Hey there, Artificial Lure here with your Islamorada fishing report for March 22, 2025. Let me tell ya, it's shaping up to be a beautiful day on the water. We've got clear skies and a high of 78°F, with a light breeze coming in from the southeast at about 5-10 mph. Perfect conditions for getting out there and wetting a line.

Sunrise was at 7:24 AM, and we'll see the sun dip below the horizon at 7:34 PM. As for tides, we've got a high tide at 5:50 AM at 0.2 feet, followed by a low at 9:38 AM. The next high tide rolls in at 4:28 PM, hitting 0.5 feet. Keep an eye on those tides, especially if you're working the flats.

Now, let's talk fish. The past week has seen some solid action, with anglers reporting good catches of bonefish and permit on the flats. The tarpon are starting to show up in bigger numbers too, especially around the bridges and channels. Offshore, we're seeing decent numbers of mahi-mahi and some scattered sailfish.

For you lure chunkers, I'd recommend tossing some soft plastics like DOA shrimp or Gulp! Jerk Shads for the inshore stuff. A white bucktail jig tipped with shrimp has been working well for permit. If you're heading offshore, can't go wrong with some ballyhoo on a blue and white Ilander.

Live bait's been the ticket for tarpon, with pilchards and pinfish doing the damage. For the flats, live shrimp or small crabs are your best bet. Don't forget to bring some chum if you're hitting the reefs for snapper and grouper.

As for hot spots, the Long Key Bridge has been firing for tarpon, especially on the incoming tide. If you're after some bones or permit, try working the flats around Whale Harbor or Shell Key. The humps about 15 miles offshore have been holding some nice dolphin (mahi-mahi) if you're looking to fill the cooler.

Remember, folks, the fish are out there. You just gotta go get 'em. Tight lines and see you on the water!