Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Homestead, FL (Full Guide)

Homestead offers some of the best fishing in Florida which is often very overlooked by anglers and tourists alike. Knowing the best times and seasons to fish these rich waters can really help your success rates.

The best time to fish near Homestead, Florida is from May through August for barracuda, bonito, cobia, king mackerel, largemouth bass, blue marlin, white marlin, jack crevalle, mahi-mahi, mangrove snapper, permit, snook, and tarpon.

Homestead is a fishing destination that has something for everyone regardless of your level of experience. Knowing the best times and seasons to fish in the region helps anglers achieve better results during their trips. 

Best Time to Fish in Homestead

Traditionally, the vast majority of anglers prefer to fish in Homestead waters in summer. However, fishing in local waters is also good in spring, fall and winter. 

The best time to fish depends greatly on what you are fishing for in the waters near Homestead. The fish-rich waters in the region allow anglers to target many different species. Both year-round and seasonal species can be found in the local waters. That’s why fishing in the area is possible throughout the year.

The peak fishing season in Homestead is between the late spring and the late summer. It’s the time of the year when the vast majority of fish species are active in Homestead.   

Homestead Species Breakdown: Best Times

Amberjack

The best time of the year to target amberjack in the waters near Homestead is between February and June. Amberjack bites well in the early morning and in the evening. Amberjack can be found in the waters of Palmetto Bay. 

Barracuda

Barracuda fishing is excellent in Homestead throughout the year. However, the best times of year to target barracuda in the region are between January and April and between July and December.

Barracuda is the most active in the early morning and in the late evening. It’s possible to catch barracuda in the waters near Coral Gables. 

Cobia

Cobia fishing in Homestead is good year-round. The best times of the year to target cobia in the region are between January and May and between October and December.

Oftentimes, cobia bites well in the middle of the day. Quail Heights are the right place to fish for cobia in the area. 

Jack Crevalle

It’s possible to catch jack crevalle in the waters near Homestead throughout the year. However, the peak fishing season to target jack crevalle in the area starts in the early winter and ends in the late spring. Jack crevalle can be caught near Key Biscayne.    

Mangrove Snapper

Mangrove snapper fishing is excellent in Homestead at any time of the year. Mangrove snapper feeds actively in the early morning and in the evening. Key Largo is the right place to fish for mangrove snapper.   

Mahi-Mahi

The mahi-mahi fishing season in Homestead starts in February and ends in November. The best season to catch mahi-mahi in the region is between April and September. Mahi-mahi is active during night hours. Anglers can target mahi-mahi in the waters near Coral Gables.   

Permit

The season to catch permit in Homestead begins in the early spring and ends in the late fall. The best months to target permit in the local waters are May – July and October. Key Biscayne is one of the best places to target permit in the area. 

Snook

Snook fishing in Homestead is good between April and November. The peak snook fishing season in the region starts in the late spring and ends in the late fall. It makes a lot of sense to go fishing for snook at dawn and at dusk. Oftentimes, fishermen catch snook near Coral Gables. 

Tarpon

Tarpon fishing in Homestead is productive throughout the year. The tarpon fishing season is high in the region between the late winter and the late summer.

Spring is the best time of the year to catch tarpon in the area. Tarpon is the most active in the early morning. Tarpon fishing is excellent in Coral Gables and in its surrounding areas.  

Wahoo

Wahoo fishing is best in Homestead in February and between August and November. Wahoo bite well at first light. Wahoo fishing is productive in Palmetto Bay.   

Recommended Fishing Guides/Charters near Homestead

These Homestead-based charters have earned great reviews from anglers and will offer you a great service. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.

Recommended Fishing Charters	Location
Legacy Charters	Homestead, FL
Off The Hook – Homestead	Homestead, FL
JP’s Fishing Charters II	Homestead, FL
Deep South Fishing Charters	Homestead, FL
Hold Tight Charters	Key Largo, FL
Salty Habitz Fishing	Key Biscayne, FL
Florida On The Fly	Homestead, FL
Chef Charles The Fishing Chef	Key Largo, FL
All Hanns On Deck	Key Largo, FL
Against The Grain Charters	Key Largo, FL
Captain Martin Carranza	Key Biscayne, FL
Fins and Feathers Fishing Charters	Key Largo, FL
Reel Floridian Fishing – Key Largo	Key Largo, FL

Best Seasons to Book a Homestead Charter

Different fish species are active in the waters near Homestead at different times of the year. So, there is always something to catch in the area. There are fish species that are active during the cold months.

On the other hand, there are species that get active during the warm months. Some species can be caught in the region throughout the year.     

Spring

It’s getting warmer, water temperatures begin to rise and fish get active in spring. The late spring means the start of the peak fishing season in Homestead.

It’s possible to target such fish species as amberjack, barracuda, bonito, largemouth bass, peacock bass, cobia, jack crevalle, groupers, king mackerel, mahi-mahi, sailfish, sharks, snappers as well as tarpon and tuna.    

Summer

The vast majority of fish species are active in the waters near Homestead during the summer months. Many species are active in the local waters and fishing is very productive in the region in the early summer. The peak fishing season in Homestead ends in the late summer.

Among the fish species that anglers can catch during summer months are amberjack, peacock bass, bonito, cobia, black grouper, gag grouper, goliath grouper, hogfish, blue marlin, white marlin, permit, hammerhead shark, mangrove snapper, yellowtail snapper, swordfish, snook, and wahoo.     

Fall 

The weather is getting colder, but it’s still possible to enjoy fishing in the region during the fall months. Fishing is the most productive in the early fall and less productive in the late fall.

Fall is the time of the year when anglers can catch barracuda, bonito, cobia, mahi-mahi, black grouper, gag grouper, sailfish, hammerhead shark, mangrove snapper, red snapper, yellowtail snapper, swordfish, snook, blackfin tuna as well as wahoo.   

Winter

Winter fishing is not bad in Homestead. So, anglers can go fishing in the region during the colder months. In winter, it’s possible to target such fish species as barracuda, largemouth bass, cobia, black grouper, gag grouper, king mackerel, hammerhead shark, and mangrove snapper. 

Best Time of Day to Fish in Homestead 

The time of day when you go fishing also affects angling success. The best time of day to fish in Homestead waters depends on several factors such as the time of the year and the fish species that you are targeting.

You need to study the bite times of your favorite fish species. This will help you find out when the species that you are targeting feed actively. Keep in mind that many fish species in Homestead bite well during the morning and evening hours.    

In summer, anglers usually go fishing in the early morning. Those anglers, who don’t want to wake up early, go fishing in the evening. It’s possible to target the vast majority of fish species successfully and avoid the summer heat during morning and evening hours. 

However, it would be better to go fishing in Homestead during the afternoon hours. Waters heat up and fish get active in the middle of the day. That’s why fishing is getting better in the afternoon.   

Homestead Fishing & Tidal Impacts

Tides cause movement of water that affects fish feeding behavior and a flood current. Anglers need to study the tide times for fishing in Homestead. Fishermen need to know when tides are high and when tides are low in the area. 

Anglers should avoid fishing during the peak of the low tide or high tide. Water levels are going up or down during the tides. Fish get active during the middle period of the tides. That’s why it would be better to go fishing during the incoming and outgoing tides.     

Storms & Homestead Fishing

Weather affects fishing in Homestead. Fishing in the area is very productive before and after storms. Storms are associated with powerful winds, high waves, and heavy rains. It’s worth noting that storms affect both anglers and fish.

Storms and rainstorms create a lot of challenges for anglers. Bad weather makes fishing difficult and even dangerous. That’s why fishing during storms should be avoided.  

It’s also important to note that fish are impacted by storms and rainstorms. Fish move to the deep waters and stay inactive during storms and rainstorms. So, catching it can be hard. 

Anglers should always check the local weather forecasts before booking a fishing trip in Homestead. Traditionally, a lot of rain falls in the region in the late summer. That means storms, as well as rainstorms, are expected at this time of the year.   

Is Winter Fishing Bad or Good in Homestead?

It’s getting colder in Homestead during the winter months. Cold weather has an impact on fish activity. In winter, many species are inactive and that’s the reason why fishing is less productive in the region. Nevertheless, it’s still possible to enjoy fishing and target some species in the area. 

Anglers can go fishing in Homestead and achieve good results during the winter months. Winter fishing allows anglers to catch such species as amberjack, barracuda, largemouth bass, cobia, black grouper, gag grouper, king mackerel, mangrove snapper, hammerhead shark, jack crevalle as well as sailfish and wahoo.  

Night Fishing in Homestead

The best time of the year to fish Homestead at night is in summer. The weather is usually hot in the region during the summer months. That’s why fishing in the region during daylight hours can be hard. Night fishing allows anglers to avoid the summer heat. 

Homestead is home to many species that can get active at night. So, night fishing in Homestead can be very productive. When fishing in the region during nighttime, anglers can target such species as tarpon, snook, snappers, groupers, and sharks.  

Top Fishing Spots around Homestead

Quail Heights

Quail Heights is one of the best places to fish near Homestead. This destination has gained huge popularity among anglers who give a preference to such fishing techniques as fly fishing and light tackle.

Fishing in the waters near Quail Heights is the most productive between the late spring and in summer. The main targets in Quail Heights are barracuda, bonefish as well as permit.

Palmetto Bay

A lot of anglers choose to go fishing in Palmetto Bay. It’s the perfect place to try such fishing techniques as fly fishing, spinning as well as light tackle. Fishing in Palmetto Bay is best between the early spring and the late summer.

The top targeted species in Palmetto Bay are blue marlin, mahi-mahi, and snook. Fishermen can also catch amberjack, barracuda, bonito, cobia, hogfish, jack crevalle, king mackerel, white marlin, permit, sailfish, tarpon, blackfin tuna as well as wahoo.  

Coral Gables

Coral Gables is another good place where anglers can go fishing near Homestead. It’s the place where anglers can go fishing in nearshore and inshore waters. In addition, you can enjoy your day on the reefs targeting your favorite species.

The top targeted species in the local waters are barracuda, mahi-mahi as well as sailfish. Other targets include amberjack, bonito, cobia, hogfish, jack crevalle, king mackerel, blue marlin, white marlin, permit, snook, tarpon, blackfin tuna, and wahoo.

Key Biscayne

Key Biscayne is one of the top fishing spots near Homestead. It’s a destination where anglers can fish in the shallow waters, on grassy flats, on reefs, and in the depths. Key Biscayne is known as an inshore fisherman’s paradise. Anglers can also go fishing offshore in the waters of the Gulf Stream.

Fishing in the area is best between May and July. The catches include barracuda, bonefish, cobia, hogfish, jack crevalle, blue and white marlin, blackfin tuna, groupers, kingfish, snappers, mahi-mahi, mackerel, permit, redfish, sailfish, snook, sharks, swordfish, tarpon as well as wahoo. 

Key Largo

Key Largo is well-known for its living coral reef. The region has great inshore fisheries. Different types of guided fishing trips are available in the area.

Anglers can book a half-day trip to fish in shallow waters, on reefs, and on flats. It’s also possible to book a full-day trip to go further offshore and enjoy deep-sea fishing. Fishing in Key Largo is best between March and September.

Here, it’s possible to target such fish species as amberjack, barracuda, bluefish, bonefish, bonito, cobia, mahi-mahi, grouper, snapper, hogfish, jack crevalle, tuna, tarpon, spotted seatrout, and other species.

Shore/Surf Fishing: Best Times & Seasons 

Homestead is a popular fishing destination among shore anglers. There are many great places where anglers can do inshore fishing in the region. Shore fishing is excellent in the area. 

There are parks in Homestead. The parks have many spots where anglers can fish from shore. Shore anglers should visit Crandon Park, Homestead Bayfront Park, Black Point Park, and Saga Bay Park. 

Anglers, who give a preference to surf fishing, should visit the piers in Homestead. The most popular fishing piers in Homestead and its surrounding areas include Bal Harbor Pier, Bal Harbour Lighthouse, Dania Beach Pier, Fishing Dock, Oleta River State Park Fishing Pier, Fishing Pier 2, Fishing Pier 3, Pier 5 Market, Anglin’s Fishing Pier, Deerfield Beach International Fishing Pier, Newport Fishing Pier, and others. 

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