2-Hour Inshore Fishing in Islamorada Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Familyfriendly 2hour inshore fishing adventure in calm watersExpert guides navigate to secret spots near bridges and channelsQuick 510 minute boat ride accommodates up to 4 guests
Looking for a fishing trip that's perfect for the whole family without the worry of rough seas? Captain Eric Scoble knows exactly where to find the fish in Islamorada's protected inshore waters. This 2-hour adventure gets you to the prime fishing spots in just 5-10 minutes, so you'll spend more time with lines in the water and less time getting there. The shallow, calm waters around Islamorada are famous for holding some serious fish, and Eric's got the local knowledge to put you right on top of them.
This trip is all about maximizing your fishing time in the most comfortable conditions possible. You'll be targeting fish around bridges, channels, and those secret spots that only local captains know about. The beauty of inshore fishing here is that even kids can handle the conditions - no green faces or white knuckles from big waves. Eric keeps the group small at just 4 anglers maximum, so everyone gets plenty of attention and coaching. Whether you're a first-timer or you've been fishing these waters for years, you'll appreciate having a captain who knows exactly where the fish are holding based on tides, weather, and seasonal patterns. The boat setup is family-friendly, with plenty of room to move around and help each other with fish.
Captain Eric comes equipped with all the tackle you'll need for these inshore species. You'll be using medium-action spinning rods perfect for the variety of fish that call these waters home. The typical setup includes live bait like pilchards, pinfish, and shrimp, plus an arsenal of artificial lures for when the fish want something with more action. Around the bridges and channels, you'll often be fishing with jigs and soft plastics, bouncing them along the bottom structure where grouper and snapper like to hang out. When targeting barracuda and jacks, expect to throw some flashy spoons and topwater plugs that really get their attention. The water depth ranges from just a few feet to about 15 feet, so you're always connected to the fight without dealing with heavy sinkers or long drops.
Grey Snapper are the bread and butter of Islamorada inshore fishing, and they're active year-round in these waters. These smart fish love structure, so you'll find them around bridge pilings, channel edges, and rocky bottom areas. They typically run 12-20 inches in the shallows, and they're famous for their quick, hard runs when hooked. What makes them so fun is their willingness to eat both live bait and artificials, plus they're excellent table fare. Peak action usually happens during moving tides, especially in the early morning and late afternoon hours.
Red Grouper are the heavy hitters of this fishery, and landing one is always a highlight of any trip. These bottom dwellers love the rocky ledges and hard bottom areas scattered throughout the inshore waters. They can range from keeper-sized fish around 20 inches up to real bruisers pushing 8-10 pounds. When a red grouper hits, you'll know it - they grab the bait and head straight for their hole, testing your drag and the captain's boat positioning skills. They're most active during cooler months but can be caught year-round if you know where to look.
Great Barracuda bring the speed and excitement that gets everyone's adrenaline pumping. These silver missiles patrol the flats and channel edges, always on the hunt for an easy meal. They're notorious for their explosive strikes and aerial acrobatics once hooked. Size-wise, you might catch anything from 2-foot "snakes" up to 4-foot torpedoes that'll test your equipment. The best action typically happens when using fast-moving lures or live bait fished near the surface. Barracuda are most active during warmer months and love areas with good current flow.
Crevalle Jack are the bulldogs of the inshore waters, known for their incredible fighting ability pound-for-pound. These fish school up around structure and current breaks, and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. They're not picky eaters and will slam both live bait and artificial lures with equal enthusiasm. Most jacks in these waters run 3-8 pounds, but their powerful shoulders and stamina make them feel much bigger. They're perfect for kids and beginners because they're aggressive biters and put up a memorable fight without being too overwhelming to handle.
Black Grouper represent the premium catch on this trip - they're less common than their red cousins but significantly larger when found. These fish prefer slightly deeper edges and more complex bottom structure. A quality black grouper will typically weigh 5-15 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing even bigger numbers. They're ambush predators that require precise bait presentation, often hiding in caves or under ledges waiting for the perfect opportunity. Black grouper are most cooperative during spring and fall months when they're feeding heavily before and after spawning season.
Eric Scoble's 2-hour inshore trip delivers exactly what families and serious anglers are looking for - consistent action in comfortable conditions with a captain who knows these waters inside and out. You'll get hands-on experience with multiple species, learn some local techniques, and create fishing memories that'll last long after you head home. The short duration makes it perfect for fitting into busy vacation schedules, while the productive fishing grounds ensure you'll have plenty of action to keep everyone engaged. Don't wait until you're already in town - these top-rated trips fill up quickly, especially during peak fishing seasons.
This 2021 Skeeter 22' center console is built for serious inshore fishing around Islamorada's flats and channels. The 150HP Yamaha gets you to the fish fast, hitting 40 knots when you need to chase moving schools or beat other boats to prime spots. Perfect size for a family of four to fish comfortably without bumping elbows while fighting tarpon or snook. The fish finder helps locate structure where gamefish hang out, while the GPS keeps you on productive ledges and drop-offs. VHF radio connects you to other captains sharing bite reports. Cold drinks and fresh bait stay chilled in the icebox during those hot Florida fishing days. Built tough for shallow water fishing - this boat gets you into backcountry areas where bigger vessels can't reach the best fishing holes.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack Grouper are the heavyweight champions of our reef fishing, with their dark blotches and powerful build. Most average around 2 feet, but larger specimens can test your tackle and patience. They prefer deeper structure - ledges, wrecks, and rocky bottom from 30-300 feet, moving shallower in cooler months. Winter and spring offer the best chances when they're in closer to shore. Guests love the challenge - these fish fight with pure strength and try to get back to their holes. The meat is excellent, mild and firm. Here's what works: heavy tackle with 80-pound braid minimum. Once you feel that bite, reel immediately - don't let them think about it. They'll suck your bait whole, then dive straight for the rocks to break you off.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jack are the bulldogs of our inshore waters - pure muscle and attitude. These brassy-green fighters typically run 3-5 pounds but feel twice as heavy on the rod. Look for them around structure, grass beds, and anywhere baitfish gather. Year-round fishing is good, but warmer months bring the best action when they school up and push bait to the surface. Watch for diving birds - that's your signal. Guests love their bulldog fight and the way they never give up. They're not great table fare but they're incredible sport fish. The trick is fast retrieval with bright lures - jigs, spoons, or topwater plugs work best. Keep your bait moving aggressively since these fish love the chase. Once you find a school, you can catch several before they move on.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat Barracuda are the speed demons of our flats, hitting 35 mph in short bursts. Most run 2-4 feet long with that unmistakable torpedo shape and razor teeth. You'll find them cruising shallow reefs, mangroves, and grass flats, often alone and hunting by sight. Spring brings the best action when they're most active and aggressive. Guests love the explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps - these fish know how to put on a show. They're challenging gamefish more than table fare due to occasional ciguatera concerns. The key is shiny lures that catch their eye - silver spoons work great. Once hooked, watch for those jumps and use a landing net. Their stamina fades quickly, so keep steady pressure and they'll tire faster than you'd expect.
Lutjanus GriseusAlso called Mangrove Snapper, these greyish-red fish are perfect for our inshore trips. They typically run 1-2 pounds around the mangroves and bridges we fish, though bigger ones lurk in deeper channels. Grey Snappers love structure - docks, pilings, and rocky areas where they ambush prey. They're most active at dawn and dusk, making our early morning trips prime time. What makes them special is their wariness - they're smart fish that test your skills. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky white meat. Here's the trick: use live shrimp hooked through the tail, drop it to the bottom, then lift it just off the structure. Let it sit still - these opportunistic feeders prefer a motionless target they can study before striking.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are some of the toughest fighters you'll find in our shallow waters. Most run 5-10 pounds, with their rusty red color and white spots making them easy to identify. They hang around rocky bottom, ledges, and structure in 10-100 feet of water. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at them when they're actively feeding on crabs and smaller fish. What guests love is the battle - these fish use every ounce of strength to get back to their holes. The meat is outstanding too, firm and flaky with a sweet taste. My tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and reel fast. Don't give them time to think or they'll wrap you around the nearest rock. Heavy tackle is a must - at least 20-pound drag to muscle them up.
Islamorada