Florida Bay - Monroe, FL Fishing Report on 14th Oct, 2025

October is shaping up to be an action-packed month across Islamorada. The mix of warm tropical days and the first hints of cooler air are creating steady movement in both bait and predators. The fall bait run is still rolling, drawing in all kinds of gamefish from the reefs to the backcountry. Whether you’re chasing snapper offshore or sliding through the mangroves for snook and redfish, there’s no shortage of bites right now.

Offshore and Reef Bite

The reef line has been alive with color and action this week. Yellowtail snapper and mutton snapper are biting well over structure, especially with live or cut bait fished down current. Mangrove snapper and lane snapper are keeping rods bent closer to the patch reefs, offering great action for families and first-timers.

Deeper spots are producing solid blackfin tuna early in the mornings, especially when the current is moving. A few wahoo are starting to show up around the humps, so it’s worth dropping a deep-trolled lure or two on your way out. Grouper action has been steady, with a few chunky reds and gags showing up for anglers working bottom rigs.

Backcountry and Inshore

In the backcountry, the bite is just as exciting. Snook and redfish are hanging tight along the mangroves and deeper channel edges, taking live pilchards, shrimp, and soft plastics. Sea trout are holding on the grassy flats and responding well to popping cork setups during moving tides.

There’s still some late-season tarpon hanging around, especially around the bridges and backcountry channels when the tides line up right. A few permit have been spotted cruising near the bridges, and the occasional goliath grouper has made an appearance in deeper pockets near structure.

When the wind picks up offshore, the inshore and backcountry zones are the perfect option — calm water, great scenery, and plenty of fish ready to bite.

Best Times and Techniques

Early Morning: Head offshore for tuna, wahoo, and snapper. The first few hours after sunrise are key before the sun heats things up.

Midday: Move to patch reefs or backcountry channels where the current is still running. Use live shrimp or pinfish for steady action.

Late Afternoon: As the sun drops, focus on the bridges and mangrove edges. The low light often sparks bites from snook, redfish, and tarpon.

Keep an eye on the tides — the moving water makes all the difference. Live bait remains the top producer, but jigs and soft plastics are doing their share of the work, too.

Captain’s Notes

Fishing this week has been consistent, with plenty of action no matter where you go. The key has been staying flexible — if the reef slows down, the backcountry has been more than ready to pick up the slack. Conditions have been comfortable, and with the bait migration in full swing, the next few weeks should only get better.

If you’re planning a trip, now’s the perfect time to get out with Beats Land Charters. Whether you’re after snapper on the reef or snook in the mangroves, we’ll put you right on the fish.