Keys Alive with Snapper, Tarpon & Permit - Your Florida Fishing Report

Artificial Lure here with your Florida Keys fishing report for Saturday, June 21, 2025. We’re rolling into the heart of summer and the Keys are absolutely alive with action, from the reefs and wrecks to the backcountry flats. Let’s dive into what’s happening today. Starting with the tides—Key West saw a high tide at 6:26 this morning, dropping to a low at 1:18 p.m., then pushing back up for the evening high around 8:21 p.m. That means your window for some moving-water action is prime early morning and again right before sunset. Sunrise hit at 6:39, and sunset will be at 8:18 tonight, so you’ve got a long day of light to chase those fish. The tidal coefficient is right around 59 to 61, so we’re seeing moderate tidal flow, perfect for both inshore and offshore opportunities, especially with the weather staying mostly mild and winds lying down over the last few days according to Florida Sportsman. The bite has been solid across the board. Reports from Captain Experiences and recent trip feedback say it’s been a snapper and mutton fest, with plenty of anglers hauling in lanes, yellowtails, and mangroves. Wreck fishing is in full swing, so if you’re heading offshore, expect steady action on tuna and the occasional palometta. If you’re after something bigger, mahi and the odd blackfin tuna are popping up offshore, especially near color changes and weed lines. Spanish mackerel and kings are still running close to the reef edge, and there’s been a good showing of cobia over bait schools, especially when fishing live menhaden or pulling ballyhoo behind sea witches. If you’re looking to work the flats, tarpon remain the headliner in the early mornings and late afternoons, particularly around Big Pine Key and Key West Harbor. Flats guides are reporting big bonefish, with some parties landing up to five a trip, and there have been heart-stopping shots at permit for those quick on the cast. Shrimp-imitating jigs, small pilchards, or live crabs are still top choices for permit and bones, while big live mullet or pinfish are the ticket for tarpon. On the artificial side, bonefish and permit are readily taking soft plastic jerkbaits and lightly weighted shrimp patterns for the fly guys. Hot spots to check today: Mule Key Basin for tarpon and permit on the flats, and Western Sambo and the adjacent reef edges for snapper and mutton action. Offshore, look for weed lines southeast of the Marquesas for mahi and tuna. For the inshore crowd, channel bridges around Marathon are loaded with snapper and the occasional grouper bite. Remember, conditions can change quickly out here, so check your local weather and tide reports before you launch. That’s the latest from the water—thanks for tuning in to today’s Florida Keys fishing report with Artificial Lure! Be sure to hit that subscribe button for more updates and tips. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.