Full Day Backcountry Fishing in Islamorada Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour inshore fishing adventure in Everglades backcountry watersTarget snook, redfish, trout, snapper and inshore shark speciesMaximum two guests with technique instruction and skill development
When you're looking for a full-day fishing adventure that puts you right in the thick of Florida's best inshore action, this 8-hour trip with J&F eXcursions is exactly what you need. We're talking about the legendary backcountry waters around Islamorada - the kind of place where trophy snook hide in the mangrove shadows and redfish cruise the shallow flats like they own the place. This isn't your typical charter where you sit around waiting for something to happen. You'll be actively working the water, learning new techniques, and getting your hands dirty with some of the most challenging and rewarding inshore fishing in the Keys.
Picture this: you're running through crystal-clear backcountry channels at first light, heading deep into the Everglades where most anglers never venture. This is intimate fishing at its finest - just you and one other angler max, so there's no fighting for rod time or prime spots on the boat. Your guide knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they're not just there to net your fish. They're genuinely invested in making you a better angler, whether that means perfecting your cast accuracy around structure or teaching you how to read water like a pro. The beauty of an 8-hour day is that you're not rushed. When the bite slows in one spot, you've got time to relocate and try different techniques. Morning might find you sight-fishing for tailing reds on the flats, while afternoon could have you working the mangrove edges for snook with pinpoint casting accuracy.
This is where things get fun. Inshore fishing in the Everglades backcountry demands versatility, and you'll be switching between techniques throughout the day based on conditions and target species. Sight-fishing is huge here - your guide will pole the boat silently through shallow water while you scan for fish movement. When you spot a cruising redfish or a laid-up snook, it's all about that perfect presentation with live bait or artificials. You'll work with both spinning and baitcasting setups, typically rigged with circle hooks for live bait fishing and various soft plastics or topwater lures when the fish are aggressive. The mangrove shorelines require precise casting - we're talking about dropping baits within inches of structure where big fish lurk. Drift fishing comes into play when targeting trout over grass flats, and when sharks show up, you might switch to heavier tackle for some real arm-burning action. Your guide provides all the gear, but they're also happy to work with your personal rods if you prefer.
Snook are the crown jewel of Florida inshore fishing, and Islamorada's backcountry holds some absolute giants. These ambush predators love structure - downed trees, mangrove overhangs, and channel edges where they can surprise unsuspecting baitfish. What makes snook so special is their fight combined with their finicky nature. One day they'll crush a topwater plug at dawn, the next they want a perfectly presented live shrimp under a mangrove. They're most active during spring and fall months when water temperatures are ideal, typically ranging from 24 to 36 inches in these waters. The thrill comes from that explosive strike and their tendency to jump and run toward structure, testing your drag and your nerve.
Sea Trout might not get the glamour of snook, but they're consistent producers and absolute blast on light tackle. These spotted beauties roam the grass flats in schools, and when you find them, the action can be fast and furious. They're suckers for soft plastic jigs worked slowly over the bottom, and their delicate mouths mean you need to play them carefully. Spring through fall offers the best trout action, with fish ranging from keeper-sized 15-inchers to occasional gator trout pushing 5 pounds. What anglers love about trout is their willingness to bite and the fact that they're excellent table fare when you want to keep a few for dinner.
Redfish are pure power wrapped in copper and bronze. These drum family members patrol the flats and mangrove edges, often in shallow water where you can sight-fish to individual fish. There's nothing quite like watching a red's tail break the surface as it feeds head-down in 18 inches of water. They're year-round residents in these waters, with fish ranging from schoolie-sized youngsters to bull reds that will test your tackle to its limits. Reds are known for their bulldogging fight - no fancy jumps, just raw power and determination. They'll eat live bait, cut bait, and artificials with equal enthusiasm, making them perfect targets for anglers of all skill levels.
Great Barracuda add serious excitement to any inshore trip. These torpedo-shaped predators are built for speed and equipped with razor-sharp teeth that can slice through leaders in a heartbeat. They're visual hunters that often follow other fish you're fighting, and they're notorious for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. Cuda fishing is year-round in these waters, with fish typically ranging from 3 to 15 pounds. What makes them special is their aggressive nature - they'll often hit lures multiple times even after being hooked and released. Wire leaders are mandatory, and the fight is always spectacular.
Lemon Sharks represent the apex predator experience in these backcountry waters. These powerful sharks cruise the flats and channels, often in surprisingly shallow water. What sets lemon sharks apart is their tendency to hang around specific areas rather than constantly roaming, making them targetable if you know their haunts. They're incredible fighters that combine power with endurance, often making long runs that will empty your reel if your drag isn't set properly. Most lemons in these waters range from 3 to 6 feet, though larger specimens are always possible. The excitement comes from their sheer power
Step aboard this reliable 24-foot fishing boat designed to get you into the productive waters around Islamorada's backcountry. Built for up to four anglers with room to move around while casting, this vessel handles the shallow flats and mangrove cuts where snook, redfish, and speckled trout like to hide. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're stalking fish in skinny water, while the fish finder helps locate schools and structure. GPS navigation ensures you'll hit the right spots and find your way back. Keep your catch fresh in the onboard icebox, grab cold drinks between bites, and enjoy tunes from the multimedia system during the ride. The head means longer days on the water without heading back to shore. Perfect for exploring those hard-to-reach backcountry spots where the big ones swim.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the speed demons of our flats, capable of hitting 35 mph in short bursts. These silver missiles typically run 2-4 feet long with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. You'll find them patrolling grass flats, channel edges, and reef areas from the surface down to 30 feet. They're active year-round but really turn on during warmer months when baitfish are abundant. What makes cuda fishing exciting is their lightning-fast strikes and aerial displays - they'll jump, tail-walk, and make screaming runs that'll test your drag. While not typically kept for eating due to occasional ciguatera concerns, they're pure adrenaline on light tackle. Here's the secret: use wire leader and retrieve your lure as fast as you can crank - their predatory instincts can't resist a fast-moving target.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon sharks are some of the coolest predators we encounter in the Everglades backcountry. These yellow-bronze sharks typically run 4-6 feet, though we see some approaching 8 feet. They prefer shallow sandy flats, mangrove creeks, and channel edges in 3-15 feet of water where they hunt for crabs, rays, and small fish. Spring through fall provides the best opportunities when water temperatures are warmest. What guests love about lemon sharks is their powerful, determined fight and the pure thrill of battling a large predator on appropriate tackle. They're catch-and-release only, making for great photos and memories. The trick is using fresh, oily bait like bonito or mackerel on a circle hook with wire leader. Fish it on the bottom near structure and be patient - when a lemon picks up your bait, the fight is worth the wait.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the kings of our shallow water fishing here in Islamorada. These copper-colored bruisers with their signature black spots typically run 20-30 inches, though we regularly see fish pushing 35+ inches and 15-20 pounds. They love cruising the skinny flats, oyster bars, and mangrove edges in water so shallow their backs sometimes show. Fall through spring offers prime fishing when they school up in the cooler months. What guests love about reds is their powerful, bulldogging fight and willingness to eat topwater plugs - watching a big red crush a surface lure in 18 inches of water never gets old. They're also great table fare. Pro tip: when sight fishing, cast well ahead of cruising fish and let your bait sink to the bottom before they arrive - reds are bottom feeders.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are a staple of our backcountry fishing here in the Keys. These spotted beauties average 14-20 inches with some reaching 24+ inches. You'll find them cruising grass flats and sandy bottoms in 2-6 feet of water, especially around areas with good current flow. They're most active during cooler months and early mornings or late evenings when the water temperature drops. Trout are scrappy fighters that make long runs, and they're fantastic eating with delicate, flaky white meat. The key to consistent success is using lighter tackle and smaller baits - they can be finicky biters. My go-to technique is working a soft plastic shrimp imitation slowly across the grass flats. When you feel that distinctive tap-tap bite, give them a second before setting the hook.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of the most sought-after inshore species around Islamorada, and for good reason. These golden-colored fish with their distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-30 inches, though we see some real bulls pushing 40+ inches. They love hanging around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths in 2-8 feet of water. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially during moving tides at dawn and dusk. What makes them special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump, run, and test your drag like few other fish. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here's a local tip: when fishing mangroves, cast your lure past the structure and work it back along the edge - snook ambush from the shadows.
Islamorada, FL