Full Day Fishing Trip In Islamorada, Florida
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day inshore fishing targeting grouper and snapper speciesCaptain Steve guides guests to premier Florida fishing locationsSmall group experience accommodating maximum two guests
Picture this: you're standing on the deck of a well-rigged boat in the heart of the Florida Keys, watching the sun paint the sky as Captain Steve fires up the engines. The water here in Islamorada isn't just blue – it's that crystal-clear turquoise that makes you forget about everything else. This is where serious anglers come to test their skills against some of Florida's most prized fish. Whether you're chasing that trophy grouper or hoping to feel the raw power of a permit on the line, this full-day adventure puts you right in the action. With just two guests max, you'll get the personalized attention that makes all the difference between a good day and an epic one.
Captain Steve knows these waters like the back of his hand, and that local knowledge shows from the moment you leave the dock. You'll be targeting structure and flats where the big fish hang out – places that only come from years of experience and careful scouting. The boat comes fully equipped with quality tackle, but if you've got your lucky rod, bring it along. This isn't a rush job either; with a full day on the water, there's time to work different spots, try various techniques, and really dial in what the fish are wanting. The Gulf side offers different opportunities than the Atlantic, and Steve reads the conditions to put you where the action is hottest. Expect to cover some serious water as you hunt for those trophy fish that make Islamorada famous among anglers worldwide.
Inshore fishing in the Keys is all about versatility, and this trip delivers exactly that. You'll be working everything from live bait presentations over structure for grouper to sight-fishing the flats for permit and snook. The tackle setup changes based on what you're targeting – heavy spinning gear for the bigger grouper and snapper, lighter setups when you're stalking permit in skinny water. Live pilchards, pinfish, and shrimp are go-to baits here, but don't be surprised if Steve breaks out some artificials when the conditions are right. The key is reading the water and the fish's mood. Some days they want that bait moving fast, other times a slow, subtle presentation is what triggers the bite. Steve's got the local intel on what's working and isn't afraid to switch things up to keep you hooked up.
Permit are the holy grail of flats fishing, and Islamorada consistently produces some of the best permit fishing in the world. These silver ghosts are incredibly spooky and selective, often following a bait for what feels like forever before deciding to eat. When one does commit, the fight is pure electricity – long, powerful runs that'll test your drag and your patience. Spring through fall gives you the best shot, with fish ranging from 15 to 30 pounds that'll make your arms burn. Great Barracuda bring a different kind of excitement to the table. These toothy missiles hit baits with explosive strikes and put on aerial shows that'll get your heart pumping. They're year-round residents here, with fish pushing 40 inches not uncommon around the deeper channels and reef edges.
Cubera Snapper represent the ultimate inshore challenge – these brutes can exceed 50 pounds and have the power to straighten hooks and snap lines if you're not ready. Summer months offer the best opportunities when they move into shallower water to spawn. The fight is all about keeping them away from structure, because once they get back to their rocky hideouts, it's game over. Black Grouper are the bread and butter of structure fishing here, with fish ranging from keeper size up to true trophies over 30 pounds. They're ambush predators that love ledges, wrecks, and rocky bottom, and once hooked, they immediately dive for cover. It's a tug-of-war that requires strong tackle and quick reflexes. Snook add that classic Florida flavor to any trip, especially around mangrove shorelines and bridge pilings. These fish are pure attitude – aggressive strikes followed by gill-rattling jumps and powerful runs toward whatever cover they can find.
This isn't your average charter boat experience where you're packed in with a crowd and fighting for rod space. With Captain Steve, you get the personalized attention that serious anglers demand, along with the local knowledge that comes from years of working these waters. The fish are here year-round, but the best action changes with the seasons, so whenever you're planning your Keys getaway, there's something worth targeting. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so when you're ready to commit to what could be the fishing trip of a lifetime, don't wait too long. The calendar fills up fast, especially during peak season when anglers from around the country descend on Islamorada for world-class fishing. Book your spot today and get ready to see why the Florida Keys have such a legendary reputation among serious fishermen.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the heavyweight champions of our offshore reefs, averaging 20-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 125 pounds. These olive-colored bruisers with dark rectangular blotches live around wrecks, ledges, and rocky bottom in 30-300 feet, depending on season - they move shallow when it's cooler. They're ambush predators that inhale whole fish using suction rather than teeth, and they're not picky eaters. Year-round fishing is good, but winter months bring them up shallow where they're easier to target. Anglers love the fight - what they lack in speed they make up for in pure strength and stubbornness. The meat is top-shelf too, with firm white fillets. Bring heavy tackle with at least 20 pounds of drag because once hooked, it's a tug-of-war. My tip: when you feel that thump, reel fast and don't let them get back to the rocks.
Lutjanus CyanopterusCubera snapper are the giants of the snapper family, commonly running 40 pounds but capable of hitting 120 pounds and 5 feet long. These bruisers hang around rocky ledges, reefs, and wrecks in 60-180 feet of water, using their massive canine teeth to crush crabs and lobsters. May through August is peak season when they move shallow to spawn, making them more accessible to anglers. What draws people to cuberas is the sheer power - they're bulldogs that'll test your tackle and your arms. The meat is excellent eating too, though larger ones can carry ciguatera. Live skipjack or big chunks of squid work best, fished on heavy tackle near structure. Here's the key: once you hook one, crank hard and fast to get them away from the rocks. Let them get their head down and they'll cut you off every time.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat barracuda are the lightning bolts of our reefs - these silver torpedoes can hit 35 mph in short bursts and stretch up to 6 feet long. You'll find them patrolling coral reefs, wrecks, and grass flats from the surface down to about 100 feet. They're naturally curious fish that hunt by sight, often following divers and checking out shiny objects. Spring months are prime time when they're most active and aggressive. Guests love the explosive strikes and wild fights, though their stamina is limited - they go all-out then tire quickly. The bigger ones will jump and thrash, so watch those razor-sharp teeth when landing them. My go-to tip: use wire leader and fish with flashy spoons or tube lures. When you hook up, keep steady pressure and be ready for that first blistering run - they'll test your drag in seconds.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of flats fishing - these silvery, disc-shaped fish with their trademark tall profile can grow up to 36 inches and weigh 60 pounds. You'll spot them cruising shallow grass flats in just 2 feet of water, which seems impossible given their size. Those golf ball-sized eyes rotate almost 360 degrees, making them incredibly spooky and tough to fool. Prime season runs April through October when they're spawning, but we catch them year-round in our warm waters. What makes permit special is the challenge - they're harder to hook than tarpon or bonefish, but the fight is worth every frustrating cast. Blue crabs are your best bet for bait, and here's my tip: when you see one tailing, cast well ahead and let the crab sink naturally. Don't move it until the fish is right on top.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the classic Florida inshore game fish with their distinctive black lateral line and golden color. They average 18-30 inches but can reach 4 feet, and they're built for speed with those wide tails. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, bridges, and creek mouths in shallow water - they love structure and ambush points. May through September is prime time during their spawning season when the fins turn bright yellow. What makes snook special is their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights, plus they're excellent table fare. They're temperature sensitive though, so cold fronts shut them down fast. Think of them like saltwater bass - they respond to similar lures and techniques. My best advice: fish live shrimp or pilchards around structure during moving water. When you hook up, keep them away from the mangroves or they'll cut you off in the roots.
Islamorada