Winter fishing in Miami is a great time for anglers of all experience levels. The warmer waters of Florida’s coast make it more popular for those seeking year-round species like the Snapper and for the other catches that migrate further south. We’ve created a December fishing calendar highlighting what we consider the most relevant fish species to catch in Miami. We’ll go through the times of day to catch them and what the Florida wildlife regulations say about them.
At the end, you’ll find a comprehensive chart with a downloadable link to keep. Read ahead to learn more about December fishing with Miami Inshore Fishing Charters.
Most Active Fish Species in December in Miami
Here are the fish species to look for this December 2024 season in Miami:
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
December is the ideal time to get your hands on a Kingfish. They tend to migrate south during the winter, so they have a prime time in Miami this month when the waters are slightly colder. They are appealing because they put up a fight and are extremely fast. Experienced anglers love the exhilaration of catching a King Mackerel.
- Activity Time: Active during the early morning and late afternoon.
- Fishing Regulations: Minimum size limit of 24 inches fork length with a daily bag limit of 2 per person.
Sailfish
During winter, especially in December, Sailfish migrate heavily toward more shallow waters in search of smaller fish to feed on. This makes the month ideal to catch one. They’re considered fun catches because they are very acrobatic fish that fight back.
- Activity Time: Active during daylight hours, especially mornings.
- Fishing Regulations: Minimum size limit of 63 inches with a daily bag limit of 1 per person.
Barracuda
Barracuda are consistently found in Miami year-round, but their activity increases when the water gets colder. They feed during the day for prey fish and are very popular because of their aggressive strikes. They’re definitely a catch to be proud of.
- Activity Time: They are daytime feeders, with early morning and late afternoon peaks.
- Fishing Regulations: In certain counties, size limits of 15–36 inches fork length with a daily bag limit of 2 per person or 6 per boat.
Blackfin Tuna
Blackfin Tuna is another fish that migrates closer to Miami’s coast when it starts to get colder. They’re more common in December and put up a strong fight, but they’re sought after because they’re delicious and commonly used in cooking.
- Activity Time: Most active during early morning and late afternoon.
- Fishing Regulations: There is no minimum size limit, and the daily bag limit is 2 per person or 10 per boat.
Snapper
Even though they’re available year-round, December is an ideal season to catch Snapper. The colder temperatures can increase their inshore activity. Snappers are a diverse species, and anglers love to catch them to cook them.
- Activity Time: Nocturnal feeders; night fishing can be productive.
- Fishing Regulations: Size and bag limits vary by species; for instance, Mutton Snapper has an 18-inch minimum size limit and a 5-per-harvester daily bag limit.
Cobia
Migration of Cobia through Miami peaks during the cooler months. December is the perfect time to get your hands on one of these impressive species. They’re strong fighters with excellent table fare and are greatly sought after.
- Activity Time: They’re very active at night and often fished near-surface structures.
- Fishing Regulations: Minimum size limit of 36 inches fork length; daily bag limit of 1 per harvester, not to exceed 2 per vessel in Atlantic state waters.
Bonefish
The stable water temperatures in Miami during December make Bonefish available on flats even when it gets colder than usual. They like tidal changes and are greatly sought after because of their speed.
- Activity Time: Early morning or late afternoon, especially during incoming tides.
- Fishing Regulations: Catch and release only. No harvest allowed.
Wahoo
December is the Wahoo fishing season. Winter months increase their offshore activity, so catching during this month is very popular. They’re extremely fash fish with sought-after meat for cooking.
- Activity Time: Most active during daylight, with peaks at dawn.
- Fishing Regulations: No minimum size limit; daily bag limit of 2 per harvester.
December Time of Day Fishing Chart
If you want a more comprehensive chart explaining what times of day you can catch these fish during December, we’ve made one below:
| Fish Species | Mornings | Afternoons | Night |
| Kingfish | ✅ | ✅ | 🚫 |
| Sailfish | ✅ | 🚫 | 🚫 |
| Barracuda | ✅ | ✅ | 🚫 |
| Blackfin Tuna | ✅ | ✅ | 🚫 |
| Snapper | 🚫 | 🚫 | ✅ |
| Cobia | 🚫 | 🚫 | ✅ |
| Bonefish | ✅ | ✅ | 🚫 |
| Wahoo | ✅ | 🚫 | 🚫 |
Let’s Reel in Some December Fun Fishing in Miami!
December is the perfect time to get out on Miami’s waters and chase some incredible catches. This month offers something for every angler, whether you’re after the thrilling fight of a King Mackerel, the lightning-fast Wahoo, or the acrobatic Sailfish.
With so many species active and ready to bite, this is a great opportunity to make unforgettable fishing memories.
Why not let us take the guesswork out of your next fishing trip? At Miami Inshore Fishing Charters, we’ve got the local know-how to put you right where the fish are biting. Book your December fishing charter today, and let’s make this winter one to remember on Miami’s beautiful waters!
