November Fishing

2025 November ,
As we transition into winter here in Islamorada, the fishing scene is heating up, both in the backcountry and offshore. The cooling temperatures are bringing a bounty of opportunities, and I'm excited to share what anglers can look forward to this month, both in the Backcountry and on the oceanside. November is a remarkable time to be in the backcountry. The snook and redfish are very active, particularly on those calm days when we can find them tailing up in the shallows. It's always a thrill to see those big reds busting bait and sticking their tails out of the water. On windier days, the protected shorelines will be where I will be hiding, especially if it's out of the north. I do a lot of snook fishing, and this time of year can be outstanding, especially for the guys willing to fish artificial and work the jig or plastic on the shorelines, or better yet, under them! Big shout out to Rylan Solis, 12 years old, fishing with Capt. Louie Cortez, who won the 25th Take Stock for Children backcountry tournament, check out the photos below. These guys crushed it! There are still a few Tarpon lingering around the channels and bridges, but their time is coming to an end, so get out there when the conditions are right while they are still biting. While the large migratory schools are no longer here, the resident tarpon are still aggressive and offer some thrilling opportunities, particularly for fly fishermen. I recommend using patterns like the Black Death or EP Tarpon Bunny for the best success. The local flats and channel edges have been active with Bonefish & Permit & over the years, I have done pretty good in November. I find the cooler water helps reduce their wariness, and you can find them around the flats feeding on crabs and shrimp. I spoke with Capt. Tim Klein yesterday, and he has been having good success with the bonefish lately, both on flyrod as well as live shrimp. We were talking about the good old days when we used to both fish the tournaments. I need to get out with my buddy and have him pole me around. It's been too long.
Moving offshore, November marks the peak of our pelagic season. Sailfish, kingfish, and blackfin tuna are migrating through our waters, and the excitement is palpable. Expect action-packed days as we target these species, with mahi-mahi and wahoo also making their appearance. The Spanish mackerel are schooling around bait balls while I am catching piltchards, and they are always fun to fish for. I just picked up a custom bent butt deep drop rod from Capr. Randy Towe over at Islamorada Fishing Outfitters, so I am looking forward to giving that a try. It will be something new for me, so I will let you know how that goes. November in Islamorada is a transition period that brings vibrant fishing opportunities in both the backcountry and offshore. The fish are active, the weather is typically favorable, and the boat traffic is lighter, making for a fantastic experience on the water. I’m looking forward to another great month of fishing, so grab your gear and let’s make some memories out there!   Capt. Greg Poland