Islamorada Fishing Report
Guided Fly Fishing and Light Tackle
Florida Keys and Everglades
Fly Fishing and Light Tackle Florida Keys and Everglades
2024 Season has Kicked Off!
Now that the holidays are over we at Moon Cast Anglers are getting back into the swing of things. We have two new boats that we added to the fleet! A Hell’s Bay Marquesa that has already proven to be a fishy rig, and a 15ft Gheenoe for ultra sneaky backcountry trips. At 18ft long the Marquesa is a super comfortable ride into that back country as well as being stable for anglers to fish. The 15ft Gheenoe is a great option for single anglers looking to explore the Everglades “No Motor Zones” in search of hungry baby tarpon, snook, and redfish.
Now lets get into the Islamorada Fishing Report!
Snook and Redfish are all over in the backcountry. We’re catching them on flies and live bait pretty regularly. The cold fronts that move in really push the fish into the deeper channels and can make for epic days tossing shrimp on jigs and picking up good fish along the bottom. If you want to sight cast there are good opportunities on these low winter tides, both on fly and spin.
With the Gheenoe added to our fleet, we are doing some really cool sneaky fishing in the No Motor Zones. These areas are packed with fish that get little to no pressure and are super willing to eat. These trips are a one angler program. Fly and artificial baits are best. Trips start from Islamorada on the 25 Contender as we load up the canoe and head into the backcountry. Once there we dock the big boat, lift out the canoe and set out on a Lewis and Clark type of adventure, catching fish and seeing some awesome wildlife!
If you’re looking for a trip closer to town in Islamorada we have plenty to offer here as well. Snapper fishing is on fire right now, so if you want a cooler full of fish, book the 25 Contender and get 3 fishing buddies and load up! We’ll do the cleaning you just have to put fish in the boat.
There have been some bonefish around the flats in town and for the angler looking to challenge themselves this is the fish. Sunny days and a little bit of wind allows us to see and sneak up on the ghost of the flats and a good cast can get you tight with one of the fastest fish in the ocean!
The big question that I get on every phone call is '“TARPON?!?!” Yes. They are around. Warm weather gets them crazy and they can be found this time of year. They can be tough and not everyday is fire. If you want to fish for tarpon, book a full day and let's go find them. This time of year they can be anywhere from downtown Islamorada, all the way into the gulf. Patience and hard work can pay off this time of year when looking for the silver king!
2024 season has started! Expect Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit, Snook, Redfish, and plenty of table fare on the reefs in town. Let us know if you want to book.
We still have availability for tarpon season on the flats boat, the bay boat is ready to fish and get booked! Let us know what experience you want and we will accommodate!
Thanks for reading the report, if you have questions, comments, or just want to gimme a shoutout, check me out on Instagram, @mooncastanglers or shoot me an email josh@mooncastanglers.com
I love hearing from you guys!
As always check the calendar on the Book Your Trip link for my Availability!
Capt Josh