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"Islamorada Fishing Report: Tarpon, Mahi, and Permit Abound as Summer Heats Up"
Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Islamorada fishing report for this beautiful Friday morning, May 9th, 2025.
The summer heat is really setting in now, folks. We're looking at temperatures already climbing into the mid-80s this morning with that typical Keys humidity making itself known. Winds are moderate from the southeast at about 10-12 knots, which is actually a welcome relief from the stronger gusts we've been dealing with throughout spring.
Sunrise was at 6:42 AM and we'll see sunset at 7:58 PM, giving you plenty of daylight hours on the water. Tides are running with a high around 10:30 AM and low tide coming in at about 4:45 PM.
Let me tell you, the fishing has been absolutely phenomenal lately! The tarpon migration is in full swing right now. These silver kings are showing up in strong numbers both in the backcountry and along the oceanside flats. Several guides reported hookups with tarpon in the 80-120 pound range this past week, especially during the early morning hours.
The mahi bite offshore has been heating up too. Boats running to the humps are finding good schools under floating debris and weed lines. Most catches are in the 10-15 pound range, but a few gaffers over 30 pounds have been boated this week.
On the flats, permit fishing remains excellent, with some specimens reaching the 30-inch mark. March is typically our best permit month, but this season they're still hanging around in good numbers into May.
Inshore fishing has been consistent, particularly for snook. The mangrove shorelines are holding plenty of slot-sized fish, though you'll need to watch out for those hungry lemon sharks that have been stealing hooks lately. Speckled trout action is steady on the grass flats, especially during incoming tides. Live shrimp under a popping cork is still the go-to bait, but DOA shrimp have been working well too.
For those heading to the reef, yellowtail snapper fishing remains strong with plenty of keeper-sized fish being caught.
As for hot spots, I'd recommend trying Snake Creek on the incoming tide for tarpon, or head to the backcountry around Flamingo for some excellent snook action. If you're looking for permit, the flats near Buchanan Bank have been producing well.
Bait-wise, live pilchards and pinfish are working great for the snook and tarpon, while small crabs are your best bet for permit. For artificial options, try Gulp! shrimp for the flats and bucktail jigs tipped with shrimp for the deeper channels.
Remember folks, the summer pattern is settling in, which means early mornings and evenings will give you the most comfortable fishing conditions. Get out there and tight lines to all of you!
This is Artificial Lure, signing off from the sportfishing capital of the world!
The summer heat is really setting in now, folks. We're looking at temperatures already climbing into the mid-80s this morning with that typical Keys humidity making itself known. Winds are moderate from the southeast at about 10-12 knots, which is actually a welcome relief from the stronger gusts we've been dealing with throughout spring.
Sunrise was at 6:42 AM and we'll see sunset at 7:58 PM, giving you plenty of daylight hours on the water. Tides are running with a high around 10:30 AM and low tide coming in at about 4:45 PM.
Let me tell you, the fishing has been absolutely phenomenal lately! The tarpon migration is in full swing right now. These silver kings are showing up in strong numbers both in the backcountry and along the oceanside flats. Several guides reported hookups with tarpon in the 80-120 pound range this past week, especially during the early morning hours.
The mahi bite offshore has been heating up too. Boats running to the humps are finding good schools under floating debris and weed lines. Most catches are in the 10-15 pound range, but a few gaffers over 30 pounds have been boated this week.
On the flats, permit fishing remains excellent, with some specimens reaching the 30-inch mark. March is typically our best permit month, but this season they're still hanging around in good numbers into May.
Inshore fishing has been consistent, particularly for snook. The mangrove shorelines are holding plenty of slot-sized fish, though you'll need to watch out for those hungry lemon sharks that have been stealing hooks lately. Speckled trout action is steady on the grass flats, especially during incoming tides. Live shrimp under a popping cork is still the go-to bait, but DOA shrimp have been working well too.
For those heading to the reef, yellowtail snapper fishing remains strong with plenty of keeper-sized fish being caught.
As for hot spots, I'd recommend trying Snake Creek on the incoming tide for tarpon, or head to the backcountry around Flamingo for some excellent snook action. If you're looking for permit, the flats near Buchanan Bank have been producing well.
Bait-wise, live pilchards and pinfish are working great for the snook and tarpon, while small crabs are your best bet for permit. For artificial options, try Gulp! shrimp for the flats and bucktail jigs tipped with shrimp for the deeper channels.
Remember folks, the summer pattern is settling in, which means early mornings and evenings will give you the most comfortable fishing conditions. Get out there and tight lines to all of you!
This is Artificial Lure, signing off from the sportfishing capital of the world!
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By Quiet. PleaseHey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Islamorada fishing report for this beautiful Friday morning, May 9th, 2025.
The summer heat is really setting in now, folks. We're looking at temperatures already climbing into the mid-80s this morning with that typical Keys humidity making itself known. Winds are moderate from the southeast at about 10-12 knots, which is actually a welcome relief from the stronger gusts we've been dealing with throughout spring.
Sunrise was at 6:42 AM and we'll see sunset at 7:58 PM, giving you plenty of daylight hours on the water. Tides are running with a high around 10:30 AM and low tide coming in at about 4:45 PM.
Let me tell you, the fishing has been absolutely phenomenal lately! The tarpon migration is in full swing right now. These silver kings are showing up in strong numbers both in the backcountry and along the oceanside flats. Several guides reported hookups with tarpon in the 80-120 pound range this past week, especially during the early morning hours.
The mahi bite offshore has been heating up too. Boats running to the humps are finding good schools under floating debris and weed lines. Most catches are in the 10-15 pound range, but a few gaffers over 30 pounds have been boated this week.
On the flats, permit fishing remains excellent, with some specimens reaching the 30-inch mark. March is typically our best permit month, but this season they're still hanging around in good numbers into May.
Inshore fishing has been consistent, particularly for snook. The mangrove shorelines are holding plenty of slot-sized fish, though you'll need to watch out for those hungry lemon sharks that have been stealing hooks lately. Speckled trout action is steady on the grass flats, especially during incoming tides. Live shrimp under a popping cork is still the go-to bait, but DOA shrimp have been working well too.
For those heading to the reef, yellowtail snapper fishing remains strong with plenty of keeper-sized fish being caught.
As for hot spots, I'd recommend trying Snake Creek on the incoming tide for tarpon, or head to the backcountry around Flamingo for some excellent snook action. If you're looking for permit, the flats near Buchanan Bank have been producing well.
Bait-wise, live pilchards and pinfish are working great for the snook and tarpon, while small crabs are your best bet for permit. For artificial options, try Gulp! shrimp for the flats and bucktail jigs tipped with shrimp for the deeper channels.
Remember folks, the summer pattern is settling in, which means early mornings and evenings will give you the most comfortable fishing conditions. Get out there and tight lines to all of you!
This is Artificial Lure, signing off from the sportfishing capital of the world!
The summer heat is really setting in now, folks. We're looking at temperatures already climbing into the mid-80s this morning with that typical Keys humidity making itself known. Winds are moderate from the southeast at about 10-12 knots, which is actually a welcome relief from the stronger gusts we've been dealing with throughout spring.
Sunrise was at 6:42 AM and we'll see sunset at 7:58 PM, giving you plenty of daylight hours on the water. Tides are running with a high around 10:30 AM and low tide coming in at about 4:45 PM.
Let me tell you, the fishing has been absolutely phenomenal lately! The tarpon migration is in full swing right now. These silver kings are showing up in strong numbers both in the backcountry and along the oceanside flats. Several guides reported hookups with tarpon in the 80-120 pound range this past week, especially during the early morning hours.
The mahi bite offshore has been heating up too. Boats running to the humps are finding good schools under floating debris and weed lines. Most catches are in the 10-15 pound range, but a few gaffers over 30 pounds have been boated this week.
On the flats, permit fishing remains excellent, with some specimens reaching the 30-inch mark. March is typically our best permit month, but this season they're still hanging around in good numbers into May.
Inshore fishing has been consistent, particularly for snook. The mangrove shorelines are holding plenty of slot-sized fish, though you'll need to watch out for those hungry lemon sharks that have been stealing hooks lately. Speckled trout action is steady on the grass flats, especially during incoming tides. Live shrimp under a popping cork is still the go-to bait, but DOA shrimp have been working well too.
For those heading to the reef, yellowtail snapper fishing remains strong with plenty of keeper-sized fish being caught.
As for hot spots, I'd recommend trying Snake Creek on the incoming tide for tarpon, or head to the backcountry around Flamingo for some excellent snook action. If you're looking for permit, the flats near Buchanan Bank have been producing well.
Bait-wise, live pilchards and pinfish are working great for the snook and tarpon, while small crabs are your best bet for permit. For artificial options, try Gulp! shrimp for the flats and bucktail jigs tipped with shrimp for the deeper channels.
Remember folks, the summer pattern is settling in, which means early mornings and evenings will give you the most comfortable fishing conditions. Get out there and tight lines to all of you!
This is Artificial Lure, signing off from the sportfishing capital of the world!