By Captain Jesse Capwell | Warbird Fishing Charters, Stuart FL

(Sailfish Capital of the World · Treasure Coast Fishing · Inshore & Offshore Charters)

 If you’re fishing in Stuart, Florida, you’re already in the right place. We don’t call it the Sailfish Capital of the World for nothing. I was born and raised on these waters, and one thing I’ve learned over the years is this: every month brings something worth chasing.

 Here’s a breakdown of the best time of year to fish in Stuart — species by species — so you can plan your trip around what’s biting and what you want on the end of your line.

 🐟 Sailfish (Peak Winter Run: December–February | Summer Run: July–September)

Winter Sailfish – The Famous Run

Cold fronts stack the bait up, and big numbers of sailfish push through our reef lines.

Best months: December, January, February

Techniques: live baiting, kite baits, bump trolling

Why Stuart is unique: the reef is close — fast action without long runs

Summertime Sailfish – The Bonus Run

Not as well-known, but absolutely real.

During late summer the Gulf Stream pushes in tight, and bait lines up along weed edges.

Best months: July–September

Why it’s special: calm seas, visual bites, less pressure, sails mixed in with mahi and tuna

Stuart earns its name all year long.

🐬 Mahi-Mahi (Peak: April–June)

Spring into early summer brings clean water and big mahi pushes.

Best months: April through June

Bonus: strong weed lines

Why people love it: fast action + great table fare

🐟 Kingfish (Peak: May–August)

Explosive runs, steady numbers, and great for filling coolers.

Best months: May, June, July, August

Where: wrecks, live bottom, and reefs just off the beach

 🐟 Blackfin Tuna (Peak: November–June)

Blackfin show up early and stick around into early summer.

When they’re here, it’s high-adrenaline fishing.

Best months: November through June

Where: deep reefs, wrecks, current edges, birds in 150–250 ft

Why people love them: hard hits, deep fights, and incredible eating

🐠 Snook (Peak: May–September)

The Treasure Coast’s favorite inshore gamefish.

Best months: late spring through early fall

Where: bridges, docks, inlets, mangrove points

Note: summer = spawning; we handle these fish with care

🐡 Redfish (Year-Round, with Fall Peak)

Reliable warm-water fish with strong fall activity.

Peak: September–November

Year-round: flats, mangroves, sandy potholes

🐟 Tarpon (Peak: July–October)

The Silver King — the most explosive inshore fight you’ll ever have.

Best months: July through October

Where: beaches, inlets, river mouths

Size: 40–150+ lbs

🐠 Snapper & Grouper (Year-Round)

A Stuart staple.

Structure + bait = consistent action all year.

Best conditions: light current, clean bottom water

Why it’s great: perfect for families and filling the cooler

🐟 Cobia (Spring Surprise Runs)

A fan favorite when they drift through.

Peak: March–June

Bonus: sight fishing on rays when the water is clean

 🐟 Pompano (Peak: December–April)

The winter pompano run is one of the most reliable seasonal bites on the Treasure Coast — and people travel here specifically for it.

Best months: December through April

Where we target them: sandy beach troughs, inlets, deeper channel edges in the St. Lucie River, surf lines when the water is clean.

Why anglers love pompano:

They’re unique fighters, they school up, and they’re considered some of the best-tasting fish in Florida.

When they’re running, it’s a steady, fun, hands-on type of fishing that works great for families and all skill levels.

🎣 So… When’s the Best Time to Fish in Stuart?

Honestly?

Anytime you can get here.

Something is always happening, and every season brings a different kind of action.

Tell me what you want to catch, and I’ll line up the right tide, the right weather window, and the best plan for that day.

📍 Why Fishing in Stuart, FL Is Special

As a local-born Captain, here’s what makes these waters different:

Gulf Stream runs close — big game fishing right off the beach

Year-round bait and structure

Strong inshore + offshore variety

Seasonal migrations that make every month unique

Stuart is one of the few places where you can catch snook at sunrise and go offshore for Sailfish by lunch-time.

🎣 Book a Stuart Fishing Charter

Whether you’re after winter Sailfish, summer Sailfish, Blackfin Tuna, Pompano, Mahi, Snook, Tarpon, or anything this coastline offers — I’ll get you on the fish.