Hey there, Artificial Lure here with your Florida Keys fishing report for March 14, 2025. Let me tell you, the bite's been hot lately!
We've got a high tide coming in around 10:30 AM and low tide hitting about 4:45 PM. Sunrise was at 7:25 AM, and we'll see the sun dip below the horizon at 7:35 PM. Weather's looking mighty fine - partly cloudy skies with a high of 82°F and light easterly winds at 5-10 mph.
Folks have been hauling in some nice catches this past week. The reef's been producing good numbers of yellowtail snapper, with quite a few in the 2-3 pound range. Mutton snapper action's picked up too, especially during the early morning hours. Grouper fishing's been steady, with a few gags and blacks mixed in with the usual red grouper.
Offshore, the mahi mahi bite's starting to heat up. Anglers trolling rigged ballyhoo or cedar plugs are finding schools around floating debris and weed lines. We've also seen a decent showing of blackfin tuna, particularly around the humps off Marathon.
In the backcountry, the tarpon migration is in full swing. Live mullet or pinfish on a circle hook has been the ticket for hooking up with these silver kings. Permit fishing on the flats has been excellent too, especially on the falling tide.
For artificial lures, you can't go wrong with a 3-inch paddle tail soft plastic in pearl white or chartreuse for inshore fishing. Offshore, Cedar Plugs and medium diving plugs in blue/white have been producing well.
As for live bait, pilchards and pinfish are your best bet inshore, while goggle-eyes and blue runners are working great for the offshore crowd.
If you're looking for some hot spots, I'd recommend hitting up Pickles Reef off Key Largo for some quality yellowtail action. For the offshore crew, the Marathon Hump has been firing lately for tuna and the occasional wahoo.
Remember, folks, the fish are out there - you just gotta go get 'em! Tight lines and see you on the water!