Islamorada Fishing Report: Diverse Bites, Windy Conditions, and Tips for Backcountry, Offshore, and Bridge Action

Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your Islamorada fishing report for Monday, May 5th, 2025.

Weather’s classic spring Keys: already warm and muggy even at sunrise, with stabilized water temps now driving up fish activity. Winds have been persistent, which can make things sporty out in the open, but the backcountry of Florida Bay and the lee sides of islands offer some shelter and solid action.

Today, you can expect sunrise at 6:40 am and sunset around 7:55 pm. Tides will see a morning incoming that peaks late morning, then outgoing in the afternoon, so plan your sessions to target those active windows. Fish tend to feed hard at these tide changes, especially as the water moves over flats and channels.

Islamorada is hot right now for a range of species. The backcountry and Florida Bay are especially lively with big snook showing up in good numbers, with fish regularly over 30 inches being caught. Redfish and speckled trout are steady, with some solid action on juvenile tarpon as well. Offshore, yellowtail snapper are biting well in 60 to 90 feet, and the Gulf side is holding Spanish mackerel, kingfish, cobia, big jacks, and even some hefty sharks. Permit are always a prize, and while not in huge numbers now, some quality fish are showing up, especially out on the flats[1][2][3][4].

For lures and bait, here’s what’s working: in the backcountry, soft plastic jerkbaits and paddle tails on light jig heads are top picks for snook and trout. Live pilchards or shrimp will get attention from just about everything. For yellowtail snapper, use cut bait such as squid or ballyhoo on light tackle, and chum heavily. Permit are responding well to live crabs and the always-classic bucktail jig, especially on a well-presented cast to cruising fish. If targeting tarpon, a live mullet or crab drifted with the tide is hard to beat, but large swimbaits work too if you want to cast lures[2][4].

A couple of hot spots to check out today: Snake Bight and the flats around Flamingo are holding good numbers of snook, redfish, and trout. On the ocean side, head out from Alligator Reef for yellowtail and a shot at kingfish. The channels around Indian Key have been productive for permit and the occasional big jack. Finally, don’t overlook the bridges at sunset for tarpon rolling in on the outgoing tide[1][4][5].

Fishing pressure is up, but so is the bite. Get out early for the best conditions before the mid-morning wind and heat pick up. Remember to handle those big snook and tarpon with care, and good luck out there—tight lines!