Howdy, folks! Artificial Lure here with your Islamorada fishing report for March 24, 2025. Let me tell you, the bite is hotter than a Key West summer right now!

Weather-wise, we're looking at sunny skies with a high of 82°F and a light southeast breeze at 5-10 knots. Perfect conditions for a day on the water! Sunrise was at 7:23 AM, and we'll see the sun dip below the horizon at 7:35 PM. Tide-wise, we've got a high tide coming in at 11:45 AM and a low tide around 6:20 PM.

Now, let's talk fish! The tarpon migration is in full swing, with plenty of silver kings rolling in the channels and along the bridges. Folks have been hooking up using live mullet, pinfish, and crabs. If you're into artificials, try tossing a DOA Baitbuster or a Hogy Lure in pearl white.

Bonefish have been tailing on the flats during the incoming tide. Small shrimp patterns on a fly rod have been working wonders, but if you're using spinning gear, a small jig head with a shrimp-tipped Gulp is the ticket.

Offshore, the mahi mahi bite has been on fire. Boats have been limiting out in just a few hours of fishing. Trolling ballyhoo or small lures like Billy Baits has been the way to go. Keep an eye out for birds working the surface, they'll lead you right to the fish.

On the reef, yellowtail and mutton snapper have been biting consistently. Fresh cut bait or small live pilchards have been working great. We've also been seeing some nice grouper mixed in for those dropping jigs to the bottom.

As for hot spots, I'd recommend checking out Alligator Reef for some great reef fishing action. If you're looking to tangle with some tarpon, swing by the Channel 2 Bridge during the tide change.

Remember, folks, the bite's been best when you're using fresh, live bait. But if you're sticking with artificials, you can't go wrong with a well-presented DOA shrimp or a Rapala X-Rap in the glass ghost color.

That's all for now, anglers. Get out there and tight lines to ya!