Florida fishing reports
572 reports for Florida — what's biting, water temps, and where to focus.
Full Moon Triggers Shellcracker Spawn on Lake O and St. Johns
The St. Johns River is running at 87.5 cfs (USGS gauge 02232000, recorded May 1), signaling stable, low-flow conditions characteristic of central Florida's dry season. Water temperature data was unavailable from current monitoring, but early May typically brings surface temps into the upper 70s across both Lake Okeechobee and the St. Johns corridor — the sweet spot for the annual shellcracker and bluegill spawn. With a full moon peaking this weekend, conditions align squarely with the classic window that Florida freshwater anglers time their panfishing trips around: bedding redear sunfish and bluegill in 2–4 feet of hard-bottom shallows along coves and grass edges. No Florida-specific angler intel surfaced in this week's national feeds, but seasonal patterns here are well-established: largemouth bass are transitioning off their spawning beds into adjacent cover and beginning the post-spawn recovery phase, while sunfish beds are firing up across both systems. First light is the best window before afternoon wind and boat pressure scatter the beds.
Gulf warms to 77°F; Blackfin active, light winds favor offshore trips
Water temperatures on the Gulf Coast reached 77°F (NOAA buoy 42036) with light winds of 3–6 knots, creating favorable conditions for offshore pushes. Blackfin tuna are active, with recent catches reported at Main Attraction Charters per Coastal Angler Magazine. The Viking Key West Challenge (April 8–12) concluded with strong fishing across the offshore fleet. For depth-focused anglers, Saltwater Sportsman highlights yelloweye snapper deep-dropping between 600–950 feet as a reliable offshore technique. The Waxing Gibbous moon supports night-fishing windows. Current conditions favor mixed-depth approach: inshore shallow-water sight-casting for redfish, and cold-water snapper structure offshore. Check local regulations and tide schedules before departing.
Atlantic swells hold steady as Florida spring season transitions
NOAA buoys 41009 and 41008 report consistent conditions offshore: 2.6-ft swells at 41009 and 2-ft at 41008, with 12-knot winds across both stations and air temperatures in the low-to-mid 70s. Water temperatures are currently unavailable from both buoys. Coastal Angler Magazine reports Florida is pursuing state management of Atlantic red snapper, with a proposed 39-day recreational season split into two segments—a significant development for deep-water anglers. The same publication highlights Martin County's deployment of a 227-foot artificial reef, designed to concentrate fish and support habitat structure along the coast. Recent angler reports across r/saltwaterfishing show scattered success on various inshore and offshore species, though focused weekly intel is limited. Late April typically marks Florida's Atlantic-coast transition into early summer patterns, with tarpon arrivals building and redfish activity responding to warming water.
Tarpon Rolling Through the Backcountry Channels
Silver kings are showing in increasing numbers across the lower Keys backcountry. Early morning sight-fishing opportunities on calm days.
Snook Stacking Up Around Bay Bridges
Snook are staging around bridge shadow lines and dock pilings throughout Tampa Bay. Night fishing with live pilchards producing consistent hook-ups.
Sight-Fishing Redfish on the Flats
Crystal clear water and tailing redfish making for world-class sight-fishing. Skinny water specialists having banner days.
Big Bass Holding Deep on Okeechobee
Largemouth bass are in post-spawn recovery mode but still feeding. Focus on deeper grass edges and shell bars in 4-6 feet.
Cobia Migration Running Strong Off Destin
Cobia are following rays along the beaches in good numbers. Sight-casting from boats and the Destin jetties both producing.