Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, your go-to expert for all things fishing in the Florida Keys. As we wrap up the last day of January 2025, I've got some exciting updates for you from our waters.

First off, let's talk about the weather and tidal conditions. Today, January 30th, we're experiencing some of the coldest weather of the year, with temperatures dipping into the 50s, which is quite unusual for the Keys. The water temperatures in the backcountry creeks have dropped to around 57 degrees, making the fish a bit more sluggish than usual[1].

Tide-wise, we're looking at a relatively low tidal coefficient, which means smaller tidal ranges and weaker currents. This can affect the fish's behavior, but it's not all bad news. As of today, the sun rose at 7:09 AM in Key West, and we've had about 10 hours and 54 minutes of sunlight, with the solar transit at 12:39 PM. The tidal coefficient is expected to increase slightly as the day progresses, but it remains on the lower side[2].

Now, onto the fish activity. January is a fantastic time for offshore angling in the Florida Keys. We're seeing a lot of action from Kingfish, particularly the big "Smoker" Kingfish, which are providing excellent action both well offshore and occasionally nearer the reef. Sailfish are also biting daily as we approach their spawn time, and Black Fin Tuna are making appearances in huge numbers. If you're lucky, you might even catch a Wahoo or some Mahi, though they can be a bit sporadic this time of year[3].

In the backcountry, Redfish are dominant, and we've been catching some nice-sized ones, including a 12-13 pounder recently. Snook are also active, though they require some patience due to the cold water. Drum, especially the big ones, are around but not as cooperative as we'd like. Tarpon, while less common in January, can still surprise you on a given day, especially when the water calms down and the sun comes out[1][3].

For those targeting Bonefish, the shallows from Key Largo to Key West are your best bet. Use small jigs or fly fishing gear with shrimp or crab patterns to lure them in. For Redfish, live or artificial shrimp and spoons work well. If you're after Tarpon, live mullet or pinfish are your best options. Offshore, trolling spoons and jigs, along with live baits like ballyhoo, can attract Tuna and Sailfish[4].

If you're looking for some hot spots, I recommend checking out the Marquesas for predator fishing, where you can find Giant Barracuda and several species of Sharks. The backcountry around Islamorada is also a great place, especially for light tackle anglers, with a wide variety of sport fish and protection from the wind for casting[3].

In summary, despite the cold weather, January is a great time to fish in the Florida Keys. Be patient, use the right lures and bait, and you'll find yourself reeling in some impressive catches. Stay warm and tight lines