Islamorada Inshore Fishing & Sandbar Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore fishing adventure targeting local Florida Keys speciesRelaxing sandbar stop included for swimming and unwindingSmall group experience accommodating up to four guests maximum
Picture this: you're casting lines in some of the most productive inshore waters in the Florida Keys, then cooling off at a pristine sandbar where the water's so clear you can count your toes. That's exactly what you get with 6th Generation Charters' signature combo trip. We're talking about a solid 4-hour fishing session followed by pure relaxation at one of Islamorada's famous sandbars. This isn't your typical charter - it's designed for families who want the best of both worlds without having to choose between fishing action and beach time.
Your day kicks off early when the fish are most active and the winds are typically calmer. We'll head out to the shallow flats and backcountry areas where Islamorada's legendary inshore fishing really shines. The boat accommodates up to 4 guests comfortably, making it perfect for families or small groups who want a personalized experience. After we've had our fill of bent rods and screaming reels, we'll cruise over to one of the area's stunning sandbars. These natural formations create crystal-clear swimming holes that are only accessible by boat - think of them as your private beach club in the middle of the bay. The water's usually waist-deep or less, making it safe for kids and non-swimmers to splash around while the adults soak up some Florida Keys sunshine.
We'll be fishing the shallow flats and mangrove shorelines using light tackle that makes every fish feel like a monster. Most of our action comes from sight fishing - spotting fish before we cast to them - and working structure like docks, bridges, and grass flats. Live bait is our go-to method here, with pilchards, pinfish, and shrimp being the local favorites. We'll also throw some artificials when the conditions are right - spoons for mackerel, topwater plugs for snook, and soft plastics for redfish. The beauty of inshore fishing in Islamorada is the variety. One minute you're working a dock line for snook, the next you're sight-casting to a school of tarpon rolling on the surface. The shallow water means you can actually see a lot of what's happening below, which adds a whole new level of excitement to the experience.
Spanish Mackerel are the bread and butter of our inshore waters, especially during the cooler months from October through March. These silver bullets are pure adrenaline - they hit hard, fight dirty, and taste great on the grill. You'll find them schooling around structure and bait pods, often jumping clear out of the water when hooked. They typically run 1-3 pounds, but don't let their size fool you - they'll give you a workout on light tackle.
Snook are the crown jewel of Florida inshore fishing, and Islamorada's got some beauties. These ambush predators love hanging around docks, bridges, and mangrove shorelines during the warmer months. Peak season runs from April through October, though you can catch them year-round. They're notorious for their gill-rattling jumps and powerful runs back to structure. A good Keys snook will measure 24-32 inches and provide one of the most satisfying fights you'll experience in shallow water.
Tarpon season in the Keys is legendary, and for good reason. From April through July, these "silver kings" migrate through our waters in massive schools. Juvenile tarpon - the 20-60 pounders - are what we typically target on inshore trips, and they're perfect for families since they're manageable but still put on an amazing aerial show. There's nothing quite like watching a tarpon launch itself 6 feet out of the water right next to your boat.
Redfish are year-round residents that provide consistent action when other species are finicky. These copper-colored bruisers love shallow grass flats and will eat just about anything you put in front of them. They typically range from 18-30 inches in our area and are known for their bulldog fighting style - no fancy jumps, just pure strength and determination. Reds are also excellent table fare, making them a favorite with families.
Great Barracuda add some serious excitement to any inshore trip. These toothy predators are lightning fast and absolutely fearless, often following other hooked fish right to the boat. They're most active during the warmer months and can reach impressive sizes - 4-6 footers aren't uncommon in Keys waters. Their explosive strikes and blistering runs make them a top target for anglers looking for pure excitement.
This combo trip has become our most popular family option because it delivers variety without rushing. Four hours gives us plenty of time to work different spots and techniques, while the sandbar portion lets everyone decompress and enjoy the natural beauty that makes the Keys special. Whether you're introducing kids to fishing or you're seasoned anglers looking for a more relaxed pace, this trip hits all the right notes. The inshore waters around Islamorada fish well year-round, but spring and fall offer the most consistent action across all species. Book early, especially during peak season, because word's getting out about this perfect blend of fishing and family fun.
This classic 1989 24-foot Proline center console is built for serious fishing in the Florida Keys waters. Powered by a reliable 250HP Suzuki outboard, she'll cruise at 40 knots to get you to the best fishing spots around Islamorada quickly and smoothly. The boat comfortably handles up to 4 anglers with plenty of deck space for casting lines and fighting fish. Essential gear includes an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold, GPS navigation to mark those productive fishing holes, and a fish finder to locate schools below the surface. After working the fishing grounds, this versatile boat is perfect for hitting the famous Islamorada sandbar where you can anchor up, cool off in the crystal-clear shallows, and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation between the morning fishing action and afternoon adventures.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat barracuda are sleek predators that can stretch 3-6 feet and pack serious speed - up to 35 mph in short bursts. They're curious fish with razor-sharp teeth that hang around coral reefs, grass flats, and structure in 10-50 feet of water. You'll spot them year-round here, but they're most aggressive during warmer months when baitfish are thick. What guests love is their explosive strike and initial run - they hit lures like a freight train and can jump when hooked. They're more about the fight than the table since larger ones can carry ciguatoxin. The key is using wire leader since they'll slice through regular line in a heartbeat. Local trick: if you see one following your lure but not striking, speed up your retrieve - their predator instinct kicks in when prey tries to escape, and that sudden burst of speed usually triggers the bite.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are copper-colored drum with those signature black spots near their tails, averaging 20-30 inches and 5-15 pounds in our shallow waters. They're perfectly built for the flats - you'll find them tailing in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass beds, and mangrove creeks. Year-round fishing is solid here, but fall and winter months are especially productive when they school up. Anglers love their strong, steady pull and the sight-fishing opportunities when they're feeding in skinny water with their backs exposed. They're also top-notch table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. The trick is staying quiet and watching for nervous water, mudding, or those copper backs cruising the shallows. When you spot them, cast ahead of their path and let your bait settle to the bottom - they're bottom feeders and will root around for crabs and shrimp.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are ambush predators with that distinctive black lateral line and sloped head. Most run 18-28 inches, but trophy fish can push 40+ inches and 20 pounds. They love structure - mangrove shorelines, docks, bridges, and oyster bars in 2-8 feet of water where fresh and salt water mix. They're temperature sensitive, so warmer months from May through October are best, especially around new and full moons when they spawn. What makes them special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump and make powerful runs toward cover. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, white meat. Here's a local trick: cast your lure or live bait past the structure, then work it back along the edge. Snook sit tight to cover, so get close but don't spook them by running your motor too near the mangroves.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast-moving silver fish with yellow spots that typically run 1-2 feet long and weigh 2-3 pounds. They travel in large schools and are some of the quickest swimmers in these waters, hitting 35 mph when chasing baitfish like sardines and anchovies. You'll find them near the surface around structures, grass flats, and drop-offs in 10-40 feet of water. Spring through fall are prime months when they're most active in warmer water. Guests love them because they hit hard, fight fast, and make excellent table fare - mild, flaky meat that grills perfectly. They're also great for kids since they bite readily on light tackle. Pro tip: when you see diving birds, get there quick and cast small spoons or jigs - the school won't stick around long, but the action can be nonstop while it lasts.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of Islamorada - massive fish that can reach 6-8 feet and over 150 pounds, though 80-100 pounders are more common. They cruise shallow flats, channels, and basin edges in 4-15 feet of water, often rolling at the surface to gulp air. Late spring through summer is peak season when they migrate through here in big numbers. What sets them apart is their legendary jumping ability - they'll leap 8 feet out of the water and can peel off 100 yards of line in seconds. Most anglers practice catch-and-release since they're not great table fare. The real thrill is the battle and those aerial shows. Key local tip: when you hook one, bow to the fish during jumps by pointing your rod tip toward them. This creates slack and prevents the line from snapping when they shake their heads mid-air.
Islamorada