Conditions, i.e., the temperature, the wind, the sea, the current, etc., all play a big part in Islamorada fishing. Why is one day a banner day when it looks like the fish are diving into the ships, and again on the next day, it seems to be slow? Typical conditions will tell you a bunch about the kind of fish you will or may not capture on any given day, and the more the Captain of Islamorada fishing charters can read the conditions, the more reliably he chooses the fish that strike. Since the weather forecaster isn't always correct and circumstances will change during the day, the best hope of success is to depend on your Captain to recommend the right plan of action. This is among the most fun aspects of fishing in the ocean since you never know what you're going to catch before you go!

The captains of Islamorada fishing charters are very knowledgeable in understanding the fishing conditions and adapting their schedule accordingly. Typically, in the Keys, the circumstances are right to grab something the Captain's job is to find out what it is. Below you'll find a guide to some of the ideal conditions found for Islamorada fishing unique species in the Florida Keys. Bear in mind that these are general instructions and not rough and easy rules; often, Lady Luck is also a variable!

Sailfish • The Gulfstream Edge travels in close vicinity; Sailfish use it to migrate. • Eastern winds and sunny, clear days make it easy for the Captain to see fish and fish see the bait. • Tailing situations where the current pushes sailfish movement in the opposite way to the surface for better sight-seeing.

Dolphin aka Mahi • Usually found travelling in the Gulfstream, and that is why the offshore variety differs. • Weed lines or a few birds active, but not a significant number of birds that is usually a school of Tuna. • Debris and floating items containing baitfish • The winds of the East or Southeast. • Rougher waters with bigger fish tailings.

Swordfish • Eastern current at least 2 knots. • The clear sea is critical, as is patience!

Yellowtail Snapper • Dirty water, so skitty fish like Yellowtail don't get horrified at seeing the line. • The current and wind are moving in the same direction so that your bait is floating behind the ships, not under or in front of it.

Tarpons • Usually, the bite is most substantial near the beginning of every tide. • Warm water and temperature, cold fronts also shut down the fish. • The mornings and nights.

Blackfin Tunas • Rougher days and gloomy conditions, but not as rough as that, you can't hit the Tuna Fishing grounds. This underwater mountain, referred to as the Marathon Hump, is situated 25+ miles offshore where Blackfin is very often spotted. Often Blackfin can be found in the open waters closer to shore, and your Captain will know when this is a feasible alternative. • Lots of living bait on-board if you want to lift the true Big Blackfin from lower into the water column. This is only possible when live bait is easily accessible in vast numbers, generally during the winter. If this is not the case, the smaller Blackfin can be catptured reliably with Lures and rigged Ballyhoo.