Good morning from Islamorada, this is Artificial Lure bringing you your fishing report for Saturday, April 19, 2025. We’re kicking off the weekend with mild weather and classic spring conditions here in the Upper Keys. The sun rose at 6:56 AM and will set at 7:47 PM, so there’s a good long window to get lines wet today.
Tidal movement is moderate, with a high tide early at 4:07 AM, a low at 8:58 AM, another high at 2:59 PM, and a final low just before midnight at 11:49 PM. Tidal coefficients are on the low side, which means water movement isn’t as dramatic today, so you’ll want to key in on deeper cuts and areas where current naturally concentrates bait[4][5].
The weather is mostly clear with light southeast winds and temps in the upper seventies, perfect for getting after some of the resident and migratory species lighting up our waters right now.
Offshore, the mahi-mahi bite has stayed consistent, with fish being caught in the 400 to 800 foot range, especially under frigate birds and floating debris. Schoolies and a few slammers have been hitting trolled rigged ballyhoo and brightly colored skirted lures. Blackfin tuna have also been showing around the humps, with butterfly jigs and live pilchards producing best.
Back inshore, the patch reefs and bridge channels are holding solid numbers of mangrove snapper, with live shrimp and pilchards working best. Plenty of slot-size yellowtails are being pulled from the deeper patch reefs on cut bait or small jigs tipped with squid. Tarpon action remains strong around the bridges at dusk and after dark—large live mullet, crabs, or swimbaits are the ticket for these silver kings right now.
The flats are lively, with bonefish and permit nosing around during the higher tides. Small live crabs or shrimp, or even bonefish jigs, are all reliable offerings. Early morning and late afternoon are ideal for poling the flats, as the midday sun can make the fish a bit warier.
If you’re looking for hot spots, check out the channels around Channel Two and Channel Five bridges—both for tarpon and snapper action. Out on the oceanside, Alligator Reef continues to be productive for yellowtail and mutton snapper. For those targeting bonefish, the flats off Lower Matecumbe Key have been especially active on the last two incoming tides.
Best baits today offshore are live pilchards and ballyhoo, while shrimp, pilchards, and crabs are the top choice inshore and on the flats. For lures, try bucktail jigs tipped with bait for snapper, and swimbaits or big soft plastics for tarpon.
That’s the latest from Islamorada. Tight lines and good luck out there!