Half Day Guided Fishing Trip In Islamorada
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fishing targeting bonefish and permit speciesPrivate charter accommodates up to 3 guests with experienced captainAll fishing equipment and safety gear provided onboard
Captain Bill knows these Islamorada flats like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some of the best inshore action the Keys have to offer. This half-day charter targets the holy grail of shallow water fishing – bonefish, permit, tarpon, and snook – species that make grown anglers weak in the knees. With space for up to 3 guests, you're getting a personalized experience that big party boats simply can't match. Whether you're a fly fishing fanatic or prefer spinning gear, Captain Bill tailors each trip to your crew's skill level and preferences. The boat comes equipped with top-shelf rods, reels, and all the terminal tackle you'll need, plus essential safety gear for peace of mind on the water.
Your day starts early – that's when the fish are most active and the flats are glassy calm. Captain Bill's boat is perfectly rigged for sight fishing the skinny water around Islamorada, where crystal-clear shallows reveal every fin and shadow below. You'll spend your time poling through turtle grass beds, cruising mangrove shorelines, and working the edges where deeper water meets the flats. The whole experience revolves around stealth and precision – spotting fish before they spot you, making accurate casts, and fighting fish in water so shallow you can practically touch bottom. Don't expect to just sit back and wait for bites; this is active, visual fishing that keeps your adrenaline pumping. Captain Bill handles the boat positioning and fish spotting while coaching you through each cast and hookup. The half-day format gives you a solid taste of flats fishing without the full commitment, making it perfect for families or first-timers who want to test the waters.
Captain Bill runs a clean operation with quality equipment that can handle anything from schooling bonefish to massive tarpon. His rod selection covers both spinning and fly fishing setups, loaded with appropriate lines for the conditions and target species. For bonefish and permit, expect lighter tackle – 8 to 12-pound test spinning gear or 8-weight fly rods that let you feel every head shake and run. When tarpon are the focus, the gear steps up considerably with heavy spinning rods and 10 to 12-weight fly rods capable of moving fish away from structure. Live shrimp, crabs, and small baitfish make up the live bait arsenal, while the artificial selection includes proven flats patterns like gotcha plugs, spoons, and an assortment of jigs. Fly anglers get access to Captain Bill's local fly selection – shrimp patterns, crabs, and baitfish imitations tied specifically for Keys fishing. The boat's shallow draft and quiet trolling motor allow access to water barely deep enough to float, where the biggest fish often cruise undisturbed. Polarized sunglasses are absolutely essential for sight fishing success, and Captain Bill ensures everyone has quality eyewear if needed.
Bonefish are the bread and butter of Islamorada flats fishing, earning their reputation as one of the smartest fish that swims. These chrome-sided ghosts average 3 to 8 pounds but pack the power of fish twice their size. Peak season runs from October through May when cooler water brings them onto the flats in good numbers, though you can find them year-round if you know where to look. What makes bonefish special isn't just their blistering runs – it's the chess match of approaching them without spooking the entire school. They feed by tailing in ultra-shallow water, giving away their location with dorsals and tails breaking the surface as they root for crabs and shrimp.
Permit represent the ultimate challenge in flats fishing, considered by many the hardest fish to fool on fly or light tackle. These disc-shaped beauties average 10 to 20 pounds and possess an almost supernatural ability to detect something amiss with a presentation. They're most active during the warmer months from April through October, often found cruising in slightly deeper water than bonefish or hanging around wrecks and channel edges. Landing a permit is a badge of honor that separates casual anglers from serious flats fishermen. Their powerful runs and stubborn fighting style combined with their spooky nature make every permit encounter a heart-pounding experience.
Tarpon fishing around Islamorada offers encounters with fish ranging from juvenile "baby" tarpon of 10 to 30 pounds up to massive adults exceeding 150 pounds. The smaller fish provide non-stop action in the backcountry year-round, while the giants show up during their famous migration from April through July. These silver kings are pure spectacle – jumping, tail-walking, and bulldogging with prehistoric power that tests both angler skill and equipment limits. Even smaller tarpon will humble experienced fishermen with their acrobatic displays and surprising strength.
Snook add another dimension to your flats experience, lurking around mangrove shorelines, docks, and structure where they ambush passing baitfish. These aggressive predators hit hard and fight dirty, using their razor-sharp gill plates and every piece of cover available to cut you off. Prime snook fishing coincides with warmer water from late spring through early fall, though Islamorada's year-round warmth keeps some fish active in winter. Their distinctive black lateral line and sloped snout make them unmistakable, and their willingness to crush topwater lures creates some of the most exciting strikes you'll experience.
This half-day trip with Captain Bill delivers a concentrated dose of world-class flats fishing without breaking the bank or eating up your entire vacation day. The intimate 3-angler maximum ensures personalized attention and better fishing opportunities compared to crowded party boats. With quality gear, local expertise, and access to Islamorada's most productive flats, you
Captain Bill's fishing boat cuts through Islamorada's shallow waters like it was built for the flats. The GPS keeps you on the best fishing spots while the fish finder shows what's swimming below. When you hook into a bonefish or permit, you'll appreciate having the VHF radio for safety and the captain's local knowledge guiding every cast. This motorboat handles the backcountry channels perfectly, getting you close to where these silver ghosts feed without spooking them. With room for 3 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the water without tangling lines. The boat's setup lets Captain Bill position you for the best shots at cruising fish while staying comfortable in the Florida Keys sun.
Albula VulpesBonefish are called the "grey ghost" for good reason - they're masters of camouflage on the flats. These silver, torpedo-shaped fish typically weigh 3-8 pounds and stretch 16-24 inches, but their speed is what gets your attention. They cruise grass flats, sand bars, and muddy bottoms in super shallow water, sometimes just inches deep. Year-round fishing here, but spring and fall offer the most consistent action. What makes bones special is the hunt - you're sight fishing to individual fish or small schools, then watching them make 100-yard runs once hooked. They're built for speed, hitting 30 mph in seconds. Most folks release them since they're pretty bony to eat. The real reward is the challenge and that screaming run. Here's the key: look for "tailing" fish - when they're feeding head-down with their tails breaking the surface. Approach quietly and cast your live shrimp well ahead of where they're moving.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are hands down the most challenging fish on the flats - they're like the PhD of sight fishing. These silver, disc-shaped fish typically run 10-30 pounds with some reaching 40-plus. They've got massive eyes that see everything, making them incredibly spooky. You'll spot them on shallow grass flats, sand bars, and around wrecks in 2-15 feet of water. April through October is prime time when they're spawning, but we catch them year-round in our warm waters. What makes permit special is the challenge - they're notorious for refusing baits and testing your patience. When you do hook one, they make strong runs and put up a solid fight. Most anglers release them since they're more about the accomplishment than the dinner table. Pro tip: live blue crabs are your best bet. Hook them in the corner of the shell and let them crawl naturally on the bottom. Move slow and keep your distance.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of the most rewarding inshore fish to target around Islamorada. These sleek, golden-colored fish with their distinctive black lateral line typically run 1-3 feet long, though bigger ones push 4 feet. You'll find them hanging around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths in both salt and brackish water. They love structure and ambush their prey with explosive bursts of speed. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially around the spawning months of May to September when they're more aggressive. What makes snook special is their strong fight and excellent table fare - they're one of the few sport fish that taste as good as they fight. Here's a local tip: when fishing around mangroves, cast your live shrimp or pinfish right up against the roots. Snook sit tight to cover and won't chase a bait very far, so accuracy beats distance every time.
Megalops AtlanticusThe silver king is what brings most anglers to the Keys, and for good reason. These prehistoric giants average 80-100 pounds but can push 200-plus, reaching 6-8 feet long. What sets tarpon apart is their aerial show - they'll jump clean out of the water multiple times during a fight, making for some serious rod-bending action. You'll find them rolling on the flats, in channels, and around bridges in 10-60 feet of water. Peak season runs May through July when they migrate through our waters, but we see them most of the year. Most folks target them for the sport since they're tough eating with lots of bones. The fight is what it's all about - pure power and athleticism. Local trick: when you see them rolling, don't cast right at them. Lead the school and let your live bait drift into their path. They spook easily, so patience pays off big time.
Marathon, FL