Fishing Season: Winter

Florida Keys - FL

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Inshore Temp:

74

Offshore Temp:

73

The Saltwater Angler's Tip of the Week

Practice, practice, practice. There is no such thing as being too ready or dialed in. Pay attention to the all the details. Little differences can make the difference between a good and great day. Keep a good perspective and remain patient. Remember any day fishing beats a day at work.

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Map of Florida Keys

Tide data

Tidal Conditions

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

The Saltwater Angler

5-Day Outlook as of 3/23/25

The winter weather has started to ease up on us a bit. This week the forecast is calling for winds from 6 to 20+ mph. Monday and Tuesday are calling for a southeasterly wind, rotating to a easterly wind. Wednesday is calling for a north wind, in the 9 to 14mph range, before switching back to an east wind through Sunday, with Friday and Saturday blowing in the 20 mph range. The forecast is calling for mainly sunshine. The temperature is set to rise up to the mid to upper 70's.

Techniques & Tips as of 3/23/25

Be able to side cast and comfortable with the "double haul". This will help you punch into the wind and lay your leader out better. Be safe!

Current Conditions as of 3/23/25

The winds will be in the 6 to 20+ mph range most of the week. Captains have been reporting groups of Juvenile Tarpon, with some bigger fish mixed in with the right conditions. Bonefish have been a pleasant surprise with many fish being caught as the water temps cool down from the summer heat.. Look to find most Bones active on a tide change later in the day when the suns had a chance to warm the shallows up. Permit have still been slow this time of year. There have been some permit around, but as always they can be picky and elusive. The large Cudas are out on the flats as the water temperature has started to drop. These guys are a great challenge on fly or light spin gear. Remember to get the fly moving fast to get their attention. They love live bait! Wishing everyone tight lines and fish boatside!

Local Species Available Winter

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    Bonefish

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    Permit

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    Tarpon

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    Jack Crevalle

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    Barracuda

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    Sharks

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    King Mackerel

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    Wahoo

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    Tuna and Cobia

The Saltwater Angler's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Orvis Tarpon Bunny tan 2
Enrico's Tarpon Pinfish Chart/white 1/0
Malzone's Purple Demon tan, olive 3/0,
Merkin Crab white, chart 2,4
Skok StrongArm Crab Tan 2
Kungfu Crab Pink 4
Grand Slam Crab various colors 1/0
Borski Bonefish Slider tan 1/0
Midnight Minnow White 1/0
Crease Flies Black/red 2/0

Orvis Tarpon Bunny

Tarpon fishing is a wild ride with this handsome fly on your line.

7.99

Item #1X55

Buy Now

The Saltwater Angler's Recommended Gear

Description: About Florida Keys

The Florida Keys and Key West are home to the best saltwater fly fishing in the world. Bold statement, but it's true. Nowhere else can can you find such a wide diversity of species with such easy access. Our reefs and blue water are alive with hard hitting, hard fighting fish willing to take a fly, and our flats offer the incredible challenge of chasing the largest Permit, Bonefish and Tarpon in the world.

Nearest Airport:

EYW-Key West

Bait Recommendations:

Ballyhoo, Pilchards, Thread-fin Herring, flying fish, mullet, Pinfish, crabs, squid, and shrimp