Red Grouper is a great catch

Mid-August Lower Keys Fishing Report The Mangrove Snapper bite continues strong as we head into mid-August. This is primarily an early-morning fishery, and Mangrove Snapper can be found in the deep channels of the backcountry, around patch reefs, and along the reef edge. Getting an early start and presenting your bait naturally can make all the difference. The Yellowtail Snapper bite has been decent on the reef, but finding current and staying stealthy with your presentation is important. The water is extremely clear right now, and if you can see the fish, they can see you! Light leaders, natural presentations, and a little patience can go a long way. There are also plenty of Cero and Spanish Mackerel around, hitting both live and dead baits on the surface. Be sure to have some wire leader ready because these fish can show up fast and make short work of lighter tackle. The bridge fishing has slowed a bit this week. Floating weeds moving through the bridges, combined with the summer heat, has made things more challenging. That said, this fishery can wake up at any given moment. Bridge fishing is all about the hunt, timing, tides, and moving current. Staying dialed in to the solunar feeding periods can help close the gap when conditions are tough. Offshore, the Mahi bite continues, although the amount of floating weed has made trolling more challenging. There are still plenty of fish to be found. Keep your eyes open for birds, floating debris, weed lines, and any other signs of life. When you find them, be ready with plenty of chunk bait to throw at the school and keep the action going. The Lower Keys are still producing plenty of opportunities this August. Get out early, stay mobile, and be ready when the bite turns on. Tight lines and happy fishing! Capt. Tony Florida Keys Island Fishing

Beautiful morning on the water in the backcountry of Big Pine Key! We had a family of four aboard, and they made the most of every opportunity. We started by catching live bait, then filled the livewell and got to work. It’s all part of the fishing experience, and the payoff was worth it! We put enough fish in the cooler for a fresh dinner, and the action really turned up when a big barracuda exploded on one of our live baits on the surface. The fight was on, and everyone had a blast! Fishing with kids is one of the best parts of what I do. Watching them learn, laugh, and experience the excitement of a fish on the line creates memories that last a lifetime. Ready to make your own Florida Keys fishing memories? ? Florida Keys Island Fishing ? Big Pine Key & Lower Florida Keys ? **hidden content**)

End of July Fishing Report – Lower Keys & Big Pine Key Summer fishing is in full swing here in the Lower Keys, especially around Big Pine Key, and the action has been steady! We’ve been focusing on the deep channels throughout the backcountry, where they act like underwater highways for fish on the move. Early mornings and late afternoons have been the most productive, as the fish tend to move deeper during the heat of the day. The backcountry has been producing plenty of Mangrove Snapper, Barracuda, Sharks, and even a few Red Grouper. Over at the Bahia Honda Bridge, there are still resident Tarpon around, although they’re becoming more scattered. This week we also landed a nice Goliath Grouper, along with plenty of snapper action and some exciting barracuda and shark chase-downs that kept everyone on their toes. The reef edge continues to hold good numbers of Yellowtail Snapper, Cero Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, and a variety of other species. Setting out a spread has been producing action, and you never know what’s going to show up behind the boat. We also keep a jig and a few spoons ready to cast at surface-feeding fish whenever the opportunity presents itself. The Mahi-Mahi bite is on, but it’s definitely a hunt. The sargassum weed is finally beginning to bunch up into defined weed lines, creating excellent trolling opportunities. Keep an eye out for birds, floating debris, and clean weed edges—when you find them, it’s game on! At the end of the day, it’s not just about the fish—it’s about making memories with family and friends while enjoying everything the Florida Keys has to offer. Tight lines, and we’ll see you on the water! Capt. Tony Florida Keys Island Fishing ? Big Pine Key & Lower Keys **hidden content**