Islamorada Backcountry Fishing for Two
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
Target tarpon, bonefish, snook, redfish, permit in Everglades backcountryAll fishing gear provided for intimate 2person charter experienceProfessional guide navigates pristine flats and mangrove systems yearround
The backcountry waters around Islamorada offer some of the most productive shallow-water fishing in the Florida Keys. This intimate two-angler charter with Eric Scoble puts you right in the heart of prime flats and mangrove country, where trophy game fish cruise year-round. You'll spend your day sight-fishing crystal-clear shallows and working the edges where big predators hunt. Whether you're casting to tailing redfish or watching a massive tarpon roll just out of reach, this backcountry adventure delivers the kind of fishing memories that keep anglers coming back season after season.
Your day starts in the protected waters of Everglades National Park, where Eric navigates the maze of mangrove creeks and grass flats that make this area legendary. With just two anglers aboard, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of shots at fish. The shallow-draft skiff lets you access spots where bigger boats can't go – those skinny-water honey holes where permit cruise turtle grass beds and snook ambush baitfish along mangrove shorelines. Morning trips often focus on the flats during cooler temperatures, while afternoon sessions might find you working deeper channels and creek mouths as fish move with the tide. Don't worry about experience level – Eric works with everyone from first-timers learning to cast to seasoned anglers chasing their next personal best.
All your tackle comes provided, including spinning rods rigged for sight-fishing and fly rods for those wanting to test their skills with artificials. Most of your fishing happens in 2-6 feet of water, where you'll be sight-casting to fish you can actually see cruising or feeding. Live bait like pilchards, pinfish, and shrimp work great for snook and redfish around structure, while artificial lures shine on the flats where spooky fish won't tolerate a noisy presentation. Eric runs a poling skiff that lets you get into position quietly, often within easy casting distance of feeding fish. The key techniques include accurate casting, reading water conditions, and understanding how tides move baitfish and predators throughout the day. Polarized sunglasses are essential for spotting fish in shallow water, so make sure to bring quality shades.
Snook are the bread and butter of backcountry fishing here, with fish ranging from schoolie-sized juveniles to thick-shouldered adults pushing 30 inches. They love ambush points along mangrove shorelines and creek mouths, especially during moving tides. Fall and spring offer peak action, but you'll find snook year-round if you know where to look. These fish hit hard and make blistering runs toward structure, testing your drag and reflexes. What makes snook special is their willingness to eat both live bait and artificials, plus they're incredibly photogenic with those distinctive black lateral lines.
Tarpon turn every angler into a believer with their aerial displays and bulldogging power. The backcountry holds fish from 20-pound juveniles to massive adults exceeding 100 pounds. Peak season runs March through July, but resident fish provide action throughout the year in deeper channels and basins. When a tarpon eats your bait and goes airborne, everything else stops mattering. These silver kings test every aspect of your tackle and technique, often jumping repeatedly before making long, powerful runs. The smaller backcountry fish are perfect for lighter tackle and give you a real fight without the marathon battles of their giant cousins.
Redfish patrol the flats in small schools or as singles, their copper-colored backs easily spotted in shallow water. Fall brings the best action as reds move onto grass flats to feed aggressively before winter. These fish eat almost anything presented properly, from live crabs to spoons and soft plastics. Slot-sized reds between 18-27 inches provide excellent table fare, while oversized bulls offer pure power and endurance. What makes redfish special is their predictable behavior – once you understand their feeding patterns and preferred depths, you can target them consistently.
Permit represent the holy grail of flats fishing, combining incredible wariness with explosive power. These disc-shaped fighters cruise turtle grass beds and sandy areas, often in small groups. Spring and summer offer the best opportunities, though permit are present year-round for patient anglers. They're notorious for refusing perfectly presented baits, making a hookup feel like a major victory. Live crabs work best, though permit will occasionally eat shrimp or small artificials. Landing a permit requires skill, luck, and persistence – exactly why they're so prized among serious flats anglers.
Bonefish might be the most challenging species you'll target, with their legendary spookiness and lightning-fast runs. The backcountry holds good numbers of bones ranging from 2-8 pounds, typically found on sandy flats and grass beds. These silver ghosts test your casting accuracy and stealth approach, often fleeing at the slightest disturbance. When hooked, bonefish make scorching runs that strip line faster than you'd believe possible. Shrimp, crabs, and small jigs work well when presented delicately ahead of cruising fish. Many anglers consider bonefish the ultimate test of flats fishing skills.
This top-rated backcountry experience puts you on fish while showing off the natural beauty of the Everglades ecosystem. With Eric's local knowledge and your enthusiasm, you're set for a day of world-class fishing in some of Florida's most productive waters. The two-angler limit ensures everyone gets plenty of action and personal instruction. Just bring your camera, snacks, drinks, and sun protection – everything else is handled. The fish are biting year-round in these protected waters, so don't wait to secure your dates. Book today and get ready for the kind of fishing adventure that defines
Hit the shallow waters of Islamorada aboard our freshly restored 18' Hewes Redfisher, a classic skiff built for serious backcountry fishing. This beauty got a complete makeover in 2023 and now purrs with a reliable 115HP Yamaha that'll cruise you to the best fishing spots at 30 knots. Perfect for two anglers ready to chase tarpon, bonefish, snook, and redfish through the flats and mangrove channels. The boat comes loaded with everything you need - GPS to find those hidden honey holes, radar for when the weather gets sketchy, and a fish finder to locate your targets. Keep your drinks ice-cold in the onboard icebox while you work the shallow waters of Everglades National Park. Whether you're sight-fishing the flats or working the mangrove edges, this skiff handles like a dream and gets you into those skinny waters where the big fish hang out.
Albula VulpesBonefish are the perfect flats fish - spooky, fast, and absolutely addictive to chase. Most run 3-8 pounds and 16-24 inches, but don't let the size fool you. You'll find them cruising and tailing on shallow grass flats in 6 inches to 4 feet of water. They feed best on incoming tides when they move up onto the flats to hunt crabs and shrimp. What makes bonefish so special is the sight-fishing aspect - spotting them, making the perfect cast, and watching them eat. When hooked, they'll rip line off your reel in a blistering 100-yard run that'll leave your drag smoking. They're too bony to eat, so it's all about the challenge and release. The key is staying quiet and making accurate casts - these "gray ghosts" spook at the slightest disturbance. Watch for nervous water and dark shadows moving across the flats, and always lead your cast by a few feet.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of flats fishing - beautiful, challenging, and downright frustrating at times. These disc-shaped silver bullets average 15-25 pounds but can hit 40-plus. You'll find them cruising turtle grass flats in 3-10 feet of water, often in small groups. Spring through fall is your best bet, with spawning season from April to October being prime time. What draws anglers to permit is the difficulty - they're incredibly spooky with amazing eyesight and will test every bit of your casting accuracy. When hooked, they make long, powerful runs that'll smoke your reel. They're decent eating but most folks release them since they're so hard to catch. The secret weapon is a live crab - hook it through the back corner of the shell and present it naturally. These fish are smart, so your leader needs to be nearly invisible and your approach has to be perfect.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are hands-down one of the best fish to target on these shallow flats. Most of the ones we catch run 20-30 inches and put up a solid scrap. Look for them tailing in 1-4 feet of water around grass beds, oyster bars, and mangrove edges - sometimes their backs stick right out of the water when they're feeding. They bite year-round here, but fall and winter months are especially productive when they school up. What makes redfish so popular is their willingness to eat just about anything you throw at them, from topwater plugs to live shrimp, plus they're fantastic on the table with firm, sweet meat. The black spot near their tail isn't just for show - it confuses predators about which end is which. Pro tip: when you see redfish tailing, approach quietly from downwind and cast your bait about 3 feet in front of where they're heading. They spook easy in skinny water.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of the most popular inshore targets around here, and for good reason. These golden-sided fighters typically run 1-3 feet long and pack serious power when hooked. You'll find them hanging around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths in water from 2-15 feet deep. They love structure and ambush points where they can surprise baitfish. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially around the new and full moons when they're most active. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump, make blistering runs, and test your drag. Plus, they're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. Here's a local tip: when fishing mangrove shorelines, cast your live shrimp or pinfish tight to the roots and let it drift naturally with the current. Snook are ambush predators, so they're usually tucked back in the shade waiting for an easy meal to float by.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate challenge fish here in Islamorada - we call them the "Silver Kings" for good reason. These prehistoric giants typically range from 80-150 pounds, with some reaching over 200. You'll spot them rolling on the flats in 3-8 feet of water, especially around the deeper channels and basins. Spring through summer is prime time, particularly April through July when they're most concentrated. What gets anglers hooked is their raw power and aerial displays - a hooked tarpon can launch 10 feet out of the water and peel 200 yards of line in seconds. They're not great eating due to their bony structure, so it's all about the fight and the photos. The key to landing one is keeping steady pressure without going too heavy on the drag. When they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip - it keeps them from throwing the hook on those spectacular leaps.
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