5.0(3 Reviews)Half Day Guided Tarpon Fishing Trip In Islamorada
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday guided tarpon fishing with Captain Jason in IslamoradaAll fishing equipment and gear provided for two guestsTarget tarpon and sharks on inshore fishing adventure
Looking to test your skills against one of the most legendary fish in these waters? This half-day charter out of Islamorada puts you face-to-face with the silver king himself – tarpon – along with some bonus encounters with lemon sharks that'll get your heart pumping. Captain Jason knows these flats and channels like the back of his hand, and he's got everything rigged up and ready to go. Whether you're a seasoned angler or someone who's been dreaming about hooking into a tarpon for years, this trip delivers the kind of action that makes Islamorada famous among serious fishermen.
You'll be fishing the legendary waters around Islamorada, where the Gulf Stream pushes close to shore and creates perfect conditions for big game species. This isn't your typical dock fishing – we're talking about sight fishing in crystal clear water where you can actually see these massive tarpon rolling and breathing before you make your cast. Captain Jason runs a tight ship with top-notch tackle that can handle the brutal runs these fish are known for. The boat accommodates up to two anglers, so you won't be fighting for rod time or prime casting spots. Expect to cover different areas throughout the half day, from shallow grass flats where tarpon come to feed, to deeper channels where lemon sharks patrol. The captain reads the conditions daily and adjusts the game plan accordingly – some days we're sight casting to rolling fish, other days we're working baits in the current lines where the action happens fast.
We're running heavy spinning gear and conventional reels loaded with serious line – usually 40-50 pound test because when a 100+ pound tarpon decides to go airborne and shake its head, lighter tackle just won't cut it. The technique varies based on what the fish are doing that day. Live bait is king here – we're talking about fresh pilchards, crabs, and shrimp that get these fish fired up. When conditions are right for sight fishing, you'll be making precise casts to fish you can actually see, which is about as good as it gets in the fishing world. Circle hooks are the standard to ensure proper hooksets and give these fish the best chance at a healthy release. Captain Jason handles all the rigging and re-rigging because tarpon teeth and gill plates will destroy tackle in a heartbeat. The drag systems get a serious workout – these fish make multiple long runs and jumps that'll test both your gear and your stamina. We also keep shark rigs ready because lemon sharks are opportunistic and often show up when tarpon are around, creating bonus action that adds another dimension to the trip.
"We booked a trip for our 16-year-old's birthday, and it couldn't have gone better. Captain Jason was fantastic—friendly, professional, and made the day extra special!" - John
"I'll spare you the long story, but needless to say unforseen circumstances created a huge inconvenience to our reserved time fishing with Captain Jason. He was flexible and understanding. He went above and beyond to accommodate us and his knowledge of the waters, fish and where to find them delivered more than anyone could have asked for. He's amazing for families of 4 with kids. We couldn't have asked for better and are looking forward to fishing with him again. Thanks a ton Jason." - William
Tarpon are the undisputed kings of these waters, and for good reason. These prehistoric-looking giants can reach well over 200 pounds and 8 feet long, though most of the fish we encounter range from 80 to 150 pounds – still plenty big enough to provide the fight of a lifetime. They're most active during the warmer months from April through October, with peak season hitting around May and June when massive schools migrate through the area. What makes tarpon so special isn't just their size – it's their explosive jumps and long, powerful runs that can strip 100 yards of line in seconds. They have incredible stamina and will jump repeatedly, often throwing the hook with their violent head shakes. The fishing here is primarily catch and release, which means you're participating in a sustainable fishery that's been thriving for decades. Tarpon are filter feeders that cruise the flats looking for baitfish, crabs, and shrimp, making them perfect targets for both live bait and artificial lures when presented correctly.
Lemon sharks add serious excitement to any trip, and the waters around Islamorada hold some real bruisers. These sharks typically run 6 to 10 feet long and are incredibly aggressive feeders, making them fantastic targets on heavy tackle. Unlike many shark species, lemons are comfortable in very shallow water and will cruise the same flats where tarpon feed, creating opportunities for some serious variety in your fishing day. They're most active during warmer water periods and can be caught year-round, though summer months tend to produce the biggest specimens. What anglers love about lemon sharks is their raw power and endurance – they don't jump like tarpon, but they make incredibly long runs and fight with pure muscle from start to finish. Their distinctive yellowish coloration makes them easy to identify, and they're known for their curiosity around boats, sometimes circling for several minutes before committing to a bait. These sharks are built for speed and power, with streamlined bodies that can generate incredible force when hooked up properly.
This half-day tarpon trip represents some of the best fishing action you'll find anywhere in the Florida Keys. Captain Jason's local knowledge and commitment to putting you on fish makes this a top choice for serious anglers who want results. The combination of world-class tarpon fishing with bonus shark action creates variety that keeps every minute interesting. With only two spots available per trip, you get personalized attention and plenty of opportunities to hook up with the fish of a lifetime. These waters have been producing legendary catches for generations, and this trip
Captain Jason's 20-foot Pioneer center console is your ticket to some serious tarpon action in Islamorada's legendary waters. This 2007 boat runs smooth and quiet with its 150HP Suzuki 4-stroke, perfect for sneaking up on those silver kings without spooking them. The center console design gives you 360-degree fishing access, while the T-top provides welcome shade during those hot Florida Keys afternoons. With room for just 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work your lines and fight these massive fish. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools, and GPS keeps us on productive spots. An icebox keeps your drinks cold and any keeper fish fresh. Built tough for both inshore flats and offshore adventures, this boat handles the diverse waters around Islamorada where tarpon migrate through. Whether you're sight-fishing the shallows or working deeper channels, this setup gives you the best shot at hooking into one of these acrobatic giants.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon sharks are built for power with that distinctive yellowish color that helps them blend into our sandy flats. Around Islamorada, most run 4-6 feet and 50-100 pounds, perfect for a serious fight without being dangerous. They cruise our shallow grass flats and channels, especially in 3-8 feet of water where they hunt stingrays and baitfish. Spring through fall gives you the best shots when water temps are up. What guests love is the raw strength - they'll make long, steady runs that test your drag and stamina. Unlike other sharks, lemons are pretty predictable fighters. Not table fare, so it's all catch and release. Pro tip: use a wire leader and keep your bait moving slowly along the bottom. Lemons are curious but cautious, so let them take their time with the bait before setting the hook.
Megalops AtlanticusKnown as the "Silver King," tarpon are the ultimate challenge fish. These prehistoric giants typically run 80-150 pounds around Islamorada, though 200+ pounders show up regularly. They live in our shallow flats, channels, and bridges where they roll and gulp air at the surface. Best fishing happens May through August when they migrate through in massive schools. What makes them special? Pure athleticism - they'll launch 8 feet out of the water and strip 200 yards of line in seconds. Most anglers practice catch and release since they're not great eating. My local tip: when you see one jump, immediately bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward the water. This gives slack and prevents the hook from pulling out during their aerial show. Takes patience, but landing one is a lifetime memory.
5.0 out of 5.0We booked a trip for our 16-year-old’s birthday, and it couldn’t have gone better. Captain Jason was fantastic—friendly, professio...
I'll spare you the long story, but needless to say unforseen circumstances created a huge inconvenience to our reserved time fishi...
Islamorada