Hey there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Florida Keys and Miami fishing report for March 17, 2025.

We're looking at a beautiful day on the water, folks. Sunrise was at 7:26 am and sunset will be around 7:37 pm. The tides are running pretty normal - we've got a high tide mid-morning and another in the evening, with a low tide in the afternoon. Water temps are in the mid-70s, perfect for some great fishing action.

The tarpon bite has been on fire lately, especially around the bridges and channels. Anglers have been having luck with 3-inch paddle tail soft plastics in bone or glow colors. For you fly fishers out there, big black and purple streamers have been working well too.

Offshore, the mahi bite is picking up nicely. Trolling ballyhoo or small lures around weed lines and floating debris has been producing some nice bulls in the 15-20 pound range. The yellowtail snapper bite on the reef has been steady - small jigs tipped with squid or cut bait are your best bet there.

Inshore, we're seeing good numbers of bonefish and permit on the flats. Small shrimp patterns or crab imitations are the ticket. The redfish have been active in the backcountry too, especially on the falling tide.

For you bait fishers, live shrimp and pilchards have been the hot ticket. If you're throwing artificials, I'd recommend having some DOA shrimp, Hogy soft plastics, and maybe a topwater plug or two in your box.

Hot spots this week: The humps off Islamorada have been producing some nice blackfin tuna, and the flats around Flamingo have been great for reds and snook. If you're in the Miami area, don't overlook Government Cut - there's been some monster jacks and snapper hanging around the jetties.

Remember to handle those fish with care and only keep what you'll eat. Tight lines, everyone!