Backcountry Fishing Charter in Islamorada
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
Target tarpon, bonefish, snook, redfish in Everglades backcountry watersAll fishing gear provided for groups up to three anglersYearround charters explore pristine flats and mangrove areas
Looking for the real deal when it comes to Florida Keys fishing? Captain Eric Scoble knows these backcountry waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This isn't your typical tourist trap fishing trip – we're talking about getting into the skinny water where the big boys live. From the grass flats around Everglades National Park to the mangrove shorelines that hold monster snook, every cast has potential. You'll be fishing prime backcountry spots that most people never see, with a captain who's been working these waters for years. Whether you want to sight-fish tailing redfish or throw topwater plugs at laid-up tarpon, this is where it happens.
Your day starts early – that's when the fishing is best and the crowds are still sleeping. Captain Eric runs a clean, well-maintained flats boat that'll get you into water so shallow you could practically walk on it. We're talking about poling through mangrove creeks, running the edges of grass flats, and positioning you for shots at fish that'll make your heart pound. The boat comes rigged with everything you need – spinning and baitcasting setups, live bait when the fish want it, and artificials that have been proven in these waters. You just need to bring your appetite for adventure, some snacks and drinks to keep you fueled, and don't forget the sunblock and polarized sunglasses – trust me, you'll need both. The trips run anywhere from four to eight hours depending on what you're after, and we keep it intimate with just three anglers max. No cattle boats here.
Backcountry fishing is all about adapting to what the fish are doing. Some days they want live pilchards freelined over the grass beds. Other days it's all about working topwater plugs along the mangrove edges at first light. Captain Eric keeps a variety of tackle on board – from light spinning gear perfect for trout and smaller snook, to heavier baitcasters that can handle a big red or tarpon. You'll learn to read the water, spot fish before they spot you, and make accurate casts when it counts. The flats fishing here requires stealth and precision – one wrong move and that school of reds disappears into the backcountry maze. We use everything from DOA shrimp under popping corks to soft plastics bounced along the bottom. When the tarpon are rolling, we'll switch to live crabs or swim baits that drive them crazy. It's technical fishing that rewards patience and skill.
The snook fishing around Islamorada's backcountry is legendary for good reason. These ambush predators love the structure-rich environment of fallen trees and undercut mangrove banks. They're most active during the warmer months, from late spring through early fall, but you can find them year-round if you know where to look. A typical backcountry snook runs anywhere from 18 to 30 inches, with the occasional bruiser pushing 35-plus. What makes them so special is their fight – they'll jump, they'll run for cover, and they'll test every knot you tied. Plus, they're beautiful fish with that distinctive black lateral line and golden sides that photograph perfectly.
Tarpon are the silver kings of the flats, and seeing one roll in skinny water never gets old. These fish can range from juvenile tarpon in the 10-30 pound class all the way up to monsters over 100 pounds. Peak season runs from April through August, when they migrate through the Keys in massive numbers. What's amazing about catching tarpon in the backcountry is the visual aspect – you can often see them before you cast, watch them follow your bait, and witness every jump in crystal-clear water. They're purely a catch-and-release fish, but the memories last forever.
Sea trout might not have the glamour of tarpon, but they're one of the most consistent fish in the backcountry and they taste fantastic. These spotted beauties love grass flats and sandy potholes, especially around creek mouths and bay edges. They're active year-round but really turn on during the cooler months when they school up in deeper grass beds. A good trout runs 14-20 inches, with the occasional "gator" trout pushing 24-plus. They're perfect for beginners because they're aggressive and forgiving, but they'll also challenge experienced anglers when they're being picky.
Redfish are the bread and butter of backcountry fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bulldogs are aggressive, fight hard, and show up in good numbers throughout the year. The best action happens during the cooler months when they school up on the flats, sometimes in groups of hundreds. A slot-sized red runs 18-27 inches and will give you a fight you won't forget on light tackle. What makes them special is their willingness to eat artificials, their habit of tailing in super-shallow water, and the fact that they're excellent table fare if you decide to keep one.
Permit are the holy grail of flats fishing – they're spooky, incredibly selective, and will humble even the most experienced angler. These diamond-shaped ghosts cruise the flats looking for crabs and shrimp, but getting them to eat is another story entirely. They're most common during the warmer months, and a typical permit runs 8-15 pounds with the occasional monster pushing 20-plus. What makes them so coveted is their rarity and difficulty – many anglers fish for years before landing their first permit. When you do connect with one, they make blistering runs that will empty your reel in seconds.
The backcountry around Islamorada offers some of the most diverse an
Your ride for the day is a sleek 22' Skeeter center console that'll get you to the best fishing spots in Islamorada's backcountry waters. Built in 2021 with a powerful 150HP Yamaha, this boat cruises at 40 knots to cover serious ground while chasing tarpon, bonefish, and snook through the flats. The center console design gives you 360-degree fishing access, perfect for sight casting in shallow water or working the mangroves for redfish and snapper. She's loaded with everything you need - fish finder to locate the action, GPS to navigate the maze of channels, VHF radio for safety, and an icebox to keep your drinks cold between hookups. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to battle those silver kings without tangling lines. Whether you're stalking permit on the flats or drifting for trout, this Skeeter handles like a dream in the gin-clear waters around Everglades National Park.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of flats fishing - these disc-shaped, silvery fish are notoriously difficult to catch, which makes landing one so rewarding. They typically run 15-25 pounds around here, with some reaching 40+. You'll spot them on shallow sand and grass flats, often in just 2-4 feet of water, though they're incredibly spooky with amazing eyesight. Spring through fall offers the best shots, especially April to October when they're more active. Permit are prized because they're smart, selective feeders that will test every aspect of your angling skills. Most anglers practice catch-and-release due to their challenging nature. Live blue crabs are the gold standard bait - hook them lightly in the shell's corner and present it well ahead of a feeding fish. The trick is patience and persistence; you might see dozens before getting one to eat.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish, or red drum, are the bread and butter of our backcountry fishing. These copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near the tail typically range 20-30 inches in our waters. They cruise super shallow flats - sometimes with backs out of water - hunting crabs and shrimp around oyster bars and mangrove edges. You can target them year-round, but fall and winter months are prime when they school up. Redfish are perfect for all skill levels because they're not overly finicky and provide a strong, bulldogging fight that'll test your tackle. They're also fantastic eating with firm, sweet meat. The key to success is staying quiet and making long casts ahead of cruising fish. Watch for their tails or backs breaking the surface as they feed head-down. A well-placed soft plastic crab or shrimp in their path usually seals the deal.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as locals call them, are perfect for anglers wanting consistent action and great eating. These silvery fish with dark spots typically run 14-20 inches in our waters, though 24+ inchers show up regularly. You'll find them over grass flats and sandy bottoms in 2-6 feet of water throughout Islamorada. They bite year-round, but cooler months see them schooling up in deeper holes and channels. Trout are popular because they're aggressive feeders, excellent on the table with mild, flaky white meat, and put up a respectable fight with nice head shakes. They're also forgiving for newer anglers - not as spooky as some flats species. Best tip I can share: work soft plastic shrimp or jigs with a slow, steady retrieve along the grass edges. When you find one trout, there's usually more nearby, so work that area thoroughly before moving on.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Florida's most sought-after inshore species, and for good reason. These sleek, golden fish with that distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-28 inches around Islamorada, though we regularly see 30+ inch specimens. They love hanging around mangrove shorelines, docks, and creek mouths in 2-8 feet of water. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump and make powerful runs that test your drag. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here's a local tip: cast your lure or bait just upcurrent from structure and let it drift naturally past where they're holding. Snook are ambush predators, so patience pays off when working these spots methodically.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate trophy fish here in the Keys - these silver giants average 80-120 pounds but can exceed 200. We find them rolling on the flats in 3-10 feet of water, especially around channels and deeper pockets. The prime season runs April through July when they migrate through our waters, with May and June being peak months. What draws anglers from around the world is their aerial display - these fish can jump 8 feet out of the water and make blazing runs that'll peel line off your reel. While most folks release them (the meat's not great eating), landing one is a true bucket-list achievement. They're surprisingly finicky eaters despite their size. My advice: when you see them rolling, position your boat so you can lead the school with your cast, then strip that fly or bait just fast enough to get their attention without spooking the group.
Islamorada