"Florida Keys Fishing Update: Tarpon Challenges, Snook Bonanza, and Hot Offshore Action"

Hey folks, Artificial Lure here with your May 11th Florida Keys fishing update!

The bite is hot this morning with temps already climbing and a light southeast breeze keeping things comfortable. Sunrise was about 6:40 AM and we're looking at sunset around 7:55 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to get on the water.

Tarpon fishing has been challenging this season compared to previous years. April was particularly tough around Islamorada with fewer fish at the Channel 2 and Channel 5 bridges. That said, the past couple weeks have seen some improvement, especially in the backcountry where anglers are reporting 6-10 bites per day if you're willing to leave the dock early[2]. Long Key Bridge still has some resident fish, though they've gotten pretty wise to most presentations.

Florida Bay is absolutely on fire right now, with snook being the primary target. If you're looking for some rod-bending action, that's your best bet according to Captain Ridge Murphy[5]. Redfish and juvenile tarpon have also been steady in the area, with the big migratory tarpon expected any day now along the oceanside.

Offshore, the yellowtail bite has been excellent in the 60-90 foot range[5]. If you're heading deeper (140-180 feet), expect some nice red grouper action along with cooperative mangrove snapper, which have really turned on these past couple weeks. Some yellowtail, mutton snapper, and big vermilions are mixing in out there too[1].

For the nearshore crowd working that 60-100 foot zone, you'll find good lane snapper, a handful of mangroves, some red grouper, and steady (though not spectacular) hogfish action[1].

Bait-wise, live shrimp and pilchards are working well inshore, while offshore anglers are doing best with cut bait and squid for the snappers. For artificial enthusiasts, try soft plastics like DOA shrimp for the backcountry fish, and butterfly jigs on the deeper reefs.

Hot spots this week:
- The backcountry areas behind Islamorada for tarpon if you're willing to get up early
- Florida Bay flats for snook action (focus on mangrove edges during incoming tide)
- The reef in 60-90 feet for consistent yellowtail action
- Deeper structure in 140-180 feet if you're after quality red grouper

Tides today show a high around 10:30 AM and low around 4:15 PM, making the morning run your best bet before the midday heat kicks in.

Remember folks, keep what you need and release the rest. This is Artificial Lure signing off - tight lines until next time!