April Fishing Report: What's Biting in Islamorada

April is one of our favorite times to be on the water in Islamorada. The water is warming up, the fish are moving, and if we can dodge the last of the cold fronts — which by April are getting fewer and farther between — we're in for some of the best fishing of the year.

Here's what we're seeing right now, both offshore and in the backcountry.

Offshore Fishing in Islamorada in April

A Mixed Bag in the Best Way

April is the start of the spring offshore run, and it shows. The reef is really firing up right now, we're seeing a great mixed bag out there. Snapper and grouper are active on the reefs, and as the water temperatures climb, the pelagics start showing up in numbers. Mahi are beginning to push through, and blackfin tuna are in the mix. If conditions line up, wahoo are a possibility too.

This is the kind of month where you genuinely don't know what's going to eat next and that's a good thing. If you've been thinking about an offshore charter, April through early June is the window I'd book.

April Tarpon Season in Islamorada

Spring Tarpon Are Here

The backcountry is where April really shines. Spring tarpon season is underway, and the fish are moving through the flats and channels of Florida Bay. Bonefish are active, redfish are tailing in the shallows, and the whole system feels alive after winter.

These are the species that make Islamorada famous, and right now they're exactly where they should be. Mornings on the flats this time of year are hard to beat. If you want to see what's typically active each month, check out our Islamorada fishing calendar.

One Thing to Watch

April can still see the occasional cold front push through, and when that happens, the bite slows down — particularly in the backcountry. We keep a close eye on the forecast and always communicate with guests before the trip. Fortunately, by mid-April those fronts are rare and the windows of good weather are long.

Ready to Book an April Charter in Islamorada?

Whether you want to chase tarpon on the flats or run offshore for a mixed bag, we've got trips available now. Book here or give us a call at 305-916-9130.