Charter Fishing Islamorada
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
Sixhour backcountry fishing charter targeting multiple speciesProfessional captain provides topquality boat and expert guidanceSmall group experience accommodates maximum two guests
The waters around Islamorada hold some of the most diverse and challenging fishing opportunities you'll find anywhere in the Florida Keys. This six-hour backcountry adventure puts you right in the heart of world-class flats fishing, where crystal-clear shallows meet deeper channels that harbor some serious gamefish. You'll be working with an experienced captain who knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet. The boat's designed for efficiency and comfort, giving you the perfect platform to sight-cast to tailing fish or work the deeper edges where the big predators cruise.
Your day starts early when the light's just right for spotting fish on the flats. The backcountry around Islamorada is a maze of shallow banks, mangrove creeks, and deeper basins that create the perfect habitat for multiple species. You'll spend time pole-fishing the skinny water where bonefish and permit cruise, then move to slightly deeper areas where tarpon roll and redfish hunt in small schools. The beauty of this fishery is its diversity – one cast might bring a lightning-fast bonefish, while the next could hook into a hundred-pound tarpon. Your captain will read the conditions, tides, and fish behavior to keep you in the action throughout the six-hour trip. With only two anglers aboard, you'll get plenty of personal attention and coaching to improve your technique.
This is primarily sight-fishing territory, which means you'll be casting to fish you can actually see rather than blind-casting into open water. The captain will pole the boat quietly through the shallows while you and your fishing partner scan for tails, wakes, and shadows that give away feeding fish. Live bait works great here – pinfish, pilchards, and shrimp are local favorites that these species can't resist. Artificial lures also produce well, especially spoons, jigs, and flies for those who want to try their hand at fly fishing. You'll be using spinning tackle mostly, with lighter setups for bonefish and permit, and heavier gear when targeting tarpon and sharks. The key is being ready to make accurate casts quickly when the captain spots fish, since these opportunities often come and go in seconds.
The tarpon fishing here is legendary, and for good reason. These silver kings can exceed 100 pounds and put on aerial displays that'll leave you shaking with adrenaline. They move through these waters in large numbers during their spawning migrations, typically from April through July. What makes them special is their fighting ability – they'll jump, run, and test every knot in your tackle. Even experienced anglers consider landing a tarpon one of fishing's greatest achievements. Redfish are another customer favorite, especially the larger bulls that patrol the deeper flats and channel edges. These copper-colored bruisers are incredibly strong for their size and will make multiple runs that'll have your drag screaming.
Bonefish might be the most challenging species you'll encounter on this trip. These ghosts of the flats are incredibly spooky and require precise casting and presentation. They're not large – most run between 3-8 pounds – but they're fast and smart. When hooked, they make blistering runs across the flats that can strip line faster than you'd believe possible. Permit are even more difficult to fool, which is why landing one is considered a major accomplishment. They're picky eaters with excellent eyesight, and they'll inspect your bait or lure carefully before deciding whether to eat. Blacktip sharks add some serious power to the mix, especially when you hook into one in shallow water where they can't sound deep.
Tripletail are the wild cards of this fishery. These oddball fish hover near structure like channel markers, crab traps, and floating debris. They look like floating leaves until you get close, then they come alive with surprising speed and strength. They're excellent table fare too, which makes them a bonus catch that everyone appreciates. The variety keeps things interesting – you never know what's going to grab your bait next, and that anticipation is part of what makes backcountry fishing so addictive.
The Islamorada backcountry offers something most fishing destinations can't match – genuine diversity in a spectacular setting. The water clarity lets you see everything that's happening below the surface, turning fishing into a visual sport where strategy and skill matter more than luck. The mangrove shorelines and shallow flats create a maze of productive water that changes with every tide, so no two trips are ever the same. Your captain's local knowledge makes all the difference here, since they know which areas fish best on different tides, weather conditions, and times of year. The relatively small group size means you'll get personalized instruction and plenty of opportunities to fish, rather than waiting in line like you might on larger charter boats.
The setting itself is part of the draw. The backcountry feels wild and remote, even though you're not far from civilization. Dolphins, manatees, and spectacular birdlife add to the experience, and the gin-clear water over white sand bottom creates some of the most beautiful fishing scenery you'll find anywhere. The combination of technical fishing challenges and natural beauty keeps anglers coming back season after season, each time hoping to improve their skills and maybe land that fish of a lifetime.
This type of world-class backcountry fishing is what puts Islamorada on the map for serious anglers from around the globe. The six-hour format gives you enough time to really get into the rhythm of sight-fishing while experiencing the full range of what these waters offer. Whether you're looking to check species off your bucket list, improve your flats fishing skills, or just spend a day in some of the most productive and beautiful water in the world,
Get ready to explore Islamorada's pristine backcountry waters aboard our expertly restored 19-foot Action Craft flats boat. This shallow-draft vessel was completely rebuilt in 2020 and packs serious fishing power with its 150 HP Mercury Pro XS engine, cruising at speeds up to 40 knots to get you to the hottest fishing spots quickly. The boat's specialized design lets you navigate skinny water where trophy tarpon, bonefish, and permit lurk in the grass flats. Our wireless trolling motor keeps things whisper-quiet when stalking spooky fish, while the GPS and fish finder help locate schools and structure. With room for up to 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of casting space to work the flats for redfish, trout, and sharks. This nimble fishing machine is built specifically for Islamorada's unique backcountry environment, where every cast could connect you with the fish of a lifetime.
Carcharhinus LimbatusThese guys average 4-5 feet but can hit 8+ feet, and you'll know them by those distinctive black-tipped fins. They patrol our reef edges and channels in 20-100 feet, often coming into the shallows to chase baitfish. Spring and summer are prime time when they're most active in warmer water. What's fun about blacktips is their acrobatic nature - they'll jump and spin when hooked, putting on quite a show. They're also pretty aggressive feeders, making them easier to hook than some shark species. My go-to technique: use a wire leader with cut mackerel or sardines, and keep that chum line going. They'll follow the scent trail right to your bait.
Albula VulpesThe "gray ghost" of the flats typically runs 3-6 pounds here, with occasional 8+ pounders. These silvery speedsters cruise our grass flats and sand bars in super shallow water - sometimes just inches deep. Year-round fishing, but cooler months often concentrate them better. Bones are all about the challenge - they're spooky, fast, and will make blistering 100-yard runs when hooked. Most folks release them since they're quite bony to eat. Watch for "tailing" fish with their tails up while feeding, or look for nervous water where they're cruising. Key tip: cast well ahead of moving fish and let your bait sit motionless until they're close enough to see it.
Sciaenops OcellatusThese copper-colored beauties with the distinctive black spots near their tail run 20-30 inches in our shallow waters. You'll find them cruising grass flats in 1-4 feet, especially around oyster bars and mangrove shorelines. They're year-round residents, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action when they school up. Reds fight hard and stay down, making long powerful runs through the shallows. Plus they're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Local trick: look for "tailing" fish with their tails sticking up while they root around for crabs and shrimp. Cast just ahead of where they're heading, not right on top of them.
Megalops AtlanticusThe "Silver King" runs 80-100 pounds on average here in the Keys, though some giants push 200+. These prehistoric fish love our deeper channels and basin edges, especially around the backcountry islands. Peak season runs May through July when they're thick on the flats. What makes tarpon special is their jumps - they'll rocket 6+ feet out of the water and peel off 100+ yards of drag in seconds. Most anglers fish catch-and-release since the meat's pretty bony. Best tip: when they jump, bow to the king by dropping your rod tip toward them. Keeps the line slack so they can't throw the hook on those wild aerial shows.
Lobotes SurinamensisThese odd-looking fish get their name from how their anal and dorsal fins match their tail fin, creating a "triple tail" effect. They typically run 15-25 inches and 5-15 pounds around here. You'll spot them floating near the surface around weed lines, channel markers, and debris - they love to mimic floating objects. Summer months are best when water temps are above 70°F. What makes tripletail exciting is they're pure sight-fishing - you actually see them before casting. They're also excellent eating, tasting similar to grouper or snapper. The trick is being sneaky: cast well past them and work your bait slowly into their zone. They spook easily if you land right on top of them.
Islamorada, FL