Islamorada Fishing Report - June 2025

☀️ Summer Bite is On in Islamorada

June brings prime conditions to Islamorada with tarpon, snook, snapper, and mahi-mahi all biting. The migration is winding down for silver kings, but backcountry action is still hot. Reef and offshore fishing are firing too - now’s a great time to be on the water.

🌊 Backcountry: Tarpon & Snook

• Tarpon are still thick in the backcountry and around bridges - especially on outgoing tides. Early mornings and nights are best.
  • Bait: Live mullet or small crabs
  • Gear: 30–50 lb rods, 60–80 lb leader, 7/0–8/0 circle hook
  • Top spots: Snake Creek, Long Key Bridge, Everglades backcountry
  • Tip: Fish moving water; bow to the fish on the jump
• Snook are prowling mangroves and island points on the bay side.
  • Bait: Live pilchards, pinfish, or shrimp
  • Tip: Get tight to the cover; early morning bite is best

🌟 Reef: Yellowtail, Mutton & Grouper

• Yellowtail snapper are thick in 60–80 ft. Chum heavily and free-line small cut bait.
• Mutton snapper are on deeper wrecks and reef edges, especially around the full moon.
• Grouper (black and red) are hitting on live pinfish near structure.
  • Best reef spots: Alligator Reef, Pickles Reef, Crocker Reef
  • Tip: Light leader for snapper, heavy gear for grouper. First drop counts!

🌊 Offshore: Mahi & Tuna

• Mahi-mahi are active around weed lines and debris in 500–800 ft.
  • Bait: Trolled skirted ballyhoo, jet heads; chunk bait when school is found
  • Tip: Leave one fish in the water to keep the school nearby
• Blackfin tuna are biting early at the Islamorada Hump.
  • Bait: Live pilchards or vertical jigs

Recap

• Tarpon: Backcountry & bridges, early/late on live bait
• Snook: Mangrove edges on pilchards
• Snapper: Chum lines on the reef
• Grouper: Live bait over structure
• Mahi: Weed lines in 600–800 ft
• Tuna: Early morning on the Hump