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

July & August bring the heat to the Florida Keys, and while the temperatures rise, so does the fishing action in Islamorada and Everglades National Park. This time of year, the crowds thin out a bit, but the fish are still here — and they’re hungry.
Backcountry & Everglades ActionThe early mornings and late evenings are key for anglers looking to beat the heat and get into some serious fish. Snook and redfish are active in the skinny waters of the backcountry and around the islands of Everglades National Park. Look for moving water and baitfish — that’s where the action is. Live pilchards, shrimp, or well-placed soft plastics will get the job done.
Tarpon are still hanging around the backcountry, especially in the deeper channels and creeks. Most of the big migrators have moved on, but resident fish in the 30–60 lb range offer some great fights. Early morning rolling tarpon can still be found in the glades — a sight that never gets old.
Flats FishingThe flats are alive this month. Bonefish are tailing early and late in the day across many of the oceanside flats, especially around Lower and Upper Matecumbe. On calm mornings with good visibility, it’s all about stealth and precision. Fly anglers, this is your time to shine.
Permit are more of a treat this time of year — elusive as ever, but August does see its fair share of encounters. If you're lucky enough to find a school, be ready with a live crab or a well-placed fly.
Reef & WrecksOut on the reefs, yellowtail snapper fishing remains solid. Early mornings and chum are key to bringing them up, and light tackle makes it a blast. Mangrove snapper are thick on the patches and edges, especially around the full moon spawn. This is a great time to stock up for the table.
Mutton snapper, grouper, and the occasional cobia can also be found hanging near the wrecks and deeper structure. Just be sure to check current regulations — we always practice conservation to ensure these fisheries thrive for generations to come.
OffshoreOffshore, it’s all about dolphin (mahi-mahi). August can be one of the last strong months for dolphin action before things slow down in the fall. Look for birds, weedlines, and floating debris in 400–900 feet of water. Peanut to gaffer-sized fish are the most common, but there's always a chance at a bull or cow if you're in the right place.
Blackfin tuna are another bonus, especially near the humps. Vertical jigging or trolling small feathers and live bait around first light can put some sushi-grade fillets in the box.

Final Thoughts
Summertime in Islamorada and the Everglades is all about timing — beat the heat, plan your tides, and you’ll be rewarded. It’s a great month for mixed-bag fishing and a chance to explore all this incredible area has to offer without the peak-season crowds.
If you’re looking to get on the water this month, whether it’s for tarpon in the glades, snapper on the reef, or chasing dolphin offshore, let’s go fishing — I’ve got the local knowledge to put you on the bite.
Tight lines,
Captain Greg Poland
gregpoland.com | @gregpolandphotography

If you can get away from the world and want to catch a Silver King give me a shout and lets get out on my new boat!

I just picked up my Brand New Contender 26 Bay Boat Special GTB Edition & I have to say the guys at Contender really came up with some great new features! I added a T Top this time around and have an extra shade that can attach to the t top for additional shade during the hot times of the day! I really feel this is the best boat I have ever owned and the new Power Pole Move trolling motor along with the 10ft power poles make it easy to stay in the right location for you to catch a fish or two!

The weather has changed and the Silver Kings are in town, yesterday we had 7 bites and released 3 nice tarpon. Today on a morning 1/2 we had good fishing and I look forward to a great season so contact me for a trip if you find yourself in the Florida Keys. If the backcountry is more your speed lets go catch a snook in the everglades.

If you are looking to catch a Silver king this season give me a call I have some prime days avaliable. Look how happy these tarpon are in a slick calm day in the backcountry of Islamorada

I just installed the new Bimini Top so its ready for the Spring Break trips and for when its hot this tarpon season. It flops down in 2 min so if you prefer a little vitamin C we can get you some!