Nearshore Fishing – Mexico Beach, FL
Spring
| Month | Avg. Air Temps °F (Hi/Lo) |
|---|---|
| March | 69° / 52° |
| April | 75° / 58° |
| May | 82° / 66° |
Action: Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, cobia; sheepshead strong early on reefs and jetties.
Slow: Grouper more consistent a bit later.
Tips: Troll spoons/dusters for macks; keep a pitch rod for cobia near rays/buoys; shrimp on jigs for sheepshead tight to structure.
Summer
| Month | Avg. Air Temps °F (Hi/Lo) |
|---|---|
| June | 88° / 74° |
| July | 90° / 76° |
| August | 90° / 76° |
Action: Kings, Spanish, mahi near color changes; mangrove snapper and triggerfish on reefs.
Slow: Sheepshead during peak heat.
Tips: Slow-troll cigar minnows for kings; chum lightly for mangroves; scan rips/weed for mahi and cast small lures or live baits.
Fall
| Month | Avg. Air Temps °F (Hi/Lo) |
|---|---|
| September | 87° / 72° |
| October | 79° / 61° |
| November | 70° / 52° |
Action: Spanish/king mackerel migrations peak; grouper/snapper move shallower on rock piles.
Slow: Cobia taper after September.
Tips: Troll spoons/plugs along bait showers; anchor and chum for mangroves; wire stingers for kings.
Winter
| Month | Avg. Air Temps °F (Hi/Lo) |
|---|---|
| December | 63° / 46° |
| January | 60° / 43° |
| February | 64° / 47° |
Action: Sheepshead/black drum on nearshore reefs, occasional flounder.
Slow: Kings/Spanish absent.
Tips: Shrimp/fiddlers tight to structure; lighter leaders/hooks for picky sheepshead; time trips 24–48 hrs after fronts when water cleans up.
