Islamorada anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your up-to-the-minute fishing report for Saturday, October 4, 2025.
An absolutely classic early October morning in the Upper Keys—temps starting in the mid 70s, building toward an 85-degree high by afternoon, and a touch less humidity thanks to mild northeast breezes. The barometer’s steady, skies partly cloudy, the kind of weather the locals wait for all summer.
Sunrise hit at 7:16 a.m., with sunset coming at 7:06 p.m., giving you a fat window to get on the water. Today’s tide pattern is promising: we saw a low at 6:35 a.m., building up to a high at 1:38 p.m., before easing down into the evening. That means mid-morning through early afternoon should be prime, especially for inshore and reef action according to Islamorada tide charts.
Offshore, the buzz is all about wahoo with the full moon just around the corner. Florida Sport Fishing TV’s latest report is loaded with positive talk—wahoo are being landed right off Islamorada, with at least one impressive 64-pounder decked this week. Captain Mike is recommending high-speed trolling with artificials like the "little Zack Attack" lures or extra-small deep runners, targeting depths out past the edge (in the 150-300’ range). Fallen logs, floating weed lines, and any debris offshore are holding not only "weehoos," but also schoolie dolphin (mahi mahi) and some decent blackfin tuna action if you’re quick to the bait balls. Big king mackerel are also around, hitting trolled lures meant for wahoo, especially on the color breaks north of Alligator Reef.
For offshore rigs, blue/white and purple/black skirted lures are drawing the best strikes. Rigged ballyhoo with wire leaders—weedless if you’re fighting grass—are putting bonus fish in the box, especially when slow-trolled behind planers. Stick to 30-50 lb tackle, and don’t be afraid to bump up to wire for those toothy critters.
Inshore, the backcountry bite’s been hot. Snook and redfish are stacking up in the mangroves and along current-swept creek mouths with the higher morning water. Live pilchards and pinfish are the go-to bait, but Gulp! shrimp and paddle tails in natural colors are catching more than a few. Trout and jacks are mixed in on the grassy flats, especially around Snake Creek and Tavernier Creek edges.
Reef fishers, yellowtail snapper are chewing at the 60-90’ patch reefs, with mutton and mangrove snapper still coming up in mixed bags. Anchor, chum heavy, and drop back small chunks of ballyhoo or squid on light fluoro leaders. Grouper are still closed for harvest but fun to tangle with near structure.
Mullet run is still pumping through Florida Bay, so keep eyes peeled for diving birds—tarpon, sharks, and the odd cobia following those schools in the basins and channels west of Whale Harbor.
As for hot spots, don’t miss the Hump for tuna and dolphin; Alligator Reef is a perennial favorite for snapper and the odd wahoo, and try the edges near Indian Key Fill for good inshore mixed bags.
That’s the scoop for today—tight lines and remember: always check the latest regs before keeping your catch.
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