Islamorada Fishing Report

We have definitely been having out ups and downs with weather this winter! Seems like one days its 75 and sunny and the next is 50 and blowing. That hasn’t been stopping me and my guests from getting on the water and making it happen! This past week was a lot of fun! A lot of firsts, I had some newlyweds that crushed the snooks and reds, and a veteran saltwater fly angler that had never caught a snook, we made it happen and his rod stayed bent for the rest of the day.

The inconsistencies in weather have the fish moving around a lot this time of year, which is fine once we’re able to find them. They seem to be hungry and willing to eat flies, artificial baits, and live bait. This time of year I’m doing long runs out to the park and spending most of my time fishing edges of different keys until we find on that’s hot. One thing I’ve noticed this week is the lack of gear that guests are bringing on board. Though I love a clean clutter less boat, it is important to remember to dress properly. You can bring whatever cold weather gear you want and we can always stash what you don’t use. I know it seems warm on the islands but when we get out on the water and are underway at 30pmh it gets chilly. Shorts and a T when its 60 out is gonna make for a chilly ride. Try to dress properly, and as always, call me if you have questions on what gear to bring!

Another thing I have noticed are guests forgetting or not bringing on the boat is a pair of polarized sunglasses. The $20 polarized glasses at the local sporting goods store will get it done in a pinch, but a nice pair of Costa Del Mars, or Smiths, are even better. It can make or break your day if you can see subtle changes underneath the water surface, and you can see fishies!

Thanks for reading and hope to see you on the water soon!

Capt Josh

Islamorada Fishing Report

Nicole with her first Everglades Flats Redfish

Its a chilly one here in Islamorada today. I stepped outside with a hot cup of coffee to let the dog out and was greeted with a cool blast of winter air. I thought I left the cold behind in Idaho! No matter, the warmer temps start blowing in this afternoon and this week looks like it going to be great.

Pre cold front the fishing was steady. I was finding redfish, snook, and black drum in their usual haunts. Deep holes with lots of current. I have been catching redfish up on the flats around Flamingo, and if you’re willing to take some chances and pole some flats with these super low tides the action has been good. Just have a way out, or bring a book and an extra sandwich if you get high and dry!

With these coldfronts coming and going the fish have been pretty dialed in on shrimp, gulps, and flies. When we can get out of the wind the fly has been working well tight against the bank. We’ve been seeing snook, tarpon, and reds on fly.

Weather this week looks great and its back on the water for me tomorrow! Hopefully this weather warms up and some bigger tarpon get moving around. I look forward to taking you fishing!

Capt Josh