Shallow Water Fishing In September
🐟 Lower Florida Keys & Key West Flats Fishing Report
Updated: September 8, 2025
Late summer conditions have settled in across the Lower Keys and Key West, bringing warm days, scattered showers, and light to moderate winds out of the west and northwest. Despite the occasional storm, water clarity on the flats remains excellent—perfect for sight fishing.
🔥 What’s Hot on the Flats:
- Juvenile Tarpon are active in the backcountry, especially around mangrove shorelines and channels.
- Bonefish are showing up consistently on warmer flats, with best action around tide changes.
- Permit are around but selective—bring your A-game and a stealthy approach.
- Barracuda are aggressive and abundant, offering explosive strikes on fly and spin gear.
- Sharks are cruising the shallows and provide solid action for anglers looking for a fight.
This is prime time for a flats slam—bonefish, permit, and tarpon are all in play if conditions line up.
Whether you’re chasing your first tarpon or dialing in your permit presentation, the next few weeks offer excellent opportunities for anglers of all skill levels.