Florida Keys Hot Spots

Offshore

Offshore, the Dolphin (Mahi-Mahi) bite is still hot but the fish have been smaller recently. Fish in the 5 - 15 pound range are common right now, the big fish have seemingly moved else ware for now, but the migrating "schoolies" are out there in good numbers. At the offshore humps and upwellings, Blackfin Tuna are around but they are also somewhat small. Keep a few as a sushi appetizer for your meal of fresh dolphin, and throw the rest back. Got Wasabi?

Reefs

Reef fishing has been hit or miss lately, some areas are producing fish and others aren't the difference perhaps due to local variations in current and water clarity. You can up your odds by bringing plenty of chum and using two chum bags with a large mesh. Charterboats go through 1-2 cases of chum in a days fishing. Reports are that the Mangrove snapper spawn is beginning to happen in the Lower Keys and will continue for some time to come.

Gulf and Bay

Tarpon have been the main target of anglers not wanting to venture too far from home. The local bridges are as far as you need to go for the Silver King this time of year. Early morning or late evening are prime time for this great fighting fish. Also look for the Mangrove snapper to be biting on the wrecks back in the Gulf and keep and eye out for the permit to return; live dollar-crabs are like scooby snacks for these guys.