Eco Tour Islamorada Backcountry Fishing
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
Relaxed backcountry fishing cruise through Florida Keys watersSmall group experience with maximum two guests aboardWildlife viewing opportunities during laid-back bay exploration
Picture yourself drifting through crystal-clear shallow waters where the Gulf meets the Atlantic, rod in hand, watching massive tarpon roll just yards from your boat. That's what you get with Bank And Bight Backcountry Charters' top-rated eco tour in Islamorada. This isn't your typical charter boat grind – we're talking about a relaxed backcountry experience where you can wet a line while soaking up some of the best scenery the Florida Keys has to offer. Perfect for couples or buddies who want world-class fishing without the all-day commitment. You'll be targeting some seriously impressive species while cruising through waters that most tourists never see.
This customer favorite runs as a half-day trip with just you and one other person, so you're getting personalized attention from your captain the whole time. We're not racing to fishing spots or fighting crowds – instead, you'll be poling through mangrove creeks and grass flats where the big fish actually live. The shallow draft boat lets us get into skinny water where permit cruise the edges and redfish tail in knee-deep spots. Your guide knows every oyster bar, channel edge, and grass flat from years of fishing these waters daily. Expect plenty of casting opportunities, whether you're sight fishing or working structure. The pace stays mellow, but the fishing stays hot. Bring your camera because the wildlife viewing between fish is just as good as the action on the end of your line.
We're fishing the flats and backcountry creeks using light tackle that lets you feel every headshake and run. Most of the time you'll be sight casting to fish you can actually see – nothing beats watching a redfish eat your bait in two feet of water. Your captain will have you rigged with spinning gear loaded with 10-15 pound test, perfect for the technical fishing these waters demand. Live bait works magic out here, especially pilchards and shrimp, but don't be surprised if we tie on some artificials when the fish are aggressive. The boat runs quiet through these shallow areas, often using a push pole instead of the motor so we don't spook anything. You'll learn to read the water, spot wakes and tails, and place your cast where it counts. No heavy tackle or deep dropping here – this is all about finesse and being ready when that fish of a lifetime shows up in the shallows.
Tarpon are the kings of these backcountry waters, and Islamorada sits right in their migration path. These silver giants range from juvenile fish around 20-40 pounds up to monsters pushing 100-plus. Peak season runs April through July when they're stacked up and hungry. What makes tarpon special isn't just their size – it's watching a six-foot fish launch itself completely out of the water right next to your boat. They're called the silver king for good reason, and once you hook one, you'll understand why anglers travel from around the world just for a shot at them.
Redfish are the bread and butter of backcountry fishing, and the Islamorada flats hold some true bulls. These copper-colored bruisers love cruising the mangrove edges and grass flats, often in water so shallow their backs show. They average 5-15 pounds but the big ones can push 30-plus. Fall and winter are prime time when they school up in massive numbers. Reds fight dirty – they'll drag you through every oyster bar and mangrove root they can find. What makes them a favorite is how aggressive they eat and how hard they pull once hooked.
Permit are the holy grail for many flats anglers, and these waters hold some of the best permit fishing on the planet. These disc-shaped fighters are incredibly spooky and selective, making them a true challenge even for experienced anglers. They cruise the flats looking for crabs and small fish, but getting one to eat requires perfect presentation and a little luck. Most run 8-20 pounds, but their broad sides make them fight like fish twice their size. Permit are a year-round species, but spring and fall offer the most consistent action.
Crevalle Jack might not win beauty contests, but they make up for it with pure aggression and muscle. These silver bulldogs roam the backcountry in schools, attacking anything that moves. They're perfect for beginners because they eat almost any bait or lure you throw at them, and they fight like fish possessed. Most jacks run 3-10 pounds, but the big ones can hit 20-plus and will test your drag system. They're around year-round and always ready to bend a rod when the other species aren't cooperating.
Bonefish are the ghosts of the flats – incredibly spooky but worth every bit of effort it takes to fool one. These silvery speedsters cruise the shallow grass beds and sand flats, tailing when they feed. Most bones in these waters run 3-8 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for with blistering runs that can empty your spool in seconds. They're notoriously difficult to catch, requiring stealthy approaches and precise casts. Winter months offer the most consistent bonefish action, when they're more predictable and less spooked by boat traffic.
This renowned backcountry experience gives you everything that makes Islamorada fishing special without the commitment of a full-day trip. You're getting personalized guiding, access to waters most people never see, and shots at fish that live in magazines. The two-person limit means you won't be fighting for rod time or dealing with crowded boats. Whether you're looking to check tarpon off your bucket list or just want to experience what backcountry fishing is all about, this trip delivers. The Florida Keys backc
Your fishing adventure starts aboard a beautifully restored 16' Hewes Bonefisher, a classic skiff that's perfect for exploring the shallow backcountry waters around Islamorada. This nimble boat handles like a dream with its 90 HP Yamaha engine, getting you to those prime fishing spots quickly and quietly. The skiff comfortably fishes up to 2 anglers, so you'll have plenty of room to cast without bumping elbows. Modern electronics including GPS navigation and fish finder help locate the best action, while the VHF radio keeps you connected. The live well keeps your catch fresh, and there's a built-in icebox for cold drinks and snacks during those hot Florida Keys afternoons. Whether you're sight-fishing for bonefish in skinny water or working the grass flats for redfish, this classic flats boat puts you right where the fish are feeding.
Albula VulpesBonefish are the "gray ghosts" of our flats - silvery, torpedo-shaped fish that average 3-6 pounds but can reach 12+. They're built for speed and can hit 30 mph when spooked. You'll find them tailing and cruising our shallow grass flats during incoming tides, sometimes in just inches of water. Winter through spring offers the most consistent fishing, though we catch them year-round. What makes them special? The challenge of sight-fishing these spooky fish, plus their legendary 100-yard runs when hooked. They're too bony for most tables, so it's all about the sport. Local trick: when you spot a tailing bone, cast your shrimp or crab pattern well ahead of where they're moving. Let it sink and give it tiny twitches - patience beats aggressive retrieves every time.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jacks are the bulldogs of our waters - aggressive, hard-fighting fish that'll test your tackle. These brassy-green bruisers typically run 3-15 pounds, though big ones can hit 40+. Look for them around structure like docks, bridges, and reef edges, plus they roam open water chasing baitfish. They're year-round residents, but summer months bring the best action when they school up aggressively. Why guests love targeting them? Pure power - pound for pound, few fish fight harder. They're decent eating when smaller, though most folks prefer other species. Here's the deal with jacks: watch for diving birds. When pelicans and frigates are working an area, jacks are usually below pushing bait to the surface. Cast silver spoons or topwater plugs into the chaos and hang on tight.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of flats fishing - beautiful, challenging, and incredibly spooky. These silver, disc-shaped fish average 10-20 pounds with some reaching 40+. They cruise our shallow flats, especially around coral heads and sandy spots, often in just 2-3 feet of water. Their huge eyes can rotate almost 360 degrees, making them tough to fool. Peak season runs April through October, but we see them year-round in the Keys. What draws anglers? Landing one is like joining an exclusive club - they're that difficult. They eat well too, with firm white meat. The secret here is fresh blue crab for bait. Hook it through the back corner of the shell and present it gently ahead of cruising fish. Permit spook at the slightest disturbance, so patience wins the day.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are perfect for our shallow-water adventures. These copper-colored beauties with their signature black spots average 3-8 pounds around here, though big ones can hit 20+ pounds. They love cruising our grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove edges in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and spring are peak times when they school up. What guests love most is sight-fishing for them on the flats and their strong, bulldogging fight. Plus, they're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Pro tip from years out here: look for nervous water or "push" wakes on calm days. That subtle disturbance usually means redfish are feeding just below the surface.
Megalops AtlanticusThe "silver king" is what fishing dreams are made of. These giants average 80-100 pounds but can hit 200+ and reach 6 feet long. What makes them special? They jump - sometimes 10 feet out of the water when hooked. You'll find them around deeper channels, bridges, and the edges of flats throughout our waters. Spring through fall is prime time, especially during tarpon season from April to July when they migrate through. Guests love the challenge - tarpon have incredible eyesight and fight like nothing else. Most folks release them since they're bony and not great eating. Here's a local tip: when one jumps, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward the water. It gives slack and prevents the hook from pulling out during those wild aerial shows.
Islamorada