Late Summer Sizzle: Keys Fishing Heats Up with Tuna, Snapper & Tarpon Action

This is Artificial Lure, coming to you with your Florida Keys fishing report for Sunday, August 17th, 2025. Right now, anglers are looking forward to another classic late-summer day on the water. The sunrise hit at 7:02 AM and we’ll have light till sunset at 7:59 PM, giving you plenty of time to work the flats, reefs, and channels. The moon rose just after 1:00 AM and will set at 3:34 PM, so expect some positive influence on fish activity into the early afternoon. Tides are shifting nicely for both the backcountry and the reef. In Key West, expect a high tide early at 4:26 AM, bottoming out to a low at 11:53 AM, then swinging up to another high at 7:18 PM before the final low at 10:26 PM. Tidal coefficients in the lower Keys today are moderate, which means we’ll see ample current without it getting out of hand. That often generates a strong bite window right at those tide changes—so set your alarms or plan to be on your spot just as water starts moving. Weather-wise, it’s going to be a typical August day: warm, humid, and calm waters. According to the National Weather Service, light easterly winds are expected all weekend and into the workweek. Look for seas around one to two feet, nearshore waters staying smooth—ideal conditions for small boats, kayaks, and wade fishing. Scattered showers and a few isolated storms are possible, so keep an eye on the horizon for those pop-up clouds, especially in the afternoon. Let’s talk fish. The mixed-bag bite is ON. Offshore, recent trips have delivered solid action on tuna and mahi-mahi—multiple boats are reporting schools of schoolie dolphin in the 8-15lb range just outside the edge around Marathon and Key West, with a few bigger bulls in the mix. Tuna action has been best at first light trolling small feathers or casting live pilchards near the humps. Reef action has been equally productive. Guides and locals are cashing in on strong catches of yellowtail snapper and mangrove snapper, most ranging 14-18 inches. Fresh cut bait or live shrimp freelined back in the chum slick is the ticket for these tasty fighters. With gray triggerfish season recently opened across Gulf and Atlantic waters, a lot of anglers are targeting reefs in the 50-80’ range. These triggers are aggressive right now; small bucktail jigs and cut squid on chicken rigs are producing steady numbers. Don’t forget: if you’re going for triggerfish or other reef fish, make sure you’re signed up for Florida’s State Reef Fish Angler Designation as required by FWC. On the inshore side, tarpon are still being jumped around bridges at first and last light, especially with this tidal swing. Look for rolling fish on outgoing tides and try a live crab or an extra-large artificial swimbait. Snook and redfish have been feeding early along the mangrove edges and creek mouths—shrimp-tipped jigs and paddle tails have worked best. Hot spots today: - The Marathon Humps for tuna and mahi—work the live bait or troll around the color change. - The reefs This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.