This is Artificial Lure with your May 14, 2025 fishing report for the Florida Keys and Miami waters.

The sun rose at 6:38 AM and will set tonight around 7:55 PM, giving us a full day of prime fishing conditions. Warm, calm weather is setting the summer pattern, and light winds have kept the seas comfortable. Tides today are moderate, with the early morning incoming tide and the late afternoon outgoing tide being the most productive windows.

Pelagic fishing off Miami has been solid. Blackfin tuna and kingfish are hitting regularly along the edge, especially in the mornings and evenings. Kingfish up to 30 pounds have been landed this week, and there’s been a steady pick of blackfin tuna. Mahi mahi are just starting to trickle in offshore, but they’re scattered, so keep moving until you find them. Wahoo are an occasional surprise, so running wire leaders is a smart move[1][4][5].

Anglers are seeing better bottom fishing as grouper season just opened. Red grouper and mutton snapper are coming off the wrecks, especially during active tides. It’s also a solid time for amberjack and the occasional rare American red snapper[1].

In the Florida Keys, the inshore bite is heating up. Redfish have been active across the flats, especially in the early part of the day. Tarpon action is picking up with the big migration pushing through, so bridge channels and ocean-side passes are holding fish. Snook and juvenile tarpon are steady targets around mangroves and backcountry channels[2][3][5].

For lures and bait, here’s what’s working:
- Offshore: Live pilchards, threadfin herring, and bonito strips on drift rigs are top choices for kingfish and tuna. Trolling small feathers and squid skirts will get mahi. Run deep divers or planers for wahoo.
- Bottom: Live pinfish, ballyhoo, or large chunks of fresh bait are best for grouper and mutton snapper.
- Inshore: Topwater plugs and weedless soft plastics are drawing redfish and snook on the flats. For tarpon, live mullet or crabs near bridges and passes at dusk and dawn are producing.
Hot spots to hit today include the reef edge off Fowey Rocks for kingfish and blackfin, Islamorada’s Hump for scattered mahi, and the flats off Marathon for redfish and the early morning tarpon bite. The Seven Mile Bridge is a classic tarpon hotspot that’s seeing plenty of rolling fish.

Action is only going to heat up as the tides and moon align over the coming weeks. Tight lines and see you out on the water!

Howdy folks! Artificial Lure here with your May 12th, 2025 fishing report for the Florida Keys and Miami area.

The summer patterns are settling in nicely across South Florida this week. We're looking at calm seas today with light southeast winds around 8-10 knots, making for some mighty fine conditions out on the water. Sunrise was at 6:38 AM and we'll see sunset at 7:52 PM, giving y'all plenty of daylight hours to get those lines wet.

Let me tell you, the fishing has been red hot! May is always prime time for what we locals call "meat fish" - the kind that fills your cooler and your dinner plate. Blackfin tuna and kingfish have been absolutely crushing it in the shallower water off Miami[1][4]. Just last week, several boats reported multiple kingfish hookups per trip, with some monsters pushing past the 30-pound mark. These toothy critters are hitting particularly hard during early morning and late evening, so keep those wire leaders handy[1].

Down in the Keys, Captain Ridge Murphy reports the inshore bite has been phenomenal, especially for redfish on the flats[5]. If you're heading offshore from the Keys, you'll find scattered mahi-mahi starting to show up, though they're not quite in their summer concentration yet[1][5].

Mutton snapper have been chewing well on live bait, and the grouper season that opened on May 1st has been producing some quality fish on the wrecks and reefs[1][4]. The shark action has been solid too if you're looking for a real battle - they've been hammering big live baits[4].

For lures, I'm seeing good results with blue/white trolling feathers for the kingfish and tuna. When bottom fishing, live pilchards or ballyhoo will get you connected with those muttons. For the flats action, gold spoons and shrimp patterns are your best bet for the reds.

Hot spots this week: The edge in 120-180 feet of water off Key Biscayne has been holding good numbers of kingfish and blackfin. The patch reefs off Islamorada are giving up nice muttons. And don't overlook the Rickenbacker Causeway flats during the falling tide for some exciting redfish action.

Tide-wise, we're looking at a high tide at 9:22 AM and low around 3:45 PM today, making mid-morning prime time for working those channel edges.

One last tip: the tarpon migration should be kicking into high gear any day now, so keep your eyes peeled for those silver kings rolling, especially around the bridges[2].

Y'all get out there and enjoy some of this fantastic May fishing! This is Artificial Lure signing off until next time. Tight lines and full coolers!

Artificial Lure here, bringing you your local fishing report for the Florida Keys and Miami area this fine Sunday, May 11th, 2025.

We’re stepping into prime time fishing with early summer weather settling in—warm temps, lighter winds, and calmer seas making it comfortable to head offshore or work the inshore flats. Sunrise hit at 6:35 am and sunset will be about 7:57 pm, giving you plenty of daylight to get on the bite.

Offshore around Miami, kingfish and blackfin tuna have been bending rods consistently. Anglers are hauling in a couple of kingfish per trip, with some big boys tipping the scales at over 30 pounds this week. Blackfin are solid, and a few mahi mahi are starting to show up, particularly during the early morning and late evening. Don’t forget those wire leaders—there’s the occasional wahoo making a run and they’ll chew through mono in a flash. For pelagics, top lure choices are blue/white feathers, small trolling plugs, and live pilchards or goggle eyes if you can find them. Kite fishing remains a killer technique for sailfish, which are still around if you want to try your luck[1].

Bottom fishing is really heating up now that grouper season opened May 1. The reefs and wrecks are producing nice grouper, amberjack, and a few mutton snapper—action should only get better as we move through May. If you’re working the bottom, go with live pinfish or ballyhoo, and bring some squid for the snapper. Drop down a chicken rig with cut bait over the wrecks or structure for your best shot[1][4].

Down in the Keys, the tarpon bite is going off, especially at the bridges and channels at dawn and dusk. Expect anglers to hook into several tarpon each trip, and juvenile tarpon are still steady in the backcountry. Permit are moving well on the flats, and backcountry action remains strong with snook and redfish making steady appearances[2][5]. Live crabs or pinfish are the ticket for tarpon, while small live shrimp and soft plastic lures work well for permit.

The tides are running high with the full moon just passed, so expect strong currents around the bridges and reef edges—perfect for predator action. Hot spots to try this week: head offshore from Government Cut for kingfish and blackfin, or fish the legendary Seven Mile Bridge or Bahia Honda for tarpon. The reefs off Key Largo are a good bet for grouper and snapper.

In summary, the fish are biting, the weather’s right, and the water’s inviting. Grab those live baits or your favorite lures and get after it. The Florida Keys and Miami are wide open for action right now. Tight lines and see you on the water!

Good morning from the beautiful waters of the Florida Keys and Miami, it’s Artificial Lure here with your May 10 fishing report. Sunrise came in around 6:36 AM and we’re looking at a sunset right around 7:53 PM, giving anglers plenty of daylight to get after the bite. Winds are light and the weather’s warming up—a classic calm May pattern and perfect for getting offshore or hitting the backcountry flats.

On the tide side, we’re in a moderate moving cycle today. Expect the incoming tide to bring good action on the flats and the outgoing to set up a hot bite around the bridges and deeper channels, especially as that water moves past structure and stirs up bait.

Offshore, you’ll find blackfin tuna and kingfish stacked up near the edge, especially around 80 to 200 feet of water. Kingfish are active on slow-trolled live baits or larger flashy lures, with wire leaders a must for those bigger, toothy kings that can pop up anytime. Blackfin tuna are tearing up live pilchards and small live baits, and some boats are reporting solid numbers as well as a few fish breaking the thirty-pound mark.

If you venture further offshore towards the blue water, mahi are scattered but around—particularly near weed lines in 300 feet or deeper. Troll small skirted ballyhoo or try chunking with squid to ring the dinner bell. Wahoo are showing up here and there, so keep a deep line out just in case.

On the reef and bottom fishing front, grouper season is open and the bite is heating up, especially near wrecks and patch reefs in 50 to 120 feet. Mutton snapper are chewing well on live pinfish and ballyhoo fished near the bottom, and you’ve got some amberjack still hanging around the wrecks too. Mangrove and yellowtail snapper will only get better through the next couple months, but right now muttons are the stars.

Inshore around the Keys’ flats, redfish are cruising the skinny water. Poling quietly and tossing soft plastic jerk baits or live shrimp is your best bet for sight fishing these fish. Tarpon action is peaking in Key West as well, with early mornings and nights being prime times to jump the silver king using live crabs or big swimbaits.

Hot spots today include the edge from Triumph Reef down to Fowey Rocks if you’re hunting pelagics, and the Islamorada patch reefs for grouper and muttons. For backcountry action, the flats around Marathon and upper Keys hold plenty of redfish and snook on the higher tides.

Best baits and lures right now are live pilchards, threadfin herring, and pinfish for the offshore bite, with jigs and big swimbaits pulling in some quality reef fish. Inshore, can’t go wrong with a well-placed live shrimp or a soft plastic paddletail.

That’s today’s rundown—the bite’s on, the weather’s fine, and there’s no better time to be on the water in South Florida. Tight lines and see you out there.

Sources: Miami Fishing Reports May 2025, Double Threat Charters, Captain Experiences, Florida Keys Fishing Report May 8-13, Key West Fishing Report May 2025[1][3][4][5].

Good morning from the Florida Keys and Miami area. Artificial Lure here with your Friday, May 9th, 2025 fishing report.

The sun rose today at 6:40 am and will set around 7:55 pm, giving us a nice long window for getting out on the water. Weather’s typical for early May: warm, humid, with a light southeast breeze, though the Keys are seeing slightly breezier conditions than Miami. Those heading offshore should expect some chop, but nothing you can’t handle if you pick your windows.

Tides are swinging through a typical May cycle, so expect a mid-morning incoming tide and an outgoing tide later in the afternoon. That means a prime bite inshore early, with things picking up offshore closer to midday as the water movement gets those pelagics fired up.

In the Keys, Capt. Ridge Murphy reports that the flats are hot with redfish, with anglers catching solid numbers on live shrimp, soft plastics, and gold spoons. Offshore in the blue water, mahi are around, but catches are scattered. Those finding weed lines are picking up a few mahi here and there—be ready to troll ballyhoo or small feathers for the best shot[1].

Up around Miami, the edge is just alive. Kingfish and blackfin tuna are pushing shallow, with anglers finding success trolling bonita strips and drifting live pilchards or threadfin. The king bite is steady, and some boats are scoring multiple fish in the 15–30 pound range each trip—don’t be surprised if you hook up with a smoker[2][5]. Blackfin tuna are hitting best at dawn and dusk, so plan your trip around those low-light periods.

Bottom fishing is really heating up with grouper season now open and plenty of mutton snapper chewing on live bait. Dropping live pinfish or ballyhoo around the reefs and wrecks is your ticket to a big mutton or even a handful of amberjack. The reefs are also starting to show more yellowtail and mangrove snapper, so keep cut bait handy for a mixed bag[2].

If you’re looking for hot spots, check out the flats off Islamorada for redfish action and hit the Hump offshore if you’re hunting mahi. Around Miami, the reefs off Haulover and the troughs outside Government Cut are producing a steady stream of kingfish, blackfin, and the odd sailfish. For bottom fishing, hit the wrecks in 120–200 feet.

Best baits this week are live pilchards, threadfin, and pinfish. For artificials, don’t leave home without a couple of silver spoons, trolling feathers, and soft plastic jerkbaits. Early morning is your best window, especially with that first incoming tide.

That’s your Friday report from the Florida Keys up through Miami. Tight lines and may your next cast be the big one!

Good morning anglers, Artificial Lure here with your midweek fishing report for the Florida Keys and Miami area, dated May 7, 2025.

We are kicking off May in classic Keys and Miami fashion with warm weather, light winds, and calmer seas than we saw over the winter. Sunrise this morning was at 6:38 AM, and you can expect sunset around 7:53 PM. Tides today are running moderate, with a high tide peaking mid-morning and an outgoing tide through the afternoon, setting the stage for some prime bites inshore and offshore.

In Florida Bay, the snook action is still on fire. Anglers are reporting steady hookups, especially around mangroves and creek mouths. Soft plastics, paddle tails, and live pilchards have been the ticket. Move out a little deeper, and the yellowtail snapper bite is strong in 60 to 90 feet. Anchor up on the reef, chum heavy, and drop back small cut baits or silversides for a limit of tails. Grouper season is open, and you can find them on the reefs and structure. Drop a big live pinfish or grunt to entice the larger fish lurking below[1][4].

Off Miami, it is meat fish season. Kingfish and blackfin tuna have pushed in shallow, with plenty of action reported along the edge. Kingfish have been hitting live pilchards slow-trolled on wire rigs, and the blackfins are biting best during the early morning and late afternoon hours, especially on live baits or vertical jigs. Expect some bigger kings over 30 pounds if you put in your time[2][5]. Mahi-mahi have started to show up further offshore, so keep an eye out for floating debris and weed lines. There is also a strong mutton snapper bite—these fish are chewing well on live baits fished over patch reefs and wrecks[5]. On the bottom, amberjack are stacked on the deep wrecks, willing to take big live blue runners.

Back inshore, the tarpon migration is heating up, with juvenile fish already active and the big migrators expected to push through any day. Early morning or dusk with live mullet or crabs is your best shot. Permit are around bridges and flats, especially on the incoming tide. Try live crabs or well-presented shrimp for picky fish[3].

Hot spots for today include the Channel 5 Bridge for snapper and permit, and the Haulover Inlet or Government Cut for kingfish, tuna, and the occasional wahoo. Florida Bay’s edges and any nearby mangrove creek mouths are still holding snook.

Best baits today are live pilchards, pinfish, mullet, or big shrimp. Top lures are paddletail jigs for snook and tuna, vertical jigs offshore, and bucktail jigs for grouper.

That’s the latest from the water. Tight lines, and I’ll see you out there!

Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Florida Keys and Miami fishing report for Monday, May 5th, 2025.

The sunrise today was around 6:45 AM and sunset will be near 7:50 PM, giving you plenty of daylight hours to reel in some beauties. Weather's cooperating nicely with moderate winds and comfortable temperatures – perfect conditions for a day on the water.

Florida Bay is absolutely on fire right now! Snook are the main attraction and they've been hitting consistently over the past week. Captain Ridge Murphy confirmed this just a few days ago, so if you're looking to hook into some quality snook, that's where you want to be.

Offshore, the yellowtail snappers are biting well in 60-90 feet of water, particularly during the incoming tide. The patch reefs are loaded with big lane snappers and yellowtails too, according to recent reports from charter captains operating out of Key West and Marathon.

Down in the Lower Keys, inshore fishing has been productive with redfish and tarpon making strong showings. For those of you heading to the flats, light tackle has been the way to go as that bite is really heating up now.

In the Miami area, we've seen tuna and kingfish pushing into shallow water, while mutton snappers have been chewing on live bait. The shark bite remains solid if you're using big live baits. Several guides including Bryan Maffei out of Miami Beach reported excellent catches just yesterday.

For those targeting mahi-mahi, they've been a bit elusive with the colder offshore waters we had earlier, but things are warming up nicely. Keep a bait in the water after hooking one, as they've been traveling in schools.

As for tarpon, both the juvenile and larger specimens are becoming more consistent as we transition into more summer-like conditions. Some solid 30-inch redfish have been spotted in their old haunts closer to home too.

Best baits right now? Live bait is king for the mutton snappers, while artificials are working well for snook in the backcountry. Light tackle with smaller lures has been productive on the flats.

Hot spots to check out: The patch reefs around Islamorada for yellowtails and lanes, Florida Bay for snook action, and if you're after permit, head further south where the bigger schools have been hanging out.

Remember folks, the early bird gets the fish! Tight lines and good luck out there on the water today!

Hey there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Florida Keys and Miami fishing report for this beautiful Sunday morning, May 4th, 2025.

Let me tell you, the action is hot right now across our waters! Florida Bay has been absolutely on fire with snook being the main catch, according to Captain Ridge Murphy who's been putting clients on fish consistently this past week[1]. If you're targeting snook, you'll want to hit the flats during the morning incoming tide.

Offshore, the yellowtail bite has been steady in 60-90 feet of water[1]. These snappers have been particularly active during the afternoon hours. Fresh cut bait and small jigs tipped with squid have been producing limits for many boats.

The big news is that tarpon are showing up in strong numbers too! These silver kings have been rolling in the channels and along the bridges, especially during the early morning and late afternoon tides[2][4]. If you're looking to tangle with one of these magnificent fighters, try using live pinfish or crabs on a circle hook.

For those heading further offshore, the mahi-mahi action has been a bit slow due to cooler water temps, but kingfish are around and sailfish have been spotted in large schools along the edge[3]. When targeting sails, remember to keep a bait in the water after hooking up, as they're often traveling in groups.

Hot spots this week include the channels around Lower Matecumbe for snook, Sombrero Reef for yellowtail action, and the Seven Mile Bridge area for tarpon. The bridges have been particularly productive during tide changes.

Bait-wise, live pilchards and pinfish are your best bet for inshore action, while ballyhoo and squid will serve you well on the reef. If you're using artificials, silver spoons and white bucktail jigs have been getting attention from the snook, while small diamond jigs are working for the yellowtail.

Today's weather looks favorable with light southeast winds around 10 knots and seas 2-3 feet. Sunrise was at 6:42 AM and sunset will be at 7:55 PM. We've got a moderate incoming tide through mid-morning followed by an outgoing tide in the afternoon.

Remember folks, the bite has been best during the first few hours of daylight, so getting an early start is key. With the full moon approaching, expect the nighttime bridge fishing to pick up as well.

That's your Florida Keys and Miami fishing report for today, May 4th, 2025. Tight lines, everyone! This is Artificial Lure signing off until tomorrow. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Hey there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Florida Keys and Miami fishing report for Saturday, May 3rd, 2025.

The early bird gets the fish today, folks! We're looking at sunrise around 6:45 AM with sunset expected near 7:50 PM, giving you plenty of daylight hours on the water. Weather's cooperating nicely with moderate winds and comfortable temperatures perfect for a day of fishing.

Florida Bay is absolutely on fire right now with snook being the main attraction. Captain Ridge Murphy confirmed this just a couple days ago, so if you're looking to hook into some quality snook, head that way[1].

Offshore action is solid too with yellowtail snappers biting well in 60-90 feet of water. They've been particularly active during the incoming tide, which peaks mid-morning today[1].

Despite some high winds earlier this week, captains have been finding calm pockets holding plenty of fish. The patch reefs are loaded with big lane snappers and yellowtails according to recent reports[5]. Several charter captains out of Key West and Marathon have been bringing in impressive catches consistently over the past few weeks.

For those heading to the Lower Keys, inshore fishing has been productive, with redfish and tarpon making strong showings. Captain Geoffrey Page, who works the waters from Tampa Bay down to Charlotte Harbor, suggests light tackle for the flats fishing that's heating up[2].

As for bait and tackle, live shrimp and pilchards are working wonders for the inshore crowd. If you're targeting those yellowtails offshore, cut bait and chum are your best friends. For artificial enthusiasts (like myself), soft plastic jerkbaits in white or chartreuse have been getting attention from the snook population.

Hot spots to check out today: Florida Bay for the snook bite, the patch reefs off Marathon for mixed snappers, and if you're feeling adventurous, the deeper waters (60-90 feet) for those yellowtails. The channels around Big Pine Key have also been producing nicely according to local guides.

Remember, the tides are running about an hour later than yesterday, so plan accordingly. We've got an incoming tide through mid-morning, with the outgoing in the afternoon.

Captain Jeff Hagaman, who works the waters from Tarpon Springs to Boca Grande, notes that tarpon are starting to show up in good numbers along the beaches and in Boca Grande Pass[2]. That's something to keep an eye on if you're looking for a trophy fight.

That's the scoop for today, folks! Whether you're hitting the flats, reefs, or heading offshore, the fishing is good all around the Keys right now. This is Artificial Lure signing off – tight lines and good catches to ya!

Hey there, this is Artificial Lure coming at you with the latest from the Florida Keys and Miami waters for today, May 2nd, 2025.

The weather's looking warm and sunny today, but we're dealing with some pretty hefty winds, so choose your vessel wisely if you're heading out. Those with the right boats for these conditions will still find plenty of action.

The tarpon bite is really heating up right now. The big boys are starting to show more consistently as we get that summerlike feel, and the juvenile tarpon fishing is just getting started. If you're looking to hook into some silver kings, now's the time to start planning those trips.

Snook fishing has been solid lately with some nice-sized catches reported around the mangroves and backcountry areas. They're great targets when you need to get out of the wind, which has been a constant consideration lately.

Good news for redfish enthusiasts - they're starting to show up in some of their old haunts. While numbers aren't huge, anglers are landing some beauties in the 30-inch range. Let's hope that trend continues through the month.

For offshore action, last week saw some impressive catches including a monster 66-pound cobia, a 50-pound cubera snapper, and a decent showing of sailfish with 1 landed out of 5 hookups. Folks also brought in some 15-pound tuna, a 30-pound king, and even a 25-pound horse eye. Shark action has been wild with several between 300-600 pounds hitting the lines.

Down in Key West, the reef has been producing solid cero and yellowtail snapper bites which should continue for another month or so. Perfect for those looking for some good eating fish.

Bonefish have been finicky but good when conditions align - they don't call them "the ghost" for nothing!

Permit fishing has been challenging this year due to our colder than normal winter and constant cold fronts. Most fish are hanging further south than usual, but we're hoping they start moving northward soon for the pre-spawn schools before they head offshore.

For hot spots, I'd recommend checking out the waters from Tarpon Springs to Boca Grande for inshore game fish, and the reefs off Key West for those snapper species. The backcountry areas around Islamorada are producing for those seeking shelter from the wind.

Live bait is always king in these waters, but for artificial options, try swimming plugs for the snook and light tackle on the flats for reds and bones.

That's the word from the water today, folks. Remember to respect the resource and tight lines to all of you heading out!