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Islamorada Fishing Report: Snook, Yellowtail, and Tarpon Bite Strong This May
Hey there, I'm Artificial Lure, your local fishing expert down here in the Keys. Let me tell ya what's happening on the water today, May 7th, 2025.
The fishing scene in Islamorada is heating up nicely as we're getting deeper into spring. Florida Bay is absolutely on fire right now, with snook being the main attraction according to Captain Ridge Murphy's recent report[2]. If you're looking to hook into some snook, head to the backcountry where they've been quite active.
Weather's been beautiful lately, making for some pleasant days on the water[1]. We've finally stabilized with those warm temperatures that our tropical species love. Remember, these fish like it on the warm side, and that's exactly what we're getting now.
Besides snook, anglers have been reporting good catches of sheepshead and speckled seatrout in the backcountry this past week[1]. Some folks have also been tangling with jack crevalle, which always put up a good fight.
For the offshore crowd, yellowtail snappers are biting well in 60-90 feet of water[2]. That's been pretty consistent lately, so definitely worth heading out if you're looking for some good eating fish.
As for tarpon, we're entering prime time. With water temps approaching 80 degrees, the tarpon action should be picking up[4]. Though it's been a bit hit and miss in March due to late season cold fronts, we're moving into what's typically the best time of year for targeting the silver kings.
For hot spots, I'd recommend exploring Florida Bay's countless islands and shorelines. Locals call this area "the backcountry" or "out back," and it offers plenty of places to find lee shorelines if the wind picks up[3]. Bud n' Mary's Marina is always a good starting point to get the latest intel from the captains there.
Bait-wise, live shrimp and pilchards have been producing well. If you're using lures, soft plastics like DOA shrimp or Gulp jerkbaits have been effective for snook and redfish. Topwater plugs in early morning can create some explosive action too.
The wind has been a bit challenging at times, which is typical for this time of year, but don't let that discourage you[3]. There's always somewhere to find fish if you know where to look.
So grab your gear and hit the water. Whether you're after snook in the backcountry, yellowtail offshore, or hoping to tangle with a tarpon, Islamorada's fishing scene is looking mighty fine this May. Tight lines, y'all!
The fishing scene in Islamorada is heating up nicely as we're getting deeper into spring. Florida Bay is absolutely on fire right now, with snook being the main attraction according to Captain Ridge Murphy's recent report[2]. If you're looking to hook into some snook, head to the backcountry where they've been quite active.
Weather's been beautiful lately, making for some pleasant days on the water[1]. We've finally stabilized with those warm temperatures that our tropical species love. Remember, these fish like it on the warm side, and that's exactly what we're getting now.
Besides snook, anglers have been reporting good catches of sheepshead and speckled seatrout in the backcountry this past week[1]. Some folks have also been tangling with jack crevalle, which always put up a good fight.
For the offshore crowd, yellowtail snappers are biting well in 60-90 feet of water[2]. That's been pretty consistent lately, so definitely worth heading out if you're looking for some good eating fish.
As for tarpon, we're entering prime time. With water temps approaching 80 degrees, the tarpon action should be picking up[4]. Though it's been a bit hit and miss in March due to late season cold fronts, we're moving into what's typically the best time of year for targeting the silver kings.
For hot spots, I'd recommend exploring Florida Bay's countless islands and shorelines. Locals call this area "the backcountry" or "out back," and it offers plenty of places to find lee shorelines if the wind picks up[3]. Bud n' Mary's Marina is always a good starting point to get the latest intel from the captains there.
Bait-wise, live shrimp and pilchards have been producing well. If you're using lures, soft plastics like DOA shrimp or Gulp jerkbaits have been effective for snook and redfish. Topwater plugs in early morning can create some explosive action too.
The wind has been a bit challenging at times, which is typical for this time of year, but don't let that discourage you[3]. There's always somewhere to find fish if you know where to look.
So grab your gear and hit the water. Whether you're after snook in the backcountry, yellowtail offshore, or hoping to tangle with a tarpon, Islamorada's fishing scene is looking mighty fine this May. Tight lines, y'all!
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By Quiet. PleaseHey there, I'm Artificial Lure, your local fishing expert down here in the Keys. Let me tell ya what's happening on the water today, May 7th, 2025.
The fishing scene in Islamorada is heating up nicely as we're getting deeper into spring. Florida Bay is absolutely on fire right now, with snook being the main attraction according to Captain Ridge Murphy's recent report[2]. If you're looking to hook into some snook, head to the backcountry where they've been quite active.
Weather's been beautiful lately, making for some pleasant days on the water[1]. We've finally stabilized with those warm temperatures that our tropical species love. Remember, these fish like it on the warm side, and that's exactly what we're getting now.
Besides snook, anglers have been reporting good catches of sheepshead and speckled seatrout in the backcountry this past week[1]. Some folks have also been tangling with jack crevalle, which always put up a good fight.
For the offshore crowd, yellowtail snappers are biting well in 60-90 feet of water[2]. That's been pretty consistent lately, so definitely worth heading out if you're looking for some good eating fish.
As for tarpon, we're entering prime time. With water temps approaching 80 degrees, the tarpon action should be picking up[4]. Though it's been a bit hit and miss in March due to late season cold fronts, we're moving into what's typically the best time of year for targeting the silver kings.
For hot spots, I'd recommend exploring Florida Bay's countless islands and shorelines. Locals call this area "the backcountry" or "out back," and it offers plenty of places to find lee shorelines if the wind picks up[3]. Bud n' Mary's Marina is always a good starting point to get the latest intel from the captains there.
Bait-wise, live shrimp and pilchards have been producing well. If you're using lures, soft plastics like DOA shrimp or Gulp jerkbaits have been effective for snook and redfish. Topwater plugs in early morning can create some explosive action too.
The wind has been a bit challenging at times, which is typical for this time of year, but don't let that discourage you[3]. There's always somewhere to find fish if you know where to look.
So grab your gear and hit the water. Whether you're after snook in the backcountry, yellowtail offshore, or hoping to tangle with a tarpon, Islamorada's fishing scene is looking mighty fine this May. Tight lines, y'all!
The fishing scene in Islamorada is heating up nicely as we're getting deeper into spring. Florida Bay is absolutely on fire right now, with snook being the main attraction according to Captain Ridge Murphy's recent report[2]. If you're looking to hook into some snook, head to the backcountry where they've been quite active.
Weather's been beautiful lately, making for some pleasant days on the water[1]. We've finally stabilized with those warm temperatures that our tropical species love. Remember, these fish like it on the warm side, and that's exactly what we're getting now.
Besides snook, anglers have been reporting good catches of sheepshead and speckled seatrout in the backcountry this past week[1]. Some folks have also been tangling with jack crevalle, which always put up a good fight.
For the offshore crowd, yellowtail snappers are biting well in 60-90 feet of water[2]. That's been pretty consistent lately, so definitely worth heading out if you're looking for some good eating fish.
As for tarpon, we're entering prime time. With water temps approaching 80 degrees, the tarpon action should be picking up[4]. Though it's been a bit hit and miss in March due to late season cold fronts, we're moving into what's typically the best time of year for targeting the silver kings.
For hot spots, I'd recommend exploring Florida Bay's countless islands and shorelines. Locals call this area "the backcountry" or "out back," and it offers plenty of places to find lee shorelines if the wind picks up[3]. Bud n' Mary's Marina is always a good starting point to get the latest intel from the captains there.
Bait-wise, live shrimp and pilchards have been producing well. If you're using lures, soft plastics like DOA shrimp or Gulp jerkbaits have been effective for snook and redfish. Topwater plugs in early morning can create some explosive action too.
The wind has been a bit challenging at times, which is typical for this time of year, but don't let that discourage you[3]. There's always somewhere to find fish if you know where to look.
So grab your gear and hit the water. Whether you're after snook in the backcountry, yellowtail offshore, or hoping to tangle with a tarpon, Islamorada's fishing scene is looking mighty fine this May. Tight lines, y'all!