Spring Fishing Heats Up in the Florida Keys

Good morning from the Florida Keys, this is Artificial Lure with your fishing report for April 18, 2025. We are right in the thick of spring action here in the Keys and Miami area. The early tarpon migration has kicked off, and the bridges are prime territory right now. Anglers are seeing plenty of tarpon cruising through, although they are making you work for bites. Early mornings have been best for hookups, with live mullet being the ticket for big silver kings. Dead bait will get some action, too, but nothing beats a lively mullet for drawing in a bite. If you like a little more challenge and less crowd, try your luck in the local channels around Islamorada or drift a live bait near the Seven Mile Bridge[1][5]. Offshore, the yellowtail snapper bite is steady along the edge of the reef, and kingfish are mixed in. There is also a good showing of blackfin tuna around the wrecks, and even a few mahi and the occasional sailfish showing up around the color changes further out[1][2]. If you are looking to bend a rod, these offshore trips are producing variety and numbers. On the flats, permit are showing up, and the usual suspects—bonefish and barracuda—are active. DOA Shrimp, paddle tail jigs, and unweighted soft plastics are all working well for the flats species. For bait, live shrimp and crabs are the go-tos, and for tarpon, you cannot go wrong with live mullet, pilchards, or pinfish[8]. The inshore guys are reporting snook and trout biting around mangrove edges and grassy basins, especially on the outgoing tide. Paddle tails, jerkbaits, and topwater plugs are all good choices here. You might even tie into a few jacks and the odd redfish, especially early or late in the day[9]. Weather-wise, we are looking at typical spring conditions—a pleasant 80 to 77 degrees, breezy at times, with a low chance of rain today. Sunrise is right at 7:07 am and sunset at 7:46 pm, giving you a long window to get on the water[6][10]. If you are hunting for hotspots, check out: - The Seven Mile and Long Key bridges for tarpon, especially on the outgoing tide around dusk - The edge of the reef near Tennessee Light for yellowtails and kingfish - Channel 2 and Channel 5 bridges for a mixed bag and solid permit action Summary: tarpon are pushing through but you need to put in the work, offshore action is solid with yellowtails, kings, tuna, and a shot at mahi, and the flats are alive with permit and bonefish. For artificial lures, DOA Shrimp, paddle tails, jerkbaits, and topwater plugs are all working. Live mullet, pilchards, shrimp, and crabs are the top baits right now. Tight lines and good luck out there! This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.