Fresh Big Pine Key Fishing Reports

Summer is in full swing here in the Florida Keys, and as expected—things are heating up! The fishing has been solid, and success right now comes down to finding moving water, using fresh bait, and dialing in your tactics. The Mangrove Snapper spawn is in full swing here in mid-July. With the waning crescent moon keeping the nights darker, the morning bite has been best. Fresh bait is key, and staying stealthy makes a difference. If you’re not getting bites within the first hour, don’t waste time—move. Look for structure and flowing current to find active fish. Offshore, the mahi are around in good numbers. Many are on the smaller side, but if you’re willing to put in the miles and cover some ground, you’ll find quality keepers mixed in. In the backcountry, the channels have been productive for snapper, though barracudas and sharks are on the move as well—adding some excitement to the action, especially when the wind picks up. With rising water temperatures, the bite can slow a bit, but the fish are still there—just deeper, where the water is cooler. Don’t forget to check your tides, barometric pressure, wind speed and direction, and the major solunar feeding periods each day to stay on the pulse and increase your odds of getting hooked up. Until next week— Tight lines and following seas! — Capt. Tony

Over the next two weeks, we’re moving into a diminishing moon phase, which often brings better action during the morning and late afternoon bite windows. Keep an eye on the major Solunar feeding periods and moving tides — timing is everything! Backcountry: The channels have been productive, especially on a strong moving tide. Mangrove snapper are still biting well, and there’s no shortage of action with aggressive barracuda cruising through. Target the deeper cuts and edges of the channels for best results. Reef Edge: There’s plenty of surface activity happening on the reef! Watch for bait getting pushed to the top — when you see boiling water, there’s a good chance you’ll find Cero and Spanish mackerel feeding underneath. You might even spot the occasional rainbow runner or mahi sneaking in closer than usual. Offshore: Mahi are scattered offshore, primarily around weed lines in 600+ feet of water. Most fish are in the 20”–26” range. Drag weedless squid rigs or chuggers and cover plenty of ground — persistence pays off! Reef Bite: The current has been a bit slow on the reef, which can make yellowtail fishing more challenging. They’re still around — just find the current and you’ll find the fish. Summer conditions have brought calm seas, but be aware that fish tend to move deeper during the heat of the day. Pro Tip: Get out early, check the tide charts, and align your trip with the major feeding periods for the best shot at success. Hope to see you out there soon — let’s get hooked up!

Snapper moving from the back country to the Atlantic on this mid July late afternoon. We were fishing the last two hours of the incoming tide. Long 40’ floro leader to a 7/O corcle hook and ballyhoo was the prise bait of choice. We were sending back chunk baits on the top as well and landed some short Muttons which we send back for another day. The bite is on but moving water is key and stay stelthy. Dinner is served!

Snapper moving from the back country to the Atlantic on this mid July late afternoon. We were fishing the last two hours of the incoming tide. Long 40’ floro leader to a 7/O corcle hook and ballyhoo was the prise bait of choice. We were sending back chunk baits on the top as well and landed some short Muttons which we send back for another day. The bite is on but moving water is key and stay stelthy. Dinner is served!

Back country inshore fishing trying to hide from the 20mph winds. Made the best of our day for sure!

Back country inshore fishing trying to hide from the 20mph winds. Made the best of our day for sure!