Episodes

  • Islamorada Fishing Forecast Fall Bait Migration Brings Tarpon, Snook, and Bonefish to the Flats

    Islamorada Fishing Forecast Fall Bait Migration Brings Tarpon, Snook, and Bonefish to the Flats
    Oct 6 2024
    As of October 6, 2024, the fishing scene in Islamorada, Florida, is looking promising. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Conditions
    - **Weather:** Expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 84°F and a low of 75°F. There will be moderate northeasterly winds, which is typical for this time of year and helps stir up the baitfish.
    - **Tides:** The morning tide is high at 7:15 AM, followed by a low tide at 1:15 PM, and then another high tide at 7:30 PM. These tidal changes will keep the fish active.
    - **Sunrise and Sunset:** Sunrise is at 7:23 AM, and sunset is at 7:03 PM, giving you ample daylight to fish.

    ### Fish Activity
    The Fall Bait Migration is in full swing, bringing massive groups of baitfish into the area. This attracts a variety of predators, making for excellent fishing. Here are some of the key species you can expect to catch:
    - **Tarpon:** Late-season tarpon are still present, particularly in the backcountry. You might catch some smaller tarpon, but larger ones can also be found in certain areas.
    - **Snook and Redfish:** Fishing for snook and redfish has been stellar, with larger snook in the 12-18 lb range and redfish mixed in. Black drum, often seen later in the season, are already showing up in some areas.
    - **Bonefish:** Higher-than-normal tides are allowing bonefish to reach different parts of the flats and bay, making them more accessible.
    - **Snappers and Groupers:** Mutton snappers, mangrove snappers, and juvenile goliath groupers are also active in the protected areas and reefs.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    - **Bait:** Live bait such as sardines and cigar minnows are plentiful and highly effective. For tarpon, using live bait like ballyhoo can be very successful.
    - **Lures:** For snook and redfish, soft plastics and jigs work well. On the flats, fly fishing with small crab or shrimp patterns can be effective for bonefish.

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Backcountry of Everglades National Park:** This area is teeming with life, including snook, redfish, and tarpon. The mangrove channels and inlets provide perfect habitat for these species.
    - **Flamingo and Mainland Shorelines:** The creeks, canals, and shorelines around Flamingo and the mainland of south Florida are great spots for catching smaller snook, redfish, and juvenile tarpon.

    Overall, October is a great time to fish in Islamorada, with fewer boats on the water and plenty of fish to target. Enjoy your day out
    Show more Show less
    3 mins
  • Fishing Forecast Islamorada: Warm Temps, Bountiful Bites, and Ideal Conditions for Anglers

    Fishing Forecast Islamorada: Warm Temps, Bountiful Bites, and Ideal Conditions for Anglers
    Oct 5 2024
    As of October 5, 2024, the fishing scene in Islamorada, Florida, is looking promising. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect:

    ### Weather and Tides
    The weather is warm, with water temperatures still in the 80s, which is typical for this time of year. However, a cold front is hoped for to cool the waters down a bit. Today, you can expect partly cloudy skies with a gentle breeze. Tides are moderate, with a high tide around 9:30 AM and a low tide around 3:30 PM.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at 7:23 AM, and sunset will be at 6:57 PM, giving you ample daylight to get out on the water.

    ### Fish Activity
    Yesterday saw a variety of fish activity. Dolphin and blackfin tuna were active on the humps, and there were plenty of sardines and cigar minnows available as bait. In the backcountry, snook and redfish were plentiful, especially in the deeper channels. Tarpon, though not as active as in their peak season, can still be found, particularly in the warmer weather.

    ### Catch Report
    On October 4, several charters reported successful catches. One group caught a mix of blackfin tuna, king mackerel, mutton snappers, and yellowtail snappers while fishing on the reefs. Another charter had a great day with tarpon behind the house and caught some snappers, releasing a few mutton snappers and a cobia.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For reef fishing, live bait such as sardines and cigar minnows are highly effective. For backcountry fishing, flies and live bait like shrimp on jigs work well for snook and redfish. If you're targeting tarpon, patience and the right tackle, including live bait or artificial lures, can pay off.

    ### Hot Spots
    - **The Humps**: Known for dolphin and blackfin tuna, this spot is particularly good with the abundance of bait fish.
    - **Backcountry Channels**: Ideal for snook and redfish, especially during the colder winter tides.
    - **Reefs**: Locations like the West Humps and near Robbie's Marina are great for catching mutton snappers, yellowtail snappers, and other reef fish.

    Overall, Islamorada continues to live up to its reputation as the "Sport Fishing Capital of the World," offering a diverse range of fishing experiences for all anglers.
    Show more Show less
    3 mins
  • Islamorada Fishing Forecast: Promising Conditions and Diverse Species for Anglers

    Islamorada Fishing Forecast: Promising Conditions and Diverse Species for Anglers
    Oct 4 2024
    As of October 4, 2024, the fishing scene in Islamorada, Florida, is looking promising. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Conditions
    - **Weather:** Expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 84°F and a low of 76°F. There might be some scattered thunderstorms, so keep an eye on the weather.
    - **Tides:** The morning tide is low at 6:15 AM, rising to high tide at 12:15 PM, and then dropping back to low tide at 6:30 PM. These tidal changes can stir up bait and attract a variety of fish.
    - **Sunrise and Sunset:** Sunrise is at 7:19 AM, and sunset is at 6:57 PM, giving you ample daylight to fish.

    ### Fish Activity
    Yesterday saw a good mix of fish activity across different areas. Here are some highlights:
    - **Dolphin and Blackfin Tuna:** These species were active on the humps, where anglers caught several using sardines and cigar minnows as bait.
    - **Snappers:** Mutton snappers, mangrove snappers, and yellowtail snappers were plentiful on the reefs. Anglers had a great day catching these on both live bait and artificial lures.
    - **Tarpon:** Although tarpon fishing is more active from March to September, there are still some late-season resident tarpon in the backcountry. Full-day trips are recommended for better results.
    - **King Mackerel:** Some king mackerel were caught along with blackfin tuna and yellowtail snappers, indicating a healthy presence of these species.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For the best results, use the following:
    - **Live Bait:** Sardines and cigar minnows are excellent for dolphin, blackfin tuna, and snappers.
    - **Artificial Lures:** Jigs with shrimp or small artificial baits work well for snook, redfish, and bonefish in the backcountry.

    ### Hot Spots
    - **The Humps:** This area is known for dolphin and blackfin tuna, especially when using live bait.
    - **Reefs:** The reefs near Islamorada are teeming with snappers, including mutton, mangrove, and yellowtail. These areas are just a few miles from shore and offer quick access to a variety of fish.
    - **Backcountry:** For those targeting tarpon, snook, redfish, and bonefish, the backcountry areas around Florida Bay and the Everglades are ideal. The No Motor Zones in the Everglades can be particularly fruitful for those using fly and artificial baits.

    Overall, Islamorada continues to live up to its reputation as the "Sport Fishing Capital of the World," offering a diverse range of fish species and exciting fishing opportunities.
    Show more Show less
    3 mins
  • Islamorada's Fishing Forecast: A Promising October on the Florida Keys' Waters

    Islamorada's Fishing Forecast: A Promising October on the Florida Keys' Waters
    Oct 3 2024
    As of October 3, 2024, the fishing scene in Islamorada, Florida, is looking promising. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Weather and Tides
    Today, expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 84 degrees Fahrenheit and a gentle breeze out of the northeast at about 10 mph. Sunrise is at 7:17 AM, and sunset will be at 6:57 PM. The tidal conditions are favorable, with low tide at 9:14 AM and high tide at 3:14 PM, making the late morning to early afternoon an ideal time for sight casting.

    ### Fish Activity
    Yesterday saw a good mix of fish activity across various species. Snook and redfish were plentiful in the backcountry, particularly in the deeper channels where cold fronts have pushed them. Bonefish were spotted on the flats, taking advantage of the higher tides to venture into new areas. Tarpon, although not as consistent, made appearances in the backcountry and near downtown Islamorada, especially during the warmer parts of the day.

    ### Catch Report
    Anglers reported catching several snook in the 12 to 18-pound range, along with redfish up to 10 pounds. Bonefish were also active, with some anglers landing fish in the 4 to 6-pound range. Tarpon sightings were sporadic but exciting, with a few fish in the 50 to 80-pound range caught by those who persisted. Snapper fishing on the reefs remained strong, with plenty of mutton and yellowtail snappers filling coolers.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For snook and redfish, live bait such as shrimp on jigs worked well, especially in the deeper channels. Fly fishing with artificial baits like streamers and shrimp patterns was also effective, particularly in the No Motor Zones of the Everglades. For bonefish, small crab and shrimp patterns on fly or spin gear were successful. Tarpon were tempted by large streamers and live bait like mullet or pinfish.

    ### Hot Spots
    One of the hot spots right now is the backcountry around Flamingo and the mainland of south Florida. The creeks, canals, and shorelines are teeming with baitfish, attracting predators like snook, redfish, and tarpon. Another great spot is the flats in town, where bonefish are active during the higher tides. For reef fishing, the areas around Robbie’s of Islamorada are producing plenty of snappers and groupers.

    Overall, October is shaping up to be a great month for fishing in Islamorada, with plenty of opportunities to catch a variety of species. Enjoy your time on the water
    Show more Show less
    3 mins
  • Fishing the Fall Bait Migration in Islamorada, Florida's Thriving Inshore and Offshore Scene

    Fishing the Fall Bait Migration in Islamorada, Florida's Thriving Inshore and Offshore Scene
    Oct 2 2024
    As of October 2, 2024, the fishing scene in Islamorada, Florida, is looking promising. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect today.

    ### Conditions
    - **Weather:** Expect a partly cloudy day with a high of around 84°F and a low of 73°F. There's a slight chance of scattered thunderstorms, so keep an eye on the skies.
    - **Tides:** The morning tide is rising, with high tide at approximately 10:30 AM and low tide at 4:30 PM. These tidal changes can stir up baitfish, making it an ideal time for predators to feed.
    - **Sunrise and Sunset:** Sunrise is at 7:23 AM, and sunset is at 7:04 PM, giving you ample daylight to get out on the water.

    ### Fish Activity
    Yesterday saw a good mix of fish activity, particularly in the backcountry and near the reefs. Here are some highlights:
    - **Tarpon:** There were reports of late-season tarpon sightings, especially in the backcountry areas. These fish are attracted to the abundant baitfish moving through the area due to the Fall Bait Migration.
    - **Snook and Redfish:** Fishing for snook and redfish has been stellar, with larger snook in the 12 to 18 lb range and redfish mixed in. These fish are often found in protected areas like creeks, canals, and shorelines.
    - **Snappers and Tuna:** On the reefs, anglers caught a variety of snappers, including mutton snappers, mangrove snappers, and yellowtail snappers. Blackfin tuna and king mackerel were also active.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    - **Lures:** For tarpon, use large streamers or spoons that mimic baitfish. For snook and redfish, soft plastic lures or jigs work well.
    - **Bait:** Live bait such as sardines and cigar minnows have been plentiful and effective. Using these baits can attract a wide range of species, from tarpon to snappers and tuna.

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Backcountry:** Areas around Flamingo and the mainland of south Florida, including creeks, canals, and shorelines, have been producing good results for snook, redfish, and juvenile tarpon.
    - **Reefs:** The reefs just a few miles from shore are teeming with snappers, tuna, and other species. Look for spots like the Humps and other known reef areas.

    Overall, October is a great time to fish in Islamorada, with fewer boats on the water and plenty of fish to target. Make the most of the Fall Bait Migration and enjoy the diverse fishing opportunities this region has to offer.
    Show more Show less
    3 mins
  • Islamorada's Fall Bait Migration: A Fishing Paradise Awaits

    Islamorada's Fall Bait Migration: A Fishing Paradise Awaits
    Oct 1 2024
    As of October 1st, 2024, the fishing scene in Islamorada, Florida, is looking promising, especially with the onset of the Fall Bait Migration. Here’s what you can expect:

    ### Weather and Tides
    Today, we're anticipating a mild morning with a slight temperature drop, and northeasterly winds that will pick up as the day progresses. Sunrise is at around 7:15 AM, and sunset will be at about 7:00 PM. Tides are moderate, with a high tide at 10:30 AM and a low tide at 4:30 PM, which should provide good conditions for both backcountry and flats fishing.

    ### Fish Activity
    The Fall Bait Migration is in full swing, bringing massive groups of baitfish into the area, which in turn attracts a variety of predators. Yesterday saw a good showing of tarpon, particularly in the late afternoon as the baitfish moved through the channels and creeks. Redfish and snook were also active, with several catches reported in the protected areas around Flamingo and the mainland of south Florida.

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish
    Tarpon are still present in good numbers, especially in the backcountry and around the islands. We had reports of several tarpon in the 50-80 pound range caught yesterday. Redfish and snook were plentiful, with snook ranging from 12 to 18 pounds and redfish mixed in, including some larger ones. Bonefish were spotted on the flats, taking advantage of the higher tides.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For tarpon, live bait such as mullet or pinfish has been effective, especially when presented near structure like bridges or mangrove lines. For redfish and snook, shrimp on jigs or live bait like pilchards have been working well. Bonefish are best targeted with small jigs or fly fishing gear, taking advantage of the clear waters and higher tides.

    ### Hot Spots
    One of the hot spots right now is the backcountry around Flamingo and the mainland of south Florida. The creeks, canals, and shorelines are filled with baitfish, attracting a variety of species. Another good spot is the flats in town, where bonefish and smaller tarpon can be found. The No Motor Zones in the Everglades are also worth exploring, especially with a smaller boat or canoe, as these areas receive little pressure and are packed with hungry fish.

    Overall, October is a great time to fish in Islamorada, with fewer boats on the water and plenty of fish to go around. So grab your gear, and let's get out there and catch some
    Show more Show less
    3 mins
  • Islamorada Fishing Forecast: Tarpon, Snook, and Reef Action Heating Up as Temperatures Cool

    Islamorada Fishing Forecast: Tarpon, Snook, and Reef Action Heating Up as Temperatures Cool
    Sep 30 2024
    As of September 30, 2024, the fishing scene in Islamorada, Florida, is looking promising, especially with the cooler temperatures setting in.

    ### Weather and Tides
    Today, expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 84 degrees Fahrenheit and a gentle breeze out of the southeast at about 10 mph. The tidal conditions are favorable, with a low tide at 8:36 AM and a high tide at 2:54 PM, which should bring some active fish movement.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at 7:14 AM, and sunset will be at 7:13 PM, giving you ample daylight to get out on the water.

    ### Fish Activity
    Yesterday saw a good mix of fish activity across various areas. In the backcountry, anglers reported catching several small tarpon, particularly during the late morning hours when the sun was higher.

    Snook and redfish are abundant in the deeper channels and around the mangroves, especially after the recent cold fronts pushed them into these areas. Live bait such as shrimp and jigs worked well for these species.

    On the reefs, snapper fishing has been on fire, with yellowtail snapper and mutton snapper being common catches. King and Spanish mackerel are also active, making for some exciting reef fishing.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For tarpon, live bait such as mullet or pinfish is highly effective. For snook and redfish, shrimp on jigs or fly fishing with accurate casts can yield great results. On the reefs, using live bait like pilchards or small jigs for the snappers and mackerel has been successful.

    ### Hot Spots
    One of the hot spots right now is the backcountry around the Everglades National Park, where you can find tarpon, snook, and redfish in the deeper channels and mangrove areas. Another spot is the reefs just off the coast of Islamorada, where snappers and mackerel are plentiful. For a more unique experience, the "No Motor Zones" in the Everglades, accessible by smaller boats like the Gheenoe, offer untouched waters filled with hungry fish.

    Overall, it's a great time to be out on the water in Islamorada, with a variety of fish species active and the weather cooperating nicely.
    Show more Show less
    3 mins
  • Islamorada Fishing Forecast: Tides, Targets, and Tactics for a Successful Day on the Water

    Islamorada Fishing Forecast: Tides, Targets, and Tactics for a Successful Day on the Water
    Sep 29 2024
    As of September 29, 2024, the fishing scene in Islamorada, Florida, is looking promising. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Weather and Tides
    The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 84 degrees Fahrenheit and a gentle breeze out of the southeast. Tides are crucial in Islamorada; today, the low tide is at 7:14 AM and the high tide at 1:04 PM. These tidal changes will push fish into the deeper channels, making for some exciting catches.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at 7:14 AM, and sunset will be at 7:23 PM, providing ample daylight for both morning and evening fishing trips.

    ### Fish Activity
    Fish activity has been robust in the area. Yesterday saw a good number of catches, particularly of Snook, Redfish, and Tarpon. The cooler temperatures have made the fish more active, and they are biting well on both artificial baits and live bait.

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish
    Snook and Redfish are abundant in the backcountry, with many anglers reporting regular catches using flies and live bait. Tarpon, though challenging, are also present, especially in the warmer weather. Bonefish have been spotted around the flats in town, offering a thrilling challenge for experienced anglers. Offshore, Mahi Mahi fishing has been very good around the Islamorada Hump and the 409 Hump.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For Snook and Redfish, using shrimp on jigs or tossing live bait into the deeper channels during cold fronts has been highly effective. For Tarpon, patience is key, and using live bait or large artificial lures can increase your chances. Bonefish are best targeted with accurate casts using small flies or light tackle. Offshore, trolling feathers tipped with bonita strips has been successful for larger species like Mahi Mahi.

    ### Hot Spots
    One of the hot spots is the backcountry around Islamorada, where the No Motor Zones are packed with fish that see little pressure. These areas are ideal for single anglers looking to explore the Everglades in a canoe or small boat. Closer to town, the flats around Islamorada are great for sight casting for Bonefish and Snook. Offshore, the Islamorada Hump and the 409 Hump are must-visit spots for Mahi Mahi.

    With the right gear, knowledge of the tides, and a bit of patience, you're set for an exciting and fruitful fishing trip in Islamorada today.
    Show more Show less
    3 mins