Islamorada Guided Inshore Trip with Captain Juan
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Extended 6hour inshore charter targeting snook, tarpon, and redfishCaptain Juan Garcia guides trips through Islamorada backcountry watersAccommodates up to 4 guests with flexible planning for all skill levels
Looking for a solid day on the water in one of Florida's most productive fishing destinations? Captain Juan Garcia's 6-hour inshore charter out of Islamorada delivers exactly what serious anglers are after. This isn't your typical half-day rush job – we're talking about a full three-quarter day adventure that gives you real time to work the flats, mangroves, and channels where the big fish hang out. With nearly two decades guiding these waters, Captain Juan knows every productive spot from Tavernier Creek to Long Key, and he's not shy about putting you on fish. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who lives for the bite, this charter accommodates up to 4 anglers and focuses on the holy trinity of Florida Keys inshore fishing: snook, tarpon, and redfish.
Six hours gives us the luxury of really working an area instead of just hitting the highlights. Captain Juan starts the day by reading conditions – wind, tide, water temperature – then adjusts the game plan accordingly. Maybe we're sight-fishing the flats at first light when the water's glass calm, or perhaps we're working structure during a moving tide when the bait gets active. The beauty of this extended trip is flexibility. If the tarpon are rolling in one spot, we can stay and work them properly. If the snook bite turns on heavy in the mangroves, we've got time to capitalize. The boat's equipped with quality tackle, but seasoned anglers often bring their own favorites. Live bait, artificials, fly gear – Captain Juan adapts to your preferred style and keeps multiple techniques in play throughout the day. Expect to cover different types of water, from shallow grass flats where you can see bottom in two feet of water to deeper channels and cuts where the big fish ambush prey.
Islamorada's backcountry offers every type of inshore fishing scenario you could want, and Captain Juan uses them all. Sight-fishing the flats with spinning gear or fly rods gets your heart pumping when you spot a laid-up tarpon or cruising redfish. We'll work the mangrove shorelines with live pilchards or pinfish, bouncing baits along undercuts where snook love to hide. Artificial presentations come into play around structure – soft plastics, topwater plugs, and spoons all have their moments depending on conditions and fish behavior. Captain Juan's particularly skilled at reading water and putting clients in position for clean shots at fish. The boat's positioned with trolling motor precision, keeping noise down and giving you the best angle for presentation. Light tackle is the name of the game here – 15 to 20-pound spinning setups let you feel every head shake while still having enough backbone to turn a fish away from structure. Fly anglers get special attention, with Captain Juan positioning the boat for optimal casting angles and helping spot fish before they spook.
The snook fishing around Islamorada has been absolutely lights-out this year, particularly in the mangrove creeks and around dock structures. These ambush predators average 24 to 30 inches, with plenty of slot fish and some real doormat-sized specimens pushing 35 inches or better. Peak action typically comes during moving water, especially the last two hours of incoming tide when baitfish get pushed tight to structure. What makes snook fishing so addictive is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight – they'll try every trick to wrap you around a mangrove root or dock piling. Tarpon season brings a different kind of excitement, with fish ranging from juvenile "baby" tarpon in the 20 to 40-pound range up to mature adults exceeding 100 pounds. These silver kings are most active during warmer months, from April through October, but smaller tarpon provide action year-round in the backcountry. The aerial display when you hook a tarpon never gets old – multiple jumps, gill-rattling head shakes, and runs that'll test your drag system.
Redfish have made a strong comeback in recent years, and the Islamorada flats are holding some beautiful specimens. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 22 to 28 inches in the shallows, though larger "bull" reds patrol deeper edges and channels. Sight-fishing for reds on the flats ranks among the most exciting inshore fishing experiences – watching a red's back and tail break the surface as it roots for crabs in knee-deep water gets your adrenaline flowing immediately. Sheepshead add variety to the mix, especially around structure like bridges, docks, and rocky areas. These black-and-white striped convicts are notorious bait thieves with incredible bite detection, making them a fun challenge on light tackle. Sea trout round out the species mix, particularly during cooler months when they school up in deeper grass beds and channel edges. These spotted beauties are excellent table fare and provide steady action when other species are being finicky.
Captain Juan's 6-hour Islamorada charter represents serious value for anglers who want more than just a quick fishing fix. The extended time on water means better odds at multiple species, opportunities to work different techniques, and the chance to really dial in on productive patterns. This trip consistently ranks as a customer favorite because it delivers the complete Keys fishing experience without feeling rushed. The backcountry around Islamorada offers some of the most diverse and productive inshore fishing in Florida, and six hours gives you time to experience it properly. Whether you're targeting your first tarpon, looking to upgrade your snook personal best, or just want a day away from crowds working pristine flats, this charter delivers. Captain Juan's local knowledge, combined with quality equipment and flexible approach, creates the perfect setup for an outstanding day of fishing. Book early, especially during peak season, as these longer trips fill up quickly with repeat customers and referrals.
This restored 2006 Ranger 22-footer is your ticket to Islamorada's prime fishing grounds. The center console design gives everyone easy access to the action while chasing snook around mangroves or sight-casting to tailing redfish on the flats. Captain Juan keeps this bay boat dialed in with modern electronics including GPS and fish finder to locate those deeper tarpon holes when the silver kings are rolling. The wireless trolling motor lets you slip into skinny water without spooking fish, while the spacious deck provides room for four anglers to work comfortably. An icebox keeps your drinks cold during those long Florida Keys days, and plenty of storage handles all the tackle you'll need for targeting these legendary inshore species. The stable platform makes it perfect for both seasoned anglers and beginners learning to read the backcountry waters.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of Islamorada flats fishing, and those copper-colored beauties with the distinctive black spots never get old. Most slot fish run 18-27 inches, perfect eating size, while the bigger "bulls" over 27 inches put up serious fights before we release them. Look for reds cruising turtle grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove edges in 1-4 feet of water. They feed year-round here, but fall and winter offer some of the most consistent action. What makes redfish special is their willingness to eat almost anything - live shrimp, cut bait, or artificials - and they fight like freight trains with powerful runs. Plus, slot-size reds are some of the best eating fish in the ocean. Here's my go-to trick: when you spot tailing reds, cast well ahead of them and let your bait settle. They spook easily when feeding, but patient anglers get rewarded.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them, are perfect starter fish that'll keep experienced anglers busy too. Most range 14-20 inches with some nice 3-4 pounders mixed in. They cruise grass flats in 2-8 feet of water, especially during cooler months when they school up in deeper holes. Dawn and dusk produce the best bites, and they're active year-round in our mild climate. Guests love them because they hit lures aggressively, fight well for their size, and make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. They're also great on light tackle, perfect for kids or anyone wanting steady action. Local secret: fish the grass edges with a popping cork and live shrimp. Let it sit still for 30 seconds between pops - that pause often triggers strikes from trout that have been following but not committing.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of the flats with their black and white stripes, but don't let their looks fool you - they're some of the tastiest fish in these waters. Most run 2-5 pounds and 14-18 inches, perfect for the dinner table. You'll find them around any structure with barnacles: bridge pilings, docks, and rock piles where they use those human-like teeth to crunch crustaceans. Winter and spring are prime time when they school up for spawning. What guests love is the challenge - sheepshead are notorious bait thieves with light, finicky bites that'll test your patience. But that flaky white meat is worth every frustrating nibble. Pro tip: use small hooks with fresh shrimp and keep your bait tight to the structure. The second you feel weight, set that hook hard or they'll steal your bait.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Florida's most prized inshore game fish, and for good reason. These sleek, golden fish with their distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-28 inches around Islamorada, though we catch plenty in the 30+ inch range. They love hanging around mangrove shorelines, docks, and creek mouths where they ambush baitfish. Spring through fall gives us the best action, especially during moving tides at dawn and dusk. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and stubborn fight - they'll jump, run, and try every trick to throw your hook. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat. Here's a local tip: cast your lure right into the mangrove roots where other anglers won't go. That's where the big ones hide, and a quick retrieve often triggers the most aggressive strikes.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate Florida Keys experience - nothing compares to watching a 100-pound silver king launch itself six feet out of the water. These giants typically range from 80-150 pounds in our waters, though we see some real monsters pushing 200. They love the deeper channels and basin edges around Islamorada, especially during the spring and summer months when they're migrating through. What draws anglers back is pure athleticism - tarpon will jump repeatedly, strip line like nothing else, and test every bit of your tackle and patience. Most folks release them since they're not great table fare, but landing one is a lifetime memory. My advice: when that tarpon jumps, bow to the fish by lowering your rod tip toward the water. It prevents the line from snapping on those head shakes that'll break your heart.
Islamorada