December is one of the best months of the year in Palm Beach. Sailfish season is at peak intensity on the north-wind days, pompano are stacked in the surf, snook continue strong on the ICW bridges, and the holiday charters have water-class fishing waiting for them.
Sailfish — Peak Season
Palm Beach’s signature offshore fishery is at full peak in December. Cold fronts pushing south create the iconic sailfish weather — building seas, fish tailing on the wave faces, and incredible action on the kite spread.
Multi-fish days are common — 5-10 sailfish releases per boat is achievable on the best north-wind days. Live goggle-eyes, threadfin herring, and pilchards on the kite are the bait of choice.
December is when the major sailfish tournaments run. The Buccaneer Cup, the Silver Sailfish Derby, and others bring the top sailfish crews to Palm Beach. Even casual charter customers can expect shots on most December days.
Wahoo, kingfish, and blackfin tuna fill gaps between sailfish bites. December wahoo are some of the year’s biggest — 40-80 pound fish are common.
Pompano — Surf Peak Continues
Pompano action in the surf continues at peak through December. The cold fronts push fish south, and the Palm Beach county beaches from Juno to Boynton hold concentrated pompano.
Sand fleas, fresh shrimp on Fishbites, and Doc’s Goofy jigs continue to produce. The post-front incoming tides are the high-percentage windows.
Limit catches are common when conditions cooperate. December surf fishing requires layered clothing — early morning temps can drop into the 40s after a front.
Snook — Bridges and Inlets
Snook stack at the Palm Beach Inlet, Boynton Inlet, and major ICW bridges through December. The fish move toward warmer inlet water during cold fronts.
Live mullet and threadfin pitched into the bridge shadows at night produces the biggest fish. The S-5 spillway after a release remains one of the iconic snook spots.
Slot is 28-32 inches in Atlantic FL, one per person per day. Use circle hooks when bait fishing.
Mutton Snapper — Cold Water Bite
Mutton snapper bite on the deeper reefs continues around the moon phases. The December full moon and new moon are both productive.
Live pinfish on a knocker rig in 80 to 120 feet is the proven approach.
Cobia — Continued Build
Cobia continue to push down the coast in December. The offshore wrecks and reefs in 80 to 150 feet hold the fish.
Live eels and large bucktails are standard. The peak migration is March-April but December fish are typically bigger and less pressured.
Pier and Beach
Juno Beach Pier in December is excellent. Pompano, whiting, jacks, and occasional kingfish on the end. The first 2 hours of incoming tide are prime.
Beach snook fishing is possible on warmer afternoons but most action concentrates at the inlets.
Conditions and Reality Check
Water temps in December cool to 68-72°F. Air temps after cold fronts can drop into the 40s briefly. Layer up for early morning surf and offshore trips.
The post-front 2-3 day window is prime for sailfish and pompano. Plan trips around the weather forecast.
Where to Be This Month
Offshore on the kite spread for sailfish (north-wind days). The county beaches on incoming tides for pompano. The ICW bridges at night for snook. The S-5 spillway after releases. And the deeper reefs around the moons for mutton snapper.
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