Top-Rated Islamorada Backcountry Fishing
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
Sixhour backcountry fishing adventure targets diverse game fish speciesCaptain guides guests to prime fishing locations via boat transportSmall group charter accommodates maximum two guests for personalized experience
Looking for the real deal when it comes to Islamorada fishing? Bank And Bight Backcountry Charters has nailed it with their captain's most popular 6-hour morning trip. This isn't your typical nearshore routine – we're talking about a proper backcountry adventure that takes you 45-50 minutes out to where the big fish actually live. With just 2 anglers max, you get the personalized attention that makes all the difference between going home with stories or going home with fish. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and when you're targeting grey snapper, tarpon, redfish, permit, and barracuda all in one trip, that local knowledge is everything.
This 6-hour morning charter starts early when the fish are most active and the backcountry is at its best. The boat ride out gives you time to get your head in the game while cruising through some of Florida's most pristine waters. Once we hit the fishing grounds, it's game on. The captain rotates between different techniques and spots depending on what's biting that day – could be sight fishing the flats for redfish, working the edges for snapper, or setting up for a tarpon that'll test every inch of your drag system. With only 2 anglers aboard, there's no fighting for rod time or waiting your turn when the action heats up. You'll have plenty of space to work a fish properly, and the captain can focus on putting you on the best opportunities without splitting attention between a crowded boat.
The beauty of backcountry fishing around Islamorada is the variety of presentations you'll use throughout the day. We're talking live bait fishing with pinfish and pilchards for the snapper and permit, sight casting with artificials when we spot cruising redfish or tarpon, and switching to wire leaders when the barracuda show up. The captain provides all the gear, but if you've got a favorite rod setup, bring it along. Most of the fishing happens in 3-15 feet of water over grass flats, channel edges, and structure that holds bait. The shallow water means you can watch fish react to your presentation, which adds a whole visual element that deep water fishing just can't match. Expect to use spinning tackle in the 20-30 pound class most of the day, with the option to bump up when we're specifically targeting tarpon or big barracuda.
Grey snapper are the bread and butter of this trip, and Islamorada's backcountry holds some serious ones. These fish are smart, structure-oriented, and put up a solid fight pound for pound. They're most active during the cooler parts of the day, which is why morning trips consistently outproduce afternoon runs. Look for them around ledges, rocks, and anywhere baitfish are getting pushed around by current. What makes grey snapper so satisfying to catch is their wariness – they'll inspect your bait, test your drag, and make you work for every fish.
Tarpon fishing in the backcountry is a completely different animal from the bridge and harbor fishing most people think of. Out here, you're sight fishing to rolling fish or working areas where they're feeding on glass minnows and crabs. A backcountry tarpon might not be the 150-pounder you see in the deep water, but a 40-80 pound silver king in shallow water will give you all the aerial show and screaming runs you can handle. Peak season runs from April through July, but the backcountry produces year-round with the right conditions.
Redfish are the ultimate sight fishing target, and the grass flats around Islamorada are loaded with them. These copper-colored bulldogs cruise the shallows looking for crabs and small fish, often with their backs out of the water. A good redfish will make multiple runs toward structure, testing your ability to turn them before they cut you off. They're most active during moving tides and overcast conditions, and the 20-35 inch fish we typically see here have the perfect combination of size and fight.
Permit are the holy grail for many backcountry anglers, and for good reason. These disc-shaped fighters are incredibly spooky, selective feeders that will humble even experienced anglers. When you do connect with one, they make blistering runs that seem to go on forever. The flats around Islamorada see permit year-round, but spring and fall offer the most consistent action. Landing your first permit is a milestone that every serious angler remembers.
Great barracuda add the speed element to any backcountry trip. These silver bullets are ambush predators that hit lures with explosive strikes and make screaming runs that will smoke your drag. They're excellent on artificial baits, particularly shiny spoons and tube lures worked fast near the surface. Barracuda are present year-round but are most aggressive during warmer months when baitfish are abundant on the flats.
This 6-hour backcountry adventure represents everything that makes Islamorada fishing special – diverse species, beautiful water, and the kind of personalized experience you just can't get on crowded party boats. The captain's local knowledge combined with the intimate 2-angler setup means you're getting the best possible shot at the fish of a lifetime. Morning trips consistently outfish afternoon runs, especially during warmer months, so you're already stacking the odds in your favor. Whether you're after your first tarpon, trying to complete a backcountry slam, or just want to experience world-class fishing in one of Florida's most beautiful settings, this trip delivers. Don't wait for the perfect weather or the perfect season – the best time to fish is when you can get on the water, and Bank And Bight Backc
Your fishing adventure starts aboard a beautifully restored 16' Hewes Bonefisher, a legendary skiff built for serious backcountry angling. This classic boat handles shallow flats and tight mangrove channels like a dream, powered by a reliable 90 HP Yamaha that'll get you to those prime fishing spots about 45-50 minutes out. The skiff comes loaded with modern fish-finding tech and GPS to locate structure and bait, plus a VHF radio for safety on the water. A built-in livewell keeps your bait fresh and active, while the icebox handles your drinks and lunch for the full day ahead. With space for just 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work the flats and fight those hard-pulling fish that call these waters home. This boat was designed specifically for stalking bonefish, tarpon, and permit in skinny water.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are lightning-fast predators that grow up to 6 feet and pack serious attitude. We find them around coral reefs, grass flats, and structure where they ambush baitfish. They're year-round residents, but spring and summer bring the biggest fish closer to shore. What makes them fun is their explosive strikes and blistering runs - they can hit 35 mph in short bursts. They're visual hunters attracted to shiny lures and fast retrieves. Most guests love the aggressive action, though we typically release them since larger ones can carry ciguatoxin. Smaller ones under 3 feet are usually fine for the table. The key is using wire leaders - their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono instantly. Keep your lure moving fast near the surface, and when they hit, hang on tight. Just watch those teeth when landing one!
Lutjanus GriseusGrey Snappers, also called Mangrove Snappers, are smart fish that'll test your patience. They typically run 10-14 inches inshore, but we catch plenty in the 2-4 pound range around our structure spots. Look for them around docks, bridges, and mangrove edges where they ambush baitfish. These opportunistic feeders are most active at night, but daytime fishing works well too. What makes them popular is their excellent table fare - white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They're also year-round targets here in the Keys. The trick is keeping your bait still once it hits bottom. Reel up just a foot or so to avoid snags, then let that live shrimp sit motionless. Too much movement spooks them every time. When you feel that tap, don't jerk - just start reeling steadily to set the hook proper.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of flats fishing - incredibly spooky and challenging fish that can reach 30-40 pounds. They cruise our sandy flats and turtle grass beds, often in water so shallow their tall backs nearly break the surface. Spring through fall gives you the best shot, especially April to October when they're most active. What makes them special is their wariness - those golf ball-sized eyes that rotate almost 360 degrees spot everything. Most anglers consider landing one a career achievement. They're strong fighters that make long, powerful runs when hooked. Live blue crabs are the gold standard for bait, but sight fishing with flies works too. The trick is getting within 40 feet without spooking them, then presenting your bait well ahead of where they're heading. Move slow, keep quiet, and be ready for refusals - that's just permit fishing.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are perfect backcountry targets, cruising our shallow flats in just 1-4 feet of water. You'll spot them by their copper-bronze backs and that signature black eyespot near the tail. Most fish we catch run 20-30 inches, but don't be surprised by a 40-incher showing up. They love oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines where they root around for crabs and shrimp. Fall and winter months are prime time when they school up in bigger numbers. What guests love is their aggressive strikes and strong fights - they'll make long runs and really test your drag. Plus, they're excellent eating with mild, flaky meat. The secret is watching for their tails or backs breaking the surface as they feed head-down. Cast ahead of their path, not right on top of them, or they'll spook every time.
Megalops AtlanticusThe Silver King is what every angler dreams about - fish that can reach 6-8 feet and over 100 pounds. We find them in the deeper channels and around the flats edges, especially during their spring migration from April through July. What makes tarpon special isn't the eating (we release them all), it's watching a 150-pound fish launch itself 10 feet out of the water when hooked. They're ambush predators that cruise shallow waters looking for baitfish. The fight is legendary - pure power and aerial acrobatics that'll wear you down fast. Best action happens on the moving tides, particularly dawn and dusk. Here's the key: when that tarpon jumps, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward the water. Keeps tension off the line so they can't throw the hook during those wild jumps.
Islamorada