atlantic coast · Key Largo to Key West and the Dry Tortugas
Florida Keys
Flats, bridges, patch reefs, the reef edge and the Gulf Stream all within a short run. Bonefish, permit and tarpon on the flats; snapper, grouper, mahi, sailfish and more offshore.
Today's report (2026-09-13)
The Keys are in a new moon phase today, which typically kicks up feeding activity for redfish, snook, and mangrove snapper. Since tides are weak, focus on structure in Islamorada or Bahia Honda where fish might hold tighter. The best window is the major solunar period from 12:20 to 2:20 PM, though the overnight low tide at 3:20 AM also offers a solid shot at reds moving over flats. King mackerel are present too, but the top three species are the safer bets for consistent action.
Keep an eye on the sky because storms are possible with a forty percent chance of rain. Fish early to avoid getting caught out in the weather, and watch the wind shift from southeast to southwest. While gag grouper are biting, remember that harvest is closed for them, so they are strictly catch and release. Stick to the open species for your cooler.
Pack light rain gear and be ready to cut a trip short if the sky darkens.
Today's tide
Bite forecast
| Species | Sun, Sep 13 | Mon, Sep 14 | Tue, Sep 15 | Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redfish (Red Drum) | 9 | 9 | 9 | New Moon feeding boost. Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky |
| Snook | 8 | 8 | 8 | New Moon feeding boost. Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky |
| Mangrove (Gray) Snapper | 8 | 8 | 8 | New Moon feeding boost. Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky |
| Gag Grouper harvest closed | 8 | 7 | 7 | New Moon feeding boost. Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky |
| King Mackerel | 7 | 6 | 6 | New Moon feeding boost. Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky |
| Spanish Mackerel | 7 | 6 | 6 | New Moon feeding boost. Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky |
| Red Grouper | 7 | 6 | 6 | New Moon feeding boost. Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky |
| Greater Amberjack | 7 | 6 | 6 | New Moon feeding boost. Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky |
| Permit | 7 | 7 | 7 | New Moon feeding boost. Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky |
| Bonefish | 7 | 7 | 7 | New Moon feeding boost. Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky |
| Tripletail | 7 | 7 | 7 | New Moon feeding boost. Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky |
| Spotted Seatrout | 6 | 5 | 5 | New Moon feeding boost. Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky |
Score blends the seasonal pattern for each species with moon, tide swing, wind and weather. 10 is as good as it gets.
Species in this region
8SnookCentropomus undecimalis
9Redfish (Red Drum)Sciaenops ocellatus
6Spotted SeatroutCynoscion nebulosus
6TarponMegalops atlanticus
5CobiaRachycentron canadum
7King MackerelScomberomorus cavalla
7Spanish MackerelScomberomorus maculatus
5Red SnapperLutjanus campechanus
8Mangrove (Gray) SnapperLutjanus griseus
8Gag GrouperMycteroperca microlepis
7Red GrouperEpinephelus morio
7Greater AmberjackSeriola dumerili
7PermitTrachinotus falcatus
7BonefishAlbula vulpes
7TripletailLobotes surinamensis
4Mahi-Mahi (Dolphinfish)Coryphaena hippurus
5WahooAcanthocybium solandri
6HogfishLachnolaimus maximus
6Gray TriggerfishBalistes capriscus
5PompanoTrachinotus carolinus