Islamorada, FL 8 Hour Trip (AM/PM)
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
Fullday backcountry fishing targeting barracuda and Spanish mackerelAll gear, bait, and fishing licenses includedSmall group experience with maximum two guests
Looking for a serious day on the water in one of Florida's premier fishing destinations? This 8-hour charter puts you right in the heart of Islamorada's backcountry waters, where trophy fish roam and every cast has potential. We're talking about a full day of targeting some of the most sought-after species in the Keys - from aggressive barracuda to the elusive permit. Just you and one buddy, so there's no fighting for rod time or the best spots on the boat. Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish that'll have you talking about this trip for years.
This isn't your typical half-day quickie - we're dedicating a full 8 hours to putting you on fish. Whether you choose the morning departure or afternoon session, you'll be working the prime feeding times when these species are most active. The beauty of Islamorada's backcountry is the variety - one minute you're working a grass flat for permit, the next you're casting along a channel edge where big jacks patrol. Your captain will read the conditions, tides, and fish movement to keep you in productive water all day. Don't worry about bringing tackle, bait, or even a fishing license - everything's covered. Just pack your snacks, drinks, and plenty of sunscreen because you'll be out there grinding when the fish are biting. The intimate 2-person capacity means personalized instruction and maximum fishing time for everyone aboard.
Islamorada's backcountry fishing is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. Your captain will have you working everything from live bait presentations to artificial lures, depending on what the fish are telling us. We'll be sight fishing the flats with spinning gear, working channel edges with heavier tackle, and maybe even throwing topwater when the conditions are right. The shallow water here demands a stealthy approach - we're talking about poling through skinny water where fish spook at the slightest wrong move. But that's what makes it so rewarding when everything comes together. You'll learn to spot fish movement, understand how tides affect feeding patterns, and pick up techniques that'll make you a better angler wherever you fish. The gear is already dialed in for these conditions - quality rods and reels that can handle everything from finicky permit to bulldogging jacks.
Barracuda are the speed demons of the backcountry, and Islamorada's waters hold some absolute torpedoes. These silver bullets can hit 40+ inches and will test your reflexes with their lightning-fast strikes and acrobatic jumps. They're most active during moving tides, especially around dawn and dusk, cruising the flats and ambushing baitfish. What makes them so addictive is their aggressive nature - they'll often follow your lure right to the boat before deciding to strike, giving you that heart-pounding visual experience that keeps anglers coming back.
Permit are the holy grail of flats fishing, and these waters consistently produce shots at these challenging fish. They're notorious for being incredibly spooky and selective, often following a bait or lure for what feels like forever before either crushing it or disappearing into the depths. Most permit here run 15-30 pounds, with their distinctive black, sickle-shaped fins making them unmistakable on the flats. Spring and fall offer the best opportunities, though skilled captains can find them year-round. Landing a permit is something most anglers never forget - they're that special.
Crevalle Jack, or "jacks" as locals call them, are the bulldozers of the backcountry. These fish fight way above their weight class, using their broad shoulders and stamina to test your equipment and endurance. They school up in impressive numbers, especially during cooler months, and when you find them feeding, the action can be non-stop. Jacks here commonly run 10-25 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing 40+. They're not picky eaters, making them perfect for anglers who want steady action and arm-burning fights.
Tripletail are one of the more unique species you'll encounter, often found floating near structure or debris like living logs. These ambush predators have an unusual appearance and fighting style, using their broad fins to create incredible leverage in the water. They're most common during warmer months and can be surprisingly finicky despite their lazy appearance. When hooked, they put up a dogged fight with powerful head shakes that'll keep you honest. Finding tripletail requires a keen eye and patience, but they're absolute favorites among experienced anglers.
Spanish Mackerel bring the speed and numbers to round out your day. These smaller members of the mackerel family are incredibly fast and aggressive, often providing non-stop action when you locate a school. They're perfect for lighter tackle and respond well to both live bait and artificial lures. While they might not be the biggest fish you'll catch, their willingness to bite and impressive speed make them crowd-pleasers. They're also excellent table fare if you're looking to take a few home for dinner.
This world-class fishing experience in Islamorada's backcountry delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for - variety, challenge, and the chance at trophy fish in some of Florida's most productive waters. With only 2 spots available per trip, you're getting personalized attention and maximum fishing time without the crowds. Your captain's local knowledge, combined with 8 full hours on the water, gives you the best shot at connecting with these amazing species. The gear, bait, and license are handled, so all you need to do is show up ready to fish. Don't let this top-rated charter opportunity slip by - book your date and get ready for a day of fishing that'll remind you why
Hit the backcountry waters of Islamorada aboard this top-tier Yellowfin bay boat, perfectly rigged for serious fishing. The dual station setup gives you prime sight fishing capabilities when stalking barracuda and jacks in shallow flats. Equipped with a wireless trolling motor for whisper-quiet approaches, plus fish finder technology to locate those trophy targets. The multimedia system keeps you connected while the GPS ensures you never miss your favorite fishing spots. VHF radio provides essential marine communication for safety. This setup handles everything from black drum in the channels to Spanish mackerel on the reefs. All your tackle, bait, and licenses are covered - just bring your appetite for action and plenty of sun protection. With room for two anglers, you'll have space to work without crowding. Eight hours gives you time to explore multiple spots and target different species as conditions change throughout the day.
SphyraenidaeBarracuda are torpedo-shaped predators that can reach 6 feet and swim up to 35 mph in short bursts. These aggressive hunters patrol shallow flats, grass beds, and reefs around Islamorada year-round, though they're most active in warmer months. What makes them so exciting is their lightning-fast strikes and acrobatic fights on light tackle. They hunt by sight, so they'll hammer anything shiny moving through the water. Most run 2-4 feet around here and make excellent table fare when prepared right. The key to landing them is using a wire leader - their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. Cast spoons or strip streamers near structure and retrieve fast. Once hooked, they'll jump and thrash like crazy, making for some memorable battles on 10-15 lb tackle.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jack are the bulldogs of the flats - thick, powerful fish that average 3-5 pounds but can push 20+ pounds. These brassy-colored fighters school up around grass flats, channels, and structure throughout the year, with peak action in warmer months. Look for diving birds - that's your signal that jacks are pushing baitfish to the surface. They're pure adrenaline on the rod, making long runs and fighting dirty with their broad sides. Not the best eating, but the fight more than makes up for it. They'll hit just about anything that moves fast - spoons, jigs, topwater plugs, or live bait. Pro tip: when you find a school, work quickly. Cast past them and retrieve your lure fast and erratic. They love the chase, and once you hook one, others often follow, so keep your lure moving even while fighting a fish.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of flats fishing - tall, silver, disc-shaped fish that typically run 10-20 pounds but can hit 40+. These spooky fish cruise shallow grass flats and sand bottoms in just 2-4 feet of water, using their golf ball-sized eyes to spot danger from way off. Spring through fall is prime time when they're spawning and more aggressive. What draws anglers is the challenge - they're incredibly difficult to fool and put up a strong, determined fight once hooked. The meat is outstanding, with a firm texture and clean taste. Blue crabs are the gold standard bait, but they're picky eaters. Here's the trick: when you spot one, cast well ahead and let your crab settle on the bottom naturally. Any sudden movements or splashy presentations will send them running for deep water.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are fast, silvery fish with distinctive yellow spots that typically run 1-3 pounds. These speed demons school up around grass flats, near-shore reefs, and structure from spring through fall, following baitfish migrations. They're one of the most consistent fighters you'll encounter - making blazing runs and aerial displays on light tackle. The meat is excellent with a mild flavor that grills, smokes, or fries beautifully. They hunt in large schools that can stretch for miles, often feeding aggressively at the surface. Small spoons, jigs, or live bait work great when retrieved quickly. Here's a local trick: when you see them busting bait on the surface, don't run your boat right into the school. Instead, position yourself ahead of where they're moving and cast into their path. They're much more likely to hit when they're not spooked by boat noise.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are one of our most unique targets - chunky, mottled fish that look like floating debris when they lay on their sides. They typically run 5-15 pounds and have three fins that look like tails, hence the name. You'll find them around weed lines, channel markers, and floating structure from spring through fall. Despite their bulky appearance, they're surprisingly acrobatic when hooked. The meat is fantastic - firm and white, tasting similar to grouper or snapper. They're ambush predators that feed on crabs and shrimp near the surface. The secret is sight casting - once you spot one, be stealthy and cast well away from it, then work your bait slowly toward them. Use live or cut shrimp on a circle hook. They spook easily, so approach quietly and let them come to the bait rather than dropping it right on their head.
Islamorada, FL