4-Hour Fly Fishing Adventure in Islamorada
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour fly fishing charter in pristine Islamorada watersExpert guides provide instruction for all skill levelsSmall group experience accommodating up to two guests
Picture this: you're standing on the bow of a world-class fishing charter, rod in hand, watching the crystal-clear waters of Islamorada stretch out before you. This isn't just any fishing trip—this is a dedicated fly fishing experience that puts you right in the heart of the Florida Keys' most productive inshore waters. Billy B Fishing Charters has crafted this 4-hour adventure specifically for anglers who want to master the art of fly fishing or seasoned pros looking to test their skills against some of the most sought-after species in these waters. With just two guests max, you'll get the personalized attention that makes all the difference between a good day and a legendary one.
Your captain knows these Islamorada flats like the back of his hand, and that local knowledge is what separates this trip from the rest. We'll be targeting the shallow grass flats, mangrove shorelines, and clear sandy bottoms where sight fishing becomes an art form. The beauty of fly fishing here is the visual game—you'll actually see your targets cruising before you make your cast. Our guides will position the boat perfectly, keeping noise to a minimum and using the wind and tide to your advantage. The intimate 2-person capacity means you won't be fighting for casting room or waiting your turn when the action heats up. Whether you're learning to double-haul for the first time or perfecting your presentation to spooky fish, our guides will coach you through every cast. The 4-hour window hits that sweet spot—long enough to really get into the rhythm but not so long that your casting arm gives out.
We're talking about sight fishing with 8 and 9-weight rods, perfect for the species we're after in these waters. The gear is top-rated and maintained to handle everything from hard-fighting tarpon to lightning-fast Spanish mackerel. You'll be using floating lines most of the time, with leaders ranging from 12 to 20 pounds depending on what we're targeting. The flies? We've got streamers that mimic glass minnows, crab patterns for snook around the mangroves, and shrimp imitations that drive sea trout crazy. If you're new to saltwater fly fishing, don't sweat it—the learning curve is part of the fun. Our guides will teach you the saltwater strip retrieve, how to handle wind, and most importantly, how to spot fish before they spot you. For experienced fly anglers, this is your chance to work on technical casts and deal with the challenges that make saltwater fly fishing so addictive.
Spanish Mackerel are absolute rockets when they hit a fly, and Islamorada's grass flats hold some serious schools during the cooler months. These chrome-sided fighters typically run 2-4 pounds but what they lack in size, they make up for in speed and aerial acrobatics. They're most active early morning and late afternoon, and when you find them feeding, it's game on. The visual strikes are what get fly anglers hooked—watching a mackerel missile toward your streamer from 20 feet away never gets old.
Snook are the crown jewel of inshore fly fishing, and the mangrove edges around Islamorada hold some beautiful fish. These ambush predators love structure, so you'll be casting tight to the mangroves where precision counts. They're most active during moving water, and a well-presented fly along a shadowy shoreline can trigger explosive strikes. Snook are notorious for their gill-rattling jumps and powerful runs back toward cover. Summer months are prime time, but we see good numbers year-round in these protected waters.
Grey Snapper might not be the flashiest fighters, but they're smart as whip and will test your presentation skills. These bottom-dwellers are surprisingly willing to come up for a well-placed fly, especially around structure or over grass beds. They're excellent for beginners because they're forgiving on the hook-set and give you time to work the fish properly. The bonus? They're some of the best eating fish in these waters if you decide to keep a few for dinner.
Tarpon are the holy grail of fly fishing, and even the juvenile fish we target in Islamorada will give you a workout. These silver kings are pure muscle and attitude, known for their spectacular jumps and long, powerful runs. Baby tarpon in the 10-30 pound range are perfect for fly tackle and will push your gear to the limit. They're most active during warmer months and love areas where fresh and salt water mix. Landing your first tarpon on fly tackle is a rite of passage that'll have you planning your next trip before you're back at the dock.
Sea Trout are the bread and butter of grass flat fishing, and they absolutely love a properly presented fly. These spotted beauties are most active during cooler parts of the day and will often give you multiple chances if you don't spook them on the first cast. They're perfect for working on your technique because they're relatively forgiving but still require good presentation. The larger trout are incredibly smart and will humble even experienced anglers, making them a favorite target for guides who know where the big ones hide.
This isn't your typical party boat fishing trip—it's a specialized fly fishing experience that delivers the kind of action and instruction that keeps anglers coming back season after season. The combination of Islamorada's world-renowned flats, expert guiding, and the right boat for just two people creates the perfect recipe for a memorable day on the water. Whether you're looking to cross tarpon off your bucket list, perfect your casting technique, or just experience the best inshore fly fishing the Florida Keys has to offer, this 4-hour adventure hits all the marks. The intimate setting means personalized instruction, better fishing opportunities, and the kind of attention
Your fly fishing adventure runs on a 2014 24' Ranger center console that's built for serious angling in Islamorada's legendary flats. This beauty packs a 300HP Yamaha that'll get you to the prime spots fast, then the wireless trolling motor takes over for whisper-quiet positioning when you're stalking tarpon or bonefish. The spacious deck gives you plenty of room to work your cast, while the fish finder helps locate schools and the GPS keeps us on productive waters. Rain or shine, the radar ensures safe navigation, and the onboard sound system keeps things relaxed between catches. Perfect setup for mastering your fly technique in some of Florida's most productive inshore waters.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snappers, or mangrove snappers as locals call them, are crafty fish that'll test your patience. Most around here run 12-16 inches, but the deeper water fish can push 4-5 pounds. They hang around any structure they can find - mangroves, docks, coral heads, and rocky bottom in 5-30 feet. These opportunistic feeders are most active at night, but you can catch them during the day if you're quiet. What makes them fun targets is they're always looking for an easy meal, but they're spooky enough to keep you honest. They're also some of the best eating fish in these waters - sweet, flaky white meat. My tip: once you hook one, work the area thoroughly. Where there's one grey snapper, there's usually a whole school nearby, and the commotion often gets the others fired up.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout are perfect fly rod fish - they hit soft and fight scrappy in shallow water. Most run 14-18 inches around the flats, with occasional 3-4 pounders mixed in. You'll find them over grass beds in 2-8 feet, especially around potholes and sandy edges where they ambush shrimp and small fish. Dawn, dusk, and nighttime are prime, but overcast days can be productive too. Fall through spring are best when water temps cool down. What guests love is their willingness to eat and their sporty fight on light tackle. They're also excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat that's hard to beat. The key is working your fly slow and low - these fish aren't aggressive feeders like snook. A shrimp pattern stripped slowly over grass beds is deadly, and don't overlook the sandy pockets where they like to hunt.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the perfect ambush predators - they'll sit tight against mangroves, docks, and bridges waiting to smash your fly. Most run 20-30 inches around here, but you'll hook into some real slabs pushing 40+ inches. They love structure in shallow water, especially during moving tides when bait gets flushed past their hiding spots. Spring through fall are prime months, with dawn and dusk being magic hours. What guests love about snook is their explosive strikes and gill-rattling jumps - they'll clear the water multiple times trying to throw your hook. They're also fantastic eating with sweet, white meat. One thing to remember: snook are super structure-oriented, so get your fly right against the cover. Don't worry about spooking them - they're more likely to eat when your fly lands close to their hideout.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that'll give you a solid fight on light tackle. These silver speedsters with their distinctive yellow spots typically run 1-3 pounds around Islamorada, though bigger ones show up. They love structure - bridges, wrecks, and reef edges where baitfish gather. You'll find them in 10-40 feet of water, often feeding near the surface in schools. Spring through fall are prime times, especially when water temps hit the mid-70s and bait is thick. What makes them great targets is their willingness to hit flies and their acrobatic jumps when hooked. Plus, they're excellent eating - firm, white meat that's perfect grilled. Local tip: when you see diving birds, get there fast. Spanish mackerel often feed in the same bait schools, and the action can be non-stop once you find them.
Megalops AtlanticusThe silver king - nothing compares to watching a 100-pound tarpon launch itself 6 feet out of the water. These giants typically run 80-150 pounds around Islamorada, living in both shallow flats and deeper channels. You'll find them rolling on the surface in 3-15 feet over grass beds, especially during their spring migration from March through July. What makes tarpon special isn't just their size - it's their aerial show and that heart-stopping moment when they eat your fly. They're pure catch-and-release fish due to their bony meat, but landing one is a lifetime memory. The secret is keeping steady pressure and your rod tip down when they jump - that's when most fish throw the hook. Also, these fish have mouths like concrete, so a sharp hook and solid hookset are crucial. Patience pays off - some days they're picky, others they'll eat anything you throw.
Islamorada, FL