• "Islamorada's Wintertime Fishing Challenges: Targeting Alternative Species Amid Cold Weather"

  • Jan 5 2025
  • Length: 3 mins
  • Podcast

"Islamorada's Wintertime Fishing Challenges: Targeting Alternative Species Amid Cold Weather"

  • Summary

  • Today, January 5th, 2025, the fishing scene in Islamorada is quite challenging, especially if you're targeting tarpon. January is generally the worst month for tarpon fishing here due to the cold weather, which often forces tarpon to seek warmer waters elsewhere.

    ### Tidal Report
    As of today, the tide times for Islamorada, Upper Matecumbe Key Bay are as follows: High tide at 1:47 AM with a height of 0.59 ft, low tide at 9:30 AM with a height of 0.02 ft, high tide at 2:39 PM with a height of 0.5 ft, and low tide at 9:51 PM with a height of 0.06 ft[2].

    ### Weather and Sunrise/Sunset
    The weather is typically cool this time of year, which is not ideal for tarpon. Sunrise is at 7:08 AM, and sunset is at 5:47 PM. While the Solunar Theory suggests today could be a good day for fishing, you need to consider the current weather forecast, which is likely to be cool and possibly windy[4].

    ### Fish Activity
    Despite the challenging conditions, there are still some fish to be caught. Yesterday, captains reported catching snook, redfish, and drum in the Everglades, along with some Spanish mackerel in the Gulf. There were also reports of small juvenile tarpon in the backcountry, particularly around the nearby bridges, although these are less common due to the cold weather[5].

    ### Types of Fish and Best Lures/Bait
    For those not targeting tarpon, there are other species to focus on. Snook, redfish, and drum are active in the backcountry. For snook and redfish, using live bait such as shrimp or mullet can be effective. For Spanish mackerel, spoons and jigs work well. If you're lucky enough to find tarpon, they might take a well-placed fly or a live bait like a mullet or pinfish, but this is less likely given the cold conditions[1][5].

    ### Hot Spots
    Some hot spots to consider include the Channel #2 Bridge and the Long Key Bridge, which are known for snapper, grouper, snook, and the occasional tarpon. Florida Bay is also a good area, especially during twilight times when the water is clear and calm[3][4].

    In summary, while tarpon fishing is not ideal this time of year, there are still plenty of other fish to target in Islamorada. Be prepared for cooler weather, and adjust your tactics and expectations accordingly.
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