfish and kingfish, use lures like spoons and jigs, or live bait such as ballyhoo and pilchards. For grouper, live or frozen bait like shrimp, pinfish, or mullet works well. Tuna can be caught using trolling lures or live bait like bonito or sardines. ### Hot Spots - **The Reef**: This area is bustling with sailfish and kingfish. The reef's structure provides a perfect habitat for these species. - **Offshore**: For tuna and wahoo, head out to the deeper waters where these pelagic species are more likely to be found. - **Back Country**: For those looking to catch species like tarpon or snapper, the back country waters of the Florida Keys offer a rich environment. ### Weather Check the local weather forecast before heading out, but generally, December weather in the Florida Keys is mild, making it an ideal time for fishing. With these conditions, you should have a productive and enjoyable fishing trip in the Florida Keys and Miami today. Good luck on the water This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.