Florida Keys October Fishing Forecast: Bonefish, Tarpon, and Stone Crabs

Good morning, fellow anglers—this is Artificial Lure, coming to you with your Thursday, October 23, 2025, Florida Keys and Miami fishing report. Let’s kick off with the **tides**: In Key West, expect a low tide around 5:26 AM at 0.28 ft and a high just after noon, 12:03 PM, peaking at 1.66 ft. There’s another low at 4:52 PM (0.94 ft) and high again at 11:20 PM (2.28 ft). Channel Key west side will see a high at 1:58 AM, low at 8:33 AM, high at 3:12 PM, and another low at 7:59 PM. These conditions are typical for late October and are prime for fishing the moving water—especially as it pushes baitfish onto the flats and into deep channels. **Sunrise** is at 7:29 AM and **sunset** at 6:53 PM. Early risers get first light on glassy waters, so plan your cast around those changes for best results. Weather-wise, Florida Disaster reports minor coastal flooding caution in the Keys with a fair coastal breeze, moderate humidity, and a mild chop. Pack a light jacket for the boat, as mornings have a bit of that fall nip. No major storms in the forecast, just classic subtropical autumn—good for getting on the water without battling thunderstorms. The **bite** has been active this week. Inshore, Bonefish, Permit, and Tarpon are patrolling the flats, with Snook and Redfish hunting the mangroves and backcountry cuts. If you’re drifting the bridges or rocky channels, expect steady Grouper and Snapper action. Channel Key and Snipe Point have both been buzzin’—plenty of Mangrove Snapper, Spanish Mackerel, and a few slot-sized Redfish. Offshore, Dolphin (mahi-mahi) are still trickling in the deeper blue, and there’s a surge of Kingfish and Blackfin Tuna off the wrecks and ledges. Charter captains from Islamorada and Key Largo are reporting strong numbers in the box—early runs see 8-12 fish on average with some 15-pound kings landed just northeast of Alligator Reef. The Stone Crab season just opened, and crabbers are pulling nice claws from the muddy bottom, according to local news. What’s working: Top angler choices this week are **live pilchards, cut ballyhoo, and fresh shrimp** for bait. Lures like **white bucktail jigs**, chartreuse paddle tails, and slow-trolled Yo-Zuri hard minnows are drawing strikes from both Snook and Tarpon. Pilchard schools are thick in the harbor—net a few and you’ll be covered for predatory fish. Offshore, trolling with rigged Ballyhoo or shiny skirted lures is producing solid mahi and tuna. **Hot spots** to try today: - **Channel Key west side**: Reef edges and grass flats for Snapper, Redfish, and Spanish Mackerel. - **Snipe Point**: Shallow flats and channels—Bonefish in the morning, Tarpon and Snapper on the outflow tide. - **Card Sound Bridge**: Best for Snook and Jack Crevalle during the moving tides. Remember to fish the tide swing for best water movement, and don’t forget to check your regulations—slot limits and closures change quick this time of year. That’s it for today’s Florida Keys and Miami fishing report. Thanks This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.