Islamorada Fishing Report: Tarpon, Snapper, and Offshore Action Heating Up

Good morning from Islamorada, this is Artificial Lure with your Wednesday, April 16th fishing report. We’ve got a classic spring day on tap here in the Sportfishing Capital of the World. Let’s kick things off with the tides. Today’s high tide came at 1:34 AM and will roll in again at 12:48 PM, with a low tide arriving at 7:35 AM and another this evening at 9:03 PM. We’re looking at decent tidal swings, so currents will be moving and fish should be on the feed. Sunrise was at 6:59 AM, with sunset set for 7:45 PM, giving us plenty of daylight to chase a bite[5]. The weather is holding steady with light west-northwest winds around 6 knots, temperatures in the mid-70s to low 80s, and barely a cloud in the sky. Water temps are comfortable and the seas are gentle, especially inshore and on the reef, making it a perfect day for both flats and offshore runs[8]. On the fishing front, action continues to be strong across the board. Inshore waters and the backcountry have been producing big numbers of tarpon, especially in Florida Bay and around the bridges. The evening outgoing tide at channels like Channel 2 and Long Key is a prime window for hooking the Silver King. Pilchards and live crabs are your ticket for bait, and for the lure crowd, try swinging a DOA Bait Buster or Hogy swimbait right at the shadow lines. Bonefish and permit are still active on the flats, with bonefish responding well to small live shrimp or soft plastics; bring a light touch and stealthy approach[6][7][10]. Snapper fishing is hot right now along the reefs and patch reefs off Alligator Reef and Pickles Reef. Mangrove and yellowtail snapper are chewing, especially when the current moves. Anchor up, chum heavy, and use bits of fresh ballyhoo or shrimp. On heavier gear, some nice grouper have been reported near structure, but remember grouper season opens in May, so it’s catch and release for now[6][7][10]. Offshore, the Islamorada Hump is still the hotspot. Reports from the last few days have seen steady action on blackfin tuna, plenty of mahi-mahi, and some bonus wahoo landed by anglers trolling deep diving plugs or skirts tipped with bonito strips. Live pilchards and vertical jigs are catching tuna, while mahi are striking bright-colored trolling lures and rigged ballyhoo. Wahoo are being tricked by high-speed trolling with cowbells and black/purple lures, rigged with wire leaders[9][10]. A couple of hot spots to focus on today: the Channel 2 Bridge at sunrise and sunset for tarpon and snapper, and the Alligator Reef for non-stop snapper and the chance at a grouper. For offshore fans, make the run to Islamorada Hump and get your lines in for tuna and mahi before midday when the bite can slow. That’s the rundown for April 16th here in Islamorada. Tight lines and good luck out there – hope to see you on the water.