June 2025 — Florida Keys: Tarpon Continue, Mahi Excellent, Mutton Snapper Full Moon Bite. June is a early summer month with water in the 78-82°F range — tarpon peak; offshore mahi and sailfish strong. Here’s the full breakdown of what’s biting, where to fish, and the most productive tactics.
What’s Biting — June 2025
Primary targets this month: Tarpon, Mahi, Snapper, Grouper.
Tarpon
Peak tarpon season. Fish stacked on Bahia Honda Bridge, Seven Mile Bridge, Long Key Bridge, Channel 2, Channel 5, and the oceanside flats from Islamorada through Marathon during spring migration. Live crabs, threadfin herring, pinfish on 6/0-8/0 circle hooks and 60-80 lb fluoro leader. Pre-dawn anchor bites at major passes; sight-fishing the beach; rolling fish in the channels.
Mahi
Peak mahi season on the weed lines and color changes 15-30 miles offshore, the Marathon Hump, and any floating debris. Look for weed lines, color changes, floating debris, and frigatebirds. Trolled ballyhoo with skirts (blue/white, pink/white), or live pilchards pitched to schools. Bull and cow pairs in spring; schoolies (3-12 lb) summer.
Snapper
Snapper bottom fishing on the patch reefs and bridge pilings — yellowtail, mangrove, mutton, lane, and red snapper at different depths — vermilion, lane, and mangrove snapper open year-round in most areas. Lighter tackle (20-30 lb), 3/0-5/0 hooks, cut squid or live shrimp.
Grouper
Grouper on the deep reef in 80-180 feet — goliath, gag, red, and black grouper around offshore wrecks and ledges. Live pinfish, large cut sardines, or jigs on 50-80 lb tackle. Federal Gulf season for gag and red grouper varies — verify NOAA/FWC dates. Goliath grouper catch-and-release only.
Water Conditions & Patterns
Water temperatures are running 78-82°F. Tarpon peak; offshore mahi and sailfish strong. Bridge fishing in the Keys is driven entirely by current; slack water is dead. Outgoing tide through the channels is the prime tarpon window.
Check the NOAA marine forecast and tide charts before launching. Wind direction often matters more than wind speed for inshore fishing — clean water beats churned water nine times out of ten.
Tactics & Tackle for This Month
- Early and late. 5-9 AM window and 6 PM to dark are gold; midday water temps push fish deep or into shade.
- Live bait season. Cast-net pilchards, scaled sardines, and threadfins for snook, tarpon, and snapper. Chum with a few live ones to start a feed.
- Storm awareness. Afternoon thunderstorms develop fast — check radar before and during trips. Get off at first thunder.
June Outlook
Early summer apex — peak tarpon, peak red snapper opener (Gulf), peak striper (NE).
Regulations Reminder
Red Snapper: federal season; verify NOAA/state dates. Mangrove snapper: 10″, 5 per day. Tarpon: Catch-and-release only — tarpon over 40″ must remain in water. Always verify current state regulations before each trip — slots, bag limits, and seasons change.
Local Resources
Bait & Tackle: World Wide Sportsman (Islamorada, 305-664-4615); Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World (Islamorada); Sea Boots Outfitters (Big Pine).
Public Boat Ramps: Founders Park (Islamorada), Whale Harbor (Islamorada), Marathon city ramps, Big Pine Key, Geiger Key, Key West (Garrison Bight, Stock Island).
Charter Fishing: $500-$900 flats (bonefish/permit/tarpon); $1,000-$1,800 offshore; backcountry skiffs $550-$800.
More Florida Keys Resources
Florida Keys Fishing Guide · Florida Keys Seasonal Calendar · All Florida Keys reports →
Reports updated every Thursday on fishing.digital.