Islamorada Fishing Report: Mahi, Tuna & Trophy Tarpon in the Sportfishing Capital of the World

It’s Artificial Lure reporting live from Islamorada, the Sportfishing Capital of the World, and today—Friday, September 12th, 2025—the weather is setting us up for another memorable outing. Early risers caught the **sunrise at 7:08 am**, and for those thinking about an evening bite, set your sights on lines-in at sunset, **7:30 pm**. Conditions are classic late-summer Keys, as winds are moderate and the sky is partly cloudy, with temps holding in the mid-80s. The barometer’s steady and humidity is up, meaning topwater action is likely to be solid till midday. **Tidal activity** is moderate today—a high at **5:51 am (0.59 ft)**, falling to a low around **1:01 pm (0.52 ft)**, then rising for another high at **4:41 pm (0.56 ft)**. These transitions create prime windows for feeding surges, especially around structure and flats according to tideschart.com. Let’s talk **fish activity and catches**. Offshore, it’s been a run on **mahi-mahi**, with some nice schools showing up between 140-400 ft of water. Coral Sea Charters reports consistent catches of mahi, small bonito, yellowtail and the occasional blacktip shark out deep. Tuna action is still thriving, especially by the humps and color changes—folks have pulled tight on both blackfin and skipjack lately. Sailfish are still popping up for those trolling live pilchards and lures at the current edges, with a few wahoo crashing through on fast-moving baits. Inshore, the channels and flats are holding **tarpon** (including a few impressive ones landed on fly tackle), snook, sea trout, and mangrove snapper. Morning and late evening have seen the most action. Locals are scoring fat redfish and snook on soft plastics and live shrimp. The edges of Snake Creek and the flats near Whale Harbor have been particularly productive, with double-digit numbers possible on a half-day if you hit the tide right. **Best lures and baits:** For mahi, bright-colored trolling feathers (green/yellow/blue) and rigged ballyhoo are the ticket. Yellowtail and snapper are chewing cut squid and live pilchard on light gear. Inshore, go-to choices are Gulp shrimp (new penny or white), DOA Cal soft plastics, and live shrimp under a popping cork. Tarpon are smashing live mullet and large swimbaits at twilight around the bridges. For tuna out deeper, vertical jigs and small cedar plugs keep rods bent. **Hot spots:** • **Alligator Reef**—a proven spot for both mahi and yellowtail; the reef edge is firing. • **Channel 2 & Channel 5 bridges**—nighttime and dawn tarpon, snook and snapper. • **Snake Creek flats**—top producer for redfish and trout on the outgoing tide. The **inshore guides** (like those featured by CaptainExperiences and Coral Sea Charters) are still having banner runs, and it’s wise to tap their experience if you're planning to maximize your shot at a trophy or heavy stringer. As always, pack plenty of ice, hydrate, and respect the local bag limits—Islamorada’s healthy fisheries depend on it. If you’re wrapping