Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your June 1st Florida Keys fishing report.

Sunrise hit the water at 6:30 AM today, with sunset slated for 8:09 PM. We’re riding a solid set of tides, with a morning high around 4:12 AM and the next low at 10:30 AM around the North Key Largo and Upper Keys region. Over in Key West, low tide started at 6:43 AM and the water’s now on the rise, bringing strong currents thanks to a tidal coefficient peaking at 108 midday. That means plenty of moving water and active fish, so time your efforts around these swings for the best shot at a bite.

Weather’s shaping up just right, with warm, humid air and light morning breezes giving way to a typical steamy Keys afternoon. With the warming trend, water temps are on the climb, which has really switched on both inshore and offshore action.

Let’s talk fish. Offshore, dolphin (mahi-mahi) are stealing the show right now, especially as floating weed lines become more pronounced. Boats running off Islamorada and Marathon are finding steady mahi catches, with some wahoo mixed in. Tuna are also holding strong out past the humps, and there’s been a decent swordfish bite for those willing to brave a longer run. Captain Easy Charters in Islamorada is reporting consistent action with both experienced anglers and first-timers getting in on the fun.

On the wrecks and reefs, yellowtail and mutton snapper are plentiful, especially at first light or as the sun drops. Get your chum slick started early and expect some lane snapper and the occasional big grouper to join the party. Out west, Big Pine Key reports mention good numbers of lane and mutton snapper, with a few palometta landed for those jigging the bottom.

Backcountry and flats fishing is still lively, with snook and baby tarpon making a strong showing in the creeks and channels. Islamorada guides are putting anglers on redfish, too, popping up in old haunts and mixing things up for light tackle and fly enthusiasts. Bonefish are cruising the flats and some big ones—think five-fish mornings—have been reported. Permit are around but still a bit on the shy side; just stay ready, they’re there if you’re quick.

Best baits this week are live pilchards, pinfish, and shrimp for the reefs and inshore, with cut ballyhoo or squid for bottom fishing. Offshore, rigged ballyhoo and trolling lures in bright colors are doing the job on mahi, while butterfly jigs and vertical jigs are scoring on deep wrecks. Fly and artificial fans, bring your shrimp and crab patterns for bonefish and permit, and black-and-purple streamers for tarpon.

Hot spots this week: Keep an eye on the Islamorada Hump for offshore action and look to the flats around Key West and Sugarloaf for bonefish and permit. Bridges and channels around Lower Matecumbe continue to hold plenty of tarpon and snapper.

Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe for the latest updates and tips from the Florida Keys! This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

Good morning from the Florida Keys, this is Artificial Lure with your local fishing report for Saturday, May 31, 2025.

Weather today is perfect—sunny skies with light winds making for ideal conditions on the water. Sunrise was at 6:34 AM, and we'll see sunset around 8:05 PM, giving you plenty of daylight hours to get those lines wet. Tide-wise, we've got a high tide at 2:34 AM, low at 6:47 AM, second high at 1:39 PM, so plan your trips accordingly to take advantage of that moving water.

Offshore action remains hot with dolphin (mahi-mahi) dominating the blue water scene. Schools have been thick, especially around weed lines and floating debris. Most fish are running 5-15 pounds, but some bigger gaffers are mixed in. If you're heading out, don't leave the dock without rigged ballyhoo, small feathers, and flashy skirted lures in your arsenal. When you spot birds working or hit a color change, that's your cue to stop and investigate.

Tarpon fishing is absolutely on fire right now! These silver kings are in their prime season, especially in the early mornings and evenings. The bridges and channels around Islamorada and Marathon are holding good numbers of tarpon up to 100 pounds. Live mullet or crab will get you connected, but don't overlook artificials like swimbaits and soft plastics during dawn and dusk periods when the big girls are most active.

Grouper season is in full swing with some real heavyweights being landed on the reef and wrecks. These gladiators are ready to test your gear after being left untouched since January. If bottom fishing is your game, you're in for a treat.

For inshore enthusiasts, the back country is producing excellent snook and jack action as water temperatures have warmed up nicely. The shallow flats are teeming with baitfish, creating perfect conditions for sight fishing.

Hot spots this weekend: Check out the reef edge between Sombrero Light and American Shoal for dolphin, the Seven Mile Bridge channels for tarpon at first and last light, and Hawk Channel for mixed bag action including grouper and snapper.

Thanks for tuning in to your local Keys fishing report. If you're down here, get on the water—it doesn't get much better than late May in the Keys! Remember to subscribe for weekly updates on the hottest bite in paradise. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

# Florida Keys Fishing Report for May 30, 2025

Hey there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Friday morning fishing report for the beautiful Florida Keys. It's May 30th, and let me tell you - the bite is HOT!

## Weather & Tides

We've got a falling tide this morning with low tide coming in about 3 hours. Today's tidal coefficient is on the lower side at 39, meaning smaller differences between high and low tides. Sunrise was at 6:51 AM, and we'll have almost 11 hours of sunshine before sunset at around 7:56 PM. Perfect conditions to get out on the water!

## Offshore Action

The offshore scene is absolutely popping right now! Dolphin (mahi-mahi) are dominating the blue water, making this the prime time to head out deep. While May marks the tail end of excellent sailfish action, there are still plenty of opportunities to hook into these bucket-list pelagics that are currently spawning offshore.

## Tarpon Report

The massive schools of migrating tarpon have flooded the shallows of the backcountry, and their spawning rituals are in full swing. The Keys have become one of the most prolific tarpon fisheries on the planet right now. Early morning and sunset are your best bet for these nocturnal feeders. Several captains reported landing multiple 100+ pounders this past week, particularly in the deep backcountry channels.

## Reef & Wreck Fishing

Don't forget that Grouper season opened earlier this month, and the action has been epic! These untouched populations are providing heavyweight battles for bottom fishers. The reefs are also holding good numbers of mutton and lane snappers - perfect for a hook-n-cook dinner.

## Hot Spots

If you're targeting tarpon, hit the local channels early or head deep into the backcountry where captains have been consistently hooking multiple fish per day. For offshore action, the blue water is where you'll find those schools of dolphin. The bridges have also been producing some good action on half-day and evening trips.

## Bait & Tackle Tips

Live bait has been working wonders for tarpon, while those targeting offshore species are having success with trolling ballyhoo. Fly fishers should note that several guides reported excellent bonefish action on the flats, with some anglers landing up to five big bones on half-day trips.

## Final Thoughts

Whether you're an experienced angler or a novice, the Florida Keys are fishing exceptionally well right now with outstanding action both shallow and offshore. As the locals say, "You may have the fishing rod knocked out of your hand" over the next few months!

Thanks for tuning in to today's report. If you're heading out, tight lines and good luck! Don't forget to subscribe for more up-to-date fishing reports from around the Keys. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Florida Keys fishing report for Wednesday, May 28th, 2025.

The Keys are absolutely on fire right now! We're experiencing some of the best fishing conditions we've seen in years as May comes to a close. The winds have been unusually mild, making for perfect days out on the water.

Today's weather is looking mighty fine with easterly to southeasterly winds around 8-20 mph and plenty of sunshine. Temperatures should be sitting comfortably in the mid-70s, perfect for both you and the fish. Sunrise was at 6:37 AM and sunset will be at 8:09 PM, giving you plenty of daylight hours to hook into something special.

The big news is that the Tarpon migration is in full swing! These silver kings have flooded into the shallows of the backcountry for their spawning ritual, making Key West one of the most prolific Tarpon fisheries on the planet right now. Early morning and sunset are your best bets for hooking into these giants. If you're looking for a real thrill, consider booking a night Tarpon charter when tides are favorable – that's when the biggest ones come to feed.

Offshore, the Dolphin (Mahi) action has been incredible, dominating the blue water scene. May is traditionally the last month for excellent Sailfish action too, so don't miss your chance if that's on your bucket list.

For the bottom fishers, Grouper season opened on May 1st, and after being untouched since January 1st, these heavyweight gladiators are ready to test your strength. The reef and wrecks are absolutely loaded!

Bonefish have been a pleasant surprise as well, particularly active during tide changes later in the day when the sun has warmed up the shallows. While Permit have been more elusive (typical for these picky eaters), there are still chances to hook up if you're patient.

Bait-wise, live pilchards and pinfish are working wonders for Tarpon, while offshore anglers are having success trolling ballyhoo for Mahi. Don't overlook artificial lures either – Cuda love fast-moving flashy spoons and tube lures.

For hot spots, check out the channels around Bahia Honda for Tarpon, or head to the reef line between Sombrero and American Shoal for some excellent Grouper action. The area south of Marathon has been producing some outstanding Mahi catches about 15-20 miles out.

Remember folks, the fishing rod might get knocked right out of your hand over these next few months – it's just that good! Tight lines and fish boatside!

Hey there, folks! Artificial Lure here with your Florida Keys fishing report for this beautiful Monday morning, May 26, 2025.

The tarpon bite has been heating up lately after what captains described as one of the toughest Aprils in recent memory. The good news is that May has been showing significant improvement, with more consistent action throughout the region.

Down in Islamorada, Captain Rick Stanczyk reported landing a monster 100-pounder in the local channels just last week. These silver kings are giving anglers quite the fight, with some battles lasting over an hour! Tarpon have been spotted both in the backcountry and around the bridges, though the backcountry fish seem to be more cooperative lately.

Captain Ridge Murphy's latest report indicates that weed lines are forming nicely, creating perfect habitat for mahi-mahi. If you're heading offshore, keep your eyes peeled for those floating grass mats – they're like magnets for the dolphin fish right now.

For those targeting inshore species, the redfish action has been steady, particularly during the morning tides. Live shrimp, finger mullet, and pilchards have been producing consistent results. If you're an artificial fan (like yours truly), try gold spoons or white paddle-tail jigs worked slowly along the mangrove edges during the rising tide.

Hot spots this week include the channels around Islamorada for tarpon, particularly in the early morning or evening hours. Captain Stanczyk mentioned the deep backcountry has been worth the extra run time, so consider putting in some miles if you're after tarpon. For those looking for a mixed bag, the flats around Key West have been productive, with permit making appearances on the warmer days.

Bait-wise, live crabs and mullet are your best bet for the tarpon, while pilchards and ballyhoo are working well for reef species. If you're throwing artificials, don't leave the dock without some bucktail jigs, silver spoons, and a few topwater plugs for those magical dawn and dusk feeds.

The evening bite has been particularly strong lately, with several guides reporting increased activity as the sun drops. If you can swing it, try booking an evening trip this week.

Weather looks favorable for the next few days with lighter winds than we've seen earlier this month, making it perfect for both backcountry and offshore adventures. It's getting HOT out there though, so bring plenty of water and sunscreen.

Remember folks, the summer pattern is setting in, which means early mornings and late evenings will give you the best shot at success. Good luck out there, and as we always say in the Keys – tight lines and cold drinks!

Good morning from the Florida Keys, this is Artificial Lure with your local fishing report for Sunday, May 25, 2025.

Weather today is classic late May Keys—warm and sunny, with light winds and a touch of humidity. Sunrise hit us at about 6:34 AM and sunset will be around 8:05 PM. The tide’s swinging today with a morning high around 8:15 AM and an afternoon low just after 2:30 PM, so you’ll have solid moving water both early and late.

Out on the water this past week, offshore crews have been scoring mahi mahi in decent numbers, especially out past the reef line. The bite is best around weed lines and floating debris. Most fish have been in the 5 to 15 pound range, with a few gaffers showing up, and the peanut dolphin thick in some spots. Trolling small feathers, rigged ballyhoo, and flashy skirted lures has put fish in the box. If you find birds working or a color change, it is worth a stop.

Inshore, tarpon action is still hot, especially in the early mornings and evenings. The bridges and local channels around Islamorada and Marathon have been holding good numbers of tarpon up to 100 pounds. The bite’s been steady, especially after a tough April, with several anglers reporting memorable fights and big jumps. Best baits are live mullet or crab, but artificials like swimbaits and large soft plastics will get hit at dawn or dusk. Some of the biggest fish this week have come right at first light and again right before dark when the current moves[3][4].

Backcountry crews are seeing nice pushes of permit on the flats, especially when the sun’s high. May is prime time—sight fishing with live crabs or well-cast shrimp imitations has been the ticket. Keep your eyes peeled for tailers around the oceanside flats near Key West and Big Pine; several shops report big fish landed just this week[5].

Snapper and grouper are biting well on the patch reefs and wrecks. Mangrove and yellowtail snapper have been steady, especially on the falling tide. Chunks of fresh ballyhoo and pilchards are top baits. Grouper are hitting live pinfish around structure.

If you’re hunting hot spots, check out the bridges around Islamorada for tarpon, especially Channel Two and Seven Mile. Offshore, run out past Alligator Light and watch for weed lines and birds for mahi. On the flats, west of Key West is prime for permit and bonefish.

That’s it for today from the Florida Keys. Tight lines, watch the tide, and remember—early and late is when the big ones chew. Good luck out there!

Good morning from the Florida Keys this is Artificial Lure with your May 24th fishing report. The summer season is in full swing with hot, humid weather and light winds, making for prime fishing conditions and comfortable days on the water. Today’s sunrise was at 6:38 AM, and sunset will be right around 8:05 PM, giving you plenty of daylight for a long outing.

Tides today are typical May action, with an early morning incoming tide peaking around mid-morning, then turning to outgoing midday. The water clarity is looking good, especially inshore and into the backcountry, helping with sight casting and fly work.

Tarpon are still the headline act, especially around Islamorada bridges and deep backcountry channels. Anglers have been hooking big fish, with several reports of 80 to 100 pounders landed this past week. Live mullet and fresh crabs are the baits of choice for tarpon right now, but artificial swimbaits and larger soft plastics in natural colors will get it done if you’re persistent. Early mornings and late evenings around the bridges have been most productive for rolling and cruising fish. Expect long, hard fights—many fish are pushing the triple-digit mark[4].

The backcountry bite has stayed solid with bonefish and the occasional permit making appearances on the flats. Guides in the Lower Keys report good success on bonefish with live shrimp, small jigs, and classic flats flies. Permit are a bit finicky, but if you get a shot, a well-placed live crab or a tan crab pattern fly is your best bet. Several boats are reporting multiple hookups per trip on bonefish, especially around Big Pine Key and Cudjoe Key[5].

Snapper fishing has been excellent for families and those looking to fill a cooler. Mutton and lanes are being picked from the patch reefs and wrecks with cut baits and shrimp. For those targeting yellowtail, anchoring and chumming on the reef edge is still the go-to method. Snapper action is steady from Marathon to Key West, with some hook-n-cook muttons coming in for dinner[5].

Offshore, the dolphin bite has been steady, and a few tuna are holding around the humps. Trolling pink and blue feathers, or pitching live pilchards, are your best offshore tactics[1][2][3].

Hot spots for today include the Seven Mile Bridge for tarpon at sunrise or sunset, the flats off Cudjoe Key for bonefish and permit, and the reef edges just south of Marathon for snapper and yellowtail. Pack plenty of water and sunscreen, and get out early for the best action.

Tight lines and see you on the water.

Hey there, anglers! This is Artificial Lure coming at you with the freshest Florida Keys fishing report for this beautiful Friday morning, May 23rd, 2025.

Let me tell you, the bite is ON in the Keys right now! The weather's shaping up real nice today with temperatures in the mid-80s and a light southeast breeze at about 10 knots. We got sunrise at 6:37 AM and sunset coming around 8:05 PM, giving you plenty of daylight hours to get your lines wet.

Tide-wise, we're looking at a high tide mid-morning and another in the late evening, with a good outgoing flow throughout the afternoon - perfect for those mangrove edges and channel cuts.

The inshore fishing has been absolutely fire lately! Captain Ridge Murphy reports the flats are producing some monster redfish, especially during the morning hours when they're tailing in the skinny water. Throw some gold spoons or weedless jerkbaits if you're sight-fishing these beauties. The backcountry waters around Big Pine Key have been particularly productive.

For you nearshore folks, the snapper bite is strong right around the patch reefs. Multiple reports coming in of limits of mangroves and muttons, with some keepers in the 5-7 pound range. Live pilchards or fresh-cut ballyhoo on a 3/0 circle hook will do the trick. Don't forget to bring some chum!

Offshore action has been a bit scattered but rewarding for those putting in the time. Mahi are starting to show up in decent numbers, though you'll need to cover some water. Look for floating debris or frigate birds to find them. The weedlines about 15-20 miles out have been holding some nice bulls in the 20-pound class.

Bait-wise, the pilchards and ballyhoo are thick around the marina channels early morning. A simple sabiki rig will fill your livewell quick. If you're using artificials, can't go wrong with a blue/white Sea Witch for trolling or a 3/4 oz. bucktail jig tipped with a shrimp for bottom fishing.

Hot spots this week? The reef line off Cudjoe Key has been producing consistent action, and the channels around Summerland Key are holding some nice tarpon if you're looking for a trophy fight. For the flats enthusiasts, the grass flats just north of Big Pine have been holding good numbers of permit and bonefish.

Remember to release what you don't need and handle those fish with care. Water's warming up so keep your catch cool and clean them quick!

This is Artificial Lure signing off until next time. Tight lines, y'all, and see you on the water!

Good morning from the Florida Keys, it’s Artificial Lure here with your May 21, 2025, fishing report, local style and hot off the water.

Today kicked off with a sticky sunrise at 6:37 AM and we’ll have daylight right through till about 8:01 PM. Weather’s running hot and humid, with light winds and very little rain expected for most of the Keys. The tides are running moderate today with an incoming tide peaking late morning—ideal for a variety of action, especially around the bridges and cuts.

Tarpon are still the main event and have been on a solid feed, especially with the recent warm ups and settled winds. The backcountry bite remains productive. If you’re after silver kings, hit the local channels around Islamorada or drift the Seven Mile Bridge on that incoming tide. Live mullet or crab are your best bets right now, but if you want to go artificial, toss big swimbaits, or even black-and-purple Hogy lures. Several crews have been reporting multiple hook-ups a day, with most fish running 70 to 100 pounds and a few monsters over that mark. Persistence and a little patience are paying off for those willing to wait for the bite[3].

Bonefish have been cruising strong on the flats, especially with these hot midday tides. Early birds poling around Key West and Sugarloaf Key have been rewarded with quality fish. Go with small live shrimp or pink shrimp-pattern flies and you’ll get noticed. If you’re a plug fan, try a small white paddle tail jig. Reports from local guides show up to five big bones landed on a morning outing, which is about as good as it gets[4].

Permit missed the memo about being shy this week. Several anglers lost them on the flats, but plenty of shots are being had. Live crab is the go-to bait, but an olive crab fly or a Berkley Gulp! crab will turn heads. Steer clear of the heaviest current and focus on patch reefs and edges of the flats near the Content Keys around high tide.

Out on the patch reefs and wrecks, mutton snapper and lane snapper are steady, with plenty of smaller fish for the table and the odd doormat mutton showing up. Anchoring and chumming with cut ballyhoo or pilchards is doing the trick. Grouper are still closed for harvest, but catch-and-release is fair game if you want to test your tackle[4].

Hot spots to try today are the bridges near Islamorada for tarpon and bonefish, and the flats around Lower Sugarloaf for bonefish and permit. If the reef’s calling your name, head out to the Western Sambos for good snapper action.

That’s the word from the water. Tight lines and keep your drag set light.

Howdy, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Monday morning fishing report for May 19, 2025, straight from the Florida Keys.

The tarpon bite is absolutely on fire right now! After a tough April, the silver kings have shown up in force for mid-May. Local guides have been on a hot streak lately, with plenty of tarpon action throughout the Keys[1][5]. These magnificent fighters are in their full migration swing, making this prime time to hook into the fish of a lifetime.

Weather-wise, we're looking at typical late spring conditions - warm with occasional afternoon showers. Perfect for getting on the water early when those tarpon are most active. The tides are running strong, creating good movement through the channels and around the flats.

For bait, fresh is definitely the key right now, especially for tarpon[5]. Live pinfish, mullet, and crabs are producing well. If you're an artificial fan like myself, try swimming a large soft plastic on a jig head around deeper channels where tarpon have been holding lately[1]. Fly anglers should pack their 11-weights and some black and purple tarpon flies.

Beyond the tarpon action, reports from Big Pine Key show steady wreck fishing with anglers bringing in mutton and lane snapper for some delicious hook-and-cook action[3]. Several guides around Marathon and Key West have been reporting good numbers of bonefish on the flats, with some permit mixed in for those quick enough on the draw[3].

Hot spots right now include the deeper channels around Islamorada where tarpon have been stacking up[1], the flats around Big Pine Key for bonefish action, and the wrecks off Marathon for snapper fishing. For those looking for a sunset tarpon trip, local guides are offering specialized evening trips when the silver kings are in prime feeding mode[5].

Captain Pat Dineen, Jeff Hagaman, and Geoffrey Page have all been putting clients on fish consistently throughout the region[2]. They're concentrating efforts from Tampa Bay south to Charlotte Harbor and from Tarpon Springs to Boca Grande.

Remember folks, the early bird gets the worm, or in our case, the tarpon! Get out there at first light for your best shot at hooking up. The tarpon fishing should continue to improve as we move deeper into May and early June.

That's the report for today, May 19th. This is Artificial Lure saying tight lines and bent rods, friends! See ya on the water.