7 FEB 2025 · Hey there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on the fishing scene in and around Islamorada, Florida, as of February 7, 2025.
First off, let's talk about the conditions. Today, the sunrise was at 6:53 AM, and we're looking at a sunset around 6:04 PM. The tidal report shows a high tide at 9:14 AM and a low tide at 3:04 PM, which is perfect for those who like to fish the changing tides.
The weather has been cooperating beautifully, with clear skies and a gentle breeze out of the southeast at about 10 mph. Water temperatures are in the mid-70s, which is ideal for a variety of species.
Now, onto the good stuff – the fish. Recently, the waters around Islamorada have been teeming with life. King mackerel have been plentiful, especially on the reefs. You can't go wrong with using spoons or jigs to catch these aggressive fish. Snappers, particularly yellowtail and mutton snappers, have also been biting well, especially in the morning hours. For snappers, live bait like shrimp or pinfish works wonders, but if you prefer lures, a well-placed jig or a soft plastic will do the trick.
Offshore, the action has been exciting with sailfish and dolphin (mahi-mahi) making appearances. Although sailfish have been a bit elusive lately due to less-than-ideal conditions, dolphin have been more cooperative. Trolling with ballyhoo or using lures that mimic baitfish can bring you some impressive catches.
For those looking to target some bigger game, the Islamorada Hump, about 15 miles offshore, has been a hot spot. This seamount attracts mahi-mahi, wahoo, tuna, sailfish, and even marlin. Deep jigging or trolling around this area can yield some trophy fish.
If you're looking for some inshore action, the Channel #2 Bridge just west of Islamorada is a great spot. Here, you can catch mangrove snapper, yellowtail snapper, gag grouper, and even tarpon. Bridge fishing can be very relaxing, and the early morning or late evening hours are usually the best times to catch something.
Another spot worth mentioning is Pickles Reef. This reef is not part of the Sanctuary Preservation Areas, so you can fish freely here. Expect to catch barracuda, snapper, grouper, hogfish, and even some tuna and sailfish on the outer edges.
In terms of gear, make sure you're well-prepared with a mix of live bait and lures. For king mackerel and snappers, spoons, jigs, and soft plastics are excellent choices. For offshore fishing, ballyhoo, trolling lures, and deep jigs will serve you well.
In summary, Islamorada is living up to its reputation as the Sportfishing Capital of the World. With the right gear, the right spots, and a bit of luck, you're in for a fantastic day on the water. So grab your rods, and let's get fishing