You probably already know about the incredible range of fish on offer in Florida. And there’s never a bad time to come to the state and cast a line. But there is something special about summer fishing in Florida! Not all saltwater fish are here year round. Water temperature and weather varies by season and spawning and feeding takes place at certain times of the year motivating fish to migrate with the seasons. Below, you will find some tips for the best summer fishing in Florida, what you can aim to catch, some of the best boats to find a hard earned bounty.
Understanding the Gulfstream
The Gulf Stream is the main driving force behind our fishery in South Florida. It’s deep, it’s blue, and it’s full of large game fish that can turn the shape of a rod into a pretzel. Here lurk awesome battlers such as blue marlin, wahoo, sailfish, dolphin, kingfish, swordfish, yellowfin and black-fin tuna.
If you drive east out of GBC Clubs on Florida’s east coast, eventually you will hit the Gulf Stream a few miles offshore. An often over looked aspect of the Gulf Stream is that subtle changes can make or break your day of fishing. The Gulf Stream is almost always moving to the north offshore but the angle of the current does vary. On some days, the current can be pushing hard inshore, as well, the speed of the Gulf Stream can vary. Regardless, using the correct tackle based on the conditions can help make or break your day.
Plan your fishing day based on these measurements and you’ll have a better chance of success. Trolling lures and baits is the best bet, although offshore fly fishing has increased in popularity.
Not sure where to start? Leave the guess work to us: Charter Offshore with Gulfstream Boat Club
What to Catch for Summer Fishing in Florida
Atlantic Red Snapper
Regular Season: Varies Annually
Red Snapper are a coveted and delicious reef fish that can be caught in moderate depths in the Gulf of Mexico and the southeastern Atlantic Coast. They can weigh up to 35 pounds and grow as long as three feet, but their average size is four to eight pounds and one to two feet. These fish are typically found in deep waters, and like to hang out in schools near reefs, shipwrecks, and oil rigs. Your best chance at catching some tasty Snapper is to head out to deep waters.
Florida Spiny Lobster
Mini Season: 7/26 to 27, 2023 Regular Season: 8/6 to 3/31
Florida’s spiny lobsters are clawless, with pearly white meat only found in the tail, and also super feisty, so confidence is key. They get their name from the forward-pointing spines that cover their bodies to help protect them from predators. Two large, cream-colored spots on the top of the second segment of the tail make spiny lobsters easy to identify. Recreational divers can tackle them during the mini season, which is always the last Wednesday and Thursday in July.
Yellowfin Tuna
The yellowfin tuna fishing season in Florida starts in April and ends in October, but the best months to catch them are are between the months of May – September. Yellowfin tuna bites well between dusk and dawn, and it pays to fish for yellowfin tuna when high tides are becoming a little lower or when low tides are becoming a little higher. The best water temperature for yellowfin tuna is 68 – 76°F.
Blackfin Tuna
The fishing for Blackfin is excellent in Florida year-round, there really is no bad time to catch them in the region! This tuna bites well in the early morning and in the late afternoon, and are active during a slack tide. The best water temperature for Blackfin tuna is 71 – 80°F.
Mahi Mahi
Season: Open Season
The subtropical waters of South Florida make it the perfect place to catch Mahi Mahi – lucky us! Even better, there’s no official season for this fish. The best times to catch Mahi Mahi in Florida are during the spring and summer months. From April to October you can find this migratory fish hanging out in the Atlantic Ocean just less than 10 miles offshore.
Mahi mahi can range anywhere up to 63 inches, and they usually weigh around 30 pounds. The state record is 81 pound fish caught off the Boynton Beach Inlet. That means Gulfstream Boat Club Members have a pretty good chance at rivaling the giant fish.
Best Boats for Offshore Summer Fishing
Boat Club membership is the effortless and elevated way to enjoy boating without ownership. When our members arrive at the dock they’ll find their boat waiting, cleaned and fueled, the cooler stocked with ice and water, and premium snorkeling or fishing gear stowed aboard. Reserve a deck boat today, a fishing boat tomorrow, and charter an excursion on the weekend! With your membership, you have access to every boat in our fleet, at every location.
Enjoy Offshore Summer Fishing with Gulfstream
Our flexible boat club membership packages are designed to accommodate anyone, whether you’re a local resident, in town for the season, or here on vacation, families large and small, and or a professional looking for a creative way to entertain colleagues and clients.
We’re happy to answer any questions you might have about our fleet. We can also provide you more information on specific fishing equipment for your boats for offshore, and the type of Boat Club Memberships we offer at each of our locations. Give us a call today at 888-702-2256!