Premium Tarpon and Permit Trips with Captain Bill
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Captain Bill offers 42 years of local Islamorada fishing expertiseTarget legendary Tarpon plus Snook and Redfish seasonallyFully equipped boat accommodates up to 4 guests comfortably
Captain Bill has been working these flats and backcountry waters around Islamorada for over four decades, and he knows exactly where the fish are holding. This half-day or full-day charter puts you right in the heart of the Florida Keys' most productive inshore waters, targeting some of the most sought-after species in shallow water fishing. With room for up to 3 anglers, you'll get personalized attention and expert guidance whether you're casting your first fly or you've been chasing bones and permit for years. The boat comes rigged with top-quality gear, but feel free to bring your own setup if you've got favorites.
Your day starts early when Captain Bill picks you up at the marina, boat loaded with everything you need for a productive day on the flats. The beauty of Islamorada inshore fishing is the variety – one minute you're sight-casting to tailing bonefish in knee-deep water, the next you're working a channel edge where tarpon are rolling. Captain Bill reads these waters like a book, adjusting tactics based on tides, weather, and what the fish are doing that particular day. The shallow draft boat lets you access skinny water spots that bigger vessels can't reach, putting you on fish that don't see as much pressure. Expect to cover different areas throughout the day, from turtle grass flats to mangrove shorelines, each offering its own fishing opportunities.
Captain Bill runs a fully equipped boat with spinning gear, fly rods, and everything in between. Most of the fishing happens sight-casting – you'll actually see the fish before you cast to them, which makes every hookup that much more exciting. Live bait works great for tarpon and snook, especially around structure, while artificial lures shine when fish are actively feeding. If you're into fly fishing, these flats are perfect for it. The water clarity lets you spot fish from a good distance, giving you time to get positioned for a good presentation. Captain Bill will pole the boat into position or use the trolling motor to stay quiet, then coach you through the cast and retrieve. Wind can be a factor, so he'll always have backup spots that fish well regardless of conditions.
Bonefish are the bread and butter of Islamorada flats fishing, and these waters hold some real quality fish. They cruise the shallow flats looking for crabs and shrimp, often showing their tails when they're feeding head-down. Bones average 3-6 pounds here, but Captain Bill knows spots where double-digit fish show up regularly. They're incredibly spooky, so quiet approaches and accurate casts are key. The fight is legendary – they'll make blistering runs that test your drag and backing.
Permit are the holy grail for many flats anglers, and Islamorada's waters are among the best places in the world to target them. These disc-shaped fish are notoriously picky eaters, often following a crab fly or bait for dozens of yards before deciding whether to eat. They're most active during moving tides, especially around channel edges and sandy potholes. A permit on fly is considered one of angling's greatest achievements, and Captain Bill has put countless anglers on their first – and sometimes only – permit.
Tarpon fishing around Islamorada is world-class, particularly during the spring and summer months when the big fish migrate through. These silver kings can exceed 100 pounds and are famous for their acrobatic jumps when hooked. Captain Bill targets them around bridges, channels, and deeper flats using live bait, flies, or plugs. The fights are spectacular – expect multiple jumps and long runs that can last 30 minutes or more. Even smaller tarpon in the 20-40 pound range put up incredible battles in shallow water.
Snook hang around structure like mangrove shorelines, docks, and creek mouths, ambushing baitfish and crustaceans. They're aggressive feeders when conditions are right, but they can also be finicky, requiring precise presentations. These fish average 5-15 pounds in the backcountry, with bigger specimens holding in deeper channels and around passes. Snook are excellent table fare, though many anglers practice catch and release to preserve the fishery.
Captain Bill's 42 years of local knowledge and proven track record make this charter a customer favorite among serious anglers visiting Islamorada. The personalized attention you get with only 3 anglers max means more shots at fish and better instruction. Whether you choose the half-day option to sample the fishing or go full-day for the complete experience, you'll come away with a deeper appreciation for what makes Keys flats fishing so special. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly. These productive waters and Captain Bill's expertise combine for consistently good fishing – book your trip and see why anglers keep coming back to fish these legendary flats.
Captain Bill's motorboat cuts through Islamorada's legendary flats with ease, powered by reliable engines that get you to the hottest fishing spots without spooking the fish. The GPS keeps you locked onto productive waters while the fish finder reveals what's lurking below – whether it's a massive tarpon cruising the channels or permit working the sandy bottoms. With VHF radio onboard, you stay connected to other captains sharing intel on where the bite is happening. This setup handles up to 3 anglers comfortably, giving everyone room to cast without tangling lines. The shallow-draft design lets you slip into skinny water where bonefish tail and redfish hunt, places bigger boats can't reach. Captain Bill's 42 years of local knowledge means he knows every creek, flat, and drop-off around these keys. The boat's layout keeps tackle organized and within reach when that permit finally shows up in casting range.
Albula VulpesThe "grey ghost" of the flats lives up to its nickname - these torpedo-shaped fish are masters of camouflage. Most bonefish run 3-8 pounds and 16-24 inches, cruising grass flats and sandy bottoms in just inches of water. You'll spot them tailing while they dig for crabs and shrimp, especially on incoming tides. They're active year-round here, but spring and fall offer the best action. What makes bonefishing addictive is the sight-fishing challenge and their lightning-fast runs - they'll peel 100 yards of line before you know it. We release them all since they're too bony to eat well. Watch for nervous water and dark shadows moving across the flats. Cast a small shrimp or crab pattern well ahead of cruising fish and strip it slowly.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of flats fishing - spooky, smart, and stubborn as hell. Most average 8-15 pounds with that distinctive tall, flat profile and forked tail. They cruise grass flats and sandy bottoms in 2-10 feet, often solo or in small groups. Spring through fall is prime time, especially April to October when they're most active. What makes permit so addictive is the challenge - they have incredible eyesight and will spook at the slightest mistake. But when you hook one, they make blistering runs and fight like they're twice their size. Live blue crabs are the gold standard bait, but small crab flies work too. My secret: look for their dark backs cruising the edges of turtle grass beds. Cast well ahead and let the bait settle naturally.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are ambush predators that love structure - you'll find them around mangroves, docks, and bridges in 2-20 feet of water. Most run 18-28 inches, but we catch plenty in the 30+ range during peak season from May through September when they spawn. They're temperature sensitive, so cooler fronts can shut them down fast. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll run straight for cover every time. The meat is outstanding, white and flaky with no fishy taste. My best tip: work your lure slow along the mangrove edge during moving water. Snook sit tight to cover, so get that bait right in their face. Live shrimp and swimbaits work great, but don't overlook topwater at dawn and dusk.
Megalops AtlanticusThese silver giants are what dreams are made of. Most tarpon we see run 80-150 pounds, but 200+ pounders show up regularly during peak season from April through July. They cruise the flats, channels, and bridges in 6-60 feet, often rolling on the surface to gulp air. What hooks people is the jump - tarpon can launch 8 feet out of the water and make runs that'll burn your drag. They're strictly catch and release since the meat isn't great, but landing one is a lifetime memory. The key is keeping steady pressure without pulling too hard - they throw hooks easily. During the spawn, look for big schools rolling in deeper water. Live crabs and mullet work best, but they'll eat flies too. Stay patient and keep that rod tip down when they jump.
Marathon, FL