Fishing out of Palm Beach is good all year, but the target changes with the seasons. Here is a simple chart for planning your trip.
- Spring and summer Mahi-mahi, snapper, bottom fish, calmer seas
- Fall Mahi plus the first wahoo, tuna and bait runs
- Winter Sailfish, kingfish, wahoo and blackfin tuna
- Always Snapper and bottom fish
The short version
| Fish | Typical best months |
|---|---|
| Mahi-mahi | April to November |
| Wahoo | October to February |
| Blackfin tuna | October to March |
| Sailfish | November to March |
| Kingfish | November to March |
| Snapper and bottom fish | Year-round |
These are typical windows, not promises. Weather, water temperature, moon and bait all move the dates. If there is a particular fish you want, ask us when you request a trip.
Month by month
January and February
Peak winter: sailfish on the kites, kingfish along the reefs, wahoo and blackfin tuna offshore. Cold fronts bring north wind, so pick a day after the wind lays down. Pack a light jacket for the morning run.
March
The winter bite tapers while mahi begin to show up again. Spring is a transition month that can offer a mix of everything.
April and May
Mahi season builds. Seas generally get calmer. Snapper and bottom fish stay on. A great time for first-timers.
June, July and August
Warm, calm mornings and consistent mahi. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so morning trips are the best choice. This is the start of hurricane season (June 1 to November 30), so watch the forecast. See weather and seas.
September and October
Mahi are still around and the first fall fish arrive: wahoo and tuna begin to show. Autumn mullet runs along the beaches draw gamefish close to shore. Read our fall fishing guide.
November and December
The start of the big winter run: sailfish, kingfish, wahoo and tuna arrive as the first fronts push bait south. Holiday weeks fill up fast, so book early.
Plan around the weather, too
The best day is not always the best month. A calm day in any season can beat a rough day in peak season. We watch the wind and seas and will talk you through options before anything is final.
Ready to put this to work? Request a trip with Good Mojo and tell us what you want to catch, or send us a question first.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to fish in Palm Beach?
It depends on what you want to catch. Spring through fall is great for mahi, and winter is the time for sailfish, kingfish, wahoo and blackfin tuna.
Can you fish in Palm Beach all year?
Yes. Palm Beach has year-round fishing, with snapper and bottom fish available in every month and different offshore fish each season.
When is sailfish season in Palm Beach?
Sailfish are mainly a November-through-March fish, with peak action in the middle of winter.
When is mahi-mahi season in Palm Beach?
Mahi are caught most of the year, with the best run usually from April through November.