The Fishing In Islamorada

No matter what time of the year you fish in Islamorada, there’s always something biting. From year round reef and wreck fishing to the blue Gulfstream, Islamorada has more species of fish than anywhere else on earth, and you don’t have to go far to catch them. Islamorada truly is “The Sportfishing Capital of the World."

October – January

Sailfish, one of the most exciting game fish imaginable, often start showing up in the beginning of October and their numbers keep increasing as the weather gets cooler.  We use live bait and 12 – 20 lb tackle to catch Sails and you only need to go a couple of miles from shore to find them. Sometimes they’re even up on the reef and can be caught in water as shallow as 12 feet.

Kingfish, Wahoo,  Blackfin Tuna, Swordfish, Sharks, Jacks, Barracudas and reef species such as Yellowtail, Mutton Snapper, Mangrove Snapper and all varieties of Grouper are abundant this time of year. Some of these species are true brawlers, weighing upward of 50lbs.

February – April

Sailfish action stays red hot right into April. In fact, sometimes in the Spring, when just the right wind and current come together for a couple of days, a phenomenon known as “Tailing Sails” occurs, where dozens of Sailfish can be seen at the surface riding the current. This is truly a sight to behold and offers some of the most phenomenal Sailfishing imaginable.
Cobia fishing is quite good during this time and Dolphin (Mahi Mahi) begin showing up around the end of March. Permit begin to be caught on wrecks and all the species available in the prior months remain strong.

May – September

This is prime Dolphin season, so bring a cooler to fill with this abundant, great tasting fish.
Some Sailfish are still around town in May and Marlin can be caught in the Spring and Summer. The reef continues to hold a good number of Yellowtail and Mutton Snappers, and Permit can still be taken on the wrecks into July. And of course this is a great time to go after our year round Swordfish.