Hey there, fellow anglers, it's your buddy Artificial Lure here, and I'm excited to share the latest fishing report for the Florida Keys, specifically for today, February 12, 2025.

First off, let's talk about the conditions. The sun rose over the Keys at 7:04 AM, and we're expecting a beautiful day with calm winds, which is perfect for getting out on the water. Sunset will be at 6:16 PM, so we've got plenty of daylight to catch some serious action.

Now, let's dive into the tides. For areas like Content Keys, today's tides are looking promising: low tide at 4:31 AM with a height of -0.25 meters, high tide at 10:52 AM with 0.35 meters, low tide again at 3:17 PM with 0.16 meters, and finally, high tide at 9:25 PM with 0.98 meters. These tides should provide some great opportunities for both shallow and deeper water fishing.

The fishing in the Florida Keys is heating up, and February is proving to be an excellent month for various species. Offshore, the Sailfish bite is on fire as we approach their spawn time. Although the conditions haven't been ideal for sailfish lately in some areas like Islamorada, we're still seeing a few catches here and there. Big "Smoker" Kingfish are providing excellent action well offshore and occasionally nearer the reef. The Mackerel family, including Cero and Spanish Mackerel, are here in huge numbers. Black Fin Tuna action is also thrilling, and we're taking solitary Wahoo during February. Mahi are making appearances, though they can be a bit more sporadic.

In the reef and wreck areas, Amberjack fishing remains strong, and Cobia action is excellent. Snapper, including Mutton Snapper, are plentiful, although Yellowtail and Mangrove Snapper numbers are slowing down slightly for February. Grouper fishing is closed until May in Monroe County, but other species are making up for it. The "reef donkey" Amberjack and the elusive Permit are still worth a shot for the experienced angler.

Near shore, the patch reefs are a great spot, offering a mix of backcountry and reef fishing in calmer waters. Here, you can target a variety of species without the need for deep-sea gear. Backcountry fishing is also on fire, with fast-paced action from schooling species like Jacks, Sea Trout, Pompano, and more. Redfish and Cobia are providing excellent action, and while Snook are less active due to cooler water temps, there are days when they come alive.

For lures and bait, live bait such as pilchards and shrimp are always a hit, especially for species like Snapper and Cobia. For Kingfish and Mackerel, spoons and jigs work well. If you're after Sailfish, use a combination of ballyhoo and skirted lures. In the backcountry, soft plastics and jigs are great for Redfish and Sea Trout.

If you're looking for some hot spots, I highly recommend the Long Key Bridge and Toms Harbor Bridges. These spots are known for their diverse range of fish, including yellow jacks, permit, cobia, snook, tarpon, and even sharks. The fishing pier walkway at Long Key Bridge makes it an excellent location for both beginners and seasoned anglers.

In Islamorada specifically, the recent reports have been dominated by king mackerel, with plenty of action on the reefs and some dolphin catches. Yellowtail snapper fishing has been good in the morning and fair in the afternoon. We've also seen some blackfin tuna and dolphin during recent tournaments.

So, grab your gear and get ready for an exciting day on the water. The Florida Keys are offering some of the best fishing experiences right now, and with the right lures and knowledge, you're bound to catch some memorable fish. Tight lines, everyone