Best Times & Seasons to Catch Marlin in Florida (Full Guide)
Marlin (both white and blue marlin) are some of the most popular fish to target in Florida. Knowing the best times and seasons to catch marlin in Florida helps anglers maximize the success of their fishing trips.
The best time to catch marlin in Florida is during the warmer months, typically from late spring to early fall. Fish in deep, offshore waters during these times, especially when currents bring warmer water.
Florida offers world-class marlin fishing throughout the year. Marlin can be found in Florida’s deep, offshore waters, usually far from the coast.
Best Times to Catch Marlin in Florida
The warmer months are your best bet if you’re looking to catch marlin in Florida. Late spring to early fall is the prime blue and white marlin season. These powerful fish like to stay in deep waters, significantly where the ocean floor drops off suddenly.
You’ll often find them in warm ocean currents like the Gulf Stream. If you go fishing during these months and in these types of water, you can catch a marlin.
Blue Marlin
The best time to catch blue marlin in Florida is during the warmer months, from late spring to early fall. You’ll usually find them in deep waters, far from shore. The warm currents of the Gulf Stream are a popular spot for blue marlin, so look for areas where the water temperature is higher.
White Marlin
To catch white marlin in Florida, your best bet is fishing from late summer to early fall. These fish hang out in deep water, often where the ocean gets deeper suddenly. During these months, you’ll find them in warm currents, like the Gulf Stream, far from land.
Seasonal Breakdown: Florida Marlin
Winter
Marlin fishing in Florida in the winter can be a bit tougher because the fish move to warmer waters. However, you can still find near underwater features like drop-offs, ledges, and shipwrecks. These are places where the fish like to hunt for food. In the winter, the Gulf Stream, a warm ocean current, is a good place to look for marlin. So, if you’re determined to catch a marlin during the colder months, focus on fishing in deeper waters around these special underwater spots.
Spring
Spring is a great time to go marlin fishing in Florida. As the water starts to warm up, marlin come closer to shore. You’ll have a good chance of catching them near underwater cliffs, drop-offs, shipwrecks, and ledges. These are spots where marlin love to find food. Try fishing near the edge of the Gulf Stream, where the water is warm and deep.
Summer
Summer is an awesome season for marlin fishing in Florida! Because the water is warm, marlin are very active. The best places to find them are near underwater cliffs, drop-offs, shipwrecks, and underwater ledges. These are the places where marlin like to hunt for food. Fishing near the edge of the Gulf Stream is also a good idea, as the water there is nice and deep.
Fall
In the fall, you can still catch marlin in Florida waters. This is when they’re usually found near underwater features like drop-offs, ledges, and even shipwrecks. They like these spots because it’s easier for them to find food there.
If you’re fishing in the Gulf Stream, a warm ocean current, your chances are even better. So if you go out fishing in the fall, look for these underwater features in deep waters.
Best & Worst Time/Tides of Day
Early morning and late afternoon are usually the best times. This is when the marlin are more likely to be closer to the surface, making it easier for you to catch them. The middle of the day isn’t great for marlin fishing because the sun is high, and the fish tend to go deeper into the water.
Fishing at night can be tricky; marlin are less active and harder to see. Head out to the open sea, especially near underwater features like drop-offs and shipwrecks where marlin hang out. Try fishing in the early morning or late afternoon in deeper ocean parts. Avoid midday and nighttime for the best results.
Recommended Fishing Guides in Florida
These Florida-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. 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 |
| Captain Chris Fishing Charters | St. Augustine, FL |
| Great White Charters | St. Augustine, FL |
| Fish Slapped Charters | Clearwater, FL |
| Wet Lines Fishing | Clearwater, FL |
| Amelia Family Fishing Charters | Fernandina Beach, FL |
| 850 Charters | Destin, FL |
| Neptune Fishing Charters | Clearwater, FL |
| Leisure Life Charters | St. Petersburg, FL |
| Old Town Charters | Panama City Beach, FL |
Night Fishing for Florida Marlin
Catching a marlin at night in Florida can be very challenging. Marlin are not as active when it’s dark, which makes them harder to catch. If you still want to try, the best time would be right after sunset or just before sunrise.
Top Florida Marlin Locations
Miami: In Miami, marlin fishing is best from May to September. You’ll find them in deep waters, usually miles from the shore. Look for warmer currents, as that’s where marlin like to swim.
Key West: The warm, deep waters near Key West are perfect for marlin from late spring to early fall. The Gulf Stream’s warm currents often bring in big marlin.
Fort Lauderdale: The peak season for marlin is late spring to early fall. Go far off the coast and look for areas where the water temperature rises.
St. Petersburg: Marlin can be found from late spring to early autumn in deep waters off St. Petersburg. This area is known for big game fishing, and marlin are a popular target.
Islamorada: Known as the sportfishing capital of the world, Islamorada offers marlin fishing mostly in the summer months. Deep, warm currents are where you’re likely to find them.
Tampa: From May to September, Tampa’s deeper waters are best for marlin fishing. Warmer water currents attract marlin here.
West Palm Beach: In this location, go far offshore to find marlin, mainly from late spring to early fall. Deep, warm ocean areas are your best bet.
Destin: Known as the “world’s luckiest fishing village,” Destin offers good marlin fishing from late spring to early autumn. Head into the deep Gulf waters for the best chance.
Naples: Marlin can be found in the warm, deep waters off Naples from May to September. Look for warm water spots as marlin love those.
Jacksonville: In Jacksonville, the best time for marlin is from late spring to early fall. Go far offshore, and find warm, deep currents for your best shot at catching one.
Florida Marlin & Weather
Weather can impact how successful you are at catching marlin in Florida. When the sky is clear and the sun is shining, marlin are easier to spot because they often come closer to the surface. But be careful on hot days; marlin might dive deeper to stay cool. Windy conditions can be both good and bad. Light winds make the water’s surface wavy, which helps to hide your boat and fishing gear from the marlin. But if it’s too windy, it can make fishing tough and less safe.
Rain is not the best for marlin fishing. They don’t like the fresh water that rain brings into the ocean, so they move to deeper areas. Marlin like to be in deep waters especially near features like underwater cliffs or shipwrecks.
Marlin Spawning Season in Florida
In Florida, blue marlin usually spawn between May and September. White marlin often spawn a bit earlier, from March to July. During these times, marlin like to be in warm, deep waters far from land. If you’re fishing for marlin, you might notice more of them in the ocean during these months because they come together to spawn.
Click here for a breakdown of the best water temperatures for seatrout. Click here for a breakdown of the best water temperatures for tarpon. Click here for a breakdown of the best times to catch permit in Florida.
