Best Time to Fish & Target Species
Updated 23 October 2026
Plan Around the Seasons for the Best Results
Knowing when and where to fish can make all the difference. Fishing conditions and species availability vary by region and time of year.
Tropical Destinations
In many tropical regions, fishing is excellent year-round thanks to warm waters and stable weather. However, certain species peak during specific months, for example:
- Marlin: November to March in the Indian Ocean (Mauritius, Seychelles), summer in the Mediterranean and the Atlantic
- Tuna: bluefin from late spring to autumn in the Mediterranean and off Gibraltar (seasonal rules apply), yellowfin for most of the year in the tropics
- Mahi-mahi: the warm months of each region, late spring through autumn in the northern hemisphere, November to March in Mauritius
Temperate Regions
In temperate climates, the fishing calendar is more seasonal.
- Spring and early summer often bring strong inshore action and schooling baitfish.
- Summer to early autumn is prime time for offshore big game trips.
- Winter can be productive for some cold-water species, but many charters close during harsher weather.
Target Species
Reelzy charters list the most commonly targeted species for each location, including marlin, tuna, snapper, seabass, trout, pike, and more. You can filter trips by species to match your goals.
Local Knowledge Matters
Captains know their waters better than anyone. Many trips are timed around tides, moon phases, and migration patterns to maximize your chances of success.
Planning your trip around the best seasonal windows ensures you get the most out of your time on the water.