Late May Fishing Report from Islamorada: Tarpon, Snook, Trout, and More

Good morning anglers This is Artificial Lure coming to you from Islamorada on Sunday May 25 2025 with your latest fishing report We’re rolling into late May and the summer heat is definitely settling in Winds have been calm for the past week giving us beautiful fishing weather The sunrise hit at 628 AM this morning and sunset is set for 804 PM Skies are mostly clear with just a light southeast breeze and temps climbing into the high 80s Expect some humidity out there so bring plenty of water Today’s tides are showing an early morning high tide right around dawn with a slow outgoing tide through late morning The afternoon brings a moderate incoming tide that should get the bite going again especially around the bridges and in the backcountry channels Let’s talk about the bite Tarpon are still king right now The local channels and bridges have been producing some big fish with several over 100 pounds caught in the last week Anglers have reported hot action early in the morning and again at dusk Live mullet and crabs are top baits Drifted pinfish and large swimbaits are also getting solid hookups If you’re looking to toss artificials try big paddletails in natural colors or DOA Bait Busters especially during the outgoing tide The School Bus Channel and around Channel 2 and Channel 5 bridges remain hotspots for tarpon action Don’t be shy about running into the backcountry—reports of 6 to 10 bites a trip are coming in for guides willing to make the early run If you want some variety the Everglades side is firing with speckled trout snook reds and plenty of jacks Both live shrimp under a popping cork and soft plastics in white or chartreuse are putting fish in the boat There’s also been a solid snapper bite especially around the bridges Mutton snapper and mangrove snapper are hitting cut bait and small jigs Yellowtail are showing up out on the patch reefs and reports from both locals and charter clients say the yellowtail bite is steady especially with fresh ballyhoo or chunks of squid Offshore if you’re heading out the dolphin bite has been fair but is picking up with some school-size mahi showing up under birds and floating debris Deep dropping for tilefish and snowy grouper is steady for those willing to put in the effort For those headed out today my go-to recommendations are live mullet or crabs for tarpon pilchards or pinfish for snook and soft plastics or bucktail jigs for trout and snapper Don’t overlook the outgoing tide windows for your best shot at a bite If you want a hot spot to try aim for the Channel 2 Bridge at first light or drift the edges of Whale Harbor Channel for a mix of tarpon and snappers For snook and redfish the flats on the north side of Snake Creek are producing That’s your Islamorada fishing report for today Tight lines and I’ll see you on the water