Does Islamorada Have Good Fishing? (A Complete Guide)
Islamorada is one of the most popular fishing locations in the Florida Keys and in Florida for that matter. Many anglers want to know how Islamorada compares to other major fishing destinations.
Islamorada is a world-class fishery offering great fishing for amberjack, barracuda, billfish, mahi-mahi, mangrove snapper, marlin, permit, redfish, sailfish, snook, swordfish, tarpon, tuna as well as wahoo.
Islamorada has a lot to offer to fishermen of any skill level. Fishing tournaments like Islamorada Sailfish Tournament and Cheeca Lodge Tarpon Tournament take place in the region annually.
Islamorada: Is Fishing Good?
Tarpon
Tarpon fishing is very productive in Islamorada. Tarpon is active in the area throughout the year. However, the best months to fish for tarpon are March and June. Tarpon may not bite well between October and January. Oftentimes, anglers catch tarpon in Florida Bay and near Channel #2 Bridge.
Mangrove snapper
Islamorada offers fantastic mangrove snapper fishing. Snapper fishing in the region is productive throughout the year. So, there is no bad time to fish for mangrove snapper in the region. The best time of the year to target mangrove snapper is December – January. Mangrove snapper can be found near Channel #2 Bridge.
Mahi-mahi
Anglers often catch mahi-mahi on fishing trips in Islamorada. The season to fish for mahi-mahi in Islamorada begins in March and ends in October. The best time of the year to target mahi-mahi in the region is between the late spring and the late summer.
Mahi-mahi doesn’t bite well between January and February and between November and December. Islamorada Hump and Pickles Reef are the best places to fish for mahi-mahi in the region.
Sailfish
Many anglers prefer to target sailfish during Islamorada fishing trips. Sailfish are active in the region during the cold months. The best time of the year to target sailfish in the area is between the early winter and the early spring.
Fishing for sailfish is not good between May and October. It makes sense to fish for sailfish near Pickles Reef and Islamorada Hump.
Snook
Islamorada is the perfect place to experience snook fishing. The best time of the year to fish for snook in the region is between April and October. Fishing for snook is less productive between January and March and between November and December. Oftentimes, anglers catch snook near the Channel #2 Bridge.
Permit
Islamorada offers great opportunities to those anglers, who are interested in permit fishing. The season to catch permit in Islamorada starts in February and ends in September.
The best time of the year to target permit in the region is March – July. On the other hand, fishing for Islamorada is not very productive between October and January.
Redfish
Redfish fishing is excellent in Islamorada. Anglers can target redfish in the region at any time of the year. However, redfish are the most active during the colder months.
The best months to target redfish in the area are January – April, and September – December. However, fishing for redfish is less productive between May and August. Florida Bay is one of the best fishing spots to target redfish in Islamorada.
Wahoo
Islamorada is a good place to target wahoo. The best months to target wahoo in the region are April and May. Wahoo also bites well between October and December.
Wahoo fishing is not very productive between January and March and between July and September. It would be great to visit Islamorada Hump if you want to target wahoo during fishing trips.
Amberjack
It’s also possible to catch amberjack during Islamorada fishing adventures. The best time of the year to fish for amberjack in the region is between the late spring and the late summer. Amberjack doesn’t bite well between January and April and between September and the end of the year.
Barracuda
When fishing in Islamorada, anglers can also catch barracuda. The season to catch barracuda starts in the early spring and comes to an end in the early fall.
However, fishing for barracuda is not good between January and February and between October and December. Barracuda can be found near Channel #2 Bridge and Pickles Reef.
Recommended Fishing Guides/Charters in Islamorada
These Islamorada-based charters have earned great reviews from anglers and will offer you a great service. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.
| Recommended Fishing Charters | Location |
| Katz Fishing Charters | Islamorada, FL |
| 95FiveFishing Charters | Islamorada, FL |
| Florida Backcountry Fishing | Islamorada, FL |
| Kekoa Charters | Islamorada, FL |
| Miller Time Sportfishing | Islamorada, FL |
| All Hanns On Deck | Key Largo, FL |
| Leatherneck Backcountry Fishing | Tavernier, FL |
| Zoned In Charters | Islamorada, FL |
| Fish Dauntless Fishing Charters | Islamorada, FL |
| Pirate For Hire Charters | Islamorada, FL |
| Fishin’Pole Sportfishing | Islamorada, FL |
| Reef Runner Charters | Islamorada, FL |
| Size Matters Charters | Islamorada, FL |
Does Islamorada Offer Good Fishing?
Inshore
Anglers can experience fishing in Islamorada year-round. However, fishing in inshore waters is the most productive during the spring and summer months. During inshore fishing trips in Islamorada, anglers can target such species as bonefish, jacks, redfish, snapper, snook, tarpon, permit, and other species.
It would be great to book an inshore fishing trip if you are going to fish with a family. Such trips will provide your family with an enjoyable fishing experience.
Nearshore
Nearshore fishing is also good in the region. The nearshore waters of Islamorada are crystal clear and provide anglers with great fishing opportunities. Anglers, who would like to experience nearshore water fishing in Islamorada, should visit the Everglades Nat’l Park.
Offshore
A lot of offshore fishing charters are available in Islamorada these days. Fishing in the region is getting better when the water warms up. Offshore fishing is also possible during the winter months. Many anglers choose to fish near the offshore reefs during their Islamorada trips.
Offshore fishing allows anglers to target more species. It’s a great idea to fish near the reefs. The reefs attract such species as grouper, mutton snapper as well as yellowtail. When fishing in offshore waters, anglers also have a chance to catch such fish species as mahi-mahi, kingfish, sailfish, tuna, wahoo, and others.
Fishing Hot Spots in Islamorada
When planning fishing adventures in Islamorada, anglers need to decide where to go during their trips. There are many places in the town where anglers can experience incredible fishing.
Among the best fishing spots in the region are: Channel #2 Bridge, Conch Reef, Eagle Wreck, Long Key Bridge, Florida Bay, Pickles Reef, Tom’s Harbor Cut Bridge, Seven Mile Bridge, Spiegel Grove, Islamorada Reef Bridge, and Islamorada Hump. So, anglers can explore these fishing spots during their fishing trips in Islamorada.
It’s important to know that good fishing spots have gained popularity among anglers. That’s the reason why such fishing spots are usually busy during a high fishing season. So, it would be better to go fishing early in the morning to get a spot.
Islamorada Fishing vs. Rest of Florida
Islamorada is a legendary fishing village. It’s a fishing destination like no other. Islamorada is also known as the Sportfishing Capital of the World.
The town has a huge charter fleet. There are many bridges in the area. And of course, the bridges can become excellent fishing spots. Many bridges have turned into fishing piers. Bridge fishing is very productive and relaxing.
But most importantly, Islamorada is a destination with the perfect fishery. No matter where and how you choose to fish in the town, you’ll manage to get great results. Fishing tournaments often take place in Islamorada. The Gold Cup Tarpon Tournament that’s held in the town annually attracts so many professional anglers from all over the world. Many other prestigious fishing tournaments are held in the area.
Best Season & Times to Fish Islamorada
Anglers can visit Islamorada to experience fishing at any time of the year. It all depends on the fish species that you are going to target during your fishing trips. Study the bite times and go fishing when your targeted fish species are the most active in the region.
The vast majority of fish species feed actively during warm months. So, the best season to fish in Islamorada begins in April and lasts until September. It’s the time of the year when anglers can fish for such species as cobia, mahi-mahi, sailfish, spotted seatrout, tarpon, and other species.
There are also fish species that anglers can catch during colder months. Such species as amberjack, king mackerel, marlin, grouper, swordfish, and wahoo bite well between November and March.
Is Nightfishing Good in Islamorada?
Islamorada gives anglers an opportunity to fish at night. All that you need to do is to book a night fishing trip in the area. There are many reasons why some anglers give a preference to night fishing in Islamorada’s waters.
The main benefit of night fishing over daytime fishing is that anglers can avoid the summer heat. So, it’s more comfortable to fish at night.
It’s also important to note that fewer anglers choose to at night. That means that anglers can avoid high competition during night fishing trips.
It’s interesting to fish at night. Night trips are very romantic. During, night fishing trips, anglers can enjoy fishing under the stars.
But most importantly, nighttime fishing in Islamorada is very productive. Anglers often get excellent results when fishing at night. Among the fish species that anglers can catch during night fishing trips in Islamorada are grouper, snapper, tarpon, porgy, sharks, and yellowtail.
Is Beach Fishing Good in Islamorada?
Islamorada has comfortable sandy beaches. There are several beaches in the region. Among the best beaches in Islamorada are Anne’s Beach, Founders Park, Holiday Isle Beach, Islamorada Library Beach, Long Key State Park, Sea Oats Beach as well as Harry Harris Beach and Park.
The beaches in Islamorada are well-known for their warm shallow waters and rich marine life. And of course, anglers can experience fishing on Islamorada beaches.
However, fishing on beaches is only possible during the colder months. In summer, it would be better to go fishing either in the early morning or late evening when there are no swimmers on beaches.
Islamorada & Fishing Charters
Is it a good idea?
Booking a charter is a great way to explore Islamorada and experience fishing in the local waters. Both beginners and skilled anglers can book a charter to experience fishing in the area.
Charters allow anglers to experience fishing in inshore and offshore waters. It would be better to book a shorter trip if you are planning to fish in inshore waters. If you are interested in fishing in offshore waters, then longer trips are worth considering.
If you book a charter, you can get advice from a guide during a fishing trip. The help of a local guide is immeasurable during the charter fishing process. Local guides would be happy to show anglers the best fishing spots in the region.
On top of that, local guides can provide anglers with tips to help them get better results during their Islamorada trips. Guides can help beginners master their basic fishing skills. If you are an experienced angler, then a guide can help you improve your fishing skills.
But most importantly, charter fishing in the region is very productive. There is no doubt that charter trips provide anglers with excellent fishing opportunities and memorable experiences.
Is it a good place for charters?
Islamorada is the perfect place to experience charter fishing. There are many good spots in deep-sea waters where fishing is very productive.
It makes a lot of sense for anglers to visit deep-sea ledges as well as underwater humps. Such fishing spots attract billfish, mahi-mahi, tuna, wahoo, and other species. It’s recommended to try a trolling fishing technique in these spots.
Charters make it possible for anglers to reach these spots and enjoy fishing. During charter trips in Islamorada, anglers can explore the most remote fishing spots in the region and target more species.
For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Islamorada, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the average fishing charter cost in Islamorada, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of how good the fishing in Virginia Beach is, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown on how good Marathon fishing is, please check out this article. For a complete breakdown if fishing is good in Fort Myers, please check out this article. For a complete breakdown if fishing is good in St. Augustine, please check out this article. To learn the best fishing charters in Islamorada, check out this article. To learn the best fishing spots in Islamorada, check out this article.
