Florida Keys fishing report for the week of October 22, 2026. The first real cool mornings are touching the Keys, and with the full moon coming early next week the tides are strengthening, which is good news for the flats and the bridges.
What’s Hitting
Permit are on the offshore wrecks and the deeper channel edges, yellowtail and mutton snapper are on the reef, and mahi and blackfin tuna are along the weed lines offshore. Bonefish are working the flats on the rising tide, and tarpon are still around the bridges at night.
Looking ahead, the first strong fronts of the season will start pushing kingfish and Spanish mackerel toward the reef, and the flats will get clearer and cooler. Expect the permit bite on the wrecks to stay strong into November.
Where to Find Them
On the oceanside, fish the reef line in 60 to 100 feet for yellowtail and mutton snapper, anchoring up current and chumming steadily. Work the flats of the Middle and Lower Keys on the incoming tide for bonefish. Bridge pilings and channel edges hold tarpon after dark, and offshore, look for weed lines and floating debris for mahi.
Tides & Conditions
Tides are building toward the full moon, so bridge currents will be strong and the flats will flood deeper at high water. The early morning rising tide is the best flats window before the wind builds. Check a current tide chart and the marine forecast, because fall fronts can switch the wind quickly.
Tackle & Tactics
Light spinning gear with 10 to 15 pound braid and a fluorocarbon leader fits the flats and reef. Live shrimp and small crabs work for bonefish and permit, flair-hackle jigs and fresh cut ballyhoo on a long leader tempt reef fish, and pitched baits or trolled ballyhoo cover the offshore action.
With stronger tides, adjust your anchor weight at the bridges, and keep baits tight to the pilings where fish ambush in the current.
Local Intel This Week
Public access includes Harry Harris Park on Key Largo, Sombrero Beach in Marathon, and the Garrison Bight launch in Key West. Fish are concentrating on the reef edges, the bridge channels and the Gulf-side flats. Check current FWC and federal regulations and seasons before keeping any fish, particularly permit, snapper and bonefish.
This Week’s Tip
Plan around the wind. Fall fronts can blow out a Keys trip fast, so always have a protected-water backup near the bridges.
More Florida Keys Resources
All Florida Keys fishing reports · Seasonal fishing calendars · Submit your own report
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