Half Day Or Full Day Fishing In Islamorada
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Captain Bill offers 5, 6, and 8hour fishing options.Target Snapper, Grouper, Mackerel, and MahiMahi seasonally.Four decades of experience with all skill levels welcome.
Captain Bill's been working these waters around Marathon and Islamorada for over forty years, and he's got the kind of local knowledge that turns good fishing days into great ones. When you step aboard his boat, you're getting more than just a ride to the fishing grounds - you're tapping into decades of experience targeting sheepshead, snook, and tarpon in some of Florida's most productive inshore waters. Whether you choose a 5-hour, 6-hour, or 8-hour trip, Captain Bill keeps things relaxed and focused on putting fish in the boat. He provides all the gear, handles the licenses, and welcomes up to 3 guests who want to experience what makes this stretch of the Keys so special for anglers.
Your day starts early when you meet Captain Bill at the marina, where his well-equipped boat is loaded with quality rods, reels, and tackle suited for the species you'll be targeting. The atmosphere on board stays friendly and laid-back throughout the trip - this isn't about showing off or competing with other anglers. It's about learning the water, understanding fish behavior, and having a productive day whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time. Captain Bill's approach focuses on teaching as much as catching, so expect plenty of tips about reading the water, understanding tides, and recognizing the subtle signs that indicate where fish are holding. The boat stays comfortable for small groups, giving everyone room to fish without crowding, and the flexible trip lengths mean you can choose an option that fits your schedule and stamina level.
Inshore fishing around Marathon and Islamorada demands a different approach than offshore fishing, and Captain Bill has mastered the techniques that work best in these shallow, structure-rich waters. You'll be using lighter tackle that's perfectly matched to the species - spinning reels loaded with braided line for snook around mangroves, medium-heavy setups for stubborn sheepshead near bridges and docks, and specialized gear when tarpon are rolling. The fishing style varies throughout the day as you move between different types of structure. Early morning might find you casting live bait near mangrove shorelines where snook ambush prey, while midday could involve precise presentations around bridge pilings where sheepshead pick at crabs and barnacles. Captain Bill reads the conditions and adjusts tactics accordingly - sometimes that means switching from live bait to artificials, other times it involves moving to different depths or structure types based on tide movement and fish activity.
Snook are the crown jewel of Florida inshore fishing, and the waters around Marathon offer some of the most consistent snook action in the Keys. These ambush predators love structure - you'll find them tucked under mangrove overhangs, lurking near bridge pilings, and cruising shallow flats during tide changes. Snook are notorious for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights, often jumping multiple times and making powerful runs toward cover. They're most active during dawn and dusk, but experienced captains like Bill know how to find them throughout the day by reading water temperature, tide movement, and baitfish activity. What makes snook so exciting isn't just their fight - it's their intelligence and wariness that makes every hookup feel earned.
Tarpon fishing in this area is legendary for good reason. These silver giants, often called the "Silver King," can range from juvenile fish in the 10-30 pound range to massive adults exceeding 100 pounds. The waters around Islamorada and Marathon serve as both nursery areas for smaller tarpon and migration routes for the big fish. Tarpon are pure adrenaline - they fight with incredible power, launching themselves completely out of the water in spectacular displays. The best tarpon fishing typically runs from late spring through summer, but resident fish can be found year-round. What sets tarpon apart is their longevity and ancient lineage - you're battling a fish that can live over 50 years and has remained virtually unchanged for millions of years.
Sheepshead might not win any beauty contests, but they're one of the most challenging and rewarding fish to target consistently. These black-and-white striped fish have incredibly sharp eyesight and human-like teeth that make them notorious bait thieves. They congregate around structure like bridge pilings, dock posts, and artificial reefs where they feed on crabs, barnacles, and other crustaceans. Sheepshead fishing requires patience, light tackle, and precise presentations - they're famous for stealing bait so subtly that inexperienced anglers never feel the bite. The reward for mastering sheepshead technique is some of the best eating fish in the ocean and the satisfaction of outwitting one of the wariest species in the water. Peak sheepshead season runs through the cooler months, making them perfect targets when other species are less active.
Captain Bill's combination of local expertise, quality equipment, and flexible scheduling makes this trip a top choice for anglers serious about experiencing the best inshore fishing the Keys have to offer. With over four decades on these waters, he's developed the kind of instincts and knowledge that can't be learned from books or videos. The intimate boat size means personalized attention and instruction, while the variety of trip lengths lets you choose an option that matches your goals and available time. Whether you're looking to cross tarpon off your bucket list, learn the finesse required for sheepshead, or experience the power of a big snook, this trip delivers the authentic Florida Keys fishing experience you're seeking. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly when you're ready to secure your spot on the water.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the thinking angler's fish - they're smart and require finesse to catch consistently. Most run 2-5 pounds and 14-18 inches, with occasional fish hitting 10+ pounds. You'll find them glued to any structure with barnacles: bridge pilings, docks, wrecks, and reefs in 10-30 feet of water. Winter and early spring are peak season when they school up for spawning. Guests love them because they're challenge to hook and make outstanding table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They're famous for their human-like teeth and their ability to steal bait. Pro tip: use a small hook with fresh shrimp and keep it right against the structure. When you feel that subtle tap-tap, set the hook hard - they have tough mouths.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most prized gamefish here in Marathon. These sleek silver fish with their distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-28 inches, though we see plenty that push 35+ inches. They love hanging around mangroves, docks, and bridge pilings in shallow water, usually less than 20 feet deep. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially around new and full moons when they're most active. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and acrobatic jumps - they'll test your drag for sure. The meat is fantastic too, firm and white with a clean taste. Here's a tip from my years on these waters: when you're working structure, keep your bait tight to the cover. Snook are ambush predators and won't chase far from their hiding spots.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon fishing is what bucket lists are made of. These silver giants average 80-150 pounds around Marathon, but we hook fish pushing 200+ pounds regularly. They cruise the flats, channels, and bridges in 10-40 feet of water, feeding on schools of baitfish. May through August is prime time when the migration brings thousands through our waters. What guests love most is the fight - tarpon jump repeatedly, sometimes 10 feet out of the water, and can run for hundreds of yards. We practice catch and release since they're not great table fare anyway. My advice: when that tarpon jumps, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward the water. This keeps tension off the line and prevents the hook from pulling free during those wild aerial displays.
Marathon, FL