Florida Keys Fishing Report: Bait Catching, Tarpon, Snook, and Offshore Bites

Bait Catching Techniques

• 🎣 Catching bait is highlighted as a great activity for this time of year.
• 💡 Recommended methods include using a pinfish trap with chum overnight or a sabiki rod for catching pilchards one by one.
• 🧺 The ballet hoop is mentioned as a favorite method, involving throwing it out with chum and pulling it up from behind.
• 🎣 While casting a net is known, trying other methods is encouraged.

Offshore and Inshore Fishing Conditions

• 🐟 Captain Louie reported good offshore fishing with catches of grouper, snapper, and blackfin tuna.
• 🎣 Fishing around bridges and in the glades has been great for the local team.
• 🎣 Tarpon fishing is slowing down with the first cold fronts, but they were still able to catch some, with tarpon expected to be around until the end of the month.
• 🎣 Snook and red fishing are good in the Everglades, and fishing the local bridges in the Keys remains productive.

Weekend Weather and Tides

• ☀️ The weather for the weekend is expected to be good, with high temperatures around 80 degrees and no chance of rain.
• 🌊 The intercoastal will have a very light chop, and offshore seas will be running about 2 to 3 feet with winds at 5 to 10 knots.
• ⚠️ A small craft advisory is in place but will expire by the weekend.
• 🌡️ Water temperatures are in the lower 80s, with calmer seas closer to the Keys (1 to 2 feet) and 2 to 3 feet beyond the reef.
• 🌕 King tides are approaching next week, bringing large tidal swings.
• 🌊 High tide in Miami is just shy of 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, and around 7:00 a.m. in the Keys.