Today's Florida Keys fishing report for April 4, 2025, promises excellent conditions and variety in the catch for anglers. The sunrise was at 7:15 AM, and sunset will be at 7:44 PM, offering plenty of daylight for fishing. Tidal movements today are favorable, with a high tide at 4:25 AM and another at 3:04 PM, while low tides occur at 7:59 AM and 10:48 PM. These tides create great opportunities for targeting both flats and reef species.
The weather is perfect for fishing, with calm seas and warm spring temperatures in the mid-80s. This is prime time for tarpon fishing, as the annual migration is in full swing, and massive schools are rolling across the surface in deeper channels. Live bait like mullet, pilchards, or large shrimp is recommended for tarpon, while soft plastic lures such as Hogy 10-inch Original Eel are also effective, especially in shallower waters.
On the reef and offshore, mahi mahi (dolphinfish) are starting to show up in bigger sizes just beyond the 100-150 ft mark near weed lines. Trolling with ballyhoo or artificial lures is highly effective. Wahoo are also being caught in similar depths, with deeper trolling setups proving successful. Reef fishing is producing good numbers of yellowtail snapper and grouper, responding well to live bait like pinfish or cut sardines while chumming the waters.
Within the flats around Islamorada, Key Largo, and the Lower Keys, bonefish action is excellent, and permit are being sighted as they move to spawn on the reefs. Small crabs or shrimp are the go-to baits for these species. The backcountry near Flamingo offers great opportunities for redfish, snook, and sea trout. Light tackle or fly fishing in these waters is especially rewarding.
Recent catches have been abundant, including tarpon, bonefish, permit, mahi mahi, yellowtail snapper, and grouper. Anglers have seen success near the Channel 2 Bridge and Lignumvitae Key for flats species like bonefish and tarpon, while offshore action for pelagic species is heating up. The Long Key Bridge and Toms Harbor Bridges are also popular for various snapper, grouper, and even cobia.
For lures, local favorites include the No Live Bait Needed (NLBN) 3-inch paddle tails for general use and weighted Pro Tail Eels for deeper water species, such as tarpon and wahoo. When targeting mahi mahi and other offshore species, trolling with squid skirts or diving plugs has proven effective.
Hotspots to consider today include the Channel 5 Bridge near Long Key for tarpon and snappers, and the reefs near Sombrero Key for mahi mahi, wahoo, and yellowtail. For flats fishing enthusiasts, the waters near Islamorada and the flats around Big Pine Key are delivering great action for bonefish and permit.
Tides, weather, and fish activity align perfectly today, making it a fantastic day to hit the waters of the Florida Keys. Tight lines, anglers!