Keys Fishing Bites: Snook, Muttons, and Yellowtails Abound

# Artificial Lure's Florida Keys Fishing Report - December 4th, 2025

Well hey there, folks! Artificial Lure here, coming to you live this Thursday morning from the heart of the Florida Keys. It's December 4th, and let me tell you, the fishing scene is firing on all cylinders right now.

Let's start with what Mother Nature's giving us today. The sun came up around 6:56 this morning and won't set until about 5:46 this evening, so you've got a solid fishing window. Tide-wise, we've got a low at 2:44 AM that already passed us, and we're building toward a high tide at 9:49 AM. That's happening right about now, so if you're heading out, you're timing it perfectly for that slack water bite.

Now, here's where it gets good. The snook action has been absolutely stellar lately, with fish pushing up to 37 inches cruising the backcountry and around mangrove points. The mullet and pilchard run is thick right now, making bait easy to come by. If you're throwing artificials, grab some DOA TerrorEyz or flashy swimbaits – they're absolutely crushing it.

Out on the deeper edges and reefs, mutton snapper have been running strong – we're talking fish up to 12 pounds. Target those during high slack water with live pinfish or fresh cut bait. You'll pick up keeper grouper in the same zones too.

The nearshore reefs around Alligator Reef are loaded with yellowtail snapper. Shrimp-tipped jigs and small live pilchards are your ticket there. And if you want some steady action, mangrove snapper remain solid on the nearshore reefs and bridge areas using shrimp or small pilchards, especially on that outgoing tide.

Offshore at the Islamorada Hump, blackfin tuna have been steady. Trolled feathers, small jet heads, and live pilchards are working midmorning through early afternoon.

For your hot spots today – get yourself to Alligator Reef for those yellowtails, and don't sleep on the deeper reef edges for your mutton snapper and grouper.

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This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI