Episodios

  • Fishing Report Florida Keys May 25 2025: Mahi, Tarpon, Permit & More

    Fishing Report Florida Keys May 25 2025: Mahi, Tarpon, Permit & More
    May 25 2025
    Good morning from the Florida Keys, this is Artificial Lure with your local fishing report for Sunday, May 25, 2025.

    Weather today is classic late May Keys—warm and sunny, with light winds and a touch of humidity. Sunrise hit us at about 6:34 AM and sunset will be around 8:05 PM. The tide’s swinging today with a morning high around 8:15 AM and an afternoon low just after 2:30 PM, so you’ll have solid moving water both early and late.

    Out on the water this past week, offshore crews have been scoring mahi mahi in decent numbers, especially out past the reef line. The bite is best around weed lines and floating debris. Most fish have been in the 5 to 15 pound range, with a few gaffers showing up, and the peanut dolphin thick in some spots. Trolling small feathers, rigged ballyhoo, and flashy skirted lures has put fish in the box. If you find birds working or a color change, it is worth a stop.

    Inshore, tarpon action is still hot, especially in the early mornings and evenings. The bridges and local channels around Islamorada and Marathon have been holding good numbers of tarpon up to 100 pounds. The bite’s been steady, especially after a tough April, with several anglers reporting memorable fights and big jumps. Best baits are live mullet or crab, but artificials like swimbaits and large soft plastics will get hit at dawn or dusk. Some of the biggest fish this week have come right at first light and again right before dark when the current moves[3][4].

    Backcountry crews are seeing nice pushes of permit on the flats, especially when the sun’s high. May is prime time—sight fishing with live crabs or well-cast shrimp imitations has been the ticket. Keep your eyes peeled for tailers around the oceanside flats near Key West and Big Pine; several shops report big fish landed just this week[5].

    Snapper and grouper are biting well on the patch reefs and wrecks. Mangrove and yellowtail snapper have been steady, especially on the falling tide. Chunks of fresh ballyhoo and pilchards are top baits. Grouper are hitting live pinfish around structure.

    If you’re hunting hot spots, check out the bridges around Islamorada for tarpon, especially Channel Two and Seven Mile. Offshore, run out past Alligator Light and watch for weed lines and birds for mahi. On the flats, west of Key West is prime for permit and bonefish.

    That’s it for today from the Florida Keys. Tight lines, watch the tide, and remember—early and late is when the big ones chew. Good luck out there!
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    3 m
  • Keys Fishing Report: Tarpon, Bonefish, and Snapper Thriving in Summer Conditions

    Keys Fishing Report: Tarpon, Bonefish, and Snapper Thriving in Summer Conditions
    May 24 2025
    Good morning from the Florida Keys this is Artificial Lure with your May 24th fishing report. The summer season is in full swing with hot, humid weather and light winds, making for prime fishing conditions and comfortable days on the water. Today’s sunrise was at 6:38 AM, and sunset will be right around 8:05 PM, giving you plenty of daylight for a long outing.

    Tides today are typical May action, with an early morning incoming tide peaking around mid-morning, then turning to outgoing midday. The water clarity is looking good, especially inshore and into the backcountry, helping with sight casting and fly work.

    Tarpon are still the headline act, especially around Islamorada bridges and deep backcountry channels. Anglers have been hooking big fish, with several reports of 80 to 100 pounders landed this past week. Live mullet and fresh crabs are the baits of choice for tarpon right now, but artificial swimbaits and larger soft plastics in natural colors will get it done if you’re persistent. Early mornings and late evenings around the bridges have been most productive for rolling and cruising fish. Expect long, hard fights—many fish are pushing the triple-digit mark[4].

    The backcountry bite has stayed solid with bonefish and the occasional permit making appearances on the flats. Guides in the Lower Keys report good success on bonefish with live shrimp, small jigs, and classic flats flies. Permit are a bit finicky, but if you get a shot, a well-placed live crab or a tan crab pattern fly is your best bet. Several boats are reporting multiple hookups per trip on bonefish, especially around Big Pine Key and Cudjoe Key[5].

    Snapper fishing has been excellent for families and those looking to fill a cooler. Mutton and lanes are being picked from the patch reefs and wrecks with cut baits and shrimp. For those targeting yellowtail, anchoring and chumming on the reef edge is still the go-to method. Snapper action is steady from Marathon to Key West, with some hook-n-cook muttons coming in for dinner[5].

    Offshore, the dolphin bite has been steady, and a few tuna are holding around the humps. Trolling pink and blue feathers, or pitching live pilchards, are your best offshore tactics[1][2][3].

    Hot spots for today include the Seven Mile Bridge for tarpon at sunrise or sunset, the flats off Cudjoe Key for bonefish and permit, and the reef edges just south of Marathon for snapper and yellowtail. Pack plenty of water and sunscreen, and get out early for the best action.

    Tight lines and see you on the water.
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    3 m
  • Keys Fishing Report Buzz - Reds, Snapper, and Mahi on Fire!

    Keys Fishing Report Buzz - Reds, Snapper, and Mahi on Fire!
    May 23 2025
    Hey there, anglers! This is Artificial Lure coming at you with the freshest Florida Keys fishing report for this beautiful Friday morning, May 23rd, 2025.

    Let me tell you, the bite is ON in the Keys right now! The weather's shaping up real nice today with temperatures in the mid-80s and a light southeast breeze at about 10 knots. We got sunrise at 6:37 AM and sunset coming around 8:05 PM, giving you plenty of daylight hours to get your lines wet.

    Tide-wise, we're looking at a high tide mid-morning and another in the late evening, with a good outgoing flow throughout the afternoon - perfect for those mangrove edges and channel cuts.

    The inshore fishing has been absolutely fire lately! Captain Ridge Murphy reports the flats are producing some monster redfish, especially during the morning hours when they're tailing in the skinny water. Throw some gold spoons or weedless jerkbaits if you're sight-fishing these beauties. The backcountry waters around Big Pine Key have been particularly productive.

    For you nearshore folks, the snapper bite is strong right around the patch reefs. Multiple reports coming in of limits of mangroves and muttons, with some keepers in the 5-7 pound range. Live pilchards or fresh-cut ballyhoo on a 3/0 circle hook will do the trick. Don't forget to bring some chum!

    Offshore action has been a bit scattered but rewarding for those putting in the time. Mahi are starting to show up in decent numbers, though you'll need to cover some water. Look for floating debris or frigate birds to find them. The weedlines about 15-20 miles out have been holding some nice bulls in the 20-pound class.

    Bait-wise, the pilchards and ballyhoo are thick around the marina channels early morning. A simple sabiki rig will fill your livewell quick. If you're using artificials, can't go wrong with a blue/white Sea Witch for trolling or a 3/4 oz. bucktail jig tipped with a shrimp for bottom fishing.

    Hot spots this week? The reef line off Cudjoe Key has been producing consistent action, and the channels around Summerland Key are holding some nice tarpon if you're looking for a trophy fight. For the flats enthusiasts, the grass flats just north of Big Pine have been holding good numbers of permit and bonefish.

    Remember to release what you don't need and handle those fish with care. Water's warming up so keep your catch cool and clean them quick!

    This is Artificial Lure signing off until next time. Tight lines, y'all, and see you on the water!
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    3 m
  • Florida Keys Fishing Report: Tarpon, Bonefish, and Snappers Abound

    Florida Keys Fishing Report: Tarpon, Bonefish, and Snappers Abound
    May 21 2025
    Good morning from the Florida Keys, it’s Artificial Lure here with your May 21, 2025, fishing report, local style and hot off the water.

    Today kicked off with a sticky sunrise at 6:37 AM and we’ll have daylight right through till about 8:01 PM. Weather’s running hot and humid, with light winds and very little rain expected for most of the Keys. The tides are running moderate today with an incoming tide peaking late morning—ideal for a variety of action, especially around the bridges and cuts.

    Tarpon are still the main event and have been on a solid feed, especially with the recent warm ups and settled winds. The backcountry bite remains productive. If you’re after silver kings, hit the local channels around Islamorada or drift the Seven Mile Bridge on that incoming tide. Live mullet or crab are your best bets right now, but if you want to go artificial, toss big swimbaits, or even black-and-purple Hogy lures. Several crews have been reporting multiple hook-ups a day, with most fish running 70 to 100 pounds and a few monsters over that mark. Persistence and a little patience are paying off for those willing to wait for the bite[3].

    Bonefish have been cruising strong on the flats, especially with these hot midday tides. Early birds poling around Key West and Sugarloaf Key have been rewarded with quality fish. Go with small live shrimp or pink shrimp-pattern flies and you’ll get noticed. If you’re a plug fan, try a small white paddle tail jig. Reports from local guides show up to five big bones landed on a morning outing, which is about as good as it gets[4].

    Permit missed the memo about being shy this week. Several anglers lost them on the flats, but plenty of shots are being had. Live crab is the go-to bait, but an olive crab fly or a Berkley Gulp! crab will turn heads. Steer clear of the heaviest current and focus on patch reefs and edges of the flats near the Content Keys around high tide.

    Out on the patch reefs and wrecks, mutton snapper and lane snapper are steady, with plenty of smaller fish for the table and the odd doormat mutton showing up. Anchoring and chumming with cut ballyhoo or pilchards is doing the trick. Grouper are still closed for harvest, but catch-and-release is fair game if you want to test your tackle[4].

    Hot spots to try today are the bridges near Islamorada for tarpon and bonefish, and the flats around Lower Sugarloaf for bonefish and permit. If the reef’s calling your name, head out to the Western Sambos for good snapper action.

    That’s the word from the water. Tight lines and keep your drag set light.
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    3 m
  • Tarpon Bite Blazing in Florida Keys, Perfect Weather for Early Morning Trips

    Tarpon Bite Blazing in Florida Keys, Perfect Weather for Early Morning Trips
    May 19 2025
    Howdy, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Monday morning fishing report for May 19, 2025, straight from the Florida Keys.

    The tarpon bite is absolutely on fire right now! After a tough April, the silver kings have shown up in force for mid-May. Local guides have been on a hot streak lately, with plenty of tarpon action throughout the Keys[1][5]. These magnificent fighters are in their full migration swing, making this prime time to hook into the fish of a lifetime.

    Weather-wise, we're looking at typical late spring conditions - warm with occasional afternoon showers. Perfect for getting on the water early when those tarpon are most active. The tides are running strong, creating good movement through the channels and around the flats.

    For bait, fresh is definitely the key right now, especially for tarpon[5]. Live pinfish, mullet, and crabs are producing well. If you're an artificial fan like myself, try swimming a large soft plastic on a jig head around deeper channels where tarpon have been holding lately[1]. Fly anglers should pack their 11-weights and some black and purple tarpon flies.

    Beyond the tarpon action, reports from Big Pine Key show steady wreck fishing with anglers bringing in mutton and lane snapper for some delicious hook-and-cook action[3]. Several guides around Marathon and Key West have been reporting good numbers of bonefish on the flats, with some permit mixed in for those quick enough on the draw[3].

    Hot spots right now include the deeper channels around Islamorada where tarpon have been stacking up[1], the flats around Big Pine Key for bonefish action, and the wrecks off Marathon for snapper fishing. For those looking for a sunset tarpon trip, local guides are offering specialized evening trips when the silver kings are in prime feeding mode[5].

    Captain Pat Dineen, Jeff Hagaman, and Geoffrey Page have all been putting clients on fish consistently throughout the region[2]. They're concentrating efforts from Tampa Bay south to Charlotte Harbor and from Tarpon Springs to Boca Grande.

    Remember folks, the early bird gets the worm, or in our case, the tarpon! Get out there at first light for your best shot at hooking up. The tarpon fishing should continue to improve as we move deeper into May and early June.

    That's the report for today, May 19th. This is Artificial Lure saying tight lines and bent rods, friends! See ya on the water.
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    3 m
  • Keys Fishing Report: Reds, Tarpon, and Offshore Mahi in Prime Conditions

    Keys Fishing Report: Reds, Tarpon, and Offshore Mahi in Prime Conditions
    May 18 2025
    Good morning from the Florida Keys this Sunday, May eighteenth. Artificial Lure here with your on-the-water fishing report, bringing you the latest from the islands.

    We kicked off the day under partly cloudy skies, with sunrise right about 6:38 AM and sunset coming at 8:00 PM tonight. Winds have been light from the southeast, keeping those seas calm—just about perfect conditions out there. Tides have been running strong the past couple days, with a push just before sunrise and a falling tide through late morning, which lined up prime for inshore activity.

    Inshore, the redfish have been lighting up the flats. The early-morning bite has been hot, especially near grassy edges and mangrove islands. Anglers are getting steady action with live shrimp under popping corks, but plenty have been fooled by gold spoons and soft paddle-tail plastics as well. Juvenile tarpon are active in the backcountry creeks and basins, taking live pilchards and DOA baitbusters. Snook are also mixed in, holding tight to structure.

    Offshore, mahi mahi are scattered but steady. Boats working weed lines about ten to fifteen miles out have picked up nice schoolies and a few gaffers, mostly on rigged ballyhoo and bright trolling feathers. Some lucky crews have even hooked into a few striped marlin this week, which is a real treat for May. The water’s warm and blue, making conditions just right for pelagic chasers.

    Permit fishing has also stayed consistent, especially around the wrecks and shallow reefs. Live crabs have been the top bait, but a few have taken natural-colored jigs fished slow on the bottom.

    If you’re heading out and looking for hot spots, try the flats around Sugarloaf Key for reds and snook, and the Hens and Chickens Reef for a mixed bag of snapper and grouper. Offshore, follow the weed patches south of Alligator Reef Light—word is the mahi are holding tight there.

    To sum up, it’s classic May in the Keys: light winds, good tides, and a mixed bag of hungry fish. For lures, think gold spoons and white soft plastics inshore, and troll ballyhoo or feathers offshore. Bait-wise, live shrimp and pilchards are ticket in the backcountry, while offshore it’s tough to beat a well-rigged ballyhoo.

    Get out there early, beat the heat, and tight lines from the Keys!
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    3 m
  • Florida Keys Fishing Report: Snook, Redfish, and Offshore Action Sizzling

    Florida Keys Fishing Report: Snook, Redfish, and Offshore Action Sizzling
    May 17 2025
    Howdy there, anglers! This is Artificial Lure coming at you with the hottest fishing report for the Florida Keys on this fine Saturday morning, May 17th, 2025.

    Let me tell you, the action in the Keys is absolutely sizzling right now! Florida Bay has been on fire with snook being the main attraction these past couple weeks. Captain Ridge Murphy's been reporting excellent catches throughout early May, so today should be no different.

    Weather-wise, we're looking at southeast winds around 20 mph and mostly sunny skies today. Perfect conditions if you're heading offshore, just be prepared for some chop.

    Inshore fishing has been spectacular lately. The flats are producing some quality redfish, especially during the morning hours. If you're targeting reds, try working the shallow grass flats with gold spoons or soft plastic jerkbaits. Live shrimp and finger mullet have also been producing nice results.

    Snook action continues to be strong, particularly around mangrove shorelines and creek mouths. These bruisers are hitting topwater plugs early, then switching to soft plastics or live bait as the sun climbs higher.

    Offshore, yellowtail snapper are biting well in 60-90 feet of water. Fresh cut bait and small jigs tipped with squid are your best bet. Mahi are scattered but definitely worth pursuing if you're heading to the deep. Look for floating debris and frigate birds to locate them.

    Grouper season opened up on May 1st, and it's been fantastic so far. If conditions allow, try working structure in 80-120 feet with live pinfish or large jigs.

    We're also right on the cusp of seeing those big strings of migrating tarpon showing up. They should be arriving any day now, so keep your eyes peeled if you're near the bridges or channels.

    For hot spots today, I'd recommend trying the backcountry near Snake Bight for redfish and snook, or head to the reef line between Sombrero and Alligator for some quality yellowtail action. The bridges have been producing some nice mangrove snapper as well.

    The TUNA-FANDUEL SPORTS NETWORK event is happening today at 9:30 am, so expect some competition boats in the water.

    Remember folks, the early bird gets the worm, so hit those flats during the morning hours for your best shot at success. And don't forget to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated under that hot Florida sun.

    This is Artificial Lure signing off. Tight lines and good fishing to y'all!
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    3 m
  • Keys Fishing Report: Snapper, Tarpon, and Tuna Action Heats Up

    Keys Fishing Report: Snapper, Tarpon, and Tuna Action Heats Up
    May 16 2025
    Hey there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Florida Keys fishing report for Friday, May 16, 2025.

    The bite's been a bit of a mixed bag lately, but there's still plenty of action to be had throughout the Keys. Water temps have warmed up nicely since last month, making for more consistent fishing compared to the grind we saw back in April.

    Just yesterday, Captain Ridge Murphy released his weekly Keys report, and he's been finding good numbers on the wrecks and reefs. Mutton and lane snapper have been steady producers for folks looking for a hook-n-cook dinner. Several guides out of Marathon and Key West have reported excellent snapper action, with most boats limiting out when targeting them.

    Tarpon season is in full swing now, much improved from late April when the silver kings were playing hard to get. While the early spring was strange with fewer fish showing around the bridges and channels, those big schools have finally pushed in. Your best bet for tarpon is early morning or late afternoon around the bridges or in the backcountry channels.

    Offshore, the tuna bite remains solid, with blackfins providing steady action. Some permit are still around the flats, but you'll need to be quick on the draw - as one lady angler found out last month when she missed several shots while landing five nice bones on fly.

    For bait, live pilchards and pinfish are working well for snapper, while live crabs or mullet are your best bet for tarpon. If you're throwing artificials, try paddletails on jigheads around the bridges or topwater plugs early in the backcountry. Fly anglers should have black and purple tarpon patterns ready along with some small shrimp patterns for the bones.

    Hot spots this weekend: Check out the bridges around Marathon for tarpon, especially on the falling tide. The patch reefs off Big Pine Key have been holding good numbers of snapper. And if you're looking for a mixed bag, the channels around Summerland Key have been productive for everything from mangrove snapper to the occasional permit.

    The weather looks favorable for the weekend with light southeast winds in the morning switching to southwest in the afternoon. Tides are running about average with a high around mid-morning and another in the evening.

    Sunrise is at 6:38 AM and sunset at 8:02 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to get on the water. Just remember to keep an eye on those afternoon thunderstorms that might pop up.

    That's it for now, folks. Get out there and wet a line! This is Artificial Lure signing off until next time. Tight lines!
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    3 m
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