A trio of anglers showing off a redfish, snook, and trout caught during a productive December inshore fishing trip in Boca Grande. The cooler weather has created excellent mixed-bag opportunities on the flats and along deeper mangrove edges.
Reelfishing Charters December 2025 Fishing Forecast – Boca Grande & Punta Gorda, Fl
December has arrived in Southwest Florida, and despite another cold front pushing through the region, the fishing remains excellent around Boca Grande, Pine Island Sound, and Punta Gorda. Water temperatures are finally settling into the low 70s, and this shift has triggered some exciting and unexpected fish movements across our inshore and nearshore waters.
From surprise tarpon appearances to red-hot redfish action, here’s your full December fishing report.
Tarpon: A Rare December Push Into Boca Grande
One of the most surprising outcomes from the last cold front was the push of late-season tarpon into Boca Grande Pass and Pine Island Sound. This is unusual for December, and while we aren’t sure how long they’ll stay as temperatures continue to drop, anglers are still spotting fish in the deeper cuts and passes.
If you want to take advantage of this unique winter tarpon window, you can learn more about our approach to targeting these fish on our
➡️ Tarpon Fishing Charters page.
Redfish: Reliable Action Throughout the Day
Redfish continue to be one of the most consistent species for anglers in both Boca Grande and Punta Gorda this month. Their patterns shift with temperature:
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Cold mornings: shrimp is the ticket
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Warm afternoons: sardines fire them up
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Artificial lures: Berkley Paddlin’ Power Stinger and Gulp! Dragon Tail have been excellent producers
Redfish are pushing along mangrove edges, oyster bars, and on warming days, moving into shallow potholes and shorelines.
If redfish are a priority for your trip, you can explore our in-depth strategies and seasonal patterns on our
➡️ Redfish Fishing Charters page
or our
➡️ Inshore Fishing Charters page.
Trout: Stacking Up on the 2–4 Ft Grass Flats
Speckled trout are making a strong push onto the 2–4 foot grass flats, especially on sunny afternoons. Live shrimp under a popping cork continues to dominate, but slow-rolled soft plastics are producing on calm mornings.
These trout have been consistent along Pine Island Sound, Buzzard Bay, and the Punta Gorda grass flats.
For families or beginners wanting steady action, you can learn more about how we target trout on our
➡️ Family Fun Fishing Charters page.
A nice speckled trout caught on the 2–4 foot grass flats in Punta Gorda during a December inshore fishing charter. Trout fishing has been strong with shrimp and soft plastics as water temperatures settle into the low 70s.
Snook: Big Fish Pushing Into the Backwaters
With temperatures dropping, big snook are finally pushing deep into the backwaters and creek systems. Look for:
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Deeper shorelines
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Creeks with steady tide flow
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Warmer afternoon pockets
Cut ladyfish, sardines, and the Paddlin’ Power Stinger have been producing great numbers.
If you want more insight on how we target backwater snook this time of year, visit our
➡️ Snook Fishing Charters page.
A winter snook caught in the Boca Grande backwaters during a December charter with ReelFishing Charters. Cooler water temperatures have pushed big snook into deeper shorelines and creek systems, creating excellent opportunities for anglers this month.
Nearshore Bite: Sheepshead, Snapper & Grunts Heating Up
Sheepshead, lane snapper, mangrove snapper, and grunts have taken over the nearshore structure. With stable conditions and clean water after the front, the bite has been extremely active.
Shrimp is hands-down the best bait right now.
For groups and families looking for dependable rod-bending action, our nearshore trips are a great option—learn more on our
➡️ Family Fun Fishing Charters page.
Weather Outlook: A Perfect 10-Day Window
The upcoming 10-day forecast looks fantastic, with highs in the mid-70s to low-80s and lighter winds. These steady conditions will continue to support strong inshore and nearshore action.
Expect great opportunities for snook around tide shifts, redfish around midday warmups, and trout on the sunny flats.
Best December Strategies
Morning Pattern
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Live shrimp on the flats
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Deeper edges for snook
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Slow-rolled plastics for trout
Afternoon Pattern
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Redfish warming up along mangroves
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Snook chewing on tide changes
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Steady bottom fishing nearshore
Gear Recommendations
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1/8–1/4 oz jig heads
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30 lb fluorocarbon leader
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Light circle hooks for structure fishing
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Polarized glasses for spotting redfish
FAQ – December Fishing in Boca Grande & Punta Gorda
1. Is December a good month for fishing?
Yes—excellent for redfish, trout, snook, and nearshore species.
2. Do fish bite after a cold front?
Yes. Redfish, trout, and sheepshead often bite better after a front.
3. Are tarpon still around?
A rare push of tarpon moved into Boca Grande Pass after the last front.
4. Best bait right now?
Shrimp for cold days, sardines on warm days, and paddle tails for mixed conditions.
5. Trout depth?
2–4 ft grass flats.
6. Best option for families?
Nearshore mixed-bag trips with snapper, sheepshead, and grunts.
Ready to Book Your December Charter?
If you’re ready to get in on this December bite, you can see availability and secure your date here:
➡️ Book Your Charter – Boca Grande & Punta Gorda
