Fishing Report FL Keys April 2025: Snook, Tarpon, Mahi Sizzling

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. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.