Hey y'all, this is Artificial Lure coming at you with the hot fishing report for this beautiful Wednesday, April 30, 2025, down here in paradise.

Folks, let me tell you, the fishing in the Florida Keys and Miami is absolutely on fire right now! The backcountry of the Keys has been producing a stellar snook bite in the potholes, moats, and ledges. These fish are really starting to feed aggressively with the consistent warm weather we've been having.

Offshore, the kite anglers have been scoring big time in waters ranging from 150-300 feet deep, bringing in a mixed bag of pelagics. The big Mahi-Mahi that we all wait for all year are starting to show up in good numbers, so now's the time to get out there if you want a chance at a trophy dolphin.

This is peak tarpon season across South Florida! These magnificent silver kings are migrating northward along our coast. Earlier this month, they were concentrated more in the Upper Keys around Islamorada and Key Largo, but now they've pushed further south toward Key West. Look for them rolling on the surface – sometimes you'll even see their heads sticking out of the water or their backs. Live bait has been the ticket: smaller pinfish, crabs, or large shrimp. Some anglers are anchoring up in channels near the flats and drifting out baits with great success.

For the fly fishermen, permit fishing has been tougher than normal this season after our colder than usual winter, but the fish are there – just further south than typical. Bonefish action has been solid on days with good conditions.

Redfish are making a comeback in some of their old haunts closer to home. They're not in huge numbers yet, but some real bruisers in the 30-inch range have been caught, which is promising for the fishery.

Hot spots to hit: Check out the channels around Islamorada for tarpon, especially around dawn and dusk. For snook, the backcountry areas around Lower Matecumbe Key have been producing. If you're looking to get offshore for those Mahi, head out of Key Largo and look for weed lines and floating debris once you hit that deep blue water.

Best baits right now are live pilchards, pinfish, and blue crabs for the tarpon. For artificial, you can't go wrong with a 7-inch Hogy soft plastic in bone white or a Bomber Windcheater for those snook.

Remember folks, the early bird gets the worm – or in our case, the fish. Get out there and tight lines to ya! This is Artificial Lure signing off until next time.

Hello from the Florida Keys this is Artificial Lure with your fishing report for April 23 2025. If you’re looking to get lines wet in and around the Keys and Miami today here’s what’s happening on the water.

First up the weather looks pretty good as we head deeper into the week. The March winds have continued to settle and we’re getting warmer summerlike patterns setting in lately so expect a light breeze and temperatures rising into the high 70s and low 80s by midday. Sunrise was at 6:51 AM and sunset will be at 7:48 PM so there’s plenty of daylight to chase fish.

Tides today are running moderate with an incoming tide through the early morning and outgoing by early afternoon. That means your best action will likely be the first few hours after sunrise or targeting the late afternoon push as the water moves out. The moving water is what gets those fish feeding so don’t sleep on those tidal changes.

The early tarpon migration is underway but it’s been grinding for most anglers this week. Most bridges through the Middle and Upper Keys have been holding some tarpon but the bite has been tougher than usual with fewer fish showing up than normal for late April. Still there are some windows of success especially around first light and dusk. If you’re after silver kings try live mullet or fresh cut bait around the pilings and shadow lines on the outgoing tide. Artificial options like Hogy Pro Tail swimbaits and large soft plastics can also get hits when the bite’s on[1][2].

Offshore the color change is holding sailfish blackfin tuna and the occasional mahi. Some yellowtail and mutton snapper are firing on the reefs while kingfish are mixed in on the edges. Deep sea fishing has been hit or miss with scattered weed lines toughening up the trolling but afternoon and late day bites have produced the best action especially for tuna and mahi. Wahoo have been rare the past few days, but bonito are picking up the slack[1][5].

If you’re reef fishing yellowtail snapper and mangrove snapper have been steady with fresh shrimp or cut baits doing best. For lures try smaller bucktail jigs tipped with shrimp. Cudjoe Key and Big Pine Key are producing mixed bags of snapper and the odd grouper or mackerel, so drop a line there if you want table fare[3].

Hot spots to try today are the Seven Mile Bridge for tarpon early and late, and the patch reefs off Marathon or Key West for snapper action. Don’t overlook the backcountry channels either—reports say there are still groups of tarpon hanging on those deeper flats with soft plastics getting bit[2][3].

That’s your boots-on-the-dock rundown for the day. Water’s warming, fish are biting, and the Keys are calling. Tight lines and good luck from Artificial Lure.

This is Artificial Lure coming at you with your Florida Keys and Miami area fishing report for April 21, 2025.

We’re right in the sweet spot of April down here, and the action has been heating up as the spring migration picks up steam. Sunrise was just after 6:50 AM and sunset will be around 7:50 PM, so you’ve got plenty of daylight to wet a line and chase the bite.

Weather this week has been classic Keys spring: warm, a bit breezy, with some lingering chop offshore from the recent winds. Expect temperatures in the high 70s to low 80s. The winds are making things sporty outside the reef, but inshore and bridge fishing remains solid[4].

Tidewise, we’re in a swing period after a recent full moon. The outgoing tides in the mornings are moving a lot of bait under the bridges and around the channels, which means the predators are on the hunt. Plan your trips around that moving water for the best shot at fish.

Now for the fishing: Tarpon are the headliners right now, with the early migration well underway. The bridges from Islamorada through Marathon are producing, especially on the evening and outgoing tides. Anglers are jumping and landing fish up to 120 pounds on live mullet, crabs, and big artificials like swimbaits and DOA Baitbusters[1][4][5]. Night trips are catching consistently and can be electric action[5].

On the reefs, yellowtail snapper are thick along the edges in 60 to 90 feet, especially when you can chum them up behind the boat. Mutton snapper and the occasional big mangrove are mixed in. Pilchards and cut baits are working best, but don’t overlook a jig tipped with shrimp for finesse bites[1][2].

Offshore, sailfish are holding on the color changes just past the reef, with blackfin tuna and the odd mahi also showing up. The mahi bite is spotty due to scattered weeds, but if you find the right patch, there’s action to be had. Trolling skirted ballyhoo or drifting live pilchards has been most productive[2]. Kingfish are mixed in around wrecks and live bottom.

Recent reports from Marathon and Islamorada charters have been positive—despite rough seas, captains are still putting clients on fish, especially when focusing on the bridges, patch reefs, and bay wrecks[3][4].

Hot spots to check out today: Seven Mile Bridge (for tarpon and snapper), the Islamorada Humps (for blackfin and the occasional mahi), and the edge of the reef from Alligator Light to Tennessee Reef for a mixed bag.

Best bets for bait: live mullet, pilchards, or crabs for tarpon, and pilchards or cut baits for the reef species. Top lures include swimbaits for tarpon, bucktail jigs for snapper, and trolling plugs or skirts offshore.

That’s your update from down here in paradise. Tight lines, and remember, sometimes the best lure is just showing up at the right tide.

This is Artificial Lure with your fishing report for Sunday, April 20th, 2025, coming to you straight from the heart of the Florida Keys and Miami waters.

We are waking up to classic spring weather in South Florida, with steady temperatures in the high 70s to low 80s and a light east breeze making for smooth seas around the islands. Sunrise hit at 6:53 am, and sunset will be at 7:48 pm. The tides today are favorable, with an early morning incoming tide that should spark a hot first light bite, especially around the bridges and flats.

April is prime time for tarpon, and the Silver Kings are thick from Miami all the way through the Upper Keys. The biggest concentrations are holding around Key Largo and Islamorada, with fish rolling and free-jumping throughout the channels. Live bait is king right now: big shrimp, small live crabs, or even nice finger mullet are top producers for tarpon. Anchor up on an outgoing tide in any of the bridge channels, drift your bait back naturally, and hold on tight. Some reports are still showing you have to work for bites, but anglers are catching tarpon every trip, with some fish breaking 100 pounds.

Offshore, we are seeing the first solid wave of big spring mahi moving through. The birds are working hard over weedlines in 400 to 800 feet, and trolling with rigged ballyhoo, flashy skirted jigs, or dolphin chuggers is putting plenty of gaffers in the box. Closer to the reef, yellowtail and mutton snapper action is solid, especially on the deeper patch reefs near Marathon and Big Pine Key. Fresh cut baits, pilchards, or live shrimp on light tackle will get it done.

For the lure enthusiasts, top picks are 5-to-7 inch soft plastic swimbaits and paddle tails for inshore species like snook, tarpon, and sea trout. In the backcountry, gold spoons and suspending twitchbaits are working well over the grass beds. Offshore, trolling bright, skirted lures in blue and pink remains consistent for mahi.

Recent catches have been great, according to local guides and anglers. Reports from the Upper Keys and Key West have mentioned double-digit catches of snapper species, steady tarpon hookups, and limits of mahi on calm days.

If you are looking for hot spots, check out the bridges at Channel 5 and Channel 2 for tarpon and snook, or head offshore from Islamorada to catch those running mahi under the birds. The patch reefs off Marathon are loaded with snapper, and the flats near Duck Key are seeing early morning permit and bonefish action.

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

Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your Florida Keys and Miami fishing report for Saturday, April 19th, 2025.

The weather today is starting warm and breezy, with temps in the low 80s and a steady easterly wind kicking up a moderate chop offshore. Sunrise hit around 6:54 am, and sunset will roll in at 7:42 pm, giving you a beautiful long day on the water. We’re sitting right on a mid-morning incoming tide, which should get a lot of species moving both inshore and off.

The offshore bite has been lively despite some wind. Mahi-mahi are showing up nicely—no need to run too far out, as some solid schoolies and gaffers have been caught within 10 to 15 miles of the reef edge. Troll small feathers or rigged ballyhoo, and keep a few live pilchards handy for any weedlines or floating debris you bump into. Sailfish action is still consistent, especially if you’re slow-trolling live baits along color changes and current edges. Keep your eyes peeled for frigate birds—they’re still the best fish-finders on the water these days.

Closer in, the tarpon bite has been steady at the bridges and the channels, especially during that evening tide. Anglers putting in time at Islamorada, Seven Mile, and Snake Creek bridges are finding silver kings, though you’ll need to work a little for those big bites. Live mullet and fresh crab continue to be the gold standard for bait, but live pinfish or even big artificial swim baits are getting attention when the current’s moving right.

Inshore, trout and snook are active in the bays and backwaters. Reports from the kayaks have been solid, with anglers scoring trout on popping corks with shrimp or soft plastics. Snook are hanging tight to mangrove edges and dock lights, especially on high water.

As for hot spots, I’d hit the Marathon Humps for mahi and blackfin in the morning, then slide back in and work the bridges for tarpon around sunset. If you want to stay closer to Miami, Government Cut and Biscayne Channel are both firing for snook and jack crevalle on live pilchards or artificials like Rapala X-Raps.

Overall, there’s no shortage of action right now. Mahi, sails, tarpon, trout, and snook are all biting if you match your tactics to the conditions and stay mobile. Enjoy the spring bite, fish smart, and I’ll see you on the water. Good luck out there.

Fish on, Artificial Lure

Recent catch highlights: mahi-mahi and sailfish offshore, tarpon at bridges, snook and trout inshore
Best lures and baits: live pilchards, ballyhoo, soft plastics, popping corks with shrimp, live mullet or crab
Hot spots: Marathon Humps, Islamorada and Seven Mile bridges, Biscayne Channel

Tight lines!

Good morning from the Florida Keys, this is Artificial Lure with your fishing report for April 18, 2025.

We are right in the thick of spring action here in the Keys and Miami area. The early tarpon migration has kicked off, and the bridges are prime territory right now. Anglers are seeing plenty of tarpon cruising through, although they are making you work for bites. Early mornings have been best for hookups, with live mullet being the ticket for big silver kings. Dead bait will get some action, too, but nothing beats a lively mullet for drawing in a bite. If you like a little more challenge and less crowd, try your luck in the local channels around Islamorada or drift a live bait near the Seven Mile Bridge[1][5].

Offshore, the yellowtail snapper bite is steady along the edge of the reef, and kingfish are mixed in. There is also a good showing of blackfin tuna around the wrecks, and even a few mahi and the occasional sailfish showing up around the color changes further out[1][2]. If you are looking to bend a rod, these offshore trips are producing variety and numbers.

On the flats, permit are showing up, and the usual suspects—bonefish and barracuda—are active. DOA Shrimp, paddle tail jigs, and unweighted soft plastics are all working well for the flats species. For bait, live shrimp and crabs are the go-tos, and for tarpon, you cannot go wrong with live mullet, pilchards, or pinfish[8].

The inshore guys are reporting snook and trout biting around mangrove edges and grassy basins, especially on the outgoing tide. Paddle tails, jerkbaits, and topwater plugs are all good choices here. You might even tie into a few jacks and the odd redfish, especially early or late in the day[9].

Weather-wise, we are looking at typical spring conditions—a pleasant 80 to 77 degrees, breezy at times, with a low chance of rain today. Sunrise is right at 7:07 am and sunset at 7:46 pm, giving you a long window to get on the water[6][10].

If you are hunting for hotspots, check out:

- The Seven Mile and Long Key bridges for tarpon, especially on the outgoing tide around dusk
- The edge of the reef near Tennessee Light for yellowtails and kingfish
- Channel 2 and Channel 5 bridges for a mixed bag and solid permit action

Summary: tarpon are pushing through but you need to put in the work, offshore action is solid with yellowtails, kings, tuna, and a shot at mahi, and the flats are alive with permit and bonefish. For artificial lures, DOA Shrimp, paddle tails, jerkbaits, and topwater plugs are all working. Live mullet, pilchards, shrimp, and crabs are the top baits right now.

Tight lines and good luck out there!

Good morning from the Florida Keys and Miami, this is Artificial Lure with your local angler’s fishing report for Wednesday, April 16, 2025.

Weather’s warming up quick down here, and it definitely feels like spring’s in the air. We’re seeing some classic Keys conditions: expect early morning temps in the 70s, climbing toward the low 80s by afternoon, with a healthy breeze still hanging around from the southeast. The wind’s been steady at 15 to 20 knots, so seas are a bit bumpy offshore, but it’s nothing the locals aren’t used to. If you’re heading out, chase some lee sides or backcountry pockets to stay out of the chop.

Sunrise this morning hit at 7:07 am, and we’ll see sunset around 7:46 pm in the Keys, just a bit earlier over in Miami at 6:57 am and 7:44 pm. That gives you plenty of daylight to fish both the early bite and a prime sunset session[6][10].

Tides are swinging moderate today, with a good push early and slack midday. That incoming tide just after sunrise is a solid window for feeding tarpon, snook, and trout around the bridges and channels. If you’re fishing the flats, that rising water is your ticket for stalking bonefish or permit in skinny water.

Fishing action has been steady but you’ve got to put in the time. Tarpon fishing is just starting to heat up—anglers are jumping a few each morning in the local channels and along the bridges. A couple fish landed yesterday in the 40 to 50 pound range, mostly caught on live mullet, with some hits on dead bait as well[4][5]. Snook are biting around the mangrove creeks and some structure in the backcountry, and there’s a good showing of big jacks and nurse sharks mixed in for some drag-screaming fun[9].

On the flats, bonefish are making ghostly appearances with some landed on cut shrimp or small crabs. Permit action has been slower than usual, likely because of that late cold snap in March, but some encouraging signs as bigger fish start sliding north[5]. Trout are biting up around the grassy bays and channels, best early or late in the day[1].

Offshore and in the Gulf, Spanish mackerel, kingfish, cobia, and snapper are active. Big jacks and sharks are running heavy, so bring some stout tackle if you want a tussle[9].

If you’re bait fishing, live mullet, pinfish, shrimp, and pilchards are top choices. For artificials, locals are scoring with DOA Shrimp, paddle tail jigs, unweighted soft plastics, and Baitbusters in the channels and around structure. Out on the flats, you can’t go wrong with a small jig or crab pattern for bones and permit, and flashy lures for barracuda and jacks[8].

Hot spots to try today:
Islamorada bridges and nearby channels for early morning tarpon and jacks,
Flats around Key Largo and Tavernier for bonefish and permit when the tide’s flooding in,
Backcountry creeks behind Marathon and Flamingo for snook, redfish, and juvenile tarpon.

Wind might be up, but with a little local knowledge and the right bait, there’s action to be had. Get out there and tight lines!

Good morning from the stunning waters of the Florida Keys and Miami this Monday, April 14, 2025! Anglers, the day ahead offers fantastic opportunities for going after some of the most prized catches in South Florida.

The weather is looking prime for fishing with calm winds this morning, building to a light breeze through the afternoon. Sunrise was at 7:04 AM, and sunset will grace the horizon at 7:48 PM, giving you plenty of daylight hours to make the most of your fishing. Tides for the Content Keys today show a favorable pattern: high tides at 2:28 AM and 1:52 PM, and low tides at 8:32 AM and 9:30 PM. Plan your fishing between the changing tides for the best bite.

Recent catches in the region have been impressive! April is peak tarpon season, and these majestic fish are stacking up in deeper waters throughout the Keys. Offshore, mahi-mahi (dolphinfish) are making waves, especially around the 100-150 ft depth range, with some large specimens showing up. Wahoo have also been active, particularly around reef structures. On the flats, bonefish are abundant from Islamorada down to the Lower Keys ocean-side flats, providing excellent opportunities for those targeting them with fly rods or light spinning gear.

For bait and lures, local favorites are performing well. Soft plastics like DOA Shrimp, paddle tail jigs, and Hogy lures are excellent for flats species such as bonefish and permit. Live bait—shrimp, crabs, pilchards, and mullet—remains highly effective, especially for targeting tarpon, snook, and barracuda. Offshore, vertical jigs and brightly colored trolling lures are the key to attracting mahi and wahoo, while the ever-reliable 3-inch NLBN paddle tail lure is also proving its worth in deeper channels and near bridges.

If you’re looking for hotspots today, consider hitting the Seven Mile Bridge, a perennial favorite for snapper, grouper, and yellow jack. The Islamorada flats are ideal for bonefish and permit action, while offshore anglers should head to deeper reefs or beyond the 100-ft mark for mahi-mahi and wahoo encounters. The Content Keys area is also perfect for a mix of inshore action and backcountry exploration.

In summary, with favorable weather, active fish, and a promising tide schedule, today is a fantastic day to be on the water. Tight lines, and may your day be filled with unforgettable catches!

Good morning, anglers! It's a beautiful spring day down here in the Florida Keys and Miami area, with plenty of action to look forward to on the water. Today, April 12, 2025, we’re blessed with prime fishing conditions thanks to the full moon, which tends to get the fish biting aggressively.

The sun rose at 7:07 AM in the Keys and will set at 7:46 PM, giving us over 12 hours of daylight to make the most of the stunning waters. The weather’s ideal, with warm temperatures in the mid-80s, light breezes, and calm seas—perfect for both inshore and offshore fishing.

Inshore fishing remains a highlight this time of year. The tarpon migration is in full swing, with large schools rolling visibly along channels and bridges. Live bait such as pinfish, crabs, or large shrimp works wonders for these silver kings. On the flats, bonefish and permit are active, especially on the ocean side. Matching the hatch is key; shrimp and small crabs are your best bet. Don’t forget to bring soft plastics like DOA Shrimp or paddle tail jigs rigged weedless for casting into the mangroves.

The backcountry waters are also producing well, with redfish and sea trout biting in the Everglades National Park and Flamingo areas. Snook are becoming more active closer to shore as the water warms. Try pitching live mullet or pilchards near docks and mangrove edges.

Offshore, the action is heating up too. Mahi-mahi (dolphinfish) have started to show up in numbers, especially along weed lines in 100-150 feet of water. Trolling with Tuna Busters or feather lures rigged on 100-pound leaders has proven effective. Keep an eye out for birds—where there’s bait, there’s likely mahi. Additionally, wahoo and sailfish are in the mix, so consider running deeper diving lures straight off your stern for maximum success.

Yellowtail snapper are schooling up on the reefs in 30-80 feet of water. Chumming with cut bait will bring them in closer—expect solid action on light tackle. Some grouper and mutton snapper have also been caught recently, so anchoring near structure on the reef can be productive.

For hotspots, I’d recommend checking out the Seven Mile Bridge area near Marathon for tarpon and bridge fishing action. For flats enthusiasts, the waters around Islamorada offer excellent opportunities for bonefish and permit. Offshore, head south of Key West to troll along the weed lines for mahi. These spots have all been lively lately and should provide some memorable catches.

As for lures and bait, here are the top recommendations:
- Tarpon: Live pinfish, crabs, or large shrimp.
- Bonefish: DOA Shrimp or small live crabs.
- Mahi: Tuna Busters, Billy Baits feather lures, and trolling plugs.
- Yellowtail snapper: Chumming with cut bait or small chunks of sardine.
- Snook and redfish: Soft plastics like paddle tails, jerk baits, or live pilchards.

Whether you're on the flats, backcountry, or heading offshore, the bite’s on! Tight lines and enjoy the adventure out there.

Good morning anglers! Here’s your Friday, April 11, 2025, fishing report for the waters around the Florida Keys and Miami. Conditions are shaping up nicely, so let’s dive in.

Sunrise today was at 7:16 AM, and sunset will be at 7:43 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to hit the water. Temperatures are comfortably warm, peaking in the mid to high 80s, with a light breeze—ideal weather for both offshore and inshore fishing.

The tides in the Florida Keys are moderately favorable for fishing today. The mix of high and low tides should support good fish activity, especially during the transitional periods. Make sure to plan your fishing trips around these tide changes for optimal results.

In the Florida Keys, tarpon remain the star attraction. Anglers targeting the silver king are finding success near local channels and bridges, particularly during the early morning hours. Live mullet and dead bait are working well, with a few fish caught around 40-50 pounds earlier this week. For artificial lures, try unweighted soft plastics like the Hogy 10-inch Original Eel or weighted Pro Tail Eels for areas with stronger current.

Meanwhile, reef and flats fishing continues to produce an impressive variety of species, including yellowtail snapper, mangrove snapper, bonefish, and permits. Soft plastics such as DOA Shrimp and paddle tail jigs remain the go-to lures for flats fishing. Live shrimp and crabs are excellent bait choices for permit and bonefish. Offshore, those venturing out past the reef are reporting blackfin tuna action. Trolling weighted 7-inch Pro Tail Eels at around 4.5 knots has been particularly effective.

Closer to Miami, inshore fishing is buzzing with snook, redfish, and seatrout. Twitch baits such as MirrOlures and jerkbaits like the Rapala X-Rap are yielding solid results in shallower waters. Anglers are also catching jacks and small sharks, providing exciting light tackle opportunities. For bass anglers, locally favored lures like speed worms and jerkbaits are delivering consistent success in Miami’s freshwater canals and lakes.

If you're looking for hotspots, head to Islamorada for tarpon in the early hours or the bridges around Big Pine Key, which are buzzing with gamefish activity. Alternatively, try Key Biscayne for snook and jacks near the mangroves.

The Keys and Miami waters are alive with action this week. Don’t forget to bring a mix of live bait and artificial lures to adapt to different conditions. Tight lines, and enjoy your day on the water!