Episodes

  • Fishing Report Florida Keys Feb 2025: Sailfish, Kingfish, Snook, and More [140 characters]

    Fishing Report Florida Keys Feb 2025: Sailfish, Kingfish, Snook, and More [140 characters]
    Feb 15 2025
    Hey there, fellow anglers It's Artificial Lure here, and I'm excited to share today's fishing report for the Florida Keys, specifically for February 15, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the conditions. Today, the sunrise is at 6:59 AM, and the sunset will be at 6:20 PM. The tidal report for Content Keys, Content Passage shows a high tide at 1:59 AM with 3.05 feet, a low tide at 9:02 AM with -0.23 feet, another high tide at 2:21 PM with 2.71 feet, and a final low tide at 9:15 PM with -0.18 feet. These tides should provide some great opportunities for fishing in various spots.

    The weather has been relatively calm lately, with the winds dying down a bit, making it perfect for both offshore and inshore fishing. The water temperatures are stabilizing, which usually means the fish are more active and predictable.

    Now, let's dive into the fish activity. February is an excellent time for offshore fishing in the Keys. The Sailfish bite is on daily as we approach their spawn time, and Kingfish action is rampant, with big "Smoker" Kingfish providing excellent action both well offshore and occasionally nearer the reef. You can also expect to catch quality Cero and Spanish Mackerel, as well as Black Fin Tuna, which always bring a thrilling fight. Wahoo and Mahi are also present, though the Mahi action can be a bit sporadic but always a welcome bonus.

    For those preferring reef and wreck fishing, February is a great time. Amberjack fishing remains good before slowing down in March, and Cobia action is excellent. The Snapper family, including Mutton, Yellowtail, and Mangrove Snappers, are active, although the Yellowtail and Mangrove numbers slow down briefly in February. Grouper fishing is off the table until May due to the closed season in Monroe County, but other species like Barracuda and Sharks are plentiful and active.

    Inshore and backcountry fishing are also thriving. The backcountry is filled with a wide variety of species, including Redfish, Cobia, Sea Trout, Pompano, and large Yellow Jacks. Snook are a bit less active due to cooler water temps, but on mild days, they can be coaxed out. Predator fishing is also hot, with Giant Barracuda and several species of Sharks ready to take on anglers.

    For lures and bait, given the cooler water temperatures, slow-moving artificial lures like soft plastic jerkbaits or paddle tails in natural colors work well for inshore species like Redfish and Sea Trout. Live baits such as shrimp or finger mullet are also highly effective. For targeting species like Snook or Tarpon, use lures that mimic the local baitfish prevalent during the winter months.

    If you're looking for some hot spots, I highly recommend the patch reefs about 6 to 8 miles offshore from the land mass. These areas offer a mix of backcountry and reef fishing in calmer waters, making them perfect for both novice and experienced anglers. Another great spot is the backcountry around the Marquesas, where you can find fast-paced action from schooling species and aggressive predators.

    In summary, today is a great day to get out on the water in the Florida Keys. With stable water temperatures, calm winds, and a variety of active fish species, you're in for a treat. Whether you're offshore chasing Sailfish and Kingfish or inshore targeting Redfish and Snook, the Keys have something for everyone. So grab your gear, choose the right lures and bait, and let's go fishing
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    4 mins
  • Florida Keys Fishing Report: Sailfish, Cobia, and Backcountry Action Await (139 characters)

    Florida Keys Fishing Report: Sailfish, Cobia, and Backcountry Action Await (139 characters)
    Feb 14 2025
    Hey there, fellow anglers It's Artificial Lure here, and I'm excited to share today's fishing report for the Florida Keys, specifically for February 14th, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the conditions. Today, we're looking at a relatively calm day with mild winds, which is perfect for getting out on the water. The sunrise was at 7:00 AM, and we can expect a beautiful sunset around 6:19 PM.

    Now, let's dive into the tidal report. For Content Keys, Content Passage, today's tides are as follows: a high tide at 1:23 AM with 3.3 feet, a low tide at 8:33 AM with -0.42 feet, another high tide at 1:56 PM with 2.55 feet, and a final low tide at 8:32 PM with -0.15 feet. These tides should provide some excellent fishing windows, especially around the high tide marks.

    February is an excellent time for fishing in the Keys, with a wide variety of species active in our waters. Offshore, the Sailfish bite is on fire as we approach their spawn time. You can also expect big "Smoker" Kingfish, Cero and Spanish Mackerel, and Black Fin Tuna. These pelagic fish are known for their aggressive behavior, making for some thrilling catches. Wahoo and Mahi are also present, though they can be a bit more sporadic[1].

    In the reef and wreck areas, Amberjack fishing remains strong, and Cobia action is excellent. Snapper species like Mutton, Yellowtail, and Mangrove are plentiful, although the Yellowtail and Mangrove numbers might slow down briefly in February before picking up again in March. Grouper fishing is closed until May in Monroe County, but other species like Barracuda and Sharks are very active[1].

    For those preferring near-shore or backcountry fishing, February is a great time. The backcountry is teeming with life, including Redfish, Cobia, Sea Trout, Pompano, and various schooling species like Jacks, Lady Fish, and Blue Runners. Snook can be a bit sluggish due to cooler water temps, but on warmer days, they can become quite active. This is also a prime time for predator fishing, with Giant Barracuda and several species of Sharks being common catches[1][4].

    If you're looking for some hot spots, I highly recommend the patch reefs about 6 to 8 miles offshore. These areas offer a mix of backcountry and reef fishing in calmer waters, making them ideal for both novice and experienced anglers. Another great spot is the Marquesas, known for its predator-rich waters, especially for those targeting Sharks and Barracuda[1].

    For lures and bait, it's a good idea to use a variety of options. Offshore, spoons, gotcha plugs, and small jigs can attract Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, and even some Mahi. In the backcountry and near-shore areas, standard pompano rigs with double dropper rigs and multi-colored floats work well for Pompano, Whiting, and Black Drum. Bait-wise, Fishbites, sand fleas, shrimp, and clams are top choices[1][3].

    In summary, today is shaping up to be a fantastic day for fishing in the Florida Keys. With the right gear and knowledge of the tides and fish activity, you're set for an action-packed day on the water. So grab your rods, and let's go fishing
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    4 mins
  • Florida Keys Fishing Forecast: Sailfish, Kingfish, and More Await Anglers on February 12, 2025

    Florida Keys Fishing Forecast: Sailfish, Kingfish, and More Await Anglers on February 12, 2025
    Feb 12 2025
    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
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    4 mins
  • Florida Keys Fishing Forecast: Sailfish, Kingfish, and Backcountry Bounty in February 2025

    Florida Keys Fishing Forecast: Sailfish, Kingfish, and Backcountry Bounty in February 2025
    Feb 10 2025
    Hey there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on the fishing scene in and around the Florida Keys for today, February 10, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the weather. February in the Keys is a treat, especially when the rest of the country is freezing. Today, we're looking at a high of around 75 degrees, with lows dipping into the mid-60s. The winds are relatively calm, making it a perfect day to get out on the water.

    Now, let's check the tides. According to the tide charts, today's tides are as follows: low tide at 2:28 AM with -0.47 ft, high tide at 9:22 AM with 0.71 ft, low tide at 1:34 PM with 0.11 ft, and high tide at 8:35 PM with 1.64 ft. Sunrise is at 7:04 AM, and sunset is at 6:18 PM, giving us plenty of daylight to fish.

    The fish activity is heating up, and February is proving to be an excellent month for various species. Offshore, the Sailfish bite is on daily as we approach their spawn time. Big "Smoker" Kingfish are providing excellent action both well offshore and occasionally nearer the reef. The Mackerel family, including Cero and Spanish Mackerel, are abundant, and Black Fin Tuna are making their presence known with their chaotic schools. Wahoo and Mahi are also on the list, though Mahi are a bit more sporadic but always a welcome bonus.

    On the reef and wreck sites, the conditions are more comfortable due to the winds, making it a great time for those who prefer calmer seas. The "reef donkey" (Grouper) is active, and you can also expect to catch some quality fish like Snapper and other reef dwellers.

    In the backcountry, it's a different story altogether. This time of year is excellent for fast-paced action targeting a wide variety of species. Redfish, Cobia, and even the occasional Snook on warmer days are all on the menu. Schooling species like Jacks, Sea Trout, Pompano, and more are providing non-stop action. Predator fishing is also hot, with Giant Barracuda and several species of Sharks ready to put up a fight.

    For lures and bait, offshore you'll want to use spoons and jigs for Kingfish and Mackerel. Live bait like ballyhoo and pilchards are excellent for Sailfish and Tuna. In the backcountry, soft plastics and jigs work well for Redfish and Cobia, while live shrimp and small jigs are great for Snook and Trout.

    If you're looking for some hot spots, I recommend checking out the Marquesas Keys for some backcountry action. The shallow Gulf wrecks are also producing well, especially for those targeting Kingfish and Mackerel. For reef fishing, the areas around the Dry Tortugas are always a good bet.

    So, grab your gear and get out there – the fish are waiting, and the weather is perfect. Tight lines, everyone
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    3 mins
  • Fishing the Florida Keys on February 9th, 2025: Sailfish, Kingfish, and More in Ideal Conditions

    Fishing the Florida Keys on February 9th, 2025: Sailfish, Kingfish, and More in Ideal Conditions
    Feb 9 2025
    Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, your go-to expert for all things fishing in and around the Florida Keys. Today, February 9th, 2025, promises to be an exciting day on the water, so let's dive into the details.

    First off, let's check the tides. For Content Keys, Content Passage, today's tidal schedule looks like this: a low tide at 5:30 AM, a high tide at 11:34 AM, another low tide at 4:25 PM, and a final high tide at 10:28 PM. These tides will provide some excellent windows for fishing, especially around the high tide marks when fish tend to be more active[2].

    The weather has been calming down after the recent cold fronts, and we're seeing warmer temperatures and calmer winds, which is perfect for getting out on the water. Sunrise is at 7:03 AM, and sunset will be at 6:16 PM, giving us plenty of daylight to catch some serious action.

    Now, let's talk about the fish activity. February is a fantastic time for offshore fishing in the Keys. The Sailfish bite is on daily as we approach their spawn time, and these magnificent sport fish are providing some thrilling encounters. Big "Smoker" Kingfish are also plentiful, both well offshore and occasionally nearer the reef. You can expect excellent action from Black Fin Tuna, which always bring a level of chaos when they show up in schools. Wahoo and Mahi are also on the radar, though Mahi can be a bit more sporadic this time of year[1].

    For those preferring reef and wreck fishing, February continues to be a good time. The waters are generally more comfortable here compared to further offshore, making it ideal for anglers concerned about rough sea conditions. The "reef donkey" (Grouper) is active, and you can also target a variety of other species like Snapper and Grouper[1].

    Backcountry fishing is also heating up. With calm, crystal-clear waters, you'll find fast-paced action targeting species like Redfish, Cobia, and schooling fish such as Jacks, Sea Trout, and Pompano. Snook are not as active due to cooler water temps, but on milder days, they can come to life. Predator fishing is also strong, with Giant Barracuda and several species of Sharks ready to put up a fight[1].

    When it comes to lures and bait, for offshore fishing, live bait like goggle eye or blue runner under the kite, and smaller bait like thread, pilchard, or sardine on the flats, are highly effective for Sailfish and other pelagic species. For backcountry fishing, standard pompano rigs with multi-colored floats and baits like Fishbites, sand fleas, shrimp, and clams work well. Casting lures such as spoons, gotcha plugs, and small jigs can also yield great results for species like Bluefish and Spanish Mackerel[1][3].

    For some hot spots, I highly recommend the Long Key Bridge and Toms Harbor Bridges. These locations are known for their diverse range of fish species, including yellow jacks, permit, cobia, snook, tarpon, and even sharks. The fishing pier walkway at Long Key Bridge makes it an excellent spot for both locals and visitors[4].

    In summary, today is shaping up to be a fantastic day for fishing in the Florida Keys. With the right tides, calm weather, and a variety of active fish species, you're in for a treat. Grab your gear, choose the right lures and bait, and head out to those hot spots. Tight lines, everyone
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    4 mins
  • "Florida Keys Fishing Report: Sailfish, Kingfish, and More in February 2025"

    "Florida Keys Fishing Report: Sailfish, Kingfish, and More in February 2025"
    Feb 8 2025
    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 8, 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 Content Keys, Content Passage, today's tides are looking like this: 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. You can also expect big "Smoker" Kingfish, Cero and Spanish Mackerel, and some thrilling Black Fin Tuna action. Wahoo and Mahi are also making appearances, though they can be a bit more sporadic. For those targeting apex predators, large Barracuda are active, and if you're up for a challenge, the Monster Shark charters are producing multiple larger sharks even on half-day trips.

    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, though less active in February, 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.

    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
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    4 mins
  • Fishing Report: Sizzling Sailfish, Snapper Galore, and More in the Florida Keys (February 7th, 2025)

    Fishing Report: Sizzling Sailfish, Snapper Galore, and More in the Florida Keys (February 7th, 2025)
    Feb 7 2025
    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 7th, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the tides. According to the tide charts, we've got a low tide at 3:19 AM and a high tide at 9:51 AM, with another low at 2:01 PM and a high at 8:08 PM. These tides will give us some great opportunities to fish both the shallow and deeper waters[2].

    The weather is looking pretty good today, with calm winds and mild temperatures, making it an ideal day to get out on the water. Sunrise is at 7:04 AM, and sunset will be at 6:15 PM, giving us plenty of daylight to catch some serious action.

    Now, let's dive into the fish activity. February is a fantastic time to fish in the Florida Keys, with a wide variety of species active right now. Offshore, the Sailfish bite is on fire as we approach their spawn time. You can also expect big Kingfish, Black Fin Tuna, and the occasional Wahoo. Mahi-Mahi are still around, though they can be a bit unpredictable this time of year[1].

    In the reef and wreck areas, Amberjack and Cobia are putting up quite a fight. Snapper, including Mutton and Yellowtail, are plentiful, and Grouper, although not in season for harvest, are still present. If you're looking for a challenge, large Barracuda are active and ready to test your skills[1].

    Near shore, the patch reefs are a great spot to target a mix of species in calmer waters. Here, you can catch everything from Snapper to Cobia and even some larger predators like Sharks. Backcountry fishing is also excellent this time of year, with Redfish, Cobia, and schooling species like Jacks, Sea Trout, and Pompano providing non-stop action. Snook are a bit slower due to cooler water temps, but on warmer days, they can become quite active[1].

    For bait, live or cut bait like shrimp, clams, and fish bites are always a good choice. If you're into lures, spoons, gotcha plugs, and small jigs can attract a variety of species, including Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, and Pompano[3].

    If you're looking for some hot spots, I highly recommend checking out the Long Key Bridge and Toms Harbor Bridges. These areas are known for their rich fish populations and are great for both beginners and seasoned anglers[4].

    In summary, today is shaping up to be an excellent day for fishing in the Florida Keys. With the right tides, calm weather, and a plethora of active fish species, you're bound to have a great time on the water. So grab your gear, choose the right bait or lure, and get ready for some serious fishing action.

    Happy fishing, and I'll see you out there
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    3 mins
  • Fishing Report for the Florida Keys: Yellowtail Snapper, King Mackerel, and Deeper Wreck Sites Offering Great Opportunities

    Fishing Report for the Florida Keys: Yellowtail Snapper, King Mackerel, and Deeper Wreck Sites Offering Great Opportunities
    Feb 5 2025
    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 around Islamorada and Key West, as of February 5th, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the conditions. Today, we're looking at a relatively calm day with minimal currents due to a low tidal coefficient of 35, which means the tidal range will be smaller than usual[2].

    Sunrise this morning was at around 7:12 AM, and we're expecting a sunset at about 6:02 PM, giving us a good 10 hours and 54 minutes of daylight. The weather has been cooperative, with clear skies and gentle breezes, making it an ideal day to hit the waters.

    In Islamorada, the fishing has been quite promising. Yellowtail snapper fishing has been good, especially in the mornings, and fair in the afternoons. We've also seen a lot of king mackerel around, and the recent good weather has made them quite active. If you're targeting deeper waters, the deep wreck sites are yielding some nice amberjacks and red groupers on the reefs[1].

    For those looking to catch some bigger game, sailfish have been a bit elusive lately, but we did manage to catch some blackfin tuna and dolphin during the Islamorada Bartenders tournament. Snappers, including a nice mutton snapper, have also been on the menu for some lucky anglers[1].

    When it comes to lures and bait, for the yellowtails and snappers, I recommend using standard pompano rigs with multi-colored floats and bait like Fishbites, sand fleas, shrimp, or clams. These have been attracting a lot of fish in the area. For the king mackerel and larger predators, casting lures such as spoons, gotcha plugs, and small jigs can be very effective. A 7-9 foot medium light spinning rod with 20-pound braided line is a good setup for these species[3].

    If you're looking for some hot spots, I highly recommend checking out the Long Key Bridge and Toms Harbor Bridges. These spots are known for their diverse range of fish species, including yellow jacks, permit, cobia, snook, tarpon, and even sharks. The Long Key Bridge, with its fishing pier walkway, is particularly great for anglers of all levels[4].

    In summary, today is shaping up to be a fantastic day for fishing in the Florida Keys. With the right lures and bait, and knowing the best spots, you're set for a memorable fishing trip. So grab your gear, head out to the waters, and let's see what the day brings Tight lines, everyone
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    3 mins