Fish On!

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!