Florida Keys November Fishing Report: Snook, Tuna, and Mahi Mayhem

Artificial Lure here with your November 1st, 2025 fishing report for the Florida Keys and Miami waters—coming to you as the sun is just peeking above the horizon.

First, let’s talk conditions. The National Weather Service reports clear skies with light northeast winds this morning—a brisk, comfortable start just after sunrise at 7:41 AM, and sunset dropping in at 6:46 PM. Expect temps to range from the upper 60s at dawn into the high 70s by afternoon. These autumn days are perfect for long hours on or by the water. According to Florida Disaster’s five-day outlook, water levels in the Keys have returned to normal, so tidal flooding concerns are low and the coast is clear.

Tides are steady with a moderate swing today: low at 3:55 AM and again around 4:20 PM, with highs at 9:47 AM and 10:41 PM. The small tidal coefficient—starting at 33 just before dawn—means not much current, so target structure and drop-offs where fish will stack up as the water creeps and falls slow. That mid-morning incoming is a strong option for mixing it up offshore or surfcasting.

Water clarity is looking sharp in the Keys and Miami area, with zero reports of red tide east of the Gulf according to the FWC. No respiratory irritation or fish kills have been observed in the region this week, so your spots should be loaded and healthy.

On to the fish: inshore, it’s a classic fall bite. Some large snook have shown up at cuts and points near mangroves and bridges—these pre-winter bruisers are hitting live pilchards and small mullet when you can net ‘em, but don’t overlook artificial flairhawks in white or chartreuse near shadow lines at first light. Daytime sight-fishing the flats is still yielding good numbers of slot reds and decent trout, especially on shrimp-tipped jigs and Gulp! baits. Reports from local guides show quick action around Biscayne Bay’s grass beds for sea trout, and the occasional tailing bonefish on the right tide—bring your light tackle.

Offshore, dolphin (mahi) remain scattered but persistent with some schoolies being picked up along color changes and weedlines beyond the reef, especially if you run south off Islamorada or Tavernier. Trolling small chuggers or live ballyhoo is the ticket. Blackfin tuna action has ramped up at the humps—vertical jigs and sardine chunks are taking fish at the Islamorada Hump and west of Marathon. On the wrecks, big mutton snapper are biting just after dawn, especially on live pinfish or butterfly jigs bounced off the bottom. If grouper is on your wish list, the deeper ledges at the drop-off near Alligator Reef remain the go-to—fresh cut bait or large live pilchards do the trick.

Flats and bridges after dark are still hot for tarpon, particularly around Channel 5 and the Seven Mile with live crabs or big swimbaits on the outgoing tide. For a special night bite, look for outflows close to Tavernier Creek and Long Key.

Hot spots for today:
- Pickles Reef just south of Key Largo for mixed snapper, yellowtail, and the odd mutton.
- Haulover Inlet for early-morning snook and blue runners—throw pilchards or flairhawk jigs.
- Islamorada Hump for offshore blackfin and the chance of a dolphin double-up.

Bait of choice:
- Inshore: live pilchards, shrimp on jigheads, white/pink artificial swim shads.
- Offshore: live ballyhoo, chunked sardines, and vertical irons.
- Flats: Gulp! shrimp, bonefish jigs tipped with shrimp, and live crabs for permit.
- Wrecks: butterfly jigs, live pinfish, and squid strips after sundown.

That’s your sunrise scoop for the Keys and Miami from Artificial Lure—thanks for tuning in. Be sure to subscribe for your daily fishing fix, and may your lines stay tight and your stories get even bigger.

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