Fishing outlook and charter plans as of July 1, 2025. Dates below refer to the 2025 season.
Alright, let’s get into July. We have good snapper fishing, offshore opportunities, clear water for snorkeling, and lobster season coming up. There is plenty to talk about, starting with a few important dates.
My 2025 Lobster Mini-Season Plans
I am offering one daytime lobster trip for mini-season on July 30, 2025. On July 31, I will be offering fishing only, with no lobster trip scheduled.
Florida residents had an additional residents-only lobster day in 2024. As of this July update, I am not counting on a similar opportunity for 2025. If one is officially announced, I would consider offering a trip for eligible residents with Florida identification, subject to the announced rules. It is a possibility to watch, rather than a date to plan around.
The regular lobster season is set to open August 6, 2025. I am hoping for good water quality and a productive season. Before booking, read my lobster trip information and participation requirements so you know what the activity involves.
Reef Fishing: Early Starts Are Paying Off
Reef fishing was great through June, and leaving around 7 a.m. has been an important part of getting a good snapper bite.
Mangrove snapper fishing has been very good. Yellowtail snapper have been fair, with mostly smaller keeper-size fish, which is typical of what I see during the hotter months.
For this summer pattern, I am steering reef bookings toward the morning. The heat and very clear water have made afternoon half-day reef trips a poor choice for the fishing I want to offer. An early alarm gives us a better starting point.
I am also offering night mangrove snapper trips during July and early August, with suitable weather and advance arrangements. Please call before booking. I need to coordinate those trips with my other commitments, and we need the right conditions to make the plan work.
Offshore Tuna and Mahi Take Teamwork
Recent offshore trips for tuna and mahi have produced good to excellent results. It has taken some searching, covering water, and making the most of the opportunities we find. Plenty of the fish have been smaller, but we have put together good catches.
The people aboard make a real difference on these trips. Offshore fishing requires teamwork and familiarity with the equipment, so these trips are intended for experienced anglers rather than beginners.
Tell me about your group’s fishing background before booking. I can explain what you will be doing and help you decide whether offshore fishing fits the experience you want. Choosing the right trip gives us a much better chance of everyone enjoying the day.
Electric deep-dropping is another possibility for this July period, with blueline tilefish my main intended target. Whether we include it depends on the conditions and the regulations that apply to the species and fishing area.
Fish Early, Then Go Snorkeling
Water clarity has been excellent heading into July, even though I have not run many dedicated snorkeling trips lately. June gave us plenty of clear-water days, and the relatively dry conditions have helped that stretch last farther into summer.
A combination trip can work well in July and August: fish early, then finish with snorkeling when conditions allow. Once the morning bite slows and the heat builds, a change of activity can be welcome.
We will choose where to get in based on the day’s weather and water conditions. Clear water is encouraging, but we still need to see what is suitable when your trip arrives.
Your Vacation Time Matters to Me
I know a charter is a significant part of your vacation budget. Growing up, my family would not have been able to afford a trip like the ones I now run. I remember that when somebody chooses to spend their time and money with me.
I take that responsibility seriously. Years of running these trips have taught me how to prepare, spot potential problems, and adjust when conditions change. Your preparation helps put that experience to work.
Read the trip information, share it with everyone coming along, and ask questions about anything unfamiliar. Let me know what your group can comfortably do and what you hope to get out of the day. You do not need to know everything beforehand, but a shared understanding makes the trip more enjoyable.
I appreciate you choosing to come out with me. Let’s give your day the planning it deserves.
Got your eye on a morning snapper trip, a night outing, or a day combining fishing and snorkeling? Talk with me about the day you want to put together. We can check the options for your dates, discuss your group’s experience, and work out the details before you book.
