Florida Keys Fishing Report – May 2025

Spring has officially arrived in the Florida Keys, bringing with it some of the most exciting fishing of the year. Warmer waters and consistent southeast trades have created perfect conditions for our world-class offshore and flats fishing. Whether you’re targeting trophy tarpon or chasing colorful mahi-mahi, May delivers the diversity that makes the Keys a premier fishing destination.

Credit - Captain Izaak King

Offshore Action

  • Mahi-Mahi Explosion The dolphin bite is absolutely on fire right now! Schools of mahi are scattered throughout the current edges and weed lines from 200-800 feet. Live ballyhoo under kites and high-speed trolling with skirts are both producing quality fish. Don’t forget to check any floating debris - it often holds nice gaffers.

  • Blackfin Tuna & Bonito The humps are loaded with blackfin tuna and bonito. Speed jigs, live pilchards, and small feathers are working well. Early morning and late afternoon seem to be prime times when the fish are most active.

  • Sailfish Still Around While not the peak winter bite, sailfish are still patrolling the edges. Live bait presentations and slow-trolled ballyhoo continue to produce. The fish seem to be feeding later in the day as water temperatures rise.

Reef & Wreck Bite

  • Mutton Snapper Prime Time May is absolutely prime time for mutton snapper on the patch reefs. These fish are aggressive on live baits and responding well to chumming. Yellowtail action remains consistent, especially on the morning and evening bites.

  • Grouper Season Closed Remember that grouper season is closed through the end of May, but these fish are still around the wrecks. Practice catch and release for any accidental hookups while targeting snappers and other species.

  • Cobia Cruising Large cobia are following rays and sharks on the flats and patch reefs. Keep a spinning rod ready with a bucktail jig or live crab for these opportunistic feeders.

Flats & Backcountry

  • Tarpon Season Peaks This is what we’ve been waiting for! Tarpon are thick throughout the backcountry and along the Atlantic side flats. Schools of 50-200+ fish are common, with fish ranging from juveniles to 150+ pound giants. Live crabs, pilchards, and threadfins are all producing.

  • Permit Paradise The flats are alive with permit right now. These fish are tailing and cruising in shallow water, making for incredible sight-fishing opportunities. Live crabs remain the gold standard, but don’t overlook small jigs and flies.

  • Bonefish Consistency Bonefish action remains steady throughout the backcountry. The fish are feeding aggressively on warming flats, with shrimp, crabs, and small jigs all working well.

Tips for May Anglers

  • Beat the Heat: Temperatures are rising - start early and bring non-spray, reef safe sunscreen.
  • Thunderstorms: Afternoon pop-up storms are common. Keep an eye on radar and plan accordingly.
  • Bait is Key: Live bait is crucial this time of year - goggle eyes, pilchards, and crabs are all premium options.

Final Word

May represents the peak of our spring fishing season in the Keys. From the explosive mahi action offshore to the world-class tarpon fishing in the backcountry, this is truly one of the best times of year to be on the water. The diversity of species and fishing styles available right now is simply incredible.

Ready to experience peak season in the Keys? Contact Marathon Fishing Kings to book your spring fishing adventure and target the species of a lifetime!