End Of July Fishing Report.

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**)

Lower Keys Fishing Report – July 3, 2026 Fishing has been good, but understanding the tides and using the right tactics will put you on the bite. We are currently in a waning gibbous moon phase, heading toward the last quarter moon on July 7. As the water temperatures continue to rise, we’re entering prime time for the Mangrove Snapper spawn. The deep channels in the backcountry have been producing well, as fish are moving down the water column in search of cooler water. Working the bottom with fish-finder and knocker rigs can reward anglers with quality grouper and snapper. Setting out live baits on the surface can quickly lead to hookups with mackerel and barracuda—not to mention the sharks that always seem to show up. The bridges continue to hold good numbers of fish, including both Mangrove Snapper and Mutton Snapper. Plenty of other species are mixed in, so come prepared with several leader setups and be ready when the bite turns on. The reef edge is holding an abundant amount of Yellowtail Snapper. Chum is the name of the game, and fishing in 70 to 80 feet of water along the edge is producing some beautiful tails. There are also plenty of King and Cero Mackerel in the mix, so keep a wire rig ready and send out a live ballyhoo for your chance at a screaming run. Solunar Outlook: With the waning gibbous moon, the best feeding windows this week should occur around sunrise and again during the late evening into the overnight hours as the moon rises later each night. Plan your trips around moving water during these periods for your best chance at success. Fishing is good in the Lower Keys… Let’s Go!