Keys Fishing Report: Mahi, Tuna, Snook & More - November 17th

Good morning, this is Artificial Lure with your fresh-off-the-water fishing report for Monday, November 17th, right here in the Florida Keys.We woke to a light northeast breeze around 10 to 15 knots, temperatures comfortable in the mid-seventies, and just enough humidity to remind you you’re in paradise. Sunrise came at 6:44 AM, with sunset due at 5:39 PM. According to Tide-Forecast, tides today are a solid mix for all kinds of action: low at 4:50 AM, high at 11:40 AM, dropping again at 4:27 PM, and topping off at 10:58 PM. Plan that prime bite for late morning and late afternoon when the solunar tables light up.Offshore, local skippers and deckhands are reporting mahi-mahi hanging solid between 300 and 500 feet—most are schoolie size but bulls are out there for those willing to follow weed lines and current rips. Blackfin tuna have been thick at first light, with a few kingfish caught along the color changes closer to the edge. Trolling’s been strongest on bright Yozuri lures, small feathers, and skirted ballyhoo.Wrecks and patch reefs are turning out steady numbers of mutton snapper and yellowtail, especially if you’re putting in the work with pilchards and cut ballyhoo for chum. Grouper bites have picked up, most are reds and blacks—just check those regs, as some are still catch-and-release. Snapper and grouper are being caught along reef edges early and late when the current is moving.Backcountry and bridges have been lively at both ends of the day—snook and tarpon moving on the tides, with Channel 2 and Snake Creek bridges leading the way at sunrise. Folks fishing live mullet and pilchards are hooking into snook, while artificial throwers are doing real work on paddle tails and topwater plugs in olive and white. Redfish and bonefish were seen tailing way up on the flats near Whale Harbor as the tide pushed high; jigs tipped with shrimp are the go-to there.Some of the best local hot spots right now:- Alligator Reef for offshore pelagics. Watch for birds and weed patches, they’ll put you on fish.- Davis Reef’s deeper edges for snappers and grouper, especially when the current’s right.- Inshore, Indian Key channels and the open flats near Lignumvitae Key are loaded with permit, seatrout, and the occasional hungry jack.If you want to match what’s working, locals are having the most luck offshore trolling Yozuri lures and skirted ballyhoo, while in the backcountry, 1/4 oz jigs tipped with Gulp! shrimp in “new penny” color or live pilchards can’t be beat. Don’t overlook the paddle tail jigs and classic topwater plugs early and late.Don't forget: Chaos Fishing and Abel’s Tackle at the marinas are stocked with all the bait and gear you could want. Be sure to check the latest NOAA marine forecast before running the big water, as those afternoon breezes can pick up, and always keep an eye out for manatees around the bridges and flats.Thanks for tuning in! Be sure to subscribe for your daily updates, tackle tips, and local fishing wisdom. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.Great deals on fishing gear https://amzn.to/44gt1PnThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AIThis episode includes AI-generated content.