Islamorada Fishing in September The locals' quiet month

4.6 on Google, 11 reviews

September is quiet on the water and steady on the reef. Snapper and grouper bite, the seas are warm, and a half day is plenty, $1,475.

Book this trip Plan a trip (954) 326-7360

HeadlinersSnapper, grouper, swordfish
The waterWarm, eyes on the tropics
The crowdsQuietest month of the year

From $1,475Deep sea half day, up to 6 guests

September is the sleeper. Vacation season ends, the docks exhale, and boats booked solid in June open up. September is about the bottom: muttons and groupers on the structure, yellowtail steady on the reef.

You still find scattered mahi offshore, the odd early wahoo, and swordfish if you want the overnight while the seas stay summer-soft.

Keep your dates flexible

Hurricane season runs through the month, so keep your dates a little flexible. Most weeks fish beautifully, and September gives you the year's most personal fishing.

What's biting in September

Everything you can fish for in September, from the reef to the blue water. Tap a fish for how it is caught and which trip fits.

Mahi mahi

Bright, acrobatic and great to eat. Spring through summer.

Blackfin tuna

Hard pullers on the humps, all year.

Marlin

Blue and white marlin offshore in the warm months.

Swordfish

The overnight trophy, fished deep after dark.

Amberjack

The reef donkey. Pure pulling power on the wrecks.

Mutton snapper

A prized eater from the reef and channels.

Yellowtail snapper

Steady bites on the reef and the best fish tacos.

Sharks

Sunset fights on heavy tackle, every one released.

Ready to book?

From $1,475 Deep sea half day, up to 6 guests

Book this trip (954) 326-7360

Quick answers

Why is September so quiet?

School and hurricane season. If your dates are flexible, it is your best shot all year at the boat and captain you want.

What bites in September?

Bottom fish shine: mutton and yellowtail snapper, grouper on structure, plus scattered mahi and swordfish offshore.

Should we worry about hurricanes?

Watch the tropics like the captains do. Most September weeks fish beautifully, and if one turns stormy, the captain makes the call and you hear early. Call or text (954) 326-7360 to sort out your date.