NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA SALTWATER FISHING FORECASTS

North Central Florida is a coastal paradise cradled by the gentle waves of the Gulf Coast, offering saltwater fishing enthusiasts a pristine escape. Spanning from Hamilton to Sumter counties and including charming coastal towns like Cedar Key, this region is a treasure trove of saltwater fishing opportunities. Whether you're casting a line from the piers of Cedar Key, exploring the expansive estuaries, or heading offshore for a deep-sea adventure, North Central Florida promises a memorable and bountiful saltwater angling experience.

Please keep in mind the migratory patterns of fish along with near shore and offshore currents. Search nearby locations for a full picture on forecasts for the area you're looking to fish.

 

North-Central Florida (Big Bend) Month-by-Month Saltwater Forecast

 

Zone / Month	Key Species	Why It’s Hot	Tactics & Hotspots
JAN	Sheepshead, Speckled Trout, Redfish, Gag Grouper	Cold snaps push trout into rivers; sheepshead spawn on pilings; gags roam 25‑40 mi ledges.	Dead‑stick shrimp around docks & rocks for sheepshead; suspend plugs in deep bends for big trout; troll Stretch‑30s over mid‑depth ledges for gags.
FEB	Trout, Redfish, Sheepshead	Ultra‑low tides pack fish in deeper creeks; peak sheepshead spawn on near‑shore reefs.	Drift mouth of Pepperfish Creek with soft plastics; drop fiddler‑crab rigs on Steinhatchee Reef for slab sheepshead.
MAR	Sheepshead, Trout, Early Cobia	Last surge of spawning sheepshead; warming flats ignite trout; first cobia shadow rays & markers.	Jig shrimp‑tipped leads on rock piles; fan‑cast paddle‑tails over turtle grass; pitch live pinfish when a cobia appears.
APR	Overslot Redfish, Gator Trout, Cobia, Spanish Mackerel	Baitfish flood flats; cobia and mackerel migrations peak.	Sight‑cast gold spoons to tailing reds near Butler Flats; pop‑cork live shrimp for trout; troll channel markers with eel rigs for cobia; chum & toss spoons for macks.
MAY	Tarpon, Kingfish, Slot Snook	First migratory tarpon roll; kingfish work bait pods; river‑mouth snook turn on.	Drift live crabs along Big Bend beach troughs for silver kings; slow‑troll cigar minnows 3–8 mi out for kings; pitch paddle‑tails to snook in tannic creeks on outgoing tide.
JUN	Red Snapper*, Scallops*, Deep‑Water Trout	Federal snapper season opens; scallop season (late June) crowds shallows, pushing trout deeper.	Two‑hook chicken rigs on 70–100 ft hard bottom for snapper; dive Pepperfish Keys grass for scallops; jig gulp shrimp in 6–10 ft potholes for keeper trout.
JUL	Scallops*, First‑Light Redfish, Red Grouper	Bath‑warm water means daybreak reds; grouper bite steady offshore.	Wade high‑tide shorelines at sunrise for reds; free‑line pinfish on 60 ft live bottom for red grouper; limit on scallops mid‑day, then drift for trout.
AUG	Mangrove Snapper, Bull Reds, Shark Action	Hot water fires mangroves on structure; bull reds stage in tidal creeks; summer shark playground.	Chum & free‑line pilchards on channel edges; throw cut mullet in creek mouths for bulls; soak big baits for blacktips off the Bird‑Rack sandbar.
SEP	Schooling Redfish, Big Trout, Gag Grouper, Amberjack	First cool nights = redfish schools; trout return to 2–5 ft flats; gag/ AJ seasons prime.	Walk‑the‑dog plugs at dawn for reds; hop shrimp jigs over mixed grass for trout; live‑bait 40 ft ledges for gags; vertical‑jig towers for AJs.
OCT	Kingfish, Spanish Mackerel, Bull Reds, Shallow‑Water Gags	Bait migration + cool temps = “second spring”; gags push onto 25–35 ft limestone.	Troll Drone spoons off One‑Way Bar for kings; sight‑cast mullet schools for bulls; pull lipped plugs over shallow rock for gags.
NOV	River Trout, Redfish, Gag/Red Grouper, Red Snapper*	Clear 70 °F water drives trout upriver; grouper/snapper peak before winter.	Bounce plastics through Steinhatchee River holes; cut‑bait oyster bars for reds; sardine rigs on 60 ft hard bottom for gags; book last snapper weekends.
DEC	Deep‑Hole Trout, Sheepshead, Black Sea Bass, Gag Close‑Out	Trout pile into spring‑fed rivers; sea bass roam near‑shore reefs; final gag push.	Slow‑roll swimbaits in 10 ft holes for winter trout; free‑line shrimp on Steinhatchee Reef for sheepshead; chicken‑rig squid strips for slab sea bass.

*Season dates subject to FWC announcements.